財團法人法律扶助基金會
Legal Aid Foundation
Legal aid in Taiwan is available regardless of nationality, as long as the applicant is legally residing in Taiwan. The Legal Aid Foundation reviews both the financial status (household income and assets) and case details of the applicant. The examination process is conducted by an examining committee, and only those who meet both criteria will be assigned a legal aid lawyer.
Foreign nationals are generally required to reside legally in Taiwan to apply for legal aid. However, the following exceptions apply:
- Individuals who have lost residency due to reasons beyond their control.
- Victims or suspected victims of human trafficking cases.
- Individuals residing outside Taiwan who have previously received legal aid for the same case.
- Individuals residing outside Taiwan whose deceased relative had received legal aid for the same case, and who have legal rights under Taiwanese law.
- Individuals residing outside Taiwan whose deceased relative suffered an occupational accident, and who have legal rights under Taiwanese law.
- Appointments are required for all services. The LAF has 22 branch offices across Taiwan, including offshore islands. Each branch office has different appointment availability. You can contact the nearest branch office directly to schedule an appointment for your legal aid application.
- Applicants must submit required documents, including ID, proof of financial status (income statements, lists of assets issued by the National Tax Bureau, bank statements, and insurance policies upon request), and case-related materials, to an LAF branch office for assessment.
- Application process: There is no fee required to apply for legal aid.
- After legal aid is granted: Some statutory contributions may be required depending on relevant laws and regulations
After the LAF branch accepts your case, you will be notified of the result of your legal aid application by phone within approximately three to five working days. The branch will also send you a written notification of the result.
In most cases the LAF branch assigns a lawyer based on availability and expertise. However, applicants may request a specific lawyer, subject to approval.
- It is not mandatory for the applicant to apply in person. A representative can be authorized to submit the application on behalf of the applicant with a formal letter of authorization.
- It is recommended to authorize a representative who is familiar with your financial situation and the details of your case. This helps the examining committee quickly assess your case and determine whether you meet the legal aid criteria, ensuring that your application is processed efficiently without affecting your eligibility.
The LAF does not impose a strict limit on the number of times a person can apply for legal aid. However, within a one-year period, an applicant can generally receive approval for up to three cases.
In exceptional circumstances, if the examining committee or the president of the branch office determines that the applicant or the case requires additional legal assistance, an exception may be granted to allow further aid.
Please refer to the link below : Documents you need to bring
Please contact the court or prosecutor's office as soon as possible. Their phone number can be found on the notice you received. Inform them that you are in the process of seeking legal assistance and ask if the judge or prosecutor can reschedule the hearing.
If they are unwilling to reschedule, you must still attend the hearing as scheduled and explain that you are applying for legal aid or seeking legal advice from us.
In the meantime, please book an appointment with us as soon as possible for either legal aid application or legal advice.
