Taiwan digital nomad visa will be effective from January 2025
Taiwan officially announced on December 20, 2024, that the launch of its digital nomad visa will take effect in January 2025.
This initiative, which was supposed to launch in November 2024, seeks to attract digital professionals by offering more flexible visa options compared to existing short-term tourist visas. It allows foreign digital professionals to stay in Taiwan for up to six months, with ongoing discussions about extending this duration to one year.
In line with President Lai Ching-te's directives, Taiwan plans to invest NT$150 billion (approximately US$4.59 billion) annually to support innovative entrepreneurship. This investment aims to create a welcoming environment for digital nomads and foster growth in the tech and startup ecosystem.
The Taiwanese government is particularly eager to attract professionals from neighboring countries offering similar programs, such as Japan and South Korea, as well as from around the globe.
The goal is to attract 100,000 digital nomads, with an expectation that around 10,000 will choose to remain in Taiwan long-term.
Key government officials have expressed strong support for the initiative. Minister Liu Chin-ching of the National Development Council (NDC) stated:
"Taiwan ranks first in Asia for digital nomads. Our food, living conditions, and tourist attractions are all globally recognized. We believe this program will encourage many remote workers to stay permanently.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che echoed these sentiments, inviting professionals to settle in Tainan, emphasizing its cultural appeal and growing infrastructure for remote work.
While specific eligibility criteria have not yet been disclosed, it has been mentioned that visa holders will have options to transition to other permits, such as the Employment Gold Card or Entrepreneur Visa, after their initial stay.
Taiwan's Digital Nomad Visa is part of a broader strategy to address a projected workforce deficit of 350,000 by 2028. The initiative aligns with Taiwan’s efforts to attract international talent, including plans for the Global Elite Card to facilitate residency for high-earning professionals.
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