OCTIS vs limited company vs company limited by shares in Taiwan
The three forms a Taiwan start-up chooses between, from the Company Act and a government-backed founder guide.
Last checked · 4 sources
Otty's short answer
A sole founder who is a natural person can only form a limited company (有限公司). A team of two or more founders usually picks the closed company limited by shares (閉鎖性股份有限公司), which the Taiwan Gold Card Office guide calls the first choice for start-ups. The ordinary company limited by shares suits larger or later-stage firms with a board.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Limited company (有限公司) | Company limited by shares (股份有限公司) | Closed company limited by shares (閉鎖性股份有限公司) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders needed | At least 1 shareholder, who can live anywhere | 1 or more | 2 or more, or 1 government or corporate owner | 2 or more founders, max 50 |
| Sole natural-person founder | Allowed: 1 director (an individual) and 1 shareholder | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Directors | At least 1 director, an individual | 1 to 3, must be shareholders | Board of 3 or more, or 1 or 2 if articles allow | Board optional, 1 or 2 directors possible |
| Minimum capital | No minimum capital | No statutory minimum | No statutory minimum | No statutory minimum |
| Foreign founder approval | 100% foreign ownership allowed | Investment Commission | Investment Commission | Investment Commission |
| Flexibility for start-ups | Hong Kong company, run from anywhere | Not first choice | Standard | Highest |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a company you can run from anywhere, with accounts and CRM in one place.
Limited company (有限公司)
Choose the limited company if you are the only founder and a natural person, or the company is a small family or partner business.
Company limited by shares (股份有限公司)
Choose the company limited by shares if you want free share transfers and a standard board for a larger company.
Closed company limited by shares (閉鎖性股份有限公司)
Choose the closed company if you have two or more founders and want flexible articles while limiting who can buy in.
What the table does not show
How many founders you have decides most of it
The Company Act says a limited company needs one or more shareholders and one to three directors who must be shareholders. A company limited by shares needs two shareholders, unless a single government or corporate shareholder owns it. A closed company is a non-public company of up to 50 shareholders whose articles restrict share transfers. If your only founder is one person, the limited company is the form left.
Foreign founders approve first, then register
A foreign investor must apply to the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs before bringing capital in, and confirm the shareholders' payment afterwards. You also need a bank account for the preparatory office before you can remit funds, and that account is a common delay. The founder guide, last updated in March 2022, estimates two to three months from name pre-check to registration. It also tells you to confirm you are not a Chinese national, as that follows other rules.
No minimum capital, but the form still binds
The Company Act no longer sets a general minimum capital, though some licensed trades have their own. Share transfers are the practical difference. In a limited company, a transfer needs a majority of other shareholders. In an ordinary shares company, shares move freely. A closed company has restrictions written into the articles, which is why start-ups like it.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not incorporate or keep books in Taiwan. If your Malaysian or Hong Kong company is opening a Taiwan entity, we keep the home company's books and can consolidate the Taiwan entity's statements into them. Send us your current bill for the home company and we come in 10–30% off it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 有限公司 and 股份有限公司 in Taiwan?
A limited company has members' contributions, one to three directors who must be shareholders, and restricted transfers. A company limited by shares has freely transferable shares, directors who need not hold shares, and normally a board of three or more.
Can one person set up a company in Taiwan?
A single natural-person founder can only set up a limited company. A company limited by shares can have one owner only if that owner is a government or a corporation.
Is there a minimum capital in Taiwan?
The Company Act has no general minimum capital. Some regulated businesses must meet a minimum set by their own authority, so check that with the industry regulator before you set your capital figure.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Taiwan company?
Foreign investors can set up a Taiwan company if the business is not on the restricted or prohibited list. Every foreign investor needs prior approval from the Investment Commission, whatever the amount.
How long does it take a foreigner to set up a company in Taiwan?
The Gold Card Office founder guide estimates two to three months from name pre-check to registration if nothing goes wrong. Bank account opening, plan changes and remittances cause delays. Ask a Taiwan lawyer or accountant to confirm before you file.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.