Taiwan’s residency rule changes amount to ‘attack’ on mainland Chinese spouses
Beijing condemns amendment while Taiwanese critics say it targets innocent cross-strait relationships and may be unconstitutional
Lai cited escalating threats to the island from Beijing – including identity ambiguity, economic coercion, and military and societal infiltration through cross-strait exchanges – when he announced the strategy in March.
The policy marks one of the sharpest turns in cross-strait residency governance in decades and underscores Lai’s intent to eliminate dual-status ambiguities that he believes may pose security risks.
The proposed amendment requires mainland nationals applying to live in Taiwan to provide notarised proof that they have relinquished their household registration in mainland China.
Applicants must also provide a certificate saying they have never held, no longer possess, or have officially renounced their Chinese passport. If they still hold one, it must be invalidated by cutting off a corner. A sworn affidavit will be acceptable in the absence of certified proof.