Digital Nomad & Residency - Taiwan

A multi-entry visitor visa capped at a total two-year stay (extensions up to six months each, no departure required). Holders may not work for Taiwan-based employers or clients; only remote work for overseas principals is permitted.

Applicants must hold a passport from a visa-exempt country for Taiwan AND meet an income threshold: USD $40,000/year (age 30+) or USD $20,000/year (age 20–29) in either of the last two years, OR have previously held a digital nomad visa from another country. Applications are submitted online then to a BOCA overseas mission; processing takes 5–8 business days.

A combined work permit + residence card valid 1–3 years (applicant's choice), granting open work authorization. Primary salary route requires an average monthly salary of NTD 160,000 (~USD 5,000/month) evidenced by a foreign tax return; qualification also possible via academic credentials, awards, or demonstrated expertise across 12 professional fields. Entirely online application at goldcard.nat.gov.tw; decisions in ~30 days.

For the first three years of Gold Card residency, foreign-sourced income above NTD 3 million (~USD 96,000) is exempt from Taiwan income tax, with a 50% exemption on amounts exceeding that threshold — a significant benefit for high-earning remote workers.

Gold Card holders who reside in Taiwan for at least three consecutive years, averaging 183+ days/year, may apply for an Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC). Financial proof required: average monthly income exceeding twice the minimum wage in the prior year, or NTD 5 million in Taiwan-held assets.

The Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals underwent further revision entering into force on January 1, 2026, consolidating and updating rules for foreign specialists including the Digital Nomad Visa and Gold Card frameworks. Specific amendments include expanded field coverage and updated residency provisions.