Same-sex spouses from 26 countries now eligible for dependent visas

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Taiwan has extended spousal visa rights to same-sex spouses from 26 countries that recognize same-sex marriage.

What does the change mean? Same-sex spouses of Taiwanese citizens or Alien Resident Certificate holders whose home countries are both among the 26 countries who have completed their marriage registration in their home countries may now apply for dependent Resident Visa and Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs).

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Resident Visa and Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs).
• Who is affected: Same-sex spouses of Taiwanese citizens or Alien Resident Certificate holders whose home country is one of 26 countries who have completed their marriage registration in their home country.
• Business impact: Taiwan could be an attractive option for foreign employees in same-sex marriages who are relocating to Asia.

Additional information: The change comes after Taiwan became the first locale in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage last month. Officials subsequently extended spousal visa and resident certificate rights to same-sex spouses from 26 countries.

Those countries are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, parts of Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, parts of the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay.

Taiwan joins Hong Kong as one of the first locales in Asia to extend spousal visa rights to same-sex partners. While same-sex couples cannot get married in Hong Kong, officials there began issuing visas to same-sex spouses last year after a landmark court ruling in favor of a same-sex spouse who was seeking dependent status.

Analysis & Comments: The ruling is a welcome development for eligible same-sex spouses interested in relocating to Taiwan.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.