A foreign company can expand locally by opening a branch in Taiwan. If you consider this option, our team can assist you with document preparation, registration formalities, local compliance and guidance throughout the entire setup process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Minimum share capital | None |
Time frame for the incorporation | 4 – 6 weeks (approx.) |
General required documents | – certified copy of the parent company’s board resolution, – audited financial statements of the parent company, – certified copies of the parent company’s Articles of Incorporation, – government approvals (if applicable), etc. |
| Language of registration documents | Chinese |
| Local registered address | Opening a company or branch in Taiwan requires a local registered address for official administrative purposes. |
| Registering a branch in Taiwan | With the Ministry of Economic Affairs |
| Local bank account required (YES/NO) | YES |
| Directors and branch manager | Appointing a director is not mandatory; However, a branch office manager is required. |
| Liability of the parent company | Fully responsible for the actions and obligations of its branch in Taiwan. |
| Taxation of branches in Taiwan | Branches are considered non-residents for tax purposes and are taxed only on the income sourced from Taiwan. |
| Hiring employees | Can hire employees, but it must register them in the social security system. |
| Travel requirements for opening a branch in Taiwan (YES/NO) | NO, our company formation specialists can handle the procedure remotely. |
| Number of double taxation treaties | 35 (approx.) |
| Why open a branch in Taiwan | – access to the Asian-Pacific market, – straightforward incorporation process, – no capital required, – skilled workforce, – favorable business environment, etc. |
| Assistance and additional services | We can prepare and review the documents and offer legal advice when opening a branch in Taiwan. We also assist in setting up a company in Taiwan. |
Table of Contents
What are the characteristics of a branch in Taiwan?
Opening a branch in Taiwan allows you to do business locally without creating a separate legal entity. Here are some things you need to know:
- you don’t need to choose e legal form for the branch (it is an extension of the parent company);
- you don’t need directors, only a branch manager;
- you can set up the branch without a minimum share capital requirement;
- you are not responsible for the branch’s debts and obligations.
One of our consultants in Taiwan company registrationmattersremains at your disposal in order to clarify in more detail the procedure of opening a branch in Taiwan. Our lawyers in Taiwan can help you register a branch in 2026:
How do you open a branch in Taiwan?
The first step is securing a local business address. This usually means signing a tenancy agreement for a commercial space. The branch must have a confirmed physical address in Taiwan.
Before submitting the application, the foreign company also needs to:
- verify the proposed branch name;
- indicate the business activities the branch will carry out;
- prepare the corporate documents required for registration;
- check whether the activity requires VAT registration.
The registration file includes legalizes foundation documents, such as the certificate of incorporation and the articles of association. These documents may need to be legalized through the Taiwan Embassy in the country of origin. Then you can submitted them to the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan.
Once the application is filed, the authorities need around 10 days to review it and decide if the branch can be registered.
Once the process is completed, the branch receives a unique registration number. This serves as its business license for legal and administrative purpose.
Our team can assist you in many ways in the process of opening a branch in Taiwan:
- we prepare and review the necessary documents;
- we handle the registration formalities;
- we guide you through the local bank account opening process;
- we check whether VAT registration applies to your activity;
- we assist with the post-registration steps.
Our team can also help you set up a company in Taiwan.
Branch versus subsidiary in Taiwan: which option should you choose?
Foreign investors can choose between opening a branch or incorporating a subsidiary in Taiwan. Both options allow you to operate locally, but they are different in many ways:
- a branch is an extension of the foreign company, while a subsidiary is incorporated as an independent Taiwanese legal entity;
- the foreign company remains responsible for the branch’s debt and obligations, a subsidiary limits liability to its own assets;
- a branch only need a branch manager, not directors and shareholders, like a subsidiary;
- a branch is controlled by the foreign company, but a subsidiary can have a flexible ownership structure;
- we recommend opening a branch for direct commercial operations in Taiwan, and a subsidiary for holding assets, attracting partners or making investments.
The right choice depends on your business goals and level of risk.
What documents do you need to open a branch in Taiwan?
The necessary documents and details required for registering a branch in Taiwan are the following:
- certified copy of parent company’s board resolution;
- parent company’s financial statements, audited by professionals;
- certified copies of parent company’s Articles of Incorporation;
- government approvals (if applicable);
- acceptance of the local agent.
What costs should you consider before opening a branch in Taiwan?
The costs depend on the complexity of the file, the activity and the level of professional assistance needed. Beside service fees, investors should also consider costs like:
- branch name reservation fees;
- branch registration fees;
- document certification or legalization costs;
- Chinese translation costs;
- local agent fees;
- registered address or office rental costs;
- accounting and tax registration services;
- licensing fees, if the activity is regulated.
What is the role of the local agent in opening a branch in Taiwan?
The local agent helps you deal with the practical and administrative steps required to register the branch.
Here is what our local agent can do for you:
- communicates with the Taiwanese authorities involved – Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Department of Investment Review etc.;
- submits the branch registration application;
- coordinates translations, certifications or legalized documents;
- guides you through tax and banking;
- informs you if additional approvals, licenses or permits are required.
The local agent makes the process easier for foreign investors who are not present in Taiwan or who are not familiar with the local registration requirements.
Contact our team if you want to open a branch in Taiwan in 2026!