Taiwan Digital
Nomad Visa Guide
If you’re a remote engineer, designer, or freelancer who wants to live in Taiwan for 6 months to 2 years, this guide walks you through the whole process — from confirming your eligibility and gathering documents to filing the application.
Who can apply?
You qualify if you meet any one of the following; applicants must also be nationals of a country eligible for visa-exempt entry to Taiwan.
Annual income in either of the last two years (approx. NT$640,000)
Annual income in either of the last two years (approx. NT$1,280,000)
Previously granted a digital nomad visa by another country; no income proof required
Consider these alternatives; eligibility and conditions for each visa follow the responsible authority’s announcements.
No nationality restriction, valid 1–3 years, higher bar but the most freedom
Stay 14–90 days (by nationality), good for a scouting trip first
Taiwan has agreements with 17 countries incl. Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ, Canada; valid up to 1 year
How long can you stay?
Each extension is 6 months, with multiple extensions allowed, up to a cumulative maximum of 2 years. After 2 years there is currently no renewal mechanism; if you decide to settle longer, you can apply to change your status during your stay.
What documents do you need?
Income tax proof and proof of savings take longest; we recommend starting 3–4 months before departure.
Subscribe to the TDNA newsletter and we’ll email you the Eligibility Self-Check and the Document Checklist.
Subscribe to get the checklist-
01Visa application formFill out on the official platform, print the barcoded version, and sign it; must be submitted within 30 days of filling it out
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02Personal photos2-inch color, white background, taken within 6 months, 2 copies
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03Passport (original + copy)Valid at least 6 months with blank pages; copy the photo/bio data page
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04Proof of workResume or portfolio, a valid employment contract or client contracts, and a statement of your stay plan in Taiwan
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05Proof of eligibilityIncome tax proof (e.g., US W-2, UK P60) or a salary certificate from your company; or another country’s nomad-visa issuance certificate
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06Proof of savingsLast 6 months of records, monthly average balance of USD 10,000 or more
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07International health insuranceCovering medical and hospitalization during your stay in Taiwan
Applicants in Taiwan also need a copy of the visa page and entry page from their most recent entry to Taiwan. If you entered visa-exempt, only the entry page copy is needed.
Application process
The path splits in two depending on where you are now.
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1Prepare all paper documents
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2File at an ROC overseas mission
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3NDC eligibility review
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4Once approved, return to the mission for visa processing
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5Collect your visa and enter Taiwan
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1Apply 10 working days before your stay expires
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2File at the Bureau of Consular Affairs or a regional office
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3NDC eligibility review
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4Once approved, return to the Bureau to collect your visa
Start on tax and savings proof (the two slowest documents)
File at the overseas mission (Path A)
Decide whether to switch visas locally and leave time for review (Path B)
Do you actually owe tax in Taiwan?
The key is how many days you stay in Taiwan. This section describes common situations only and is not tax advice; anyone planning to stay more than 90 days should consult the responsible authority before departure.
Generally taxed only on ROC-sourced income; overseas income paid by an overseas employer is usually outside Taiwan’s tax scope, but consult on individual cases.
Earnings from services provided while in Taiwan, if deemed domestic-sourced, must be reported in Taiwan.
You become a Taiwan tax resident under the Income Tax Act and must report worldwide income on the Taiwan individual income tax return (progressive 5%–40%).
Is the nomad visa really your best option?
If your income is higher, or you might work for a Taiwanese company down the line, look at this comparison table first.
| Digital Nomad Visa | Employment Gold Card | Regular work visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Remote workers (serving overseas employers) | Highly specialized professionals | Foreign employees hired by a Taiwanese employer |
| Who you serve in Taiwan | Overseas companies or clients | Any employer (open) | A specific Taiwanese company |
| Validity | Up to 2 years (from 6 months, extendable) | 1–3 years | Per the employment contract |
| Threshold | Annual income USD 20,000–40,000 (by age) | Varies by field, usually higher | Per the role, no fixed threshold |
| Employer sponsorship | No Taiwanese sponsor needed | No specific sponsor needed | Requires a Taiwanese employer |
| Best for | Remote workers living in Taiwan with overseas work | Top-tier talent wanting to work for multiple Taiwan firms | Foreign employees committed to a specific Taiwan company |
Three things you’ll deal with after arriving
Getting the visa is just the start. These are the three practical questions nomads ask most after landing.
Taiwan has high 4G/5G coverage and relatively cheap plans. With your passport you can get a prepaid SIM at a telecom store, with large-data plans around NT$400–800/month.
For short stays, look for 1–3 month options; a studio in central Taipei runs about NT$15,000–30,000/month, with more and cheaper choices in Taichung, Tainan, Hualien, and beyond.
Taiwan Digital Fest, Taiwan Digital Nomads Hub in-person meetups, and TDNA Friendly-Mark spaces are the fastest way to settle in locally.
