Many foreign nationals living in Taiwan have experienced police identity checks and often wonder:

“Do I have to comply?” or “Will I be treated unfairly simply because I’m a foreigner?”

Conclusion: Foreign nationals and Taiwanese citizens are generally subject to the same legal standards. Police officers may not conduct identity checks arbitrarily just because someone is a foreigner.

Under the Police Powers Exercise Act, police identity checks must be based on specific legal grounds, such as reasonable suspicion of involvement in a crime, the execution of designated public security duties, or traffic enforcement. Nationality alone is not a lawful reason for an identity check.

Regarding identification, foreign nationals in Taiwan are legally required to carry their Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). In the context of a lawful police check, officers may request proof of identity. While refusing to present identification does not automatically constitute a legal violation, police may be unable to confirm the person’s identity and may therefore escort the individual to a police station for verification, which is often more inconvenient for the person involved.

Foreign nationals have the right to ask about the reason for the identity check and may request communication in a language they understand, such as English. Police officers may not treat individuals differently solely based on nationality, nor may they arbitrarily conduct body searches, inspect mobile phones, or use discriminatory language.

In short, foreign nationals in Taiwan are not required to comply unconditionally. However, in the case of a lawful identity check, reasonable cooperation is usually the option with the lowest risk and cost.

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