Language 
Currency 
No results found
Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and Application Process for 2025
All the details of the Taiwan digital nomad visa and the golden employment card as the best option to travel to the Asian destination.
Taiwan is an Asian country that has emerged on the radar of digital nomads as a potential temporary home. The Taiwan digital nomad visa is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s appeal to remote workers, boosting tourism, and strengthening economic stability.
In March 2024, Taiwan welcomed over 800,000 visitors, according to Statista, drawn by its rich culture and advanced technological infrastructure. The country provides an option called the Golden Employment Card, which, while not strictly a digital nomad visa, enables foreign professionals to live and work in Taiwan.
At Holafly, we invite you to read more about how to take advantage of the opportunity to travel to Taiwan as a digital nomad and learn more about the specific visa for nomads that is about to be introduced.
What is it and how does the digital nomad visa work in Taiwan?
Although Taiwan does not yet offer a visa for digital nomads, the government has launched a project known as the Golden Employment Card, which allows certain foreign workers, including digital nomads, to reside in Taiwan for a period of up to three years.
The future of digital nomad visas in Taiwan
The Taiwanese government announced in July 2023 that it is working on the development of a specific visa for digital nomads, similar to those that other countries in the region such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand have already implemented.
This project is in its early stages, and full details on requirements, costs or exact implementation dates have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected that this new visa will allow digital nomads to live in Taiwan for periods of up to six months, with the possibility of renewal.
Golden Employment Card: the current alternative
Until the digital nomad visa becomes a reality, the golden employment card is the best option available for those who wish to live in Taiwan while working remotely.
The golden employment card has a duration of one to three years, and is intended to allow international workers to reside in Taiwan and contribute to its economic and cultural development.
Features of the Golden Employment Card
While not strictly a digital nomad visa, the Golden Employment Card provides numerous benefits, making it an excellent choice for those looking for temporary residency in Taiwan:
| Duration of stay | Initial stay of one to three years, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and income level. |
| Remote work allowed | While the card is not intended for digital nomads, it allows you to work remotely for a company located outside of Taiwan. This makes it the closest option to a digital nomad visa in the country. |
| Minimum income requirement | $5,700 per month. This ensures that applicants can support themselves independently in Taiwan. |
| Tax benefits | Golden employment card holders working in skilled occupations are entitled to certain tax benefits, including income tax discounts. This can represent significant savings for those working in key sectors who are subject to income tax. |
Who is eligible for the golden employment card?
The golden employment card is intended for:
- Digital nomads: Professionals who work remotely for companies outside Taiwan.
- Online entrepreneurs: People who run their own business online and can demonstrate sufficient income.
- Highly qualified professionals: Those with university degrees or specific skills that contribute to Taiwan’s development, especially in areas such as technology, engineering, design, digital marketing, among others.
- International business workers: People working for foreign companies in key sectors such as technology, finance, or consulting, among others.
Can the golden employment card be extended?
The golden employment card is valid for a period of one to three years, as determined by the Taiwan Ministry of Labor.
Cardholders may apply for an extension within four months prior to the card’s expiration date.
It is important to note that while the card is initially valid for up to three years, applicants must comply with the renewal requirements set by the Taiwanese authorities.
Cost of the golden employment card
The cost of the Golden Employment Card, the best recent alternative to the digital nomad visa in Taiwan varies according to the duration of the visa requested and the nationality of the applicant.
The fee is charged in Taiwanese dollars (NT$) and are different if the applicant is a citizen of Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau, or other countries. Below are the applicable fees for different groups of applicants, according to the website of the National Immigration Agency:
| Validity | U.S. passport holders (overseas applications) | Holders of foreign passports other than U.S. passports (overseas applications) | Domestic applications of overseas nationals who entered Taiwan on visa waiver or visitor visas | Holders of Overseas Residence Certificates | For Hong Kong or Macau Residents |
| 1 year | 7,605 Taiwanese dollars or 250 dollars. | 3,700 Taiwanese dollars or 125 dollars. | 3,700 Taiwanese dollars or 125 dollars. | 1,500 Taiwanese dollars or 50 dollars. | 3,100 Taiwanese dollars or 105 dollars. |
| 2 years | 8,605 Taiwanese dollars or 285 dollars. | 4,700 Taiwanese dollars or 155 dollars. | 4,700 Taiwanese dollars or 155 dollars. | 2,500 Taiwanese dollars or 85 dollars. | 3,100 Taiwanese dollars or 105 dollars. |
| 3 years | 9,605 Taiwanese dollars or 320 dollars. | 5,700 Taiwanese dollars or 190 dollars. | 5,700 Taiwanese dollars or 190 dollars. | 3,500 Taiwanese dollars or 115 dollars. | 3,100 Taiwanese dollars or 105 dollars. |
Golden Employment Card extension fees
| Extension | Foreigners | Residents of Hong Kong or Macau |
| 1 year | 1,500 Taiwanese dollars or 50 dollars. | 800 Taiwanese dollars or 27 dollars. |
| 2 years | 2,500 Taiwanese dollars or 85 dollars. | 800 Taiwanese dollars or 27 dollars. |
| 3 years | 3,500 Taiwanese dollars or 115 dollars. | 800 Taiwanese dollars or 27 dollars. |
Please note:
- Golden Employment Card fees may be adjusted according to regulations in effect at the time of application.
