Taiwan
Taiwan Launches 180-Day ‘Digital Nomad’ Visitor Visa to Attract Global Remote Workers. In a bid to boost its economy and attract financially independent professionals, Taiwan has introduced a six-month “digital nomad visitor visa” for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries. The program, which took effect on January 1, 2025, allows remote workers to live and work in Taiwan for up to 180 days, provided they meet specific financial and employment criteria.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Development Council (NDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), aims to position Taiwan as a hub for digital nomads—professionals who work remotely while traveling the world. According to the NDC, the program seeks to attract 100,000 digital nomads to Taiwan, encouraging them to spend their overseas-earned income in the local economy.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the visa, applicants must meet stringent financial and professional criteria. Foreign nationals must either provide proof of having obtained a digital nomad visa from another country or demonstrate earnings based on their age bracket:
- Aged 20-29: Annual salary of at least US20,000(NT20,000(NT657,361) in one of the last two years.
- Aged 30 and above: Annual salary of at least US40,000(NT40,000(NT1,314,723) in the same period.
Additionally, applicants must show proof of bank deposits averaging US10,000(NT10,000(NT328,528) over the past six months and provide evidence of comprehensive health and hospitalization insurance for the duration of their stay.
Applicants are also required to submit a personal resume or portfolio, a valid work contract from an employer or freelance project agreements, and a completed “Description of Intended Activities” form.
Visa-Exempt Countries
The program is open only to nationals from Taiwan’s list of visa-exempt countries, which includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and several European Union nations such as France and Germany.
A Step Toward Economic Growth
The digital nomad visa is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to revitalize its economy by attracting high-earning professionals who can contribute to local businesses and communities. According to the NDC, the program is designed to make Taiwan a more attractive destination for remote workers seeking a safe, modern, and culturally rich environment.
However, the rollout of the program has been met with some criticism. Nearly a week after applications opened, neither the NDC nor MOFA has prominently promoted the new visa category on their websites in any language. A promotional event was held in Tainan City on December 20, 2024, but details were published only in Chinese, potentially limiting outreach to international audiences.
How It Differs from Existing Visas
While Taiwan already offers 90-day visa-free stays for nationals of most visa-exempt countries, the new digital nomad visa extends this period to six months. British and Canadian nationals, who can already extend their stays to six months, may find the new visa less advantageous unless they seek the specific benefits tied to the digital nomad designation.
A Growing Global Trend
Taiwan’s move aligns with a global trend of countries introducing digital nomad visas to attract remote workers. Nations such as Estonia, Portugal, and Croatia have launched similar programs in recent years, recognizing the economic potential of this mobile workforce.
As Taiwan positions itself as a destination for digital nomads, the success of the program will depend on effective promotion, streamlined application processes, and clear communication of its benefits. For now, the island nation is betting on its high-quality infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture to draw in a new wave of global professionals.
