Taiwan Sets New Language Requirements for Citizenship

Taiwan has published new requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship, necessitating a demonstration of basic Chinese language proficiency. Applicants can fulfill this requirement through either a formal language test or by attending a government-recognized school.

The language test can be taken in written multiple-choice format in Mandarin or orally in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, or an indigenous language. It consists of 20 questions randomly selected from a pool of approximately 200 available on the Department of Household Registration website.

The minimum passing score is set at 70% for standard applicants, while it is lowered to 60% for those with a Taiwanese spouse, those who have lived in Taiwan for over 10 years, or those born in Taiwan. Applicants aged 65 and above need only achieve a score of 50%.

Alternatively, applicants may complete a specified number of study hours at a recognized school, with requirements varying based on their background and family ties.