Taiwan Gold Card: Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa

About the Taiwan Gold Card Digital Nomad Visa

In 2018, the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professional Talent introduced the Taiwan Employment Gold Card, which functions as a work permit, resident visa, re-entry permit, and Alien Residence Certificate in one. This visa enables multiple entries and stays in Taiwan for a duration of three years.

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card stands out from other digital nomad visas as it not only permits one to work remotely but also serves as a work permit, enabling cardholders to pursue job opportunities while residing in Taiwan. Furthermore, the Gold Card acts as a residence permit, providing cardholders with a 180-day stay allowance in Taiwan.

The Taiwan Gold Card will also serve as an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), a physical ID for foreigners proving they live in Taiwan legally. In addition, the card allows unlimited entry and exit of Taiwan within the duration of the visa.

Taiwan Gold Card Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility

As long as certain qualifications are met and submitted, professionals, freelancers, and self-employed individuals are eligible for the Taiwan Gold Card digital nomad visa.

They earn at least $5,700 per month.
Their line of profession belongs under the following fields – architecture, culture and arts, economy, education, finance, law, science and technology, sports, and national defence.

Documents to Submit When Applying for the Taiwan Gold Card Digital Nomad Visa

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the mentioned qualifications, the subsequent stage involves gathering the necessary items for the visa application. The application is processed online through the Taiwan Employment Gold Card portal, meaning that it is compulsory to have digital copies of the required documents. Only PDF formats are acceptable, and image documents must have a size of 1MB.

The following is a compilation of the required papers for applying for the digital nomad visa in Taiwan – the gold card.

Passport – you need to upload a digital copy of your passport, which should be valid for at least six months from the application date.
Passport-sized photos – you need digital copies of your passport photos. The dimension should be 2 x 2 inches.
Previous Taiwanese visa or residence permit – if you have one.
Proof of employment – you need to show proof of employment. The document to submit will depend on your profession. Refer to the Taiwan Employment Gold Card website to determine what documents are required for your profession.
Proof of income – you need to prove you earn at least $5,700 monthly.

Applying for the Taiwan Gold Card Digital Nomad Visa

To apply for the Taiwan Gold Card digital nomad visa, there is no need to make an appointment with the Taiwanese embassy or consulate as the application process is done online. Access the Taiwan Employment Gold Card’s official website and use the online application portal, following these steps:

Gather the required documents – since the application is over the internet, you must have digital copies of the documents referred to above. You will upload these documents online, so you should have them ready.
Visit the website to register – before submitting your visa application online, you need to register an account on the application portal of the Taiwan Employment Gold Card website. When you register, you will be asked to provide your complete name, date of birth, and other personal details. Make sure to enter your email address correctly since this is where you will get updates on the status of your visa application. Once you have an account ID and password, you can log in and start the visa application.
Fill out the online application form – next, fill out the application form. Double-check to ensure the details are correct so as not to delay the visa application. You can save the application and come back to it later.
Upload the documents – upload the required documents after you fill out the form. Again, these will depend on the type of profession you have. Digital nomads from Hong Kong and Macau must provide proof of residence and identity.
Pay the application fees – after filling out the application form and submitting the documents, the next step is to pay the visa application fee. You will receive a 12-digit application number that you need to key in on the online payment tab when making a payment. Depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay, the visa will cost you around $100 to $310.
Wait for an email confirmation – after making a payment, check your email for the confirmation. When the payment is successful, they will start to process your application.
Submit your passport for verification – if your application has passed the assessment, you will receive an email asking you to submit your passport for verification. You must bring it to the Bureau of Consular Affairs or overseas mission/office. After that, you will receive an email informing you your gold card application is already being processed and should take about a week.
Receive the Taiwan Gold Card Visa – when your Taiwan Gold Card Visa is approved, they will inform you through email and advise you where you can claim the visa. Since you will claim the visa in Taiwan, you must first enter the country using a different visa, depending on your nationality.

Paying Taxes in Taiwan as a Digital Nomad

If a person stays in Taiwan for fewer than 90 days in a year, only the salary earned within the country will be subject to an 18% withholding tax. Since digital nomads’ income is obtained outside the country, they are not required to pay income tax. However, if digital nomads remain in the country for more than 183 days, they will be obligated to pay income tax.

If you spend more than 90 days but less than 183 days in Taiwan in a calendar year, you will have to pay a flat tax rate of 18%, irrespective of your income source. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s standard income tax rate is 20%, and corporations are subject to a flat tax of 20% too.

Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A visa for digital nomads enables you to work legally in a foreign nation for a longer period than a tourist visa and with fewer complications than a work visa.

Freelancers and digital nomads who enjoy traveling can opt for a digital nomad visa which allows them to reside in their preferred location for a duration of 6 months to 2 years with effortless renewal.

2. Why get it?

Visa and immigration are two major obstacles faced by digital nomads, as reported by many of them.

Prior to the availability of digital nomad visas, digital nomads were left with the option of obtaining a travel visa. Regrettably, a travel visa forbids tourists from engaging in work within the country and usually only grants a maximum stay of 90 days. As a result, digital nomads and freelancers who travel had to discretely complete work while pretending to be tourists.

After their travel visa expires, they need to visit the immigration office, endure prolonged waiting periods, and incur costs to extend their visa. In certain places, visa renewal is not possible, and digital nomads must resort to a workaround known as a “visa run.” This entails traveling to nearby countries for a short duration and returning to the country for a new visa stamp (although some countries prohibit this approach).

After being a digital nomad for several years, these activities will ultimately exhaust you in terms of physical, mental, and emotional exertion.

If you meet the criteria, it is recommended that you submit an application for a digital nomad visa. This visa eliminates the limitations of travel visas, extended waiting times in immigration offices, and the need for visa runs. Additionally, you have the opportunity to work in a new environment that revitalizes your productivity and creativity.

3. How to get it?

Although the processes and requirements vary from country to country, here’s a basic guideline on obtaining a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

In order to determine the prerequisites and qualifications for every country involved, you may click on the provided links located at the conclusion of this article.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

Although each country may have varying eligibility criteria, the standard prerequisites for obtaining a digital nomad visa typically encompass the following aspects.

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

The process of applying for a digital nomad visa can take up to 3-4 months and it is greatly dependent on the country you’re applying for.

Living as a Digital Nomad in Taiwan

For those considering relocating to Asia, Taiwan presents an appealing option for digital nomads. It has a reputation for being a top destination for ex-pats due to its comfortable standard of living and hassle-free adjustment. Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei, is the primary hub for digital nomads in the country, serving as a vibrant metropolis and the nexus of its culture, economy, and politics.

Taiwan’s independence status remains ambiguous. Although they have an independent government, the country is still technically part of the Republic of China. One of the things that makes Taiwan a great place for digital nomads to live is the amount of stunning nature and incredible attractions it holds. When you’re not busy working, you can explore famous sights like the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Sun Moon Lake, Lungshan Temple, and many more.

Taiwan boasts a commendable public transportation network that facilitates ease of movement within the country. Train services interconnect most of the populous cities, ensuring seamless travel regardless of the location of one’s stay. Even while in Taipei, commutation to Yangmingshan National Park or Taroko Gorge Park for trekking comes easy via train. Conversely, Kenting National Park proves to be an ideal destination for those seeking to unwind on the coast.

Taipei offers a multitude of street food stalls, so if you have a passion for cuisine, Taiwan will surely satisfy your appetite. The street food is both delicious and inexpensive, and can be readily found on almost every corner.

Taiwan boasts of having one of the swiftest internet speeds globally, making it a worthwhile destination to relocate to. With a dependable internet connection accessible in every region, remote workers can work undisturbed in the country. Taipei, and other locations in Taiwan, provide various coworking spaces equipped to cater to digital nomads. Moreover, numerous eateries and coffee shops grant complimentary internet access, presenting an array of alternatives for those looking to work outside their residence.

Although communicating with locals may pose a challenge in remote areas due to language barriers, you will find it easy in major cities like Taipei since many locals are fluent in English. Additionally, the locals are known to be exceptionally friendly and willing to assist foreigners.

If you are a digital nomad seeking all your needs in one place, Taiwan is the destination for you. Apply now for the Taiwan digital nomad visa to make your dream come true in this captivating Asian country.

FAQs on the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa

What is the fee for obtaining the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa?

The visa fee ranges from $100 to $310 depending on your duration of stay and country of origin. If your application gets declined, the fee is non-refundable, thus you cannot file for a refund.

What is the duration of my stay in Taiwan with a Digital Nomad Visa?

By obtaining the Taiwan digital nomad visa, you can reside in the country for one to three years, and after spending five years there, you may be qualified to request a permanent residency authorization.