In June 2026, Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC) launched the “One-Stop Banking Service Program for Foreign Nationals.” The program addresses longstanding challenges that foreign nationals face when opening bank accounts and applying for credit cards in Taiwan. 

Although Taiwan has gradually relaxed regulations since the 2018 Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, foreign nationals have continued to encounter practical difficulties, including: 

• lack of local credit history; 

• inconsistent documentation requirements across banks; and 

• limited transparency in banking procedures. 

These barriers have affected not only daily life but also foreign-invested businesses and cross-border talent mobility. 

Designated Demonstration Banks 

At the core of this initiative is the designation of “demonstration banks” to pilot more flexible and standardized service models. The initial phase includes six banks across seventeen branches in major cities: Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

* A list of the participating demonstration banks and designated branches is provided at the end of this article.

Relaxed Review Standards 

Participating banks have adopted a more flexible approach to credit assessment. Key changes include: 

• acceptance of foreign financial statements and overseas tax records; and
• relaxed requirements for local guarantors in credit card applications.

These changes are particularly significant for foreign professionals who have recently arrived in Taiwan and have not yet established a local credit profile. 

Upgraded Service Model 

Beyond credit assessment, the service model itself has also been upgraded. Through a new online appointment system, banks can assess clients’ needs and documentation in advance, enabling multiple services—including account opening, credit card applications, and fund transfers—to be completed in a single visit. This represents a shift from a reactive service model to a more proactive and integrated “one-stop” approach. 

Participating banks have also established dedicated service counters staffed by trained personnel, supported by standardized operating procedures (SOPs). These measures aim to enhance consistency across branches and improve the overall predictability of banking services for foreign clients. 

Compliance Obligations Remain Unchanged 

While the program introduces greater flexibility in practice, it does not alter fundamental compliance obligations. Banks remain subject to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and retain full discretion in conducting risk assessments on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should still be prepared to provide complete and reliable documentation. 

Implications for Foreign Investors and Businesses 

From a legal and business perspective, this initiative represents an important step in Taiwan’s transition from regulatory liberalization to practical accessibility. Reduced barriers to banking services should facilitate company setup and early-stage operations for foreign investors and multinational organizations. 

Looking Ahead 

The program may be expanded in the future to cover corporate banking services and additional financial institutions. As Taiwan’s banking environment for foreign nationals continues to improve, companies are advised to proactively plan their banking arrangements and documentation strategies when structuring foreign investment or deploying international talent in Taiwan. 

This article was written by Gregory Buxton and Megan Chiu.

If you have any questions or need assistance navigating Taiwan’s banking requirements, please contact contact us at gbuxton@winklerpartners.com and mchiu@winklerpartners.com.

*Participating Demonstration Banks and Designated Branches
Please contact the relevant branch before your visit to confirm the required documentation, as each bank and branch may have its own operational procedures and compliance requirements.

E.SUN Commercial Bank
Taipei (Neihu, NTU) • Taichung (Wenxin) • Kaohsiung

Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank
Taipei (Shifu)

Taishin International Bank
Taipei (Business Department) • Taichung • Kaohsiung (Lingya)

Mega International Commercial Bank
Taipei (Lan Ya)

First Commercial Bank
Taipei (Zhongshan)

CTBC Bank
Taipei (Dunbei) • Taoyuan (Cingpu) • Hsinchu (Jhuke) • Taichung (Shizheng) • Kaohsiung (Gaomeiguan, North Kaohsiung)