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Taiwan’s National Development Council formally launched the new Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa at a ceremony held in Tainan City last 20th December.
Drawing from the implementation practices in other countries, the NDC will issue digital nomad visas on a trial basis.
Depending on the effectiveness of the pilot program, it will consider amending the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals to extend the visa’s duration.
first steps
According to NDC minister Liu Chin-ching, this is Taiwan’s initial foray into recruiting digital nomads, with Tainan being the starting point of the new programme.
Liu pointed out how Taiwan has several major advantages where drawing in digital nomads is concerned. when attracting digital nomad talent.
The minister likewise cited a 2024 report by Global Citizen Solutions wherein Taiwan ranked first in Asia and 12th globally for digital nomads thanks to its Employment Gold Card.
Liu added that Taiwan especially welcomes digital nomad talent from Japan, South Korea, and other countries within the region.
A community worth supporting
Liu pointed out that, currently, the digital nomad community numbers around 35 million globally and is projected to reach 40 million.
As these individuals possess exceptional digital skills and extensive experience, Taiwan will create a favorable environment for them in which their ideas may prosper.
That said, the Taiwanese government also plans to provide funding and investment opportunities in order to support entrepreneurship in Taiwan and encourage digital nomads to settle in the country.
Following President Lai Ching-te’s directive, the country will be allocating 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 professional and able to work remotely digitally.
This includes:
- Individuals working remotely in Taiwan.
- Those who have applied for digital nomad visas in other countries and intend to work remotely in Taiwan.
- Individuals aged 30 or above with an annual income of at least US$60,000 in the previous year, or those aged 20 to 29 with an annual income of at least US$24,000 in the previous year.
A short-term visa will be issued with an initial validity of three months. Before expiration, it can be extended once for another three months, allowing for a maximum stay of six months.
For applicants who have previously obtained digital nomad visas from other countries, the Ministry of the Interior’s review process will be waived, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will directly issue the visa.
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 a work visa is issued, the digital nomad visa will become invalid.
Foreign nationals may bring their spouses and children to stay in Taiwan, but all applicants and their dependents must purchase adequate commercial insurance.
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