What if my spouse passes away or we divorce?
Residency status and benefits after a change in marriage
If you have a minor child who is a citizen, hold custody of your child, or have lived in Taiwan for the legally required number of years, you can keep your residency. For benefits: special-circumstance family assistance, single-parent family services, and children’s education subsidies are all available. Do not give up just because your marital status has changed — you and your children are still protected by law.
Related Subsidies & Protections
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Your residency does not necessarily disappear: having a minor child who is a citizen, holding custody, or having lived in Taiwan for the required years all let you keep residency
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You can apply for: special-circumstance family assistance, single-parent family services, children’s education subsidies
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If you face domestic violence, you can apply for a protection order and free legal aid at the same time, and switch to another basis for residency
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Do not give up because your marital status changed — you and your children are still protected by law
Related Subsidies & Protections
Free legal aid for new immigrants
New immigrants in Taiwan (foreign nationals or spouses from mainland China) who encounter domestic violence, marriage disputes, divorce, child custody issues, or residency disputes can apply to the Legal Aid Foundation for free legal consultation or litigation representation — without any fees.
Emergency relief fund for new immigrants
New residents in Taiwan (foreign nationals or spouses from mainland China) who encounter major emergencies (illness, domestic violence, unemployment, natural disasters, etc.) can apply for emergency relief funds from the social affairs bureau of their registered residence county or city, which can reach up to tens of thousands of NT dollars.
Living allowance for children of families in special circumstances
Families meeting special circumstances (single parent, domestic violence, spouse's death, etc.) can receive a monthly living allowance of NT$3,235 per child under the age of 18.
Social assistance for pre-citizenship marriage immigrants (assistance for new immigrants before citizenship)
To address the predicament faced by new immigrants who cannot apply for low-income household registration before obtaining an identity card. To provide living assistance, medical subsidies, emergency relief, and maternity subsidies.