Additional Taiwan resources
Understanding how economics, politics and government intersect can help businesses navigate Taiwan's market with confidence. This chapter outlines key institutions, economic zones, essential contacts and support resources for business success.
Taiwan information
Politics and administration
Taiwan’s administration is separated into five branches, or Yuans. The Executive Yuan formulates and implements policy while the Legislative Yuan enacts legislation and examines official public operations. The Judicial Yuan oversees the court system. The Examination Yuan manages the civil service, and the Control Yuan is responsible for administrative audits and impeachment of public officials.
The President is elected to oversee the five administrative branches. The Premier is appointed by the President to head the Executive Yuan. The 113 parliamentary seats of the Legislative Yuan are voted on by citizens in defined constituencies. Taiwan’s electoral system is generally governed in a democratic, fair and transparent manner by the non-partisan Central Election Commission. Although Taiwan has strong protections in place to preserve freedom of expression and the right to protest, information and media interference from mainland China can pose a threat, particularly in private media publications.
Legal system
In Taiwan’s Judicial Yuan, 15 members are appointed by the President to the Council of Grand Justices, which oversees the judicial system. The Council has the power to conduct judicial review. Beneath the Council are the Supreme Court, the High Courts and the District Courts. Cases are typically heard in District Courts before moving up to High Courts and if necessary, the Supreme Court. Taiwan also has separate courts for administrative matters and for Intellectual Property litigation.
Taiwan’s administrative and judicial structure
Key agencies
Key agencies and industry associations will need to be consulted throughout the process of setting up a business in Taiwan. Some of these agencies can also be useful for providing advice and initiating contacts.
The main agencies and their areas of authority relating to foreign businesses are:
| Agency | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) | MOEA is responsible for policies related to economic growth, industrial development and trade. Foreign companies can consult MOEA for insights into Taiwan’s economic environment, as well as guidance on regulations, trade incentives and sector-specific support. |
| InvesTaiwan | InvesTaiwan, a subsidiary of MOEA, is the primary agency for foreign direct investment facilitation. It offers foreign businesses advice on where to locate, how to navigate regulations and what investment incentives are available. |
| National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) | NSTC facilitates technological advancement and research funding. Foreign companies involved in technology, biotechnology or scientific research can collaborate with NSTC to access research grants and other opportunities. |
| Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) | Taiwan’s Central Bank manages monetary policy, currency stability, and financial regulations. It provides investors with insight into Taiwan’s economic indicators, currency exchange guidelines and policy information that may impact business activities. |
| Ministry of Labor (MOL) | The MOL oversees Taiwan’s labour policies and workplace regulations. Foreign businesses can consult with the MOL to understand local employment laws, obtain guidance on hiring practices and ensure compliance with workplace safety and welfare standards. |
| Ministry of Digital Affairs (MoDA) | MoDA supports Taiwan’s digital transformation, cybersecurity and technology infrastructure. Foreign businesses can connect with MoDA for insights into Taiwan’s digital landscape, receive assistance with digital initiatives or review compliance requirements in cybersecurity and data privacy. |
| Ministry of Finance (MOF) | MOF oversees Taiwan’s fiscal policy, tax administration, and budget planning. It also manages state assets, supervises financial markets and seeks to ensure economic stability through financial governance. |
| National Taxation Bureau of Taipei (NTBT) | NTBT administers and enforces tax laws in the Taipei region. Foreign businesses will interact with NTBT for guidance on corporate tax obligations, reporting standards, compliance and to submit annual tax filings. |
| Taipei Customs | Under the MOF, Taipei Customs manages import and export procedures, enforces regulations, and ensures compliance with trade laws. Foreign businesses can rely on Taipei Customs for guidance on tariffs, customs documentation and import/export procedures. |
| Talent Taiwan | Under the National Development Council, Talent Taiwan provides information and resources regarding visas, work permits, bank accounts and offers help navigating administrative immigration procedures. |
Free trade zones
Taiwan has seven free trade zones (FTZs). These zones allow businesses to engage in a variety of shipping, receiving, distribution, storage, maintenance, testing, packaging, servicing and e-commerce activities. All FTZs are located around a seaport or airport to facilitate the movement of goods in and out of Taiwan.
