Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work

 

➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $5,700 USD.

➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?

The Gold Card is effective from 1 to 3 years according to the work permit and can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.

➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

It depends on your nationality but from $50 to $200 for 1 year.

➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?

Taiwan has a  flat-rate tax of 18% for personal income.

Nomad Visa Taiwan 2024

Taiwan stands as one of the world’s most densely populated islands, renowned not only for its vibrant cities and exquisite temples but also for its breathtaking natural landscapes, which include pristine beaches and lush forests.

As of now, Taiwan does not offer a visa specifically tailored for digital nomads looking to live and work remotely within its borders. But there is an option available for digital nomads and remote workers and this is the Taiwan Employment Gold Card, an unique card that serves a dual purpose: it functions both as an open work permit and a residence permit, providing considerable flexibility for foreign professionals.

Since its introduction in February 2018, the Gold Card has been a popular choice among expatriates, allowing holders the freedom to work for any employer as a remote employee based outside of Taiwan or to launch their own startups within the country. The card is valid for a period ranging from one to three years.

Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa (Gold Card)

The Gold Card operates under a standardized individual employment system. It is granted following the approval of the central competent authority, which evaluates the qualifications of foreign specific professional talents. Often referred to as the “Dreamland For High-end Talents,” the card targets foreign specialists who possess expertise deemed essential by the Taiwanese government.

Applicants must apply through the National Immigration Agency (NIA) for the 4-in-1 Employment “Gold Card,” which encompasses:

• A work permit,
• A resident visa,
• An alien resident certificate, and
• A re-entry permit.

The duration of the Gold Card can vary from one to three years, based on the terms of the work permit. Cardholders meeting specific criteria may seek an extension up to four months prior to the expiration of the card, with each extension lasting up to three years.

The application process for the Gold Card is entirely online, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility. Applicants must ensure that all submitted information is accurate and complete, although they can receive assistance in filling out their application.

After five years of residence, Gold Card holders may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa (Gold Card)

To qualify for life as a digital nomad in Taiwan, applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $5,700. The visa caters to highly skilled professionals in the following eight categories:

• Architecture,
• Culture and Arts,
• Economics,
• Education,
• Finance,
• Law,
• National Defense,
• Science & Technology, and
• Sport.

This visa scheme opens the door for talented individuals across diverse fields to explore and contribute to Taiwan’s dynamic environment, blending professional opportunities with the rich cultural and natural beauty of the island.

Applying for the Taiwan “Gold Card” for Digital Nomads

If you’re planning to relocate to Taiwan as a digital nomad, the primary step is to submit your application through the official Taiwan Employment “Gold Card” website. It’s important to note that residents from Hong Kong and Macao must follow a different application procedure.

Application Process:

1. Initial Setup: Start by selecting the “Self-application” option on the website. If you are applying through an employer or an agent, choose “Apply by the Employer” or “Apply by Agent” respectively.
2. Registration: If it’s your first time applying, you’ll need to register as a member. This involves filling out all the required personal information. After registration, a verification letter will be sent to your email address.
3. Confirmation and Payment: Complete the email verification to activate your account. Log in to proceed with the application fee payment, submission of additional documents, downloading of e-Entry permit, and e-Receipt, among other steps.
4. Application Submission: After you submit your application online, a 12-digit case number will be issued. Use this number to check the status of your application under the “Case Status Check” section on the website.

Requirements for the Taiwan Gold Card Application

To apply for the Taiwan Gold Card, you will need to prepare several documents:

• Passport Photo: A digital copy of a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) passport photo, valid for at least six months.
• Visa History: Any previous Taiwanese visa or residence permit you’ve held.
• Professional Proof: Documentation proving your status as a foreign special professional, which varies depending on your field.
• Work History: Dates of any periods you have worked in Taiwan, if applicable.
• Income Proof: For those not included in the eight specialized fields, proof of a minimum monthly income of $5,700 is required.

All documents should be in PDF format and not exceed 1MB in size.

Cost of the Taiwan Gold Card

The fees for the Taiwan Gold Card vary based on the nationality of the applicant and the duration of the validity sought:

• For U.S. Passport Holders Applying Abroad:
  • NT$6,300 for one-year validity
  • NT$7,300 for two-year validity
  • NT$8,300 for three-year validity
• For Holders of Non-U.S. Foreign Passports:
  • NT$3,700 for one-year validity
  • NT$4,700 for two-year validity
  • NT$5,700 for three-year validity

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Taiwan

The workplace is transforming, with digital nomads leading the way by using technology to work remotely and live a location-independent lifestyle. Taiwan is becoming a favored destination for these nomads due to its vibrant cities, welcoming culture, and growing startup scene. The island offers easy access and a range of work environments, from dynamic coworking spaces in cities like Taipei to serene coastal towns. Additionally, its affordable living costs and the availability of visas and work permits make Taiwan an attractive option for digital nomads seeking new opportunities.

1. High-Speed Internet: Taiwan boasts an average internet speed of 154.89 Mbps and over 50,000 hotspots nationwide, with unlimited data plans costing around $26.
2. Affordable Transportation: Travel is convenient and budget-friendly, particularly using the modern and safe metro system where a ticket costs just $1.
3. Cost of Living: Taiwan is relatively inexpensive to live in. The average cost of living for a single person is under $800 per month, excluding rent, with accommodation costs ranging from $500 to $750 depending on location.
4. Inexpensive Cuisine: Taiwanese food, which combines Chinese influences and international flavors, is both delicious and affordable, with meals in popular districts costing about $4.
5. Healthcare Access: Residents can join the National Health Insurance for access to Taiwan’s efficient healthcare system, enhancing the appeal for digital nomads.