Taiwan Extends Digital Nomad Visa Validity to Two Years, Targets 100K Applicants

Siren Chen said the current six-month DNV attracted an 'unsatisfactory number of applications,' prompting the expansion.

Moustafa Daly
Cairo

Siren Chen said the current six-month DNV attracted an ‘unsatisfactory number of applications,’ prompting the expansion.

Taiwan plans to expand its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) program, allowing remote workers to stay for up to two years, up from the current six-month limit. The Cabinet approved this change as part of a broader initiative to attract global talent and address a projected shortage of 350,000 skilled workers by 2028.

Since its launch earlier this year, the DNV has allowed remote workers to stay for three months, and a single renewal extends the stay to six months. Under the new two-year option, the government aims to attract 100,000 digital nomads and retain 10,000 as long-term residents, according to Siren Chen, Group Head of Project Research and Development at Globevisa.

Chen described the move as a forward-thinking solution to Taiwan’s labor shortage, explaining that the original six-month duration was “too short for an Asian destination.”

She said the extension highlights Taiwan’s determination to “lead Asia in the competition for global talent” and position itself as a top choice for digital nomads.

Although the government has not disclosed DNV application statistics, Chen speculated that the expansion may stem from an “unsatisfactory number of applications” under the original program.

Taiwan broadens efforts to attract foreign workers

The DNV expansion is part of a larger effort to attract foreign professionals. The Cabinet approved other reforms, including changes to work experience requirements and work permit rules, aimed at making relocation easier for skilled workers.

Among the changes is waiving Taiwan’s two-year work experience requirement for graduates of the world’s top 1,000 universities. Currently, only graduates from the top 500 universities qualify for this exemption.

Moreover, graduates from the top 200 universities will be permitted to enter Taiwan without a job offer, provided they apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor before arrival. Chen said Taiwan is prioritizing professionals in technology and creative industries.

Recently, the government introduced tax incentives for foreign workers relocating to Taiwan for the first time, offering a 50% tax exemption on the portion of their annual salary exceeding NTD 3 million ($102,000) for up to five years.

To qualify, the individual must be moving to Taiwan specifically for work, become tax residents by residing in the country for more than 183 days within a calendar year, earn an annual salary above the required threshold, and must not have been a Taiwan tax resident or held household registration in the five years prior to their move.

The Cabinet-approved changes, including the DNV extension and work permit reforms, still await legislative approval, which typically involves a review and vote by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The legislative process typically involves several stages, including committee discussions, amendments, and public consultations, before proceeding to a final vote.

When it takes effect, Taiwan’s revamped DNV will add to the growing roster of nearly 60 digital nomad visas available globally. Explore the full IMI Digital Nomad Visa Guide for a detailed and comprehensive overview, complete with maps, charts, and filters to compare all the world’s DNV programs.