Page 37 - 2023 OUTLINE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR REPUBLIC OF CHINA

2023 OUTLINE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

II. Civil Associations

Civil associations in Taiwan are classified into social associations and occupational associations, of
which can be established after their initiators apply to the responsible authorities by registering for a
civil association at any level.

By upholding the governance spirit of implementing low-degree government management and
high-degree associational autonomy, the Preparatory Office continues to take various measures, in-
cluding promoting the study and revision of relevant laws and regulations, relaxing legal regulations

related to civil associations, and expanding the application of information systems of civil associa-
tions, so as to promote vigorous development of civil society.

Table 4-1 Number of Civil Associations at All Levels
Unit: Associations
(End of) Year Social Associations Occupational Associations

2018 54 277 11 174

2019 57 302 11 213

2020 59 783 11 267

2021 61 863 11 324

2022 63 444 11 405

1. Social Association

A social association refers to a group of people who gather together based on common interests,
beliefs, geographical areas, or blood ties to achieve personal interests or ideals. The nature of social
associations focuses more on the social level, and the types of social associations include academic
and cultural, medical and health, religious, sports and exercise, social services, charitable, interna-

tional, economic, environmental protection, clan associations, hometown associations, fellow alumni
associations, etc., or other groups with the purpose of public welfare.

Due to the growing concern over public affairs, it has become increasingly popular to recruit or-
ganizations to achieve social goals. Moreover, in order to preserve the people’s constitutional right

to assembly and form associations, and empower the development of social associations, the MOI

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