Test overview

The Taiwan Naturalization Test (歸化取得我國國籍者基本常識測驗) checks basic language ability and basic knowledge of citizens' rights and duties, the constitution, history, geography, society and culture. It is part of the citizenship process run by the Ministry of the Interior (內政部).

• Administered by: Department of Household Registration, Ministry of the Interior (戶政司)
• You choose the format: oral (問答) or written (multiple choice)
• Oral test language: Mandarin, Taiwanese (閩南語), Hakka or an indigenous language
• Written test language: Mandarin (Traditional Chinese) only
• The official question banks are published (November 2025 / 114年11月 edition): written 256 questions (mostly 3 options) and oral 237 questions — on ris.gov.tw

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, special merit): may be shortened
• 18 years or older (minors follow the parent's procedure)
• Stable income or proof of assets
• No criminal record
• Loss of original nationality (in principle) — you must submit proof that you have lost your original nationality within 1 year after approval. Citizens of countries that do not allow dual nationality (e.g., South Korea, Japan) will lose their original citizenship. Exempt: high-level professionals and people with special merit (Nationality Act Art. 9).

Language and basic knowledge requirement

• No separate standardized language exam
• The requirement is met by passing the naturalization test, or by one of the alternatives below
• Because the oral test can be taken in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka or an indigenous language, applicants who cannot read Chinese can choose the oral format

Test format

• 20 questions, 5 points each (100 points total)
• Drawn from the official bank for the format you chose (written or oral)
• Pass mark:
  • 70/100 — general applicants
  • 60/100 — spouses of R.O.C. citizens and others applying under Art. 4/5 of the Nationality Act
  • 50/100 — applicants aged 65 or older
• No official time limit (this app's mock exam uses a 30-minute timer for practice)
• Location: arranged through your local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所) or city/county government

Fees

(As of 2026; subject to change)

• Test fee: NT$500 per test
• Naturalization certificate fee: NT$1,200
• Confirm with your local Household Registration Office before you go.

How to register

1. Visit or contact your local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所)
2. Choose the oral or written format and register for the test
3. Pay the NT$500 test fee
4. Take the test
5. After passing (or completing an alternative), continue with the naturalization application

Retake policy

• If you fail, you can register for the test again
• The test fee is charged for each attempt

Alternatives to the test (no age or residence exemption)

There is no exemption based on age or length of residence. Instead of passing the test, you can show:

• 1 year or more of study at a school in Taiwan, or
• Government-run class hours:
  • 200 hours — general applicants
  • 72 hours — spouses of R.O.C. citizens (spouse-type applicants)
  • 100 hours — other applicants under Art. 4/5
  • 72 hours — applicants aged 65 or older
• Applicants aged 65+ can therefore pass the test with 50 points or complete 72 class hours.

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) (fee NT$1,200)
4. Submit proof of loss of your original nationality within 1 year (unless exempt)
5. Household registration → official Taiwanese citizen
6. Apply for the Taiwanese ID card (身分證) and passport

Official resources

• Official question banks (written and oral): ris.gov.tw
• Test rules (認定標準): law.moj.gov.tw
• Fee rules: law.moj.gov.tw
• Contact your local Household Registration Office (戶政事務所) directly

Things to watch out for

• Losing your original nationality is a major decision — citizens of countries that disallow dual nationality (South Korea, Japan, etc.) will lose it.
• Only high-level professionals and people with special merit are exempt from proving loss of original nationality.
• Study the official bank for the format you choose — written 256 questions or oral 237 questions; 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 Mandarin? No. The written test is Mandarin only, but the oral test can be taken in Mandarin, Taiwanese (閩南語), Hakka or an indigenous language.

Are there exemptions? There is no exemption based on age or years of residence. Instead of the test, you can show 1+ year of study at a school in Taiwan or complete government class hours (200 h general, 72 h spouses, 100 h other Art. 4/5 applicants, 72 h aged 65+). Applicants aged 65+ pass with 50 points.

Is there a time limit? The rules set no official time limit. This app's 30-minute mock exam is only for practice.

Is dual nationality allowed? In principle, no: you must prove loss of your original nationality within 1 year after approval. High-level professionals and people with special merit are exempt.