Taiwan welcomes working wanderers with digital nomad visa

Taiwan embraces digital nomads to address labor shortages and boost innovation.

Over the past decade, digital nomads have gone from a niche group to a sizable global workforce. Despite a broader shift back to office life post-COVID, the number of remote professionals living itinerant lifestyles has surged to over 40 million—up 147% since 2019—fueled by the normalization of remote work during the pandemic.

Governments are responding. From Estonia to Portugal, countries are offering specialized visas to attract remote workers not just as tourists, but as contributors to local economies. Now, Taiwan is joining the race. Known for its strong democracy, healthcare, and tech sector, the island is making a strategic push to attract global talent.

In January 2025, Taiwan launched its Digital Nomad Visa with a cautious approach. Eligible applicants from visa-exempt countries could stay for up to six months—initially three months, with the option to extend.

Eligibility for the Digital Nomad Visa hinged on financial thresholds:

• Ages 20–29: minimum annual income of US$20,000.
• Ages 30 and above: US$40,000.
• Alternatively, those who hold a digital nomad visa issued by other countries would also be eligible.

Applicants must show an average bank balance of US$10,000 over the past six months and have full health and hospitalization insurance for their stay. They also need to provide proof of remote work or freelancing, a résumé or portfolio, and a brief plan for their time in Taiwan. While some find the income requirement easy to meet, the paperwork and process remain barriers for others.

The visa’s original goal was practical—to ensure financial independence—but the short six-month stay was seen as too brief to attract experienced digital nomads used to longer residencies elsewhere.


Changing currents: from cautious pilot to bold expansion

By mid-2025, Taipei adjusted its approach. Facing market feedback and a projected shortage of 350,000 skilled workers by 2028, Executive Yuan, the executive branch of Taiwan's central government, approved changes in May. The new policy expands the talent pool, extends the visa from six months to two years, eases permanent residency applications, and strengthens labor protections—steps digital nomads welcome.

The amendments also aim to attract high-income professionals and top university graduates through additional incentives beyond the visa. Taiwan’s bold goal: 100,000 applicants in the coming years, with at least 10,000 becoming long-term residents.

International recognition

If this were just a bureaucratic tweak, it might go unnoticed. But Taiwan’s appeal is gaining international recognition. In mid-2025, data company Holafly ranked Taipei the top city worldwide for American remote workers, beating Bangkok and Prague. The ranking considered visa policies, internet speed and cost, utilities, rent, and healthcare.

Taiwan’s reputation as one of the safest places globally, designated Level 1 by the US State Department, makes it especially attractive for US professionals. Other draws include affordable housing, low utilities, reliable transport, rich culture, and renowned street food.

In a separate survey, Nomads.com named Taipei the safest city worldwide for female digital nomads, with Kaohsiung ranking seventh. European travel site Holidu crowned Taiwan the leading destination for female digital nomads “by a landslide,” citing its welcoming atmosphere, community safety, and strong legal protections for women. For a global workforce valuing both affordability and security, these honors carry significant weight.

Why Taiwan?

Foreigners choosing Taiwan often highlight factors beyond visas—especially affordable, high-quality healthcare and exceptional safety. Taipei ranks among the world’s safest cities, with very low crime rates. Taiwan’s near-universal high-speed internet is essential for remote workers.

An ex-Microsoft employee who chose to remain anonymous told TCN that Taiwan is an ideal and affordable place to learn Mandarin while working in tech and enjoying the local culture. Others interviewed for this article value Taiwan’s location as a hub for quick travel across East Asia to China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

There is a common saying among the locals, “The most beautiful scenery of Taiwan is her people,” reflecting the warm hospitality many foreigners experience. What sets Taiwan apart from competitors like Bangkok or Bali is its unique mix of modern urban life and easy access to nature—from fine dining and metro rides in Taipei to nearby mountains, beaches, and hot springs.

Beyond Taipei: regional experiments

Taiwan’s digital nomad initiative extends beyond Taipei. In Taitung, Dawu—the island’s first digital nomad village—and the coastal arts haven Dulan offer a slower pace and scenic charm. The area recently launched a Digital Nomad Demonstration Site, earning praise from local and central officials aiming to turn natural beauty into sustainable economic growth.

On the East Coast, Hualien is fostering cross-cultural entrepreneurship through MOUs with Japanese startup communities. The county has designated zones to support digital nomads and recently hosted the 2025 HSH Hackathon, highlighting innovations to boost the nomad ecosystem. In October 2025, Hualien will also host Meet Pacific, an international startup festival to attract global talent.

Further south, Kaohsiung is repositioning itself as a safe, affordable alternative, while Tainan collaborates with the National Development Council to run the Tainan Nomad Hub. Known for its rich history and cuisine, Tainan’s mayor, Huang Wei-che, actively encourages foreign professionals to settle there. Together, these cities create a diverse network of destinations catering to varied nomadic lifestyles across Taiwan.


Broader implications

Taiwan’s push to attract digital nomads isn’t without challenges. Concerns over housing prices, wages, and job competition could spark domestic resistance. The government also faces the question of whether short-term visitors will truly boost Taiwan’s innovation economy or simply send earnings abroad. Yet, the rapid policy adjustments—from extending visa durations to expanding incentives—show a surprising agility.

In today’s world, where talent moves as freely as capital, agility is key. Taiwan’s 2025 experiment is a calculated bet: by welcoming the borderless workforce, it aims to address demographic gaps and raise its global profile. For digital nomads tired of the usual hotspots, Taiwan offers a compelling blend of connectivity and community.