Marriage Requirements in Taiwan

Marriage in Taiwan is a relatively simple process for foreigners and local nationals alike. Taiwan law requires that both parties be legally free to marry and the marriage be performed in an open ceremony before at least two witnesses over twenty years of age. Most foreigners are married at a Taiwan district court. The court requires a three-day waiting period. A sworn notarized statement of eligibility to marry, which can be notarized at any Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) office in the U.S. or at the Taipei office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is also required.

Anyone under eighteen years of age must present a notarized statement from his or her parents granting permission to marry. Foreigners must present their passport to the court. Local nationals can present their identification card.

Taiwan law requires that both parties be legally free to marry and that the marriage be performed in a public place before two or more witnesses over 20 years of age. Alternatively, marriage in the presence of two or more witnesses can also be legally solemnized by a Notary Public.

If you are married before a notary at the local District Court, the marriage certificate issued by the court is recognized under Taiwan and U.S. law. Most notaries in Taipei have English and Chinese marriage certificates, though only the Chinese certificate is official for local purposes. We recommend you obtain both Chinese and English marriage certificates. A marriage ceremony at the District Court needs to be scheduled at least three days in advance.

Particularly auspicious days may be booked weeks in advance. To register the marriage with the Household Registration Bureau, or for marriage at the District Court, you will have to present proof that you are legally free to marry, or (if you are already married) proof that you were free to marry at the time the marriage took place.

There is no centralized marriage registry in the U.S. to confirm single status, but Taiwan authorities will accept a sworn statement of single status from U.S. citizens.

We will:

Prepare or Retrieval the necessary Documentsfor Marriages Abroad

Obtain an Apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or Embassy Legalization (for non-Hague countries)

Translate the Documents into the target language

Have the Marriages Abroad authenticated by the Consulate or Embassy of the target country

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