TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government is planning a new visa that enables digital nomads to stay in Taiwan for up to six months.
On Thursday (Sept. 19), the National Development Council (NDC) said it is planning to launch the “Global Elite Card” allowing foreign professionals with an annual salary of more than NT$6 million (US$187,000) to apply for foreign residence within one year. It also touched on incentives to attract digital nomads.
NDC Deputy Head Kao Shien-quey (高仙桂) explained that by 2028, Taiwan will face a labor shortage of 350,000 people, per Commercial Times. While 150,000 will come from the domestic workforce, the remaining 200,000 will be filled through international recruitment, including 120,000 foreign professionals and 80,000 technical workers.
Kao said the professional talent pool will include 60,000 professionals, 50,000 foreign students who stay in Taiwan after graduation, and 10,000 digital nomads.
As neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand are introducing policies to attract digital nomads, Kao said Taiwan will offer a "Digital Nomad Visa" for freelancers and remote workers.
The NDC said the Digital Nomad Visa will be valid for three months, with a one-time extension of three months for a total of six months. In addition, holders of this visa will have the option to transition to employment or apply for a Gold Card, or Entrepreneur Visa.
In July, National Development Council (NDC) Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) said there are an estimated 35 million digital nomads worldwide, and the NDC hopes to loosen regulations to bring them into Taiwan to work from home, per CNA. Liu said the first step could promote tourism and consumption: “If they fall in love with Taiwan, they will stay. It's hoped that of 100,000 who come in, 10,000 will stay.”
Currently, digital nomads typically enter Taiwan through visa-free entry or a tourist visa, allowing them to stay for up to three months. With other Asian countries offering similar digital nomad visas this year, Liu said Taiwan is hoping to act swiftly to attract this wave of talent.
Liu also said that the government has recently launched online ads in countries like the UK to boost awareness of the initiative. In addition, the NDC plans to collaborate with local governments to create programs combining industry, tourism, and travel-related activities to increase the attractiveness of Taiwan to digital nomads.
