Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Taiwan Gold Card Explained

Taiwan is a popular destination for digital nomads for many reasons. It has fast internet and modern networks, vibrant cities and friendly people. Plus, with a three-month visa on arrival for most developed nations, it’s a great option for digital nomads looking for a more extended stay. Taiwan has a strong technology presence and is home to several innovative start-ups. The country is also known for its open culture and respect for LGBT people, minorities and women. With its excellent infrastructure and a variety of visa options, Taiwan is an ideal location for digital nomads.

Although Taiwan does not have a visa specifically for digital nomads, it does have The Taiwan Employment Gold Card, which is applicable to them.

Applying for a Taiwan Employment Gold Card (Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa) is not as difficult as it may seem. You can easily apply for the card with the proper guidance and the necessary documents. In this article, I will provide an overview of the Taiwan Employment Gold Card or Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa, the steps and documents you need to apply for the card, and all details one needs to know before starting the new digital nomad life in Taiwan.

Overview Of Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Taiwan Gold Card

The Taiwan Gold Card, also known as the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa, is a new program introduced by the Taiwan government to attract highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world. The program offers a wide range of benefits, including long-term residency, work authorization, and access to government services.

As part of the “Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professional Talent,” which went into effect in October 2017, the Taiwanese government is making a more significant effort to entice highly qualified foreign workers to work in Taiwan with the help of this initiative.

For professionals and digital nomads looking to live and work in Taiwan, the Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a game-changer. This four-in-one card, introduced in 2018, combines a resident visa, work permit, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit, permitting you to enter and exit Taiwan multiple times.

One of the biggest draws of the Taiwan Gold Card is the ability to live in Taiwan for an extended period. Cardholders can receive a multiple-entry visa for a period of up to 3 years, with the option to renew for an additional 3 years. This allows digital nomads to establish a long-term base in Taiwan and take advantage of all the country offer.

The Gold Card costs USD 100 to USD 310, depending on your nationality and the duration of the card. The application process usually takes 30 days, but if additional supporting documents are needed, it may take 50-60 days. Overall, the Taiwan Employment Gold Card is an essential tool for any digital nomad or professional looking to live and work in Taiwan.

Who Can Apply For The Digital Nomad Visa For Taiwan

People from the following industries are eligible to apply: science and technology, economy, education, culture and arts, sport, finance, law, architecture, and national defence. In some cases, special cases may also be recognized by the NDC with a consultation. When applying, be sure to select the ministry that is most relevant to your industry and, in most cases, also select a specific entry on the list of qualifications in that industry.

Benefits Of Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Taiwan Gold Card

The Taiwan Gold Card Digital Nomad Visa is a unique opportunity for employment-seeking individuals who do not need pre-confirmed hiring or employer application. If you work in Taiwan for the first time and meet certain qualifications, you may be eligible for a 50% tax exemption on annual salary income over NT$3 million for the first five years. After living in Taiwan for three years (excluding Hong Kong and Macao residents), you may apply for permanent residency.

Additionally, obtaining a Doctorate Degree in the R.O.C. counts towards one of the three years needed for permanent residency. Gold Card holders who are employed in professional work in Taiwan, or who are employers or self-employed business owners in Taiwan, and their dependent relatives, can join the National Health Insurance system immediately without waiting six months.

How To Apply For Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Taiwan Gold Card

It is not necessary to schedule an appointment with the Taiwanese embassy or consulate for the Taiwan Gold Card digital nomad visa application, as the application process can be completed online.

Even though applying Taiwan Gold Card (Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa) is a Two-Step Process, but I would describe it as Six Phased Application Process.

Registration

To begin the procedure of applying for a Gold Card in Taiwan, you must first create an account on the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform. Make sure to use your English name, which should match the name on the passport you’ll be using to enter Taiwan. Keep track of your login information when logging into the portal, as you will need to change your password every three months due to information security laws and regulations.

