Test overview

The Taiwan Naturalization Test (歸化測驗) is a multiple-choice exam administered by the Ministry of the Interior (內政部) as part of the citizenship process. It assesses basic knowledge of Taiwan's constitution, history, geography, society, and culture, and is conducted only in Mandarin (Traditional Chinese).

• Administered by: Department of Household Registration, Ministry of the Interior (戶政司)
• Topics: constitution, history, geography, culture
• Test language: Mandarin (Traditional Chinese)
• The official 200-question pool is published on ris.gov.tw and can be studied openly.

Eligibility

Foreigners eligible to apply for naturalization may take the test (as of 2026).

• Legal residence of 5+ years — at least 183 days per year physically in Taiwan
• Shortened paths:
  • Married to a Taiwanese (R.O.C.) citizen: 3 years (with at least 1 year of physical residence)
  • Born in Taiwan or with Taiwanese family ties (parent/spouse): may be shortened
  • Special talents (high-skilled professionals, athletes, diplomatic cases): may be shortened
• 18 years or older (minors follow the parent's procedure)
• Stable income or proof of assets
• No criminal record
• Renunciation of original nationality (in principle) — Taiwan generally requires applicants to renounce their original nationality. Citizens of countries that restrict dual nationality (e.g., South Korea, Japan, China) will lose their original citizenship. Dual nationality may be allowed only in specific cases (high-level professionals, diplomatic cases, etc.).

Language requirement

• Mandarin proficiency check — no separate standardized exam
• Basic conversation and reading verified during the Household Registration Office (戶政事務所) interview
• Since the test itself is in Traditional Mandarin, passing it serves as partial proof of language ability.

Test format

• Multiple choice, approximately 20 questions
• Drawn at random from the 200-question pool
• Pass mark: 70% correct (14/20)
• Duration: about 30 minutes (varies by test center)
• Location: your local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所)

Fees

(As of 2026; subject to change)

• Test fee: about NT$200 (waivers possible)
• Naturalization application fee: about NT$1,000-1,200
• Confirm exact amounts with your local Household Registration Office.

How to register

1. Visit or contact your local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所)
2. Submit application — ID, proof of residence, proof of income, criminal record check, etc.
3. Schedule the test — dates vary by office
4. Take the test
5. After passing, continue with the naturalization application

Retake policy

• If you fail, you can usually retake after 1 week to 1 month
• A fee applies each time
• No limit on the number of retakes

Possible exemptions

• Age 65 or older
• Long-term residence in Taiwan (e.g., 15+ years, special cases)
• Applicants with low literacy (medical certificate or office discretion)
• These cases may be exempt or assessed via an oral evaluation.

After passing

1. Submit the naturalization application to your Household Registration Office with the pass certificate and other documents
2. Ministry of the Interior review — several months to over a year
3. On approval, receive the Naturalization Certificate (國籍歸化證明書)
4. Household registration → official Taiwanese citizen
5. Apply for the Taiwanese ID card (身分證) and passport

Official resources

• Official 200-question pool and study materials: ris.gov.tw
• Department of Household Registration: ris.gov.tw/app/portal/200
• Contact your local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所) directly

Things to watch out for

• Renouncing your original nationality is a major decision — citizens of countries that disallow dual nationality (South Korea, Japan, China, etc.) will lose it.
• Dual nationality is allowed only in special cases (high-level professionals, diplomatic cases, etc.).
• Study the entire 200-question pool — the topics are wide (constitution, history, geography, culture).
• Procedures vary slightly by office, so check with your local Household Registration Office in advance.

FAQ

Is the test only in Traditional Mandarin? Yes. It cannot be taken in any other language.

Are there exemptions? Yes — applicants aged 65+, long-term residents, or those with low literacy may qualify for an exemption or oral evaluation. Check with your local Household Registration Office.

Is dual nationality allowed? In principle, you must renounce your original nationality. Dual nationality is allowed only in special cases (high-level professionals, diplomatic cases, etc.).