(Central News Agency, Reporter Pan Tzu-Yu, Taipei, 6th)
To attract global talent to Taiwan, the National Development Council (NDC) has introduced the “Digital Nomad Visa,” set to launch officially in January 2025. Applicants can qualify if they meet at least one of the following three criteria: having previously obtained a digital nomad visa from another country, being between 20 and 30 years old with an annual income of at least USD 20,000 (approximately NTD 650,000) in the past two years, or being over 30 years old with an annual income of at least USD 40,000 (approximately NTD 1.31 million) in the past two years.
Source: Central News Agency (CNA)
The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, making remote work increasingly common. In recent years, the global rise of “digital nomads” has caught the attention of the NDC, which aims to attract this talent pool to Taiwan.
NDC Minister Kung-Ching Liu previously stated that there are an estimated 35 million digital nomads worldwide. By easing visa regulations, Taiwan can encourage them to work remotely from the island, boosting tourism and consumption in the first phase. If they fall in love with Taiwan, they may decide to stay. The government hopes that out of every 100,000 digital nomads who enter Taiwan, at least 10,000 will choose to remain.
As a result, after discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the NDC launched the “Digital Nomad Visa,” which extends the stay period to a “3+3” model, allowing a maximum stay of six months without requiring an exit from Taiwan. The policy will take effect in January 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for the Digital Nomad Visa
According to the “Review Guidelines for Foreigners Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Taiwan,” foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry who engage in remote digital work and do not provide services for Taiwanese businesses or employers can apply if they meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Previous Digital Nomad Visa Holder – The applicant has been issued a digital nomad visa from another country and can provide proof.
- Age 30+ with Income Criteria – The applicant is at least 30 years old and has earned an annual income of at least USD 40,000 (approximately NTD 1.31 million) in either of the past two years.
- Age 20-29 with Income Criteria – The applicant is between 20 and 30 years old and has earned an annual income of at least USD 20,000 (approximately NTD 650,000) in either of the past two years.
The NDC added that applicants must submit proof of remote digital work, supporting documents meeting the above income conditions, a completed Republic of China (Taiwan) visa application form, and a valid foreign passport with at least six months of validity. Applications can be submitted through MOFA or Taiwan’s overseas representative offices. Further details can be found in the MOFA’s “Guide to Applying for a Digital Nomad Stay Visa for Foreign Nationals.”
Taiwan’s First Digital Nomad-Friendly City: Tainan
The NDC is currently working with local governments, and in December 2024, it announced Tainan as Taiwan’s first officially recognized digital nomad-friendly city.
As the launch site for the digital nomad initiative, Tainan was chosen for its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences, its reputation as Taiwan’s “food capital,” and its many cultural and natural attractions, such as the Confucius Temple, Anping Fort, and Sicao Green Tunnel. Additionally, Tainan boasts well-established smart city infrastructure, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a high-quality work-life balance.
Beyond Tainan, Taitung is also being considered as a digital nomad-friendly location. With its stunning coastline and excellent surfing conditions, Taitung has long been a favorite among international travelers. The NDC revealed that Taitung will soon join the ranks as a partner city in Taiwan’s digital nomad initiative.