Taiwan's National Development Council officially launched the new Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa at a ceremony held in Tainan City on December 20th.
Drawing from implementation practices in other countries, the NDC will issue digital nomad visas on a pilot basis.
Depending on the effectiveness of the pilot program, it will consider amending the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals Act to extend the visa period.
First step
According to NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching, this is Taiwan's initial foray into recruiting digital nomads, the starting point of the Tainan New Program.
Liu noted how Taiwan has several major advantages where drawing digital nomads is concerned. Time to attract digital nomadic talent.
The minister similarly cited a 2024 report by Global Citizen Solutions that ranked Taiwan first in Asia and 12th globally for digital nomads for its Employment Gold Card.
Liu added that Taiwan especially welcomes digital nomad talent from Japan, South Korea and other countries in the region.
A supportive community
Liu noted that, currently, the number of digital nomad communities is around 35 million worldwide and is estimated to reach 40 million.
Because these individuals possess exceptional digital skills and extensive experience, Taiwan will create a favorable environment for them where their ideas can flourish.
That said, the Taiwanese government plans to provide funding and investment opportunities to support entrepreneurs in Taiwan and encourage digital nomads to settle in the country.
Following President Lai Ching-tae's directive, the country will allocate NT$150 billion a year for initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship, two concepts that drive digital nomads.
Who can apply for a digital nomad visa?
The Digital Nomad visa aims to attract foreign nationals who are professionals and able to work remotely digitally.
These include:
- People working remotely in Taiwan.
- Those who have applied for a Digital Nomad visa in another country and wish to work remotely in Taiwan.
- Persons aged 30 years or older with an annual income of at least US$60,000 in the preceding year or persons aged 20 to 29 with an annual income of at least US$24,000 in the preceding year.
A short-term visa will be issued with an initial validity of three months. Before expiry, it can be extended once for another three months, allowing a maximum stay of six months.
For applicants who have previously obtained a Digital Nomad visa from another country, the review process by the Ministry of Home Affairs will be waived and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue the visa directly.
The visa can later be converted to a work visa, or the holder can apply for an employment gold card or entrepreneur visa.
However, once the work visa is issued, the digital nomad visa will become invalid.
Foreign nationals may bring their spouses and children to live in Taiwan, but all applicants and their dependents must purchase adequate commercial insurance.