Taiwan Is Launching a Digital Nomad Visa Soon

(SPOT.ph) Following the sudden influx of remote workers worldwide, another country is looking to make their entry policies more appealing to digital nomads.

Taiwan, the land of xiao long bao and bubble tea, joins the growing list of Asian destinations opening their doors to remote workers. Last we heard, talks are in place for Taiwan's very own Digital Nomad Visa. Here's what we know so far about this new policy that might see freelancers typing away in Taiwan's cozy countryside cafes or in holes in the wall in bustling Taipei.

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Here's what we know so far about Taiwan's Digital Nomad Visa:

Though nothing is set in stone yet, Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC) is looking into making this a reality sooner rather than later. 

As reported by Taipei Times, NDC Minister Paul Liu announced that Taiwan is planning to issue “digital nomad” visas for up to six months to attract global talent.

"The goal is to bring 120,000 foreign talents into Taiwan by 2028, which is expected to consist of 60,000 international professionals, 50,000 foreign and overseas compatriot students, and 10,000 digital nomads," Liu said. 

Under the NDC's recommendation, holders of the digital nomad visa can stay for three months and apply for an extension of another three months, making their total length of stay up to half a year.

Currently, Filipino digital nomads usually enter Taiwan under the visa-free policy, which allows Filipinos to stay in the island nation for 14 days while, those looking to make Taiwan their home base for longer can do so under a tourist visa for three months.

As of writing, no formal procedure nor list of requirements to apply for this visa scheme has been released but it looks like we don't have to wait too long for more news about Taiwan's Digital Nomad visa. According to Liu, all they are waiting for is the go signal from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the new policy will not require any amendments to Taiwan's current legislation. Once they sign the policy, tourists worldwide can start working from Taiwan's different regions and towns.

Aside from a Digital Nomad Visa, Taiwan is also looking to revise its Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. The revisions aim to make the policy closer to Japan's Global Elite Visa, which allows foreign professionals with a minimum annual salary of at least NT$6 million (P10.8 million) to be granted permanent residence at least one year after they arrive in Taiwan.

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