Civil Code Article 229
This English translation was last updated on 2021-01-20, but the Chinese text was amended on 2026-08-17. Later amendments may not be reflected in the translation — please refer to the Chinese text.
When there is a definite period fixed for the performance of an obligation, the debtor is responsible for the default from the moment when such period expires.When there is no definite period fixed for the performance of the obligation, and when the creditor may demand the performance, but the debtor failed to perform the same after the creditor has notified him of the demand, the debtor is responsible for the default from the moment when he has been notified. The effect of instituting an action for performance and the service of the complaint, or the service of an order for payment according to the hortatory process, or any other similar act is equivalent to a notice.If there is a period fixed for the performance in the notice of the preceding paragraph, the debtor is responsible for the default from the moment when such time expires.
中文原文 民法第229條
給付有確定期限者，債務人自期限屆滿時起，負遲延責任。
給付無確定期限者，債務人於債權人得請求給付時，經其催告而未為給付，自受催告時起，負遲延責任。
其經債權人起訴而送達訴狀，或依督促程序送達支付命令，或為其他相類之行為者，與催告有同一之效力。
前項催告定有期限者，債務人自期限屆滿時起負遲延責任。
給付無確定期限者，債務人於債權人得請求給付時，經其催告而未為給付，自受催告時起，負遲延責任。
其經債權人起訴而送達訴狀，或依督促程序送達支付命令，或為其他相類之行為者，與催告有同一之效力。
前項催告定有期限者，債務人自期限屆滿時起負遲延責任。