Quick Answer
In Taiwan there is no required drink-maker licence for a bubble tea shop, but before opening you need: business (or company) registration and tax registration, food business registration on the Food and Drug Administration’s platform, product liability insurance as required, and health checks for staff (before starting work and at least once a year). Signage follows local rules, and chain drink shops face single-use plastic cup restrictions. Always check the authorities’ latest notices.
Registration and regulation checklist
| Item | Authority | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Business or company registration | City/county government / Ministry of Economic Affairs | By business size; small businesses still need tax registration |
| Tax registration | National Taxation Bureau | Get a tax ID and issue invoices or be assessed |
| Food business registration | Food and Drug Administration | Food service businesses with business or company registration must register |
| Product liability insurance | Health authorities | Insure as announced, at no less than the minimum amounts |
| Staff health checks | Local health bureau | Before starting work, then at least once a year |
| Signage | City/county government | Apply under local signage rules |
Suggested order
- Before signing the lease: confirm the unit can be used for food service and check utilities, drainage and exhaust.
- After signing: business or company registration and tax registration.
- During fit-out: apply for signage and arrange staff health checks.
- Before opening: complete food business registration, buy product liability insurance and post the required notices.
Hygiene items to check before opening
- Ingredient storage temperatures and expiry labelling.
- A three-compartment sink and hand sink in line with good hygiene practice.
- Test-sealing cups, lids and film, and packaging labels.
- Chain drink shops must follow the single-use cup and plastic bag rules; see related reading.
Do you need a chef’s licence?
A typical bubble tea shop mainly sells drinks and is usually outside the rules requiring certified cooks; if you also sell meals or operate at a larger scale, check with the local health bureau.
How Tang Sugar helps
Tang Sugar’s shop planning includes a 20-item pre-opening checklist (licences, equipment and utilities, ingredients and packaging, staff and operations) and helps confirm labelling and specs for ingredients and packaging. See the full process on our shop opening page.
Products in this article
All 483 Bubble Tea & Boba Ingredients →
FAQ
Do I need a licence to open a bubble tea shop in Taiwan?
No drink-maker licence is required, but you need business or tax registration, food business registration and product liability insurance, and staff need health checks.
Does a small drink stand need to register?
Small businesses below a set turnover may be exempt from business registration but still need tax registration; check with the tax bureau.
How often are staff health checks?
New food handlers need a health check before starting work, then at least once a year.
How much product liability insurance is needed?
Insure at no less than the minimum amounts announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare; an insurer can quote for your shop type.
Related Reading
How to Open a Bubble Tea Shop: Startup Steps, Equipment, Ingredients and Licensing Checklist
Can Taiwan Bubble Tea Shops Still Use Plastic Cups? Taiwan’s Disposable Cup Rules, the NT$5 Own-Cup Discount and Choosing Paper Cups
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Bubble Tea Shop? Startup Cost Breakdown, Break-Even Cups per Day and PaybackAlso see: Bubble tea shop consulting: TS Tea case study
