Investment Citizenship and Renunciation of Taiwanese Nationality: Common Questions on Dual Nationality, Military Service, and Household Registration
For Taiwanese individuals, obtaining a second passport through investment citizenship generally does not require renunciation of ROC (Taiwan) nationality—because Taiwan generally recognizes dual nationality. However, this does not mean there are no implications: public office, military service obligations, household registration, and tax residency are governed by separate rules, and the acquiring country's stance on dual nationality must also be considered. Below is a neutral summary with official legal sources; actual application is subject to the latest regulations of the competent authorities.
Taiwan Generally Recognizes Dual Nationality: Investment Citizenship Usually Does Not Require Renunciation of ROC Nationality
Under the Nationality Act, a national of the Republic of China who acquires foreign nationality does not automatically lose ROC nationality—loss of nationality requires a proactive application through legal procedures. That is, Taiwanese individuals who obtain a second passport through investment citizenship can generally retain Taiwanese nationality, resulting in dual nationality, which differs from countries like Mainland China, Japan, and India that do not recognize dual nationality. However, individual circumstances (e.g., future voluntary renunciation, involvement in specific roles) are subject to the regulations of the Department of Household Registration of the Ministry of the Interior and the Nationality Act.
Source.：Laws & Regulations Database of the Republic of China — Nationality Act
Exceptions and Limitations: Nationality Requirements for Specific Roles Such as Public Office
Although dual nationality is generally permitted for ordinary nationals, the Nationality Act imposes restrictions on 'holding public office in the Republic of China': most public officials may not hold foreign nationality and must renounce it before assuming office, or risk affecting eligibility. In other words, dual nationality has limited impact on daily life and business, but if you or a family member plans to hold public office, military positions, or other roles requiring single nationality, the nationality restrictions of that role should be confirmed before acquiring a second nationality. Actual application is subject to the determination of the competent authority.
Source.：Department of Household Registration, Ministry of the Interior (Nationality Services)
Military Service and Dual Nationality: Acquiring Foreign Nationality Does Not Equal Exemption from Service
A common misconception is that holding a foreign passport exempts one's son from military service. In fact, for males of conscription age with household registration in Taiwan, military service obligations are governed by the Military Service Act and related regulations, and are not automatically waived by acquiring foreign nationality. Whether and when service is required depends on factors such as household registration status and prior residence in Taiwan, with detailed and adjustable rules. Families with males of conscription age should consult the competent military service authority before planning a second nationality, and should not assume that holding foreign nationality equals exemption from service.
Source.：Laws & Regulations Database of the Republic of China — Military Service Act
Does the Acquiring Country Recognize Dual Nationality? Depends on the Laws of the Acquiring Country
Whether dual nationality can be retained depends on the intersection of Taiwan's and the acquiring country's regulations: Taiwan generally recognizes it, but the country whose nationality you acquire may require renunciation of original nationality or have other rules on dual nationality. Most Caribbean investment citizenship programs do not require renunciation of original nationality, but the acquiring country's nationality law must be consulted. Additionally, retaining Taiwanese nationality and household registration may result in being considered a tax resident of Taiwan and affect NHI eligibility—status (nationality) and tax residency are separate matters and should be evaluated independently (see our page on 'Tax After Immigration').
Source.：Department of Household Registration, Ministry of the Interior (Nationality Services)
Frequently Asked Questions
If I Obtain a Second Passport Through Investment, Do I Need to Renounce Taiwanese Nationality?
In most cases, no. Taiwan generally recognizes dual nationality; under the Nationality Act, acquiring foreign nationality does not automatically result in loss of ROC nationality—loss requires a proactive application through legal procedures. Thus, investment citizenship usually allows retention of Taiwanese nationality. However, whether specific roles such as public office are involved, or future renunciation is sought, is subject to the regulations of the Department of Household Registration of the Ministry of the Interior and the Nationality Act.
Can Taiwan Have Dual Nationality?
Generally, yes. The Republic of China (Taiwan), unlike Mainland China, Japan, or India, generally recognizes dual nationality—retaining Taiwanese nationality is possible even after acquiring foreign nationality. The main exceptions are specific roles such as public office, which under the Nationality Act require a single nationality or renunciation of foreign nationality before assuming office. Actual application is subject to the regulations of the competent authority.
If I Have Dual Nationality, Does My Son Still Need to Serve in the Military?
Exemption from military service cannot be assumed. For males of conscription age with household registration in Taiwan, military service obligations are governed by the Military Service Act and are not automatically waived simply by acquiring foreign nationality. Whether and when service is required depends on factors such as household registration status and residence. Families with males of conscription age should consult the competent military service authority before planning a second nationality, and should not assume that holding foreign nationality equals exemption from service.
Will Acquiring a Second Nationality Automatically Result in Loss of Household Registration or NHI in Taiwan?
Acquiring foreign nationality does not automatically result in loss of Taiwanese nationality; however, household registration and National Health Insurance (NHI) have separate rules. For example, long-term absence from Taiwan may affect household registration and NHI eligibility. Nationality, household registration, NHI, and tax residency are distinct matters and should be verified separately with the competent authorities.
Which Countries' Investment Citizenship Programs Do Not Require Renunciation of Original Nationality?
Most Caribbean investment citizenship programs (e.g., St. Kitts and Nevis) generally do not require renunciation of original nationality and allow dual nationality; however, regulations vary by country and may change, so the laws and official announcements of the acquiring country must be consulted. Whether dual status can be retained depends on both Taiwan's (generally recognizing) and the acquiring country's regulations.
Official data sources
This page is a neutral information compilation, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice, which does not constitute any commitment. Programs frequently change, please refer to the latest official announcements. · Last Updated：