While the exact launch date for Taiwan’s digital nomad visa is yet to be confirmed, the government has announced it will extend its validity from six months to a full year.
This move suggests that Taiwanese authorities are not only addressing their own workforce needs but also looking to position Taiwan to compete with neighboring countries in the fierce race to attract foreign talent.
There’s a structural reason behind this—by 2028, Taiwan is projected to face a massive labor shortage of 350,000 people in a country of 23.4 million, according to National Development Council (NDC) Deputy Kao Shien-quey.
To meet this demand, the country plans to fill 150,000 positions domestically and cover the remaining 200,000 with international professionals, technical workers, foreign students, and now, digital nomads.
Taiwan’s scenic regions of Hualien, Taitung, Tainan, and Pingtung are rolling out the welcome mat for digital nomads, said the head of NDC Minister Paul Liu.
Each area offers a unique lifestyle to attract different types of remote workers. For instance, Hualien and Taitung on the east coast boast stunning landscapes and subtropical beaches, ideal for those seeking peace of mind in a natural setting.
Historic Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, combines rich ancient culture with a growing tech scene, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Meanwhile, Pingtung offers visitors a more relaxed, Caribbean-like lifestyle, ideal for laid-back digital nomads.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the new digital nomad visa is that successful applicants can transition to employment or apply for a Gold Card or Entrepreneur Visa after living in the country for one year.
Launched in 2018, Taiwan’s famous “Gold Card is a 4-in-1 card that includes a resident visa, work permit, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit,” allowing holders to enter the country multiple times throughout 1 to 3 years.
This initiative reshapes how digital nomads view Taiwan by offering more opportunities for professional growth—an advantage not available in countries with stricter digital nomad visa policies.
As a global tech hub known for its advanced semiconductor industry, innovation-driven economy, and world-class hardware manufacturing, Taiwan will prioritize applicants who can contribute to its focus on innovation and creativity.
The visa was initially set to launch in November, but that date has been postponed. For now, American and EU visitors can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family matters, provided they possess a valid passport.
“If they fall in love with Taiwan, they will stay. It’s hoped that of 100,000 who come in, 10,000 will stay,” Minister Liu told reporters.
Taiwan is currently collaborating with other nearby tech-forward destinations, including Osaka and Fukuoka in Japan, in addition to South Korea, to create a more robust offering for remote workers.
Other East Asian Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas
Estonia was the first country worldwide to introduce a digital nomad visa program back in 2020, since then, over 60 countries have followed suit in the past four years, most aiming to attract high-spending professionals.
In Asia, South Korea launched its digital nomad visa program at the start of 2024, offering a one-year validity with an option for a one-year extension. Thailand went a step further, introducing the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for digital nomads in July this year, with a five-year validity.
Meanwhile, Japan launched a six-month digital nomad visa in March 2024. Notably, the city of Fukuoka on Japan’s southernmost main island recently hosted the country’s largest digital nomad event in October, featuring several international keynote speakers, including tidying consultant Marie Kondo, one of the most influential women in the world.
Other Asian countries offering visas—and in some cases, tax incentives—for digital nomads include Malaysia’s DE Rantau program, Indonesia’s ‘Second Home’ visa, and Dubai.