Fill in Your Information And Check Your Passport And Visa Status

You will need to enter your personal and passport information, and check your visa status to make sure it is not a Working Holiday Visa or Blue-Collar Worker visa, as these cannot be converted for a Gold Card. If you have one of these visas, you will need to apply from abroad or enter Taiwan on a different visa. Some designated countries may also require a sponsor in Taiwan for Gold Card applicants. When entering your information, be sure to double-check that your English name matches your passport. You can save your progress at any time and return later to make changes before submission. When ready to submit, click “Next Step” and “Send” to finalize your application.

When deciding on a Taiwan Employment Gold Card, it’s important to think about how long you need the card to be valid. There are three options: one year, two years, or three years. The cost of the card will depend on the length you choose. If you’re unsure, selecting a longer validity period might be a good idea.

When it comes to picking up your Gold Card, you will need to choose your preferred location. If you are currently in Taiwan, go to the nearest National Immigration Agency Service Center.

If you are applying from abroad, you will need to download the Resident Authorization Certificate on the Same Application Portal to enter Taiwan once your application gets approved . After arriving in Taiwan, you must collect your Gold Card within 30 days at a National Immigration Agency Service Center. So keep this information in mind while applying for Taiwan Gold Card from abroad.

Keep in mind that due to an increase in Gold Card applications due to the pandemic, the review process may take up to 60 days. If you don’t have a work address, you can leave it out during the application and review stage. You can use a Taiwan relative or friend’s resident address if you have no residence address, but you must provide a residential address within 30 days of arriving in Taiwan.

When applying for your profession, choose the industry you want to apply for and attach all relevant supporting documents. Double-check and upload all necessary files before saving your application. Once submitted, it will be difficult to change your industry and will take longer to process and review your application.

Application Details & Uploading Your Documents

To ensure the application process goes smoothly and efficiently, follow the guidelines for uploading documents.

• Upload a color copy of your passport and a color photo with a white background.
• Use the cropping tool to ensure proper sizing for the photo .

Along with these documents, attach any relevant supporting materials related to the qualifications you are applying. If any of these documents are not in English or Chinese, provide a translation in one of those languages.

Applicants from Hong Kong and Macau may need to provide copies of their resident and identity information. For documents from the Mainland area, they must be attested and examined by certain institutions or non-governmental organizations as required by the Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

Overseas ROC representative offices will verify documents from specific countries including 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.

Payment And E-mail Confirmation

Following the submission of your online application, you will receive an e-mail with a unique reference number. It is important that you keep track of this number as it may be required for any future communication regarding Taiwan Gold Card Application.

To make a payment, log in to the platform with your account and password, then go to the “Online Payment” tab. There are several payment options available, such as credit cards, E-government platform, virtual account payment, convenience store payments, and Web ATM.

After you have completed your payment, you will receive an email confirmation and your application will start being reviewed. You can check the status of your application by logging into the portal, clicking on the “Application Progress Inquiry” button, and entering your 12-digit application number. Please keep in mind that the application fee is not refundable regardless of the result of your application.

The cost of obtaining a Taiwan digital nomad visa depends on the type of passport you hold and whether you are applying within the country or abroad. Fees for a one-year validity range from NT$3,700 to NT$8,300, while fees for a two-year validity range from NT$4,700 to NT$7,300. Fees for a three-year validity range from NT$5,700 to NT$8,300. Holders of Alien Resident Certificates or other certificates functioning as an ARC can apply domestically for a one-year validity at NT$1,500, a two-year validity at NT$2,500, or a three-year validity at NT$3,500. The fees for a Gold Card extension are the same for both foreign passport holders and residents of Hong Kong or Macau, with a one-year validity at NT$1,500, a two-year validity at NT$2,500, and a three-year validity at NT$3,500.

Passport Check

When applying for a Taiwan Gold Card (Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa) from overseas, it is necessary for your passport to be inspected by the Bureau of Consular Affairs or an ROC overseas mission/office. However, this step is not mandatory if you are applying from Hong Kong or Macau.

