Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right licence scope and leads the file all the way to the FSC decision, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in Taiwan.
Taiwan just moved from AML registration to a full licence. The Virtual Asset Service Act, passed on 30 June 2026, puts crypto under an FSC authorisation regime - and the transition window for existing players is one of the tightest in Asia-Pacific. We build that file end to end.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
Taiwan in brief
From AML registration to a real licence.
Taiwan spent several years running crypto under an anti-money-laundering registration model: virtual-asset service providers had to complete AML registration with the Financial Supervisory Commission - the FSC - or stop operating, with the last cohort required to register through 2025. That phase is now closing. On 30 June 2026 the Legislative Yuan passed the Virtual Asset Service Act, a dedicated statute that replaces self-regulatory AML registration with a full FSC licensing regime, complete with stablecoin rules and conduct standards.
For existing operators the clock is unusually tight. AML-registered VASPs have to file a licence application within twelve months and secure full approval within roughly twenty-one months - among the shortest compliance windows in Asia-Pacific. New entrants must be licensed before they operate. The travel rule tightens from October 2026, requiring sender and beneficiary details on transfers of NT$30,000 or more. Taiwan is a serious market - a semiconductor economy with deep retail crypto adoption and established domestic exchanges - and the licence is now the entry ticket. Because the Act is fresh, the FSC is still finalising the subordinate rules on capital and process; we track them as they land and build to them. We prepare the file end to end.
Taiwan moved from AML registration to a full licence: the Virtual Asset Service Act, passed 30 June 2026, puts crypto under an FSC authorisation regime with stablecoin rules.
The transition is tight - existing VASPs apply within ~12 months, approval within ~21. A serious, high-adoption market; the implementing rules are still landing and we build to them.
The regime
The FSC licence, and the transition to it.
The Virtual Asset Service Act sets a licensing regime for crypto services; the FSC is the authority, and the implementing rules on capital, custody and conduct are being finalised. Two workstreams matter: the licence application, and the transition path for anyone already AML-registered.
The Act sets an FSC licensing regime; the licence file and the transition path are the two workstreams.
01 - VASP LICENCE · FSC
Full authorisation
The core licence for exchange, custody, transfer and related crypto services under the new Act. New entrants must be licensed before operating; scope, capital and custody duties follow the FSC's implementing rules.
The core licence for exchange, custody, transfer and related crypto services under the new Act. New entrants must be licensed before operating; scope, capital and custody duties follow the FSC's implementing rules.
- ✓Exchange of crypto and fiat
- ✓Custody and safekeeping of client assets
- ✓Transfer and related crypto services
- ✓Stablecoin activity under the Act's rules
- ✓Travel-rule compliance from October 2026
- ✓AML/CFT to FSC standards, with reporting
02 - THE TRANSITION
Tight windowFor existing AML-registered VASPs
If you already hold FSC AML registration, the Act gives a short runway: a licence application within about twelve months and full approval within roughly twenty-one. Preparation now decides whether you keep operating.
Existing AML-registered VASPs: apply within ~12 months, full approval within ~21 - one of APAC's tightest windows.
- ✓Application within ~12 months of the Act
- ✓Full approval within ~21 months
- ✓One of Asia-Pacific's tightest windows
- ✓Existing AML file mapped to the licence
- ✓Gaps against the new standard closed early
- ✓Continuity planning through the review
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. The Act is newly passed and the FSC's implementing regulations on capital and process are being finalised - we build to them as they are published, and say plainly what is settled versus pending.
Why Taiwan
A serious market with a fresh rulebook.
The framework now rests on the Virtual Asset Service Act, supervised by the FSC - inside one of Asia's most advanced technology economies.
✓
A genuine crypto market
Taiwan has deep retail adoption and established domestic exchanges. This is a real user base with real volumes, not a flag of convenience - the licence gives you lawful access to it.Deep adoption, established domestic exchanges.
✓
A technology economy
Home to the world's most advanced semiconductor industry, Taiwan runs on engineering talent and digital infrastructure. The operating environment for a licensed, tech-forward VASP is first-rate.Semiconductors, engineering talent, infrastructure.
✓
A clear statutory regime
The new Act replaces a patchwork of AML rules with a single licensing statute. Legal certainty rises sharply - you are building against a law, not a guidance note that could shift.A single licensing law, not a guidance patchwork.
✓
Early-mover position
The licensing regime is brand new. Firms that prepare now take an established seat before the market settles - and the tight transition window rewards those who move first.Prepare now for an established seat.
✓
20% corporate tax
A flat 20% profit-seeking enterprise tax - competitive for a developed Asian economy, and a clean figure to model. Ordinary deductions apply.Competitive for a developed Asian economy.
✓
Stablecoin rules in the Act
The statute addresses stablecoin activity directly, so an issuance or payments roadmap has a defined legal path rather than an open question. We scope it against the Act.A defined legal path for stablecoin models.
How it compares
How Taiwan differs from other routes.
