Taiwan’s Digital Nomad Visa Launched in January 2025
Taiwan has officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa program, effective January 2025. This initiative aims to attract remote workers from around the world, fostering the development of the country’s digital economy.
Contents
Key details of the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa:
- Duration: Up to 6 months – 3 months and extentable for another 3 months
- Eligibility: Remote workers from countries eligible for China’s visa-exempt entry
- Requirement: you meet any one of these:
- You have been issued a digital nomad visa from another country.
- You are over 30 years old with an annual income of US$40,000 or more.
- You are 20β29 years old with an annual income of US$20,000 or more.
Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Outside Taiwan: If you’re applying from outside Taiwan, submit your application to a Republic of China (Taiwan) overseas mission in your country (Remember, Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa is available for the nationals from the countries eligible for China’s visa-exempt entry).
They’ll forward your application to the National Development Council (NDC) for a qualification review. Once approved, the mission will handle the visa issuance for you.
Within Taiwan: If you’re already in Taiwan on a visa-free entry or a non-extendable visitor visa (for social visits, tourism, or business), you can apply at least 10 working days before your current stay expires. Just head to the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) or one of its regional offices to submit your application.
NDC will review your qualifications, and once approved, BOCA will issue your visa. Please note that an interview might be part of the process.
Required Documents
- Completed Visa Application Form: Filled out via the online application system, printed, and signed
- Photographs: Two color passport-sized photos taken within the last six months, against a white background
- Valid Passport: Original passport with at least six months’ validity and blank pages, along with a photocopy of the information page
- Proof of Remote Work:
- Personal resume or portfolio detailing academic and work experience
- Valid work contract (Employees: Contract with current employer / Freelancers: Contracts for current projects)
- Plan outlining intended activities during the stay in Taiwan (form downloadable from the website of Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan)
- Proof of Meeting one of these circumstances:
- For applicants aged 30 and above: Proof of income of US$40,000 in any of the past two years
- For applicants aged between 20 and 29: Proof of income of US$20,000 in any of the past two years
- Alternatively, proof of having obtained a digital nomad visa from another country
- Bank statements: showing an average monthly balance of at least US$10,000 over the past six months
- International Medical Insurance: Coverage for medical and hospitalization expenses for the entire duration of stay in Taiwan.
Additional Documents may be required on a case-by-case basis.
For more detailed information and application guidelines, please refer to the official website of Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan.
Other Visas to Stay in Taiwan
Taiwan Gold Card
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a unique type of visa offered by Taiwan that combines an open work permit, residence permit, and visa for skilled professionals. It was created to make it easier for international professionals to move to and work in Taiwan. Here are some key points about the Gold Card:
- Open Work Permit: Holders can work for any company they want in Taiwan without the need for additional work permits.
- Residence Permit: The Taiwan Gold Card also functions as a residence permit, granting you an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) to reside in Taiwan. Additionally, it includes a re-entry permit, allowing you to enter and exit Taiwan multiple times during the card’s validity period.
- Duration: The card allows you to stay for up to 3 years, with the possibility of tax benefits for those with high salaries.
- Family Inclusion: Cardholders can bring their family members, and parents and grandparents can visit as well.
- Eligibility: Professionals from ten different fields, including architecture, arts and culture, digital, economy, education, finance, national defense, science and technology, law, and sports, are eligible to apply.
- Community: There is a growing community of Gold Card holders in Taiwan, and applicants from all over the world are welcome.
The Gold Card program is managed by the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office, which is an extension of the National Development Council and serves as a single point of contact for foreign professionalsβ recruitment and assistance.
Fees and Payment
The fees associated with the Taiwan Gold Card vary depending on the duration you choose. The cost can range from $100 for a one-year validity period to $310 for a three-year validity period. These fees must be paid in cash during the application process.
Online Application
To apply for the Taiwan Gold Card, you’ll need to complete the online application form and submit the required documents. This includes your passport, proof of eligibility, and any other necessary certifications. After submitting your application, the National Immigration Agency will review and verify your information before issuing the Gold Card.
Working Holiday Visa
The Taiwan Working Holiday Visa is a program that allows young people from certain countries to live in Taiwan for a set period, typically up to one year, while allowing them to work and travel. This visa aims to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Taiwan and the participating countries.
Countries that have reciprocal Working Holiday Visa agreements with Taiwan include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and others. Each agreement may have specific terms and conditions, so it’s essential to check the exact requirements for your nationality.
Resident visas for Entrepreneur
Taiwan offers a Resident Visa for Entrepreneurs, which is designed for individuals who wish to move to Taiwan to start a business or invest in an existing one.