Why Digital Nomads Should Consider Living in Taiwan

Digital nomads interested in living in Asia should consider Taiwan, which offers a visa that allows digital nomads and remote employees to live in Taiwan for up to three years. Unlike other programs, this program will enable you to work as a freelancer, work remotely for a company inside and outside of Taiwan or start your own business in Taiwan. Taiwan is one of few countries in Asia that offers a flexible visa that accommodates remote employees, digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Taiwan is an attractive destination for expats for a variety of reasons as the country is culturally rich, the cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of natural attractions in the country. Finally, this program allows you to initially apply for a three-year visa, instead of just a one-year visa, if you are set on staying in Taiwan long term.

Kaohsiung is an amazing place in Taiwan to visit with your digital nomad visa

EMPLOYMENT GOLD CARD VISA OVERVIEW

Taiwan has an Employment Gold Card Visa, which digital nomads can also take advantage of to live in Taiwan and work remotely for companies. This visa was created in 2018. Although it was not designed with digital nomads in mind, it offers the same and even more benefits to digital nomads who choose Taiwan over other global destinations. This visa can also serve as an open work permit, which can allow you to work for any company inside and outside of Taiwan for up to three years. Moreover, you can even use this visa to start your own business in Taiwan. Another benefit of this visa is that you can bring your family members. Taiwan has issued over 5,000 of these visas since 2018 to people from 85 different countries.

Professionals from the following eight industries are eligible to apply: architecture, arts and culture, economics, education, finance, science and technology, law, sports, and national defence. You can quickly enter your educational and professional credentials online to see if you are eligible to apply. You will also need to meet the minimum income requirements to apply. The current income requirement is 160,000 NTD, which is around$5,048 USD/month.

Related content: What Is A Digital Nomad Visa And How Can You Get One?

You can find anything at the famous market in Raohe Street

WHY TAIWAN?

Taiwan is one of few countries in Asia that has created a visa that supports digital nomads, although countries like Indonesia will be employing one soon. Taiwan is a very comfortable and relatively affordable place for expats to live, and it has plenty of natural attractions to explore, including mountains and beaches. Taiwan is also a very culturally rich country, and long-term residents can attend famous events like the Zhongyuan Festival and Dragon Boat Festivals and visit some of the 15,000 temples in the country. Major cities such as Taipei are very modern and multicultural. Taiwan also has excellent healthcare facilities, which even attract medical tourists, and it also has excellent schools for your children if they come with you.

Taiwan is a relatively affordable place to live, and you should have no problem living there if you meet the minimum income requirements. Taiwan’s minimum wage is around $650 USD/month, while the average salary in Taipei, the country’s largest city, is $1,430 USD. Taiwan also has high-speed and reliable internet, and it had the world’s fastest internet at one point. Furthermore, major cities like Taipei have plenty of coworking spaces if you want to work outside your apartment.

Taiwan is also a very safe country and was recently ranked as the 4th safest country in Asia, ahead of destinations like Vietnam and Indonesia. Crime is relatively rare, and the country is politically stable. One of the applicants' most significant concerns is the political situation, given that tensions between Taiwan and China have been rising. This is one situation to monitor if you are considering Taiwan in the coming years.

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

Jiufen, Taiwan

HOW TO APPLY

If you checked the criteria online and want to apply for this visa, you can complete the application online and wait to hear back.

You need to submit the following documents:

• Copy of your passport.
• Passport photos.
• Previous information about your employment/residency in Taiwan, if applicable.
• Documentation supporting your previous employment and income to show that you meet the income requirements.
• Information about your areas of expertise (employment and education).
• Other information requested on the online portal.

Once you have successfully applied online, you will receive an email confirmation and be asked to submit the application fee payment. After this, you will hear back between 4 to 6 weeks, and you can check in periodically on the online portal to see any updates. Around 60% of applicants receive approval. The fee for this visa depends on which country you are from and how long you want to stay in Taiwan. The visa cost can be anywhere between $110-300 USD, depending on if you wish to stay for 1-3 years. In most cases, it is better to choose three years, as you can change from a digital nomad to an employee for a local company if you decide to do so. Some people may find they can be digital nomads and work for a local company as contractors.

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads

FINAL THOUGHTS

Many unique factors about this visa program will make it a superior option for digital nomads interested in Asia and meet the income requirements. While many digital nomad visas restrict you from working for or performing services for local companies, this visa allows you to pursue whichever route meets your professional goals. You also have the freedom to change companies during the three-year period, which is an added bonus. Taiwan is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful country that many tourists skip when they travel to Asia.

Living in Taiwan could also be professionally rewarding for your career or business, as it would allow you to network in the region. If you are interested in this program, it is straightforward to enter your credentials on the website to see if you are eligible based on your income, industry experience, work experience, and educational background.