What is Legal Aid?
The Legal Aid Foundation (LAF) is a government-supported non-profit that provides free legal services to people who cannot afford legal fees. All new immigrants (foreign nationals or mainland Chinese spouses) in Taiwan are eligible to apply, and the income threshold is low.
Types of cases the LAF can help with:
- Domestic violence (physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial control)
- Marriage disputes (divorce, property division, spousal support)
- Child custody and visitation rights
- Residency disputes (revocation, inability to renew)
- Confiscated passport or identity documents
- Contract disputes (broker fee disputes, fraudulent matchmaking)
- Human trafficking / forced marriage
- Criminal cases (sexual assault, assault, etc.)
How to Apply
Option 1: Visit a LAF branch office
Branches are available in all 21 counties and cities across Taiwan. Simply bring your residence permit or passport.
Option 2: Call
- LAF hotline: 02-412-8518 (Chinese)
- Domestic violence hotline: 113 (24 hours, multilingual)
Option 3: Referral through social services
Contact your local Social Affairs Bureau, New Immigrant Family Service Center, or NIA service station for a referral.
Eligibility Review
- Financial review: New immigrants typically fall below the LAF income threshold — most qualify automatically.
- Case review: A lawyer assesses whether the case has legal merit, usually within 1–2 weeks.
- Domestic violence exception: Applications for protection orders are processed immediately without waiting for a financial review.
Available Legal Services
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Legal consultation (30 min per session) | Free |
| Drafting petitions and appeals | Free |
| Litigation representation (lawyer appears in court) | Free |
| Assistance with protection order applications | Free |
Special Protections for New Immigrants Facing Domestic Violence
In domestic violence cases, beyond legal aid you may also receive:
- Civil protection order: Prohibiting the abuser from approaching you and your children
- Shelter placement: Confidential address, safe housing
- Residency protection: Under certain conditions you can maintain residency status even after leaving an abusive spouse
- Child care assistance: Application for temporary custody to protect children
Common Cases
Case 1: A Vietnamese new immigrant who suffered long-term domestic violence. Legal aid helped obtain a protection order and temporary custody of her children, and assisted in applying for independent residency status on humanitarian grounds.
Case 2: An Indonesian new immigrant was defrauded by a matchmaking agency. Legal aid helped pursue compensation from the agency.
Case 3: A mainland Chinese spouse had her residency application maliciously withdrawn by her husband. Legal aid filed an administrative lawsuit that successfully preserved her residency rights.
Other Free Legal Resources
- NIA service stations: Legal consultation and referral services
- New Immigrant Family Service Centers: Integrated translation, social work, and legal consultation
- Awakening Foundation, Taiwan Association for Human Rights: NGOs specializing in new immigrant rights