All goods moving through and between FTZs are exempt from review and inspection. Import and export reports must still be filed with Taipei Customs. More information about FTZs in Taiwan is available from Taipei Customs and InvesTaiwan.
| FTZ | Annual industrial rent per 1000m² (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Keelung Port FTZ | 32,395 |
| Taipei Port FTZ | 38,565 |
| Taoyuan Air Cargo Park FTZ | 67,874 |
| Taichung Port FTZ | 30,852 |
| Kaohsiung Port FTZ | 30,852 |
| Suao Port FTZ | 32,395 |
| Anping FTZ | 38,565 |
FTZ and Industrial Zones
Taiwan-Australia bilateral relationship
Under the one-China policy, the Australian Government engages with Taiwanese authorities on an unofficial basis to support the development of economic and cultural relations. Australia supports Taiwan’s participation in international organisations and shares an interest in an open, stable and economically prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Australia and Taiwan maintain a strong relationship through trade, investment, education, tourism and people-to-people linkages. Australian and Taiwanese officials maintain regular contact through a range of two-way visits and meetings to discuss continuing bilateral trade, investment, employment and educational opportunities. Further information on the relationship is available from DFAT.
Useful contacts and support resources
Government organisations
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
DFAT manages Australia’s international network, including in Taiwan. Australia has a representative office in Taipei.
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Austrade is the Australian Government agency responsible for facilitating international trade and investment. Austrade can provide advice on the market, potential in-market partners and export marketing services. Austrade has an office in Taipei.
Export Finance Australia (EFA)
EFA provides information, support and export finance solutions to Australian businesses looking to expand overseas.
State government agencies
The Queensland state government and Investment NSW have representative offices in Taipei.
Business and industry associations
ANZCham Taiwan
The Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan represents and promotes Australian and New Zealand businesses operating in Taiwan. ANZCham coordinates a regular program of business seminars, networking and social functions for the business community in Taiwan.
Australia-Taiwan Business Council
The Australia-Taiwan Business Council promotes bilateral trade and investment opportunities between Australia and Taiwan. In addition to networking and cultural awareness programs, it offers research services for Australian businesses looking to enter the market.
Export Council of Australia
The Export Council of Australia is the peak industry body for the Australian export community.
Programs and support
Go Global Toolkit
Austrade's Go Global Toolkit provides information, tools and support to grow your business globally through a range of digital platforms for every stage of the export journey.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
Austrade seeks to help small to medium Australian enterprises grow their exports in international markets through their EMDG grant program.
Industry Growth Program
The Industry Growth Program supports innovative SMEs undertaking commercialisation or growth projects in the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
State or territory government trade and investment agencies may also run programs and provide support to businesses looking to expand into international markets. Please consult your relevant state or territory agency for more information.
References
A select list of sources used in the development of this publication are included below.
Asia-Pacific PPP Association
Atlantic Council
Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Bloomberg
BTI Project
Canadian Global Affairs Institute
Culture Atlas
DLA Piper
Ember Energy
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Euromonitor
FitchRatings
GlobalData
Global Legal Group
Greenpeace
Heritage Foundation
IMF
Institute for Security & Development Policy
International Federation of Accountants
International Financial Reporting Standards
International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators
International Social Security Association
National Center on Education and the Economy
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
PwC
Reuters
Transparency International
S&P Global
US Chamber of Commerce
US Department of State
US International Trade Administration
Taiwan authorities (various sources)
We Are Social
World Bank
A note on currency
All money amounts are in Australian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Exchange rate used is the historical rate for the previous twelve months.
AUD 1 = USD 0.6482
AUD 1 = NTD 20.7936
1 NTD = AUD 0.0481
Acknowledgements
Asialink Business gratefully acknowledges the assistance and information from the following organisations and individuals in the production of this Doing Business Guide:
Austrade Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Trade and Investment Queensland
ANZCham Taiwan
Glenn Lio
Andy Jiang
Disclaimer
This publication contains jurisdiction and industry general information and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. While all efforts have been made by Asialink Business to ensure that the data and information provided herein are accurate, the accuracy of the information in the future cannot be guaranteed.
Users of this document should undertake their own independent analysis and obtain appropriate professional advice, if required, before acting upon such information in any given situation. Asialink Business accepts no liability for any loss which may arise from the use of the information contained in this publication.
Reproduction of any part of this publication without prior written approval of Asialink Business is strictly prohibited. The information in this document is accurate as of October 2026.