Taiwan allows same-sex couples with Taiwanese and foreign nationals to register their marriage in Taiwan. even if the foreign partner is from a jurisdiction where same-sex marriages are illegal.

On 19th January 2023, the Interior Ministry of Taiwan decided to allow same-sex couples with one Taiwanese and one foreign national to register their marriage in Taiwan. Even if the foreign partner is from a jurisdiction where same-sex marriages are illegal.

In May 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. But the law initially was interpreted as prohibiting Taiwanese citizens from marrying a partner from a jurisdiction where same-sex marriage has not yet been legalized. Due to limitations. Same-sex couples have been fighting for their marriage rights, seeking redress in administrative courts in Taiwan. By far, the Taipei High Administrative Court has ruled five judgments in favor of same-sex couples.

The Taiwan government decided to lose the limitations by the letter instructing.  Now, all cross-national same-sex couples with one partner from a country/region that does not recognize same-sex marriage apply to register their union at household registration offices.

About this loosing directive, it’s also including Hong Kong and Macao citizens, can now wed in Taiwan. However, partners from China, will not be able to wed under the existing directive because they are governed under a different set of regulations in Taiwan.