Expansion to Taiwan: A Complete Guide

Are you considering expanding your business to Taiwan? With a thriving economy, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location in East Asia, Taiwan can be an excellent choice for businesses looking to expand their global footprint. In this guide, we will explore the various options available for businesses looking to expand to Taiwan, including using an Employer of Record (EOR), incorporating a company, and recruitment options..

Why you need to be interested in expanding into Taiwan

Taiwan is a dynamic and growing market with a highly educated workforce and a strategic location in East Asia. Its open and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for companies looking to expand globally. Taiwan has a well-established legal framework that is conducive to foreign investment and is committed to promoting innovation and technology. Additionally, the Taiwanese government offers a range of incentives and subsidies to foreign investors, making it an even more appealing destination for business expansion.

Employer of Record Taiwan: step by step of the process

An Employer of Record (EOR) in Taiwan can be an excellent option for businesses looking to expand quickly and efficiently. An EOR is a third-party service provider that takes care of all the administrative tasks related to employment, including payroll, tax compliance, and human resources management. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses that do not have a legal entity in Taiwan, as it can allow them to start operating in the country quickly and with minimal administrative hassle.

The process of engaging an EOR in Taiwan typically involves the following steps:

1. Choosing an EOR provider: There are many EOR providers available in Taiwan, so it is important to choose one that has experience working with foreign companies and has a strong understanding of Taiwanese labor laws and regulations.
2. Contracting: Once you have chosen an EOR provider, you will need to sign a contract outlining the terms of the engagement, including the scope of services, fees, and other relevant details.
3. Onboarding: The EOR provider will then take care of all the administrative tasks related to onboarding employees in Taiwan, including registering them with the relevant government agencies, setting up payroll, and ensuring compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations.
4. Ongoing management: The EOR provider will continue to manage all administrative tasks related to employment in Taiwan, including payroll, tax compliance, and HR management.

Advantages of using an Employer of Record

There are several advantages of using an EOR in Taiwan. First and foremost, using an EOR can allow you to start operating in Taiwan quickly and with minimal administrative hassle. Additionally, by using an EOR, you can avoid the significant cost and time required to set up a separate legal entity in Taiwan. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses that are looking to test the market in Taiwan or expand quickly without incurring significant costs.

Using an EOR in Taiwan can also provide businesses with greater flexibility and agility. Because the EOR takes care of all administrative tasks related to employment, businesses can focus on their core competencies and growth strategies, rather than being bogged down in administrative tasks.

EOR vs PEO, their differences

While EOR and Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. While both EORs and PEOs provide administrative support for employment, the primary difference is that an EOR is the legal employer of record for your employees, while a PEO is a co-employer.

In practical terms, this means that with an EOR, the EOR is responsible for all legal and administrative aspects of employment, while with a PEO, the employer and the PEO share responsibility. Additionally, because the EOR is the legal employer of record, the EOR assumes all legal liability related to employment in Taiwan, which can provide businesses with greater peace of mind and protection.

Incorporating a company in Taiwan

Another option for expanding your business in Taiwan is to incorporate a company. Incorporating a company in Taiwan involves establishing a legal entity in the country, which can be a more complex and time-consuming process than engaging an EOR. However, incorporating a company can provide businesses with greater control and flexibility over their operations in Taiwan.

The process of incorporating a company in Taiwan typically involves the following steps:

1. Choosing a legal entity type: There are several different legal entity types available in Taiwan, including a limited liability company (LLC), a branch office, and a representative office. Each type has different advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited to your business needs.
2. Registering with the Ministry of Economic Affairs: Once you have chosen a legal entity type, you will need to register with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and obtain a business registration certificate.
3. Registering for tax purposes: You will also need to register with the tax authorities in Taiwan and obtain a tax ID number.
4. Opening a bank account: You will need to open a bank account in Taiwan to conduct business operations.
5. Obtaining permits and licenses: Depending on your industry and business activities, you may need to obtain additional permits and licenses from the relevant government agencies.

Conclusion

Expanding your business to Taiwan can be an excellent choice for companies looking to expand their global footprint. Whether you choose to engage an EOR, incorporate a company, or recruit employees directly, there are several options available to support your expansion in Taiwan. By understanding the local business environment and working with experienced local partners, you can position your business for success in this dynamic and growing market.