Complete Guide to Digital Nomadism in Taiwan! What advantages does Taiwan offer for digital workers? Which identities can apply for a digital nomad visa?

After Token2049, Alessandro Palombo shared about his work environment and life in Dubai, and he also wrote an article explaining why Taiwan is a "beautiful island" that digital workers should follow. The article garnered 1.68 million views, and if your frens are interested in digital nomadism in Taiwan, it would be worthwhile to refer to this article.

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Taiwan is a prosperous democratic country and a technological powerhouse.

Alessandro Palombo introduces Taiwan from a historical perspective, providing an overview of Taiwan's history as follows:

17th century Dutch and Spanish colonial rule.

Qing Dynasty rule (1683-1895).

Japanese Colonial Period (1895-1945).

In 1949, the government of the Republic of China relocated.

It's not hard to understand why it is named Ilha Formosa ( beautiful island ). Today, despite facing complex geopolitical challenges, it remains a prosperous democracy and a technological powerhouse.

15% of GDP comes from semiconductors.

90% of advanced chips in the world are manufactured here.

the world's tenth largest stock market

He mentioned that there are seven main reasons why he believes Taiwan is worth following.

Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa is now live.

One is the visa, and there are two types of visas that are very popular among foreign nationals in Taiwan. One is the Digital Nomad Visa: just launched in January 2025, it allows a maximum stay of 6 months, limited to remote work. The requirements for eligibility, in addition to being able to apply with a digital nomad visa issued by another country, vary in income thresholds based on age. You can check the relevant qualifications on the Digital Nomad Visa website.

(Plurality Taipei｜Vitalik unexpectedly appeared in Taipei! In a conversation with Minister Tang Feng, it was revealed: has obtained the Taiwan Employment Gold Card )

Another type is the Employment Gold Card, which has a validity of 1 to 3 years and can be reapplied for under certain conditions for freelancers or entrepreneurs. Eligibility depends on expertise in designated fields or a monthly income exceeding $5,600. Taiwan is dedicated to attracting global talent and focusing on key industries. For example, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin and Korean cheerleader goddess Lee Da-hye are holders of the Employment Gold Card.

( Taipei Blockchain Week officially kicks off, Mayor Chiang Wan-an emphasizes a startup-friendly environment, promoting Taiwan Employment Gold Card ).

Taiwan's tax system is very attractive to foreign professionals.

Tax incentives also make Taiwan an attractive digital work base, with a 20% corporate tax lower than Japan's 23.2% and South Korea's 22%. The progressive personal income tax ranges from 5% to 40%, and for certain foreign professionals, foreign income may be tax-exempt. Taiwan's mixed tax system makes it a potentially attractive base in Asia.

Taiwan's quality of life is among the best in the world.

When it comes to life, Alessandro Palombo has high praise for Taiwan:

Quality of life:

National Health Insurance ( ranks third in the world in efficiency )

Super safe environment ( crime rate lower than Japan )

The cost of living is 60% lower than in Singapore and 20% lower than in Japan.

He stated that many people like Taiwan because it has a safe and peaceful environment.

Taiwan's culture is rich, and its cuisine alone is worth a visit.

Cultural richness is another reason why Alessandro Palombo loves Taiwan:

9 national parks, covering about 9% of the island's area.

World-famous night market scene

The integration of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures

He bluntly said that just the food is worth a visit.

Taiwan can cover the working time zones of Australia, Asia, and Europe.

In terms of strategic location, Taiwan's working hours are basically the same as those of the major markets in Asia, and it overlaps with the working time zones of Europe and Australia. It only takes 90 minutes to reach Hong Kong, 2 hours to Shanghai, 2.5 hours to Tokyo, and 4 hours to Singapore. This convenient geographical location makes Taiwan an ideal base for conducting business activities or exploring in Asia.

Taiwan is not only a part of the technology supply chain; it is the supply chain itself.

In the technology ecosystem, Taiwan produces 90% of advanced semiconductors. The government is heavily investing in startups, such as the Asian Silicon Valley Development Plan, while also providing substantial incentives for