🇹🇼 How to Apply for the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa
Although Taiwan does not explicitly have a Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa, in February 2018, the country welcomed a new initiative called the Taiwan Employment Gold Card aimed at bringing in new skilled foreign individuals.
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card encompasses four different permits:
- A resident visa
- A work permit
- An alien resident certificate (ARC)
- A re-entry permit
This article will share the six most important steps when applying for the Taiwan Employment Gold Card.
Before you depart make sure you're covered.
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a work permit that enables digital nomads to reside in a foreign country while working remotely full-time.
It helps digital nomads remain in remote locations for extended periods, allowing them the freedom to work and explore with fewer restrictions than other visas or work permits.
As digital technology continues to evolve, digital nomad visas are becoming increasingly popular across many countries, providing digital professionals with the opportunity to live out their dreams of living and working in different places worldwide.
Requirements for the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa
To be eligible for the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa, you will need to fulfil certain conditions in one of the following categories:
- Architecture
- Culture and Arts
- Economy
- Education
- Finance
- Law
- National Defence
- Science & Technology
- Sport
You can qualify under more than one category. However, select only ONE when submitting your application form. You can take advantage of the “Gold Card Qualification Check,” which helps you to determine which criteria best suits your application. When applying, you’ll also need a valid passport and a colour photo with a white background.
Also, If you’ve previously lived and worked in Taiwan, make sure to present a copy of your visa or residence permit along with the dates you were there.
6 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
Carefully review the requirements for eligibility and gather all of your necessary documentation. To complete the process, make sure to have digital versions of your documents ready to be uploaded onto the online platform.
✔️ Step 2: Start your Online Registration by Creating an Account
Visit the Foreign Professionals Online Application Form to create an account. Log in to the portal using your credentials. Ensure that your English name and the name on your passport is exactly the same.
Also, make sure not to register your account using ProtonMail, as the National Immigration Agency will be unable to send any messages to this address.
📝 Step 3: Fill in your Information and Upload the Documents
In this step, you must select the category you wish to apply to and attach all relevant supporting documents. Once you have carefully reviewed and uploaded the files, press ‘save’ to complete the task.
Upon submission of your application, altering the category becomes a complicated process and may prolong the evaluation of your application.
Documents issued by the following countries/regions require additional verification:
- Individuals from Hong Kong and Macau must present copies of their identification documents and proof of residence when applying.
- Documents originating from mainland China must be authenticated by either governmental entities appointed or by the Executive Yuan or non-governmental organizations entrusted to do so.
- An overseas ROC representative office must verify documents originating from the countries below: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bengal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
💰 Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Upon submitting your online application, you will receive a 12-digit application number emailed to you. Once you log into your account, head to the “online payment” tab. A variety of six payment methods are available for your convenience.
The visa fees are variable depending on your nationality and duration of stay and are non-refundable. After you’ve submitted your application, a confirmation email from the platform will be sent to you.
🛂 Step 5 – Passport Check
Suppose you’re applying abroad, and your application has been approved and has passed the qualification review. In that case, your passport must be verified by the Bureau of Consular Affairs or a foreign mission/office authorized by ROC.
Bring your passport and the Passport Submission Notice when visiting a Bureau of Consular Affairs or ROC mission/office. This process might take a week. You’ll receive an email stating that your passport was approved and your Gold Card application was processed.
🇹🇼 Step 6 – Collect your Digital Nomad Visa
Upon approval, you will receive a notification via email instructing you to pick up your Gold Card. To receive your Gold Card, kindly bring the original passport and receipt to the chosen pick-up location.
Congratulations, you’re now ready for your new journey in Taiwan! 🥳
Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Taiwan's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $5,700 per month Duration of Visa One year (possible to extend two further years) Cost of Visa $230 Processing Time 30 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying 7/10 Tax Obligations Yes, when spending more than 183 days Global Peace Index Ranking 30/163
⛩️ Why Taiwan is a great place for Remote Workers
Taiwan is an ideal location for digital nomads considering a move to Southeast Asia. Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a bustling metropolis with plenty to offer in terms of culture and entertainment.
Additionally, digital nomads can use the country’s impressively rapid internet speeds and coworking spaces as they traverse the island nation.
An effective public transportation system connects almost all major cities by train, making exploring different areas easier. All these features make Taiwan an appealing destination for digital nomads.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Do you need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Taiwan. Different visas may be necessary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Can I get a visa extension on the Taiwan Gold Visa?
Yes, you can extend your Employment Gold Card by four months via the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform.
What is a Taiwan Visitor Visa?
The Taiwan Visitor Visa is a short-term visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the country for leisure or business purposes. It must be applied outside of Taiwan, and the applicant must provide documents such as their passport and proof of finances.
Is Taiwan good for digital nomads?
Yes, Taiwan is a great place to be a digital nomad, and its high quality of living and rapid internet speeds make Taiwan an attractive destination for prospective digital nomads.
How easy is it to get a Taiwan Gold Card?
With the right requirements and documents, getting a Taiwan Gold Card is relatively straightforward and can be done via the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform.