Taiwan, China's traditional banks can open for non-residents in-branch; digital accounts need a local ID. Minimum deposits, documents and paths for foreigners.
Accounts in Taiwan, China split into traditional banks (Cathay United Bank, E.SUN Bank, Taishin Bank — branch visits) and digital accounts (Taishin Richart Digital Account, LINE Bank Taiwan, Rakuten Bank Taiwan, NEXT Bank Taiwan — in-app). For non-residents, traditional banks are paradoxically the friendlier path.
Traditional passbook accounts start around TWD 1,000 with no maintenance fee; digital accounts often have no minimum but usually require a Taiwan ID or residence permit.
Cathay, E.Sun and Taishin serve non-residents: bring your passport, visa page and proof of address to a branch. All three waive maintenance fees with a TWD 1,000 opening deposit.
Book ahead and confirm the branch handles non-resident accounts; some ask for supporting documents (employment or accommodation proof). A quick call saves a trip.
Richart (Taishin), LINE Bank, Rakuten International Bank and NEXT Bank all have no minimum deposit and zero fees, opening in-app. The shared gate is a Taiwan ID or residence permit plus a local phone number.
With a residence permit, digital accounts suit everyday payments; on a tourist visa only, the traditional-bank route is the realistic one.
Standard documents: passport valid at least six more months, visa page, proof of address and a phone number; bring originals for branch visits.
The most common failures: proof of address in the wrong language, name spellings inconsistent with your ID, and not confirming FX and transfer limits — non-resident accounts may differ in features from resident accounts, so ask.
Yes. Traditional banks like Cathay, E.Sun and Taishin serve non-residents in-branch; digital accounts (Richart, LINE Bank) usually require a Taiwan ID or residence permit.
Traditional passbook accounts usually start from TWD 1,000; digital accounts like Richart often have no minimum. FX and usage terms follow each bank's notices.
Traditional banks may work — their non-resident channel usually accepts passport, visa and proof of address. Digital accounts generally do not. Check current policies.