Taiwan is a real market moving from registration to a full licence, on a fast clock. The honest comparison is below - including that the implementing rules are still landing.
Taiwan vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Taiwan | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory regime | VASP Act licence (FSC), 2026 | Registration or mature licences |
| Maturity | New law, rules being finalised | Varies |
| Transition window | ~21 months - tight | Often longer or none |
| Corporate tax | 20% | Ranges widely |
Regulatory regime
TaiwanVASP Act licence (FSC), 2026
Other jurisdictionsRegistration or mature licences
Maturity
TaiwanNew law, rules being finalised
Other jurisdictionsVaries
Transition window
Taiwan~21 months - tight
Other jurisdictionsOften longer or none
Corporate tax
Taiwan20%
Other jurisdictionsRanges widely
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | VASP Act licence (FSC) | 20% corporate | New regime, tight transition |
 Japan | Crypto exchange licence (FSA/JFSA) | ~30% corporate | Mature, demanding |
 South Korea | VASP under VAUPA (FIU/FSC) | ~22-24% corporate | Registration, strict AML |
 Hong Kong | VASP licence (SFC) | 16.5% profits tax | Thorough, custody-heavy |
TaiwanLicense typeVASP Act licence (FSC)
Taxation20% corporate
RequirementsNew regime, tight transition
JapanLicense typeCrypto exchange licence (FSA/JFSA)
Taxation~30% corporate
RequirementsMature, demanding
South KoreaLicense typeVASP under VAUPA (FIU/FSC)
Taxation~22-24% corporate
RequirementsRegistration, strict AML
Hong KongLicense typeVASP licence (SFC)
Taxation16.5% profits tax
RequirementsThorough, custody-heavy
Before you apply
What the FSC licence will require.What the FSC licence will require.
The Act sets the frame; the FSC's implementing rules fill in capital, custody and conduct detail as they are published. The checklist below is what a serious licence file is built around - we confirm each item against the final regulations.
01
Taiwan entity - a locally incorporated company with genuine presence and management in Taiwan.
02
Fit & proper management - competent, clean-record directors and officers to FSC standards.
03
Minimum capital - set by the FSC's implementing rules; scoped to your services once published.
04
AML/CFT framework - KYC, EDD, monitoring and reporting to the FSC, carried over and upgraded from the AML-registration standard.
05
Travel-rule compliance - sender and beneficiary data on transfers of NT$30,000 or more from October 2026.
06
Custody and safeguarding - segregation of client assets, custody policy and key-management design.
07
Stablecoin controls - where your model involves stablecoins, the Act's specific requirements applied.
08
Systems and security - resilient technology, incident handling and record-keeping the FSC can inspect.
09
Governance - ownership disclosed to UBOs, conflicts, complaints and consumer-protection procedures.
10
Transition mapping - for existing registrants, the current AML file aligned to the licence within the statutory window.
11
Wind-down plan - credible and documented.
01
Taiwan company with genuine local presence.
02
Fit & proper directors and officers.
03
Minimum capital - by the FSC's rules.
04
AML/CFT upgraded from AML registration.
05
Travel rule from Oct 2026 (NT$30k).
06
Custody and safeguarding of client assets.
07
Stablecoin controls where relevant.
08
Resilient systems and security.
09
Ownership disclosed to UBOs.
10
Transition mapping for existing registrants.
11
Credible wind-down plan.
Reflects the Virtual Asset Service Act (passed 30 June 2026) and the FSC's implementing rules as they are finalised in 2026. Operating outside the licence once the transition closes is unlawful.VASP Act (30 June 2026) + FSC rules as finalised in 2026.
How it works
From first call to the FSC licence.
01
Status and strategy
We assess whether you are a new entrant or an existing registrant, map your services to the Act and fix scope, capital and timeline against the FSC's current rules.New entrant or registrant; scope and capital in writing.
02
Taiwan company and substance
Local incorporation, registered office, directors and the governance layer - the presence the FSC assesses behind the file.Local incorporation, office, directors.
03
The licence file
AML/CFT framework, custody and systems documentation, travel-rule and stablecoin controls, capital - assembled to the FSC's implementing rules.AML, custody, travel rule, stablecoins - FSC-grade.
04
FSC review
The application and question rounds under the new regime - with the tight statutory window managed for existing registrants so continuity is protected.Application and question rounds; window managed.
05
Authorisation and operations
The FSC licence granted and the business live under the Act, with ongoing AML, travel-rule and reporting duties we can keep running.Licence granted; ongoing duties we can run.
Quick facts
RegulatorFSC
FrameworkVirtual Asset Service Act
Passed30 June 2026
New entrantsLicence before operating
Existing VASPs~12 mo to apply · ~21 to approve
Travel ruleFrom Oct 2026 · NT$30k
Corporate tax20%
Implementing rulesBeing finalised
The Act is new; the FSC's subordinate rules on capital and process are still landing. We build to them as published and are candid about what is settled versus pending.
On the ground in Taiwan
Run from our Dubai office, with Taiwanese counsel.
Prifinance - Taiwan desk
Taipei · Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
01
Taiwan company formation
Local incorporation, registered office and the corporate layer the FSC expects - structured for the licence application.Local incorporation for the licence file.
02
The licence file
AML/CFT framework, custody and systems documentation and capital planning - drafted by us and built to the FSC's implementing rules as they land.AML, custody, systems - built to FSC rules.
03
Transition management
For existing AML-registered VASPs, the current file mapped to the licence within the statutory window - gaps closed before they cost you continuity.AML file mapped to the licence in time.
04
Travel rule and stablecoins
The October 2026 travel-rule duties and any stablecoin activity scoped against the Act, so nothing is retrofitted late.Scoped against the Act, not retrofitted.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in Taiwan.
No crypto-specific corporate levy - company profits carry Taiwan's flat 20% profit-seeking enterprise tax, inside a developed, well-run tax administration.
20% corporate rate
Profit-seeking enterprise income tax is a flat 20% - competitive for a developed Asian economy and simple to model. Ordinary deductions apply.Flat profit-seeking enterprise tax.
Business tax on services
Taiwan's VAT-equivalent business tax applies to domestic supplies of services in the usual way - relevant to fee income, planned into the model where it bites.Domestic service fees - planned in.
A developed tax system
Taiwan's tax administration is mature and digital, with clear filing and rulings. Positions are researchable rather than improvised, which matters as crypto tax practice settles under the new Act.Mature, digital, rulings available.
Individual treatment evolving
Personal crypto taxation continues to develop alongside the licensing regime. It is an owner-level matter we model with current guidance, so the whole picture is planned.Owner-level, modelled on current guidance.
Withholding on cross-border flows
Cross-border payments can attract withholding under Taiwan's rules and its treaty network. We structure flows so the tax position is deliberate, not accidental.Flows structured deliberately.
Records for a new regime
The FSC licence brings record-keeping and reporting duties that also serve the tax position. Clean books built for the regulator double as clean books for the tax office.Regulator-grade books serve tax too.
Tax summary
Corporate income tax20%
Business taxOn domestic services
Individual crypto taxEvolving
Cross-border flowsWithholding may apply
CurrencyTWD
Crypto tax practiceSettling under new Act
*As of 2026. Crypto tax practice is developing alongside the Act - we model both company and owner positions on current guidance.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the application file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: Taiwan company, AML/KYC policy pack, capital structure and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a live, FSC-licensed business.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Taiwan · FSC
Launch your crypto project in Taiwan with expert support.
Full-service assistance - from company registration to the FSC licence under the new Virtual Asset Service Act.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is Taiwan the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The Taiwan crypto licence, answered.
Does Taiwan license crypto now?+
Yes. The Virtual Asset Service Act, passed on 30 June 2026, replaced the old AML-registration model with a full FSC licensing regime. New entrants must be licensed before operating; existing AML-registered VASPs move onto the licence within a set window.
What happened to AML registration?+
It was the interim regime - VASPs had to complete FSC AML registration or stop, with the last cohort registering through 2025. The new Act supersedes it with a proper licence, and registrants must transition across.
How tight is the transition window?+
Tight. Existing AML-registered VASPs must file a licence application within about twelve months of the Act and secure full approval within roughly twenty-one - among the shortest windows in Asia-Pacific. Preparation now decides continuity.
How much capital is required?+
The Act sets the licence; the FSC's implementing rules set the capital and process detail, which are being finalised in 2026. We scope your capital against the final regulations rather than guess - and say plainly what is still pending.
What is the travel-rule requirement?+
From October 2026, transfers of NT$30,000 or more require the sender to provide the customer's date of birth and address, with the receiving VASP verifying it. We build travel-rule compliance into the licence file.
Does the Act cover stablecoins?+
Yes - the statute addresses stablecoin activity directly. If your model involves stablecoins, there is a defined legal path under the Act, and we scope your obligations against it in the first call.
How are crypto companies taxed?+
A flat 20% profit-seeking enterprise income tax on company profits, with business tax on domestic services. Individual crypto taxation is developing alongside the new regime; we model both levels on current guidance.
Why Taiwan?+
It is a serious, high-adoption market with a fresh, clear licensing statute - and moving early takes an established seat before the regime settles. The tight transition window rewards firms that prepare now.
Does Taiwan license crypto now?+
Yes - the VASP Act (30 June 2026) brought a full FSC licence.
What about AML registration?+
The interim regime - now superseded; registrants transition.
Transition window?+
Apply ~12 months, approval ~21 - tight.
Capital?+
Set by FSC implementing rules, being finalised.
Travel rule?+
From Oct 2026 on transfers of NT$30k+.
Stablecoins?+
Addressed directly in the Act.
Company taxes?+
20% corporate; business tax on services.
Why Taiwan?+
A real market with a fresh, clear licence.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
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Google
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Google
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Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which Taiwan route fits your project and what it will cost.
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Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the FSC or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.