- Payment is made online, and only VISA, MasterCard and JCB credit cards are accepted for payment. China UnionPay and American Express cards are not accepted.
- Once payment is completed, the application will move to the review and verification stage. If the application is approved, the corresponding card will be issued.
- No refunds: Once payment has been completed, no refunds can be made, even if the application is rejected or modified.
- Right to modify the period of validity: Despite having completed the payment, the authorities have the power to shorten the period of use of the card, as stipulated by their regulations.
General requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa in Taiwan
While not a specific Taiwan digital nomad visa, the Gold Card offers a viable solution for those remote professionals. The main requirements are as follows:
- Minimum monthly income of $5,700: This is the most important requirement and ensures that nomads have the financial ability to live in Taiwan.
- Health insurance: It is necessary to have adequate health insurance for the duration of the stay in Taiwan. This may include international or local insurance, covering basic medical care and emergencies.
- Criminal record certificate: Applicants must present a criminal record certificate from their home country, proving that they do not have any criminal record.
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment: Proof of working remotely for a company outside of Taiwan or having your own income-generating business is required.
- Language: Advanced knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is not required, although knowing the basics can be helpful for cultural integration and daily life in the country.
Documentation to apply for the digital nomad visa in Taiwan
Documentation required to apply for the golden employment card includes:
- Online application form.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Proof of income: Pay stubs, bank statements or employment contracts that demonstrate your ability to generate the minimum required income.
- Health insurance: Proof that you have adequate health insurance during your stay in Taiwan.
- Criminal record certificate: Issued by the authorities in your country of residence.
- Proof of remote employment or economic activity: Documentation showing that you are working remotely or running a freelance business.
Where to apply for the digital nomad visa in Taiwan?
The application process for the Golden Employment Card is primarily done online, through the official website of Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor. However, you can also apply in person at the country’s immigration offices or at Taiwan’s embassies and consulates if you are outside the country.
Step by step to apply for the digital nomad visa in Taiwan
Here are the steps to apply for the Gold Card in Taiwan, a very simple online process:
Step 1: Review the requirements
Meet the specific qualification criteria set by the Taiwan Ministry of Labor.
Step 2: Register on the platform
Access the official online application platform, where you will need to create an account and register. To do so, visit the following link https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/zh/application/
Step 3: Complete the online application
Once registered, you can begin to complete the online application. You must enter all the required personal and professional information, such as:
- Personal data (name, nationality, etc.).
- Information about your occupation and work experience.
- Details of the job offer (if applicable).
Step 4: Upload required documents
- Valid passport.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Proof of professional qualifications (e.g., university degrees or experience certifications).
- Criminal record, proof of income and proof of remote work.
- Other required documents.
Step 5: Pay the application fees
Once you have completed the form, you will need to pay the appropriate application fee. As explained above, the fees vary according to the duration of the visa and the nationality of the applicant.
Step 6: Application review
After payment, your application will be reviewed by the competent authorities. This process can take several weeks, at least 60 working days. During this period, the authorities will verify your eligibility and the documents submitted.
Step 7: Notification and card Issuance
If your application is approved, you will receive your Golden Employment Card. If your application is rejected, you will receive a detailed explanation of the reason and, in some cases, you may be able to file an appeal.
Step 8: Pack your bags and travel to Taiwan
Once you get your card, you can travel to Taiwan and start working remotely while enjoying life in this fascinating Asian destination.
Don’t forget to secure your connection so you can work online from Taiwan. Purchase your Holafly eSIM to enjoy fast and unlimited internet throughout your stay.
Where to receive personalized advice?
If you have questions about the Taiwan golden employment card application process or need personalized assistance, we recommend contacting the Taiwan Golden Employment Card Office.
The team at this office is available to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about the requirements, the necessary documentation and the steps to follow in the process.
You can contact them through the following channels:
- Telephone: +886 (02) 7733-7660
- E-mail: help@taiwangoldcard.tw
In addition, you can obtain more detailed information about the program and the application process by visiting the official website of the Taiwan Golden Employment Card at the following link https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/zh/application/.
Frequently asked questions about the digital nomad visa in Taiwan
It is a card that allows foreign professionals to live and work remotely in Taiwan for up to three years. It is not a digital nomad visa, but it is the closest option available.
Minimum income of $5,700 per month, adequate health insurance, criminal record certificate, proof of remote employment or self-employment.
No, you can only work for companies outside Taiwan or own your own business.
Between $125 and $320 depending on the duration and nationality.
Yes, you can apply for an extension of up to three years if you meet the requirements, within 4 months prior to its expiration.
Application is online at the official website of the National Immigration Agency, or at embassies and consulates if you are outside Taiwan.
