Taiwan

Taichung Film Development Foundation (TFDF)

Taipei Film Commission

Taiwan Cinema

Visas & Work Permits

Visiting crews, travelling on passports from Western countries, can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays require visas.

Work permits aren’t required to shoot in Taiwan.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.

Film Location Permits

Rules depend on the locations and degree of control required.

Small footprint projects, such as b-roll filming around Taipei streets, in most cases, don’t require permits.

More complicated jobs, which need exclusive use of public space, require permits from one or more officials. For shoots involving larger set-ups or control of public space, allow at least 2-4 weeks to process film location permits.

Landmarks and national parks require special permission.

Drone filming laws and restrictions apply and are strictly enforced.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Taiwan is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

Taiwan has a tropical marine climate, with temperatures higher in the south and cooler in the north, and higher on the coast and cooler in the mountainous interior.

Spring (March to May) is warm and pleasant. Summer (June to August) is best avoided as it’s the typhoon season with the weather becoming hot, rainy and very humid. Autumn (September to November) is warm and pleasant. Winter (December to February) is the cooler, dry season. Overall, October to April are the coolest and driest months for filming.

It is best to avoid filming during the Chinese New Year. During this time, businesses and government offices close, and both locals and mainland Chinese tourists travel the country.

In Taiwan, there are large numbers who practise Buddhism and Taoism, so those holidays are observed.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Taiwan.

Taipei is at a similar price point to major cities in China.

The short distances between a rich variety of locations offers considerable savings to travel related expenses.

The standard VAT rate in Taiwan at the time of writing is set at 5%.

Funding

Bureau of Audiovisual & Music Industry Development (BAMID)

Taipei Film Commission provides assistance for film production in Taipei city including Taipei Film Fund.

Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA)

Taiwan’s International Co-Funding Program (TICP)

Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up to date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

 

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up to date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.