Micro-enterprise loans for new residents 2026

Micro-enterprise loans for new residents

New residents in Taiwan (foreign nationals or spouses from mainland China) who intend to start a business can apply for the government-provided micro-entrepreneurship Phoenix Loan, with a maximum of NT$2 million, an annual interest rate of approximately 1.5%, and no collateral required.

Last Updated: 5/4/2026｜Last verified: 1/1/2026｜Authority: Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor

What is the Micro-Entrepreneurship Phoenix Loan?

The Ministry of Labor's "Micro-Entrepreneurship Phoenix Loan" is designed specifically for disadvantaged groups, with new immigrants being one of the priority recipients. The features of this loan are:

Maximum loan amount of NT$2 million, loan amount depends on the scale of the project.
Low interest rate: The government-subsidized interest rate is approximately 1.5% per annum (subject to policy adjustments).
No collateral required: No real estate or guarantor is needed.
Flexible repayment period: Maximum 7 years; for the first 2 years, you can apply to pay only interest, not principal.

Who can apply?

New immigrants (foreign nationals or spouses from mainland China who have obtained Taiwanese residency status)
Age 20-65
Have a concrete business plan
Complete a Ministry of Labor-approved "Entrepreneurship Training Course" (at least 18 hours)

What kind of business can I start?

Common Business Opportunities for New Immigrants:

Southeast Asian restaurants or food stalls
Handicrafts, import/export trade
Southeast Asian language tutoring or translation services
Home cleaning and care services
E-commerce, personal shopping services

Application Process

Attend an entrepreneurship workshop (18 hours)

Register at employment service centers in your county/city or at partner agencies of the Workforce Development Agency. Free of charge.

Prepare a business plan

Include market analysis, financial forecasts, and funding requirements.

Submit an application to any branch of the Workforce Development Agency

Prepare: Residence permit, identity document, business plan, and workshop completion certificate.

Wait for review (approximately 1-2 months)
Disbursement will be processed at the cooperating bank after loan approval.

Application Website: beboss.wda.gov.tw

Service Hotline: 0800-556-918

Additional Resources

Entrepreneurship Mentoring: Continued entrepreneurship advisory services (free) after loan approval.
New Immigrant Entrepreneurship Clusters: Some counties and cities have dedicated entrepreneurship mentoring bases for new immigrants, providing venues and consultations.
Market Exhibition Opportunities: The Ministry of Labor regularly organizes new immigrant entrepreneurship markets to assist with exposure and sales.

Important Notes

Loan usage is limited to entrepreneurship-related expenses (equipment, rent, inventory, etc.) and cannot be used for debt repayment.
If the business is unsuccessful, a repayment plan can be negotiated with the Workforce Development Agency.
If both spouses are new immigrants, each can apply.

FAQ

Q: Can I start a business if I don't have a Chinese license?

A: Yes, many types of businesses do not require specific licenses. However, some industries (such as food and beverage and beauty) do require legal registration. It is recommended that you consult with a business advisor at the Workforce Development Agency to confirm what documents are needed for your business plan.

Q: Do entrepreneurship workshops require payment?

A: Free of charge, provided by the Ministry of Labor or partner organizations, with some courses offering multilingual translation services. Courses cover practical topics such as entrepreneurship fundamentals, financial planning, taxation, and marketing.

Q: I am already working in Taiwan (with a work visa). Can I apply for a business loan at the same time?

A: Yes, new immigrants (foreign spouses) with Taiwanese residency status can legally start businesses. If you are a migrant worker in Taiwan on a work permit, your eligibility will need to be confirmed individually due to your different status. It is recommended that you consult the employment service center.

Q: My business plan is written in Chinese and I'm not good at it. Can someone help me?

A: Yes, business advisors from the Workforce Development Agency can help you prepare your business plan, and some new immigrant service centers in counties and cities also offer translation assistance. You can also draft it in your native language first and then ask an advisor to help translate it into Chinese.

Q: I've been running my business for two years now. Can I apply for a loan to expand?

A: The Phoenix Micro-Startup Loan is primarily for newly established businesses. If you are already operating a business, you can consult other options such as the "Youth Startup Loan" or the "SME Credit Guarantee Fund." Advisors at the employment service center can assist in assessing the most suitable loan instrument.

The information on this site is compiled from public government sources. Actual eligibility is determined by the issuing authority. We do not process applications on your behalf and do not charge any fees.