Upon approval and successful qualification review, you will receive an email notification requesting you to bring your original passport and the Passport Submission Notice to your chosen Bureau of Consular Affairs or ROC mission/office. Once your passport has been inspected, you will receive an email confirming that your Gold Card application has been approved. The entire process typically takes around one week.

Receiving Your Gold Card

Once your Taiwan Gold Card (Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa) application has been approved, you will receive an email notification instructing you to collect your card. To do so, bring your original passport and the receipt from the application process to your designated location. Note that you must be physically present in Taiwan to collect the card yourself, or authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf. The authorized individual will need to present the passport copy and application receipt, as well as their Own ID Card.

Please note that if you are applying for your Gold Card within Taiwan then you will not need to present your Resident Authorization Certificate. However, if you are applying from abroad and will be entering Taiwan, you will need to present this certificate.

Tax Laws and Rules For Digital Nomads In Taiwan

In Taiwan, the fiscal year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st. Income tax filing and payment for the previous year are due in May. It’s important to note that for holders of the Gold Card, the amount of time spent in Taiwan can impact tax obligations.

It’s always recommended to consult with a professional for personalized tax advice, but generally speaking, If you plan to spend less than 90 days within a 12-month period in Taiwan, you will not be held liable for paying any taxes on income earned outside of the country. If you spend more than 90 days in Taiwan within a year, you may be subject to tax obligations, even if an overseas company employs you. Once you surpass 183 days, you are typically considered a tax resident and may be eligible for progressive tax rates and other benefits. As a Gold Card holder, if you are coming to Taiwan for work for the first time and your salary exceeds NTD 3 million, you may be eligible for a 50% reduction on above 3 million.

The National Taxation Bureau of Taiwan also provides professional taxation consultation services in English and Japanese, and can be reached through a Phone Call.

Taiwan as Digital Nomad Destination

Living in Taiwan as a digital nomad is a great way to experience the country’s culture and explore its many attractions. Taiwan is a small island nation with a big heart, and the people are welcoming and friendly. The country is also known for its low cost of living, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads.

The cost of living in Taiwan is relatively low, with essential groceries, public transportation, and Internet costs being quite affordable. Rent is a bit more expensive, but you can still find decent places to stay for relatively low prices. In terms of Internet speeds, Taiwan has an average of 24 Mbps, making it suitable for the work of digital nomads.

Regarding transportation, there are many options for getting around Taiwan. The MRT system is convenient and easy to use, and you can also take buses and taxis. Bicycles are a great way to get around the city, and you can also rent scooters if you want to explore rural areas.

When deciding where to stay in Taiwan, it is important to consider your budget and lifestyle. The Xinyi district is a great option for digital nomads, as it is full of cafes, co-working spaces, and numerous affordable places to stay. Other popular areas include Da’an and Nangang, which have a more relaxed atmosphere and lower living costs.

Taiwan boasts an exceptional healthcare system that is accessible to all citizens, including those with a Gold Card. By presenting your National Health Insurance (NHI) card, you and your sponsored family members can receive cost-effective, high-quality healthcare services at any location within the country.

Taiwan Gold Card Office also organize events and activities for Gold Card holders, fostering a sense of community and connection among foreign professionals in the country.

Overall, living in Taiwan as a digital nomad is a great way to experience a unique culture and explore an exciting destination. With its low cost of living, reliable Internet speeds, and efficient transportation, Taiwan is an ideal destination for those looking to travel while working remotely.

Final Words

Taiwan Gold Card also known as Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent opportunity for digital nomads looking for a new place to call home. The combination of long-term residency, work authorization, and access to government services make Taiwan an attractive destination for digital nomads. Additionally, the relatively easy application process and the affordable cost of living make it a no-brainer for digital nomads to apply for this card.

FAQs about Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa: Taiwan Gold Card