Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Taiwan under the Civil Code, provided the parties are not within prohibited degrees of kinship. The Ministry of Justice permits unions between first cousins if no other legal impediments exist, though local household registration offices may scrutinize such cases for compliance with family law amendments slated for 2026.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Taiwan
- Prohibited Degrees of Kinship: The Civil Code bars marriages between lineal relatives (e.g., parent-child, grandparent-grandchild) and siblings, including half-siblings. First cousins are not explicitly prohibited under current provisions.
- Genetic Counseling Requirements (2026 Amendment): The Executive Yuan’s draft amendments to the Family Registration Act mandate genetic counseling for marriages between first cousins, effective mid-2026, to mitigate hereditary risks.
- Household Registration Scrutiny: Local registration offices may request additional documentation (e.g., medical reports or genetic testing) for cousin marriages, particularly in rural areas where consanguinity is more common. Non-compliance may delay or deny registration.