Taiwan’s New Global Elite Card Offers One-Year Path to Permanent Residency

Taiwan has announced plans to introduce a Global Elite Card and a Digital Nomad Visa to address its looming labor shortage.

The National Development Council (NDC) projects a workforce deficit of 350,000 by 2028. To mitigate this shortfall, Taiwan seeks to recruit 200,000 international workers, including 120,000 foreign professionals and 80,000 technical workers.

NDC Deputy Head Kao Shien-quey unveiled the Global Elite Card, which is open to foreign professionals earning over NT$6 million (US$187,000) annually.

This card expedites the path to permanent residency to one year, significantly improving upon the current three-year requirement for Gold Card holders.

Global Elite Card benefits extend beyond the cardholder. The government will grant work permits to spouses and allow dependent relatives to enjoy unrestricted stays. Kao emphasized that Global Elite Card holders’ spouses will have access to “citizen-like” benefits, including “social welfare, disability services, and long-term care.”

Taiwan also plans to launch a Digital Nomad Visa to complement the Global Elite Card. This visa will enable freelancers and remote workers to stay in Taiwan for up to six months.

NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching estimates a global digital nomad population of 35 million, presenting a substantial talent pool for Taiwan to tap into.

IMI Pro Members can check IMI’s Complete Digital Nomad Visa Guide to explore and compare over 45 different DNVs throughout the world.

Liu expressed optimism about the potential impact of the Digital Nomad Visa, noting: “If they [digital nomads] fall in love with Taiwan, they will stay. It’s hoped that of 100,000 who come in, 10,000 will stay.” Liu, though, did not explain how or if Digital Nomad Visa holders could switch to a long-term residency permit.

The government has established the Talent Taiwan Center to create a welcoming environment for international talent. Hsieh Chia-i, director of the NDC’s Human Resources Development Department, explained that the center will provide “tailored, one-stop services based on individual needs” and plans to expand its presence nationwide.

The government has yet to disclose the specific eligibility parameters or application processes for the Global Elite Card or the Digital Nomad Visa.

To implement these new visa initiatives, Taiwan’s government must amend existing immigration laws, a process requiring legislative approval. Kao plans to finalize the proposal soon and submit it to the Legislative Yuan in its upcoming session, beginning Friday.

This legislative process will allow lawmakers to thoroughly vet and debate the new policies before changing current laws.

Taiwan’s initiatives mirror similar efforts by neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand to attract digital nomads and high-skilled professionals.

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