Comprehensive Guide to Taiwan Company Registration Process and Costs

Taiwan Company Registration Process and Detailed Fee Guide

In today's globalized business environment, Taiwan, with its superior geographical location, stable economic environment, and abundant market resources, has become the first choice for many enterprises to expand their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. For companies that intend to enter the Taiwanese market, understanding the registration process and related costs of a Taiwan-based company is crucial. This article will provide an in-depth introduction to the specific steps, required materials, and potential costs involved in registering a Taiwan-based company from an operational perspective, helping those interested in conducting business in Taiwan better plan their ventures.

Firstly, according to relevant regulations by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, foreign enterprises must follow certain legal procedures when setting up branches or offices on the island. If choosing to register as a limited liability company, detailed application documents must be submitted and approved by the Ministry's Directorate of Commerce. Typically, this process includes but is not limited to the following stages determining the company name, submitting the company establishment application form, preparing the articles of association, and other necessary documents. It should be noted that all documents must be written in traditional Chinese and certified by a notary public before submission.

In practice, selecting an appropriate company name is particularly important. According to current regulations, company names must be unique and cannot duplicate existing ones while avoiding any wording that might cause confusion. Once the name is selected and passes the verification process, the next step involves drafting the articles of association. These usually cover the company’s purpose, shareholder structure, and registered capital, which has a minimum requirement of NT$500,000 approximately RMB 120,000. At least one director and a statutory representative must also be designated, whose information will be recorded in subsequent stages.

Besides these basic requirements, applicants must prepare additional supporting materials such as shareholder identification, proof of residence, financial statements, etc. For overseas investors, certified copies of passports and company registration certificates from their home countries or regions are also required. These documents serve as critical evidence for assessing applicant qualifications; thus, ensuring their authenticity and completeness is essential.

Regarding registration fees, they mainly include several components first, the registration fee, currently set at NT$1,000; second, service fees paid to professional agencies handling the application, which vary depending on the provider, generally ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$80,000; finally, possible expenses related to translation and notarization. Overall, the total cost of initially registering a Taiwan-based company typically exceeds NT$100,000, varying based on project complexity and service provider selection.

In recent years, with increasing cross-strait exchanges, more mainland enterprises have begun paying attention to the Taiwanese market. According to reports by the Industrial Times, in 2025 alone, over 2,000 foreign-funded enterprises established branches in Taiwan, including numerous companies from mainland China. This reflects the growing importance of the Taiwanese market for mainland capital and highlights Taiwan's unique advantages as an international business hub.

It is worth noting that after initial registration, newly established companies must regularly fulfill tax reporting obligations and timely pay various taxes. Therefore, it is advisable for applicants to seek comprehensive support and guidance from professional accounting firms or law firms beforehand. For instance, the United Daily News mentioned that many startups encountered unnecessary financial losses due to insufficient experience in handling tax issues during their early stages.

In summary, while the process of registering a Taiwan-based company may seem cumbersome, following the established procedures can lead to successful completion. Throughout this journey, proper planning of time and budget is especially crucial. It is hoped that the information provided in this article will offer valuable references for readers, assisting more businesses in successfully establishing themselves on this promising land. As cross-strait economic cooperation deepens further, there will undoubtedly be more opportunities awaiting those who dare to take the first step.