{"id":13132,"date":"2026-11-07T09:15:28","date_gmt":"2026-11-07T01:15:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/?page_id=13132"},"modified":"2026-11-07T09:15:43","modified_gmt":"2026-11-07T01:15:43","slug":"legal-disputes-foreigners-taiwan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/legal-disputes-foreigners-taiwan\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Disputes for Foreigners in Taiwan"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n\/* FDLAW foreign dispute service Page 13132 only; existing Primary palette. *\/\nbody.page-id-13132 main .ct-container{width:100%;max-width:none}body.page-id-13132 main [data-vertical-spacing]{padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0}body.page-id-13132 main .entry-content{max-width:none}body.page-id-13132 main .entry-content>.fd-foreign{width:100%;max-width:none;margin:0}\nbody.page-id-13132 main .hero-section{width:100%;max-width:none;margin:0;padding:150px 0 0;background:#17324d}body.page-id-13132 main .hero-section .entry-header{width:calc(100% - 44px);max-width:1080px;margin:0 auto}body.page-id-13132 main .hero-section h1.page-title{max-width:960px;color:#fff;font-size:clamp(30px,3.3vw,44px);font-weight:700;line-height:1.45;text-align:left;margin:0}\n.fd-foreign{color:#17202a;background:#fff;line-height:1.85;overflow-wrap:anywhere}.fd-foreign *{box-sizing:border-box}.fd-foreign .fd-wrap{width:calc(100% - 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Our lawyers communicate directly in English, assess the available evidence and explain practical options under Taiwan law.<\/p><p>If you have received court papers, tell us the date of service and any stated deadline when you contact us.<\/p><div class=\"fd-actions\"><a class=\"fd-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/ti\/p\/@723pifhz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Contact FDLAW in English<\/a><a class=\"fd-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/contact\/\">Schedule a Legal Consultation<\/a><a class=\"fd-btn fd-secondary\" href=\"tel:0277093611\">Call FDLAW<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section fd-soft\" id=\"disputes\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>What Legal Dispute Are You Facing in Taiwan?<\/h2><h3>Loans, Personal Debts and Civil Claims<\/h3><p>If you lent money to someone in Taiwan, first identify the borrower, the agreed repayment terms, the due date and the evidence of the loan. Bank transfers may show payment without proving whether it was a loan, a gift or an investment. We assess the agreement, messages, repayments and possible defenses before recommending a demand, mediation or a claim.<\/p><p>For unpaid loans, contract breaches, damages or a response to court notices, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/civil\/\">civil litigation services<\/a>.<\/p><h3>Business, Investment and Shareholder Disputes<\/h3><p>A failed partnership may involve repayment rights, shares, management powers or losses suffered by the company. An investor\u2019s personal claim is different from a claim belonging to the company; a shareholder cannot automatically recover the company\u2019s losses personally. We review the investment terms, corporate records, payment trail and decision-making authority. Business losses alone do not establish fraud or criminal breach of trust.<\/p><p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/commercial\/\">commercial dispute services<\/a> address business and shareholder conflicts. For unpaid business debts and overseas enforcement issues, see <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/cross-border-debt-recovery\/\">cross-border debt recovery<\/a>. Disputed terms should also be read alongside the complete <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/contracts\/\">English or bilingual contract<\/a>, including its governing-law and dispute-resolution clauses.<\/p><h3>Divorce, Custody and Family Disputes<\/h3><p>Nationality, domicile, the marriage history, the child\u2019s habitual residence and the location of property may affect jurisdiction, applicable law and workable arrangements. Divorce, parental responsibility, contact, support, marital property and inheritance require separate analysis. A connection with Taiwan does not guarantee that every issue can be decided here or that an order will be recognized abroad.<\/p><p>For mediation, divorce, child arrangements and property claims, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/familylaw\/\">family law services<\/a>.<\/p><h3>Property, Housing and Employment Disputes<\/h3><p>We assess lease obligations, rental deposits, property claims, employment contracts and compensation disputes through the relevant documents and procedures. Residence, immigration and work-permit questions involve separate administrative rules; the scope of any assistance must be confirmed for the particular issue.<\/p><h3>Overseas Clients Requiring Taiwan Court Representation<\/h3><p>Overseas claimants, defendants, foreign corporations and foreign counsel can first arrange an English assessment of the dispute and documents. We identify the Taiwan proceedings, authorization and evidence needed. Personal attendance, remote participation and cross-border document formalities depend on the case and the court; representation does not make every step available remotely.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section\" id=\"procedure\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>Core Legal Questions Before Starting Proceedings<\/h2><h3>Can Foreigners File Civil Lawsuits in Taiwan?<\/h3><p>Foreign nationality alone does not prevent a person from bringing or defending a civil claim. We must still check international jurisdiction, the correct parties and standing, the claim, evidence, limitation periods, court fees and service. A foreign company\u2019s capacity, continued existence, representative authority and corporate authorization need their own verification; they are not established simply by identifying an individual shareholder.<\/p><p>The defendant\u2019s location, the place of performance, the nature of the dispute and any valid forum or arbitration agreement may matter. Taiwan\u2019s domestic venue rules should not be treated as an automatic answer to every international jurisdiction question.<\/p><h3>Does Taiwan Law Always Apply?<\/h3><p>Jurisdiction asks which court may hear the case. Applicable law asks which law governs the substantive issue. A Taiwan court may need to apply foreign law; a contract choosing foreign law does not by itself exclude Taiwan proceedings.<\/p><p>Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawSingle.aspx?pcode=B0000007&amp;flno=20\">Act Governing the Choice of Law in Civil Matters Involving Foreign Elements<\/a>, contractual obligations generally require analysis of an effective choice of law or the closest connection. Torts, property rights, corporate internal matters, divorce, marital property, parent\u2013child relationships and inheritance have distinct rules. A child\u2019s habitual residence may be relevant to jurisdiction and practical arrangements; it is not a universal substitute for the Act\u2019s applicable-law rules. Mainland-related matters also require separate statutory analysis.<\/p><h3>Can You Retain a Taiwan Lawyer from Overseas?<\/h3><p>You can contact FDLAW from abroad to discuss the dispute, a conflict check, service scope and fees before engagement. Depending on the client and proceedings, we may need identity or company records, an engagement agreement, a power of attorney, proof of representative authority and Chinese translations. Notarization, authentication or other verification is required where the relevant rules or court require it, rather than as one universal package for every overseas client.<\/p><h3>Can You Participate Without Speaking Chinese?<\/h3><p>We explain court documents, evidence and strategy in English. Taiwan court proceedings generally use Chinese, and interpretation and document translation must be arranged as required by law and the court. A lawyer\u2019s English ability does not replace a legally required interpreter. An English contract or message may need a Chinese translation for court use; retain its original and complete context.<\/p><h3>Are Foreign Plaintiffs Required to Provide Security for Litigation Costs?<\/h3><p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawSingle.aspx?pcode=B0010001&amp;flno=96\">Article 96 of the Code of Civil Procedure<\/a>, a plaintiff without a domicile, office or place of business in Taiwan may be ordered to provide security on the defendant\u2019s application. This is not a nationality-based surcharge or an automatic filing requirement for every foreigner. Statutory exceptions include the uncontested part of a claim and sufficient assets in Taiwan to cover litigation costs; the timing rules in Article 97 also matter.<\/p><h3>What Happens After a Taiwan Court Judgment?<\/h3><p>Review any appeal deadline and whether the judgment is final or otherwise enforceable. Winning a claim does not itself recover money: enforcement requires a proper legal basis and assets that can be reached, with possible competing creditors and costs. Settlement may remain an option. For foreign judgments and overseas arbitral awards, the <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/cross-border-debt-recovery\/\">recognition and enforcement route<\/a> must be assessed separately.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section fd-soft\" id=\"process\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>How We Handle the Matter<\/h2><div class=\"fd-steps\"><article><h3>1 \u2014 Initial Case Assessment<\/h3><p>Identify the parties, their legal status, the facts, existing proceedings and urgent deadlines. Confirm what you want to achieve and whether Taiwan proceedings are available.<\/p><\/article><article><h3>2 \u2014 Documents and Evidence<\/h3><p>Review contracts, transfers, complete message records, company documents and court papers. Build a dated chronology and distinguish what the evidence proves from what still needs verification.<\/p><\/article><article><h3>3 \u2014 Legal Strategy<\/h3><p>Compare negotiation, mediation, litigation, interim relief and enforcement through evidence, cost and recoverability. Check the governing law and procedural requirements before choosing a route.<\/p><\/article><article><h3>4 \u2014 Representation and Communication<\/h3><p>Within the agreed engagement, provide English case communication, legal analysis and representation in Taiwan proceedings, with coordination with foreign counsel where needed. Timing and outcomes depend on the case.<\/p><\/article><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section\" id=\"lawyer\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>English Communication Grounded in Taiwan Legal Practice<\/h2><p>FDLAW combines Taiwan civil and commercial litigation with English contract analysis, corporate and financial records, and cross-border evidence coordination. We explain procedural choices and work with overseas clients and foreign counsel on the Taiwan aspects of a dispute.