Foreign parents of new immigrants registered in Taiwan can stay for up to 1 year starting from New Year's Day

The Ministry of the Interior announced today (31st) that starting January 1, 2026, the maximum stay for foreign parents in Taiwan will be extended to one year. Foreigners holding a valid visa with a duration of at least 60 days, whose children have household registration in Taiwan, and who are either pregnant or raising biological children under the age of 2, may apply for an extension of their stay. The Ministry stated that Article 3 of the "Regulations Governing Visiting, Residing and Permanent Residing of Aliens," effective January 1, 2026, will extend the maximum stay for foreign parents to one year, easing the burden on foreign parents with children registered in Taiwan during pregnancy or while caring for children under 2. The Ministry explained that as long as foreigners enter with a valid visa of 60 days or more (without restrictions on extensions), have children with household registration in Taiwan, and meet the pregnancy or child-rearing criteria, they may apply for an extension at local National Immigration Agency service centers within 180 days before their current stay expires. The Ministry noted that many new immigrant families face limited childcare support due to the need to care for young children, postpartum recovery, or spouses working outside the home. Extending the stay for eligible foreign parents helps improve family flexibility, allows members to share caregiving responsibilities, enables parents to work with peace of mind, stabilizes family finances, and reduces overall childcare and living burdens. The Ministry pointed out that foreign grandparents applying for an extension during their daughter's pregnancy must provide a medical certificate issued within the last month stating the gestational age and expected delivery date, or a maternal health handbook issued by the Health Promotion Administration with a recent prenatal check-up record stamped by a domestic medical institution or physician. Additionally, if the foreign grandparent's child is raising a biological child under the age of 2, they must submit original and photocopies of the grandchild's birth certificate, household registration transcript, or other documents proving the kinship. The Ministry stated that this policy change symbolizes Taiwan's care and inclusivity toward new immigrant families. The Ministry will continue to review relevant regulations and coordinate with other agencies to promote more diverse and friendly services for new immigrants. Eligible foreign parents are encouraged to contact local National Immigration Agency service centers for application details.