Register a Company in Taiwan: Setup Timeline & Process
Setting up a company in Taiwan can be a straightforward process, but the timeline depends on several factors, including whether the company is established by a foreign investor, how quickly the required documents are prepared, and how long the bank and government review processes take.
For foreign entrepreneurs and expats, company setup in Taiwan generally involves several stages, from choosing a Chinese company name to obtaining registration approval, opening a corporate bank account, and completing tax registration. Below is a practical overview of the typical Taiwan company setup timeline and timetable, based on the standard process.
Taiwan Company Setup Timeline at a Glance
For a foreign-owned company, the initial setup process generally takes around 1 to 1.5 months for Steps 1–4, assuming the required documents are prepared promptly. After that, the government registration and tax-related procedures may take approximately 10 business days for Step 5, although the actual timeline can vary depending on the case and government review.
Step | Process | Estimated Time |
1 | Choose and reserve a Chinese company name | Several days |
2 | Prepare the foreign investment application | Depends on document preparation |
3 | Obtain investment/registration approval | Depends on the government review |
4 | Open a temporary company bank account and remit capital | Depends on the bank |
5 | Company registration and tax registration | Around 10 business days |
Overall | Typical setup process | About 1–1.5+ months |
Important: These are estimated timelines, not guaranteed processing times. A company setup may take longer if additional documents, explanations, or government reviews are required.
The actual timeline may be affected by:
Government review
Bank processing time
Availability of required documents
Whether documents need to be notarized or legalized
The investor's nationality and circumstances
The proposed business activities
Whether additional permits or approvals are required
Whether the government or bank requests additional information
Taiwan Company Setup FAQ
How long does it take to register a company in Taiwan?
For a foreign investor, the overall process can take around 1.5 months or longer in a straightforward case.
The initial stages, including preparing the investment application and opening a temporary bank account, can take approximately 1–1.5 months, while the final company and tax registration stage may take around 10 business days. The timeline varies from case to case.
Can a foreigner set up a company in Taiwan?
Yes.
Foreign individuals and foreign companies can generally establish businesses in Taiwan, subject to Taiwan's investment and company registration requirements.
However, certain industries may have restrictions or require additional permits or approvals.
Do I need to have a Chinese company name?
Yes.
A company established in Taiwan will generally have a Chinese-registered company name.
Foreign entrepreneurs may also use an English name for business and marketing purposes, but the Chinese company name is important for official registration.
Do I need a business address in Taiwan?
Yes.
A Taiwan company needs a registered business address. Depending on the nature of the business, the address may need to satisfy certain requirements for the proposed business activities.
Before signing a lease, it is therefore advisable to confirm that the location can be used for the intended business.
When Do I Need to Open a Temporary Bank Account?
It is necessary to open a temporary (preparatory) company bank account before completing the company registration process.
To open this account, you will need to present the business name search form 預查名表 to the bank. Please note that personal presence is required. The person in charge of the company must visit the bank in person and complete the bank’s required procedures.
Once the temporary account is opened, the registered capital can be remitted into it. After the company has been formally registered, the temporary account can usually be converted into a regular corporate bank account, subject to the bank’s procedures.
How long does it take to open a company bank account in Taiwan?
There is no single standard processing time.
Some banks may complete the process relatively quickly, while others may require several days or longer for internal review. For foreign-owned businesses, banks may conduct additional due diligence, so the bank account stage should be included when planning the overall company setup timeline.
Can I start doing business immediately after receiving investment approval?
Investment approval is only one stage of the setup process. You still need to complete capital injection, company registration, business/tax registration, and other applicable procedures before beginning normal business operations.
What documents do foreigners need to establish a company in Taiwan?
The exact documents depend on the applicant and company structure. Common documents may include:
Passport
ARC/Gold Card
CV or professional background
Business plan
Proposed company information
Investment-related documents
Registered address documents
Additional documentation may be required depending on the investor's circumstances and business activities.
Can the company setup process take longer than 1.5 months?
Yes.
The 1–1.5 month estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed completion time. Government review, bank procedures, incomplete documents, additional questions, or special business licenses can all extend the process.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for Your Taiwan Company Setup
Setting up a company in Taiwan involves more than simply registering a business name. For foreign entrepreneurs and expats, the process typically includes investment approval, document preparation, temporary bank account opening, capital injection, company registration, and tax registration.
While a straightforward case may take around 1.5 months or longer, the actual timeline depends on factors such as the investor’s background, business type, banking requirements, and government review process.
If you are planning to register a company in Taiwan, preparing the required documents and confirming your business structure and address in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Del Sol CPA & Associates specializes in Taiwan company registration, business setup in Taipei, tax compliance, accounting, bookkeeping, and ongoing support. Our bilingual team of English‑speaking and Mandarin‑speaking professionals assists foreign entrepreneurs, expats, and global clients in navigating Taiwan’s regulatory and tax system with clarity and confidence.
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