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/team\/charles-lee\/\">Charles Lee | Managing Partner<\/a> holds a PhD in Law from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom and previously served as Associate Director in the legal department of Deloitte Taiwan. His corporate and accounting-related legal experience informs the assessment of transactions, financial documents and shareholder disputes.<\/p><p>Initial contact can begin with a short English summary. Include the parties\u2019 names for a conflict check, the dispute, relevant dates and any urgent court deadline. Detailed sensitive records can follow through the channel agreed with the firm.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section fd-soft\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>Practical Questions from Overseas Clients<\/h2><h3>Can a foreigner sue someone in Taiwan?<\/h3><p>Potentially. Start with the defendant\u2019s identity, the connection with Taiwan and what relief you seek. Nationality does not settle jurisdiction or whether you have a claim.<\/p><h3>Can I hire a Taiwan lawyer if I live overseas?<\/h3><p>Yes, you can discuss engagement from abroad. Tell us where you are and whether proceedings have started so we can identify the authorization and document requirements.<\/p><h3>Can I recover a personal loan from someone in Taiwan?<\/h3><p>We need evidence of a repayable loan, its due date and the balance, together with information about the borrower and assets. A transfer receipt alone may leave the purpose of payment disputed.<\/p><h3>What if my investment in a Taiwanese business breaks down?<\/h3><p>Preserve the investment agreement, share records, company accounts and payment trail. Clarify whether you seek repayment, transfer of shares, access to records or relief for the company; these are different legal routes.<\/p><h3>Can a foreign spouse file for divorce in Taiwan?<\/h3><p>Jurisdiction must be checked under the Family Act, including Article 53 and its qualifications. Divorce grounds, child arrangements and marital property may involve different applicable laws and cross-border effects.<\/p><h3>Do I have to attend every court hearing in person?<\/h3><p>A lawyer may handle procedural steps within the authorization, but a court can require personal participation, questioning or attendance in particular proceedings. Remote attendance needs the applicable conditions and court arrangements.<\/p><h3>Will the Taiwan court use English?<\/h3><p>Do not assume it will. Tell us early if interpretation is needed and identify foreign-language evidence so that court interpretation and Chinese translations can be prepared appropriately.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section\" id=\"contact\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>Discuss Your Taiwan Dispute in English<\/h2><p>Tell us who is involved, what happened, where the parties and assets are located, and whether you have received court documents. We will assess the available material before discussing scope and fees. This page provides general information, not a prediction of the result in an individual case.<\/p><div class=\"fd-actions\"><a class=\"fd-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/line.me\/ti\/p\/@723pifhz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Contact FDLAW in English<\/a><a class=\"fd-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/contact\/\">Schedule a Legal Consultation<\/a><a class=\"fd-btn fd-secondary\" href=\"tel:0277093611\">Call FDLAW<\/a><\/div><p>If the matter involves a police investigation, arrest or criminal detention, use our <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/criminal-lawyer-for-foreigners-taiwan\/\">criminal defense service for foreigners<\/a>. For broader consultation arrangements, see <a href=\"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/blog\/taipei-bilingual-lawyer-english-legal-consultation\/\">bilingual legal consultation<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"fd-section\" id=\"sources\"><div class=\"fd-wrap\"><h2>Official Legal Resources<\/h2><p>Legal materials checked on 7 November 2026: <a href=\"https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawSingle.aspx?pcode=B0010001&amp;flno=96\">Code of Civil Procedure, Article 96<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawSingle.aspx?pcode=B0000007&amp;flno=20\">Act Governing the Choice of Law in Civil Matters Involving Foreign Elements<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawSingle.aspx?pcode=B0010048&amp;flno=53\">Family Act, Article 53<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/law.moj.gov.tw\/LawClass\/LawAll.aspx?pcode=B0000001\">Civil Code<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.judicial.gov.tw\/en\/cp-1978-265707-f7d65-2.html\">Judicial Yuan\u2019s civil litigation notice for foreign parties<\/a>. The applicable rules and documents depend on the matter.<\/p><\/div><\/section><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u5728\u53f0\u7063\u9047\u5230\u6cd5\u5f8b\u7cfe\u7d1b\uff0c\u9700\u8981\u5148\u91d0\u6e05\u4ec0\u9ebc\uff1f \u4eba\u5728\u6d77\u5916\u3001\u4e0d\u719f\u6089\u4e2d\u6587\uff0c\u6216\u7b2c\u4e00\u6b21\u6536\u5230\u53f0\u7063\u6cd5\u9662\u6587\u4ef6\u6642\uff0c\u61c9\u5148\u78ba\u8a8d\u671f\u9650\u3001\u722d\u8b70\u5c0d\u8c61 [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"qubely_global_settings":"","qubely_interactions":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13132","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13132"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13133,"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13132\/revisions\/13133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdlaw.com.tw\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}