NDC Launches One-Stop Financial Services for Foreigners, 6 Banks Selected as Demonstrators
To address difficulties foreigners face in Taiwan, such as opening bank accounts and applying for credit cards, the National Development Council (NDC) is promoting a one-stop financial service demonstration bank action plan. Six banks—CTBC Bank, E.Sun Bank, Taipei Fubon Bank, Taishin International Bank, Mega International Commercial Bank, and First Commercial Bank—have been selected, covering 17 branches nationwide. They will offer relaxed credit card application rules, online appointment systems, and dedicated counters to create a more friendly environment for international talent.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 15:18
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(Central News Agency, Reporter Chao Min-ya, Taipei, 4th) To improve the difficulties international talent face in Taiwan, such as opening bank accounts and applying for credit cards, the National Development Council (NDC) is promoting a one-stop financial service demonstration bank action plan. It encourages banks to build upon bilingual services to create friendly application channels, upgrade service models, and optimize counter experiences. A total of six demonstration banks and 17 branch locations have been established to make financial services more accessible for foreigners.
The NDC held a certification and launch ceremony for the one-stop foreigner financial service demonstration banks on the 4th, announcing the six financial service demonstration banks: CTBC Bank, E.Sun Commercial Bank, Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank, Taishin International Commercial Bank, Mega International Commercial Bank, and First Commercial Bank. A total of 17 branches across Taiwan are located in Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
NDC Deputy Minister Chan Fang-kuan stated in his speech that Taiwan promoted the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals in 2018, removing related regulatory restrictions. To date, over 15,000 Employment Gold Cards have been issued cumulatively, and the number of foreign professionals in Taiwan has significantly increased.
Deputy Minister Chan pointed out that financial services are an important foundation for foreigners coming to and developing in Taiwan. However, according to past surveys by the Talent Taiwan International Talent Service and Recruitment Center and feedback from foreign chambers of commerce, the most common pain points for international talent in Taiwan are difficulty opening bank accounts, high thresholds for applying for credit cards, and cumbersome procedures for international transfers.
Deputy Minister Chan further explained that in the past, foreigners new to Taiwan lacked local credit records and often faced obstacles when applying for credit cards, sometimes even being required to provide a Taiwanese guarantor. This was a difficult hurdle for newly arrived international talent. He said that selecting these six demonstration banks aims to let foreigners know about these high-quality services. This is just a starting point, and he hopes that in the future, all banks will provide friendly financial services for foreigners.
Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Banking Bureau Deputy Director-General Chang Chia-kuei stated in his speech that the FSC is committed to creating a friendly bilingual financial service environment. As of last year, there were over 2,000 bilingual bank branches, and over 80% of ATMs support multiple languages. He reminded that it is necessary to provide more convenient financial services while balancing legal compliance and risk control, and he hopes this plan can be extended to all branches in the future, becoming a basic standard for all banks to emulate.
The NDC explained that this plan builds upon the FSC's bilingual banking services, further requiring banks to provide three highlight services. First, substantially relax business acceptance flexibility, encouraging demonstration banks to create more diverse service flexibility through cross-departmental coordination. For example, some demonstration banks accept foreign financial proof or foreign tax payment certificates as reference for credit card approval, and relax the requirement for a Taiwanese guarantor for credit card applications.
Second, upgrade service models. On the existing bilingual financial foundation, demonstration banks will further introduce an online appointment system. Banks can pre-understand customers' needs and family backgrounds before they visit the counter, reminding them to prepare necessary documents. This allows for one-stop service planning for items needed by foreigners, such as account opening, credit cards, designated transfers, and multi-currency accounts, improving efficiency. Third, optimize the counter experience. Demonstration banks will not only set up dedicated service points and counters but also provide dedicated tellers.
The NDC stated that it will continue to cooperate with the FSC Banking Bureau and the demonstration banks, collect user feedback, and iteratively optimize the financial service experience for foreigners in Taiwan. It will also work with relevant ministries to promote special education classes for the children of overseas talent and rental services, building a more convenient living environment for foreign talent. (Editor: Lin Chia-hsien) 1150604
The NDC held a certification and launch ceremony for the one-stop foreigner financial service demonstration banks on the 4th, announcing the six financial service demonstration banks: CTBC Bank, E.Sun Commercial Bank, Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank, Taishin International Commercial Bank, Mega International Commercial Bank, and First Commercial Bank. A total of 17 branches across Taiwan are located in Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
NDC Deputy Minister Chan Fang-kuan stated in his speech that Taiwan promoted the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals in 2018, removing related regulatory restrictions. To date, over 15,000 Employment Gold Cards have been issued cumulatively, and the number of foreign professionals in Taiwan has significantly increased.
Deputy Minister Chan pointed out that financial services are an important foundation for foreigners coming to and developing in Taiwan. However, according to past surveys by the Talent Taiwan International Talent Service and Recruitment Center and feedback from foreign chambers of commerce, the most common pain points for international talent in Taiwan are difficulty opening bank accounts, high thresholds for applying for credit cards, and cumbersome procedures for international transfers.
Deputy Minister Chan further explained that in the past, foreigners new to Taiwan lacked local credit records and often faced obstacles when applying for credit cards, sometimes even being required to provide a Taiwanese guarantor. This was a difficult hurdle for newly arrived international talent. He said that selecting these six demonstration banks aims to let foreigners know about these high-quality services. This is just a starting point, and he hopes that in the future, all banks will provide friendly financial services for foreigners.
Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Banking Bureau Deputy Director-General Chang Chia-kuei stated in his speech that the FSC is committed to creating a friendly bilingual financial service environment. As of last year, there were over 2,000 bilingual bank branches, and over 80% of ATMs support multiple languages. He reminded that it is necessary to provide more convenient financial services while balancing legal compliance and risk control, and he hopes this plan can be extended to all branches in the future, becoming a basic standard for all banks to emulate.
The NDC explained that this plan builds upon the FSC's bilingual banking services, further requiring banks to provide three highlight services. First, substantially relax business acceptance flexibility, encouraging demonstration banks to create more diverse service flexibility through cross-departmental coordination. For example, some demonstration banks accept foreign financial proof or foreign tax payment certificates as reference for credit card approval, and relax the requirement for a Taiwanese guarantor for credit card applications.
Second, upgrade service models. On the existing bilingual financial foundation, demonstration banks will further introduce an online appointment system. Banks can pre-understand customers' needs and family backgrounds before they visit the counter, reminding them to prepare necessary documents. This allows for one-stop service planning for items needed by foreigners, such as account opening, credit cards, designated transfers, and multi-currency accounts, improving efficiency. Third, optimize the counter experience. Demonstration banks will not only set up dedicated service points and counters but also provide dedicated tellers.
The NDC stated that it will continue to cooperate with the FSC Banking Bureau and the demonstration banks, collect user feedback, and iteratively optimize the financial service experience for foreigners in Taiwan. It will also work with relevant ministries to promote special education classes for the children of overseas talent and rental services, building a more convenient living environment for foreign talent. (Editor: Lin Chia-hsien) 1150604
FAQ
Who is eligible for the services under this demonstration bank program?
The services are intended for all foreigners in Taiwan, with a particular focus on high-skilled professionals holding an Employment Gold Card.
Can I still get services from banks not on the demonstration list?
Yes, you can. However, the demonstration banks are expected to offer more flexible and specialized services.
When does this program officially start?
The program was officially launched on the date of the article, June 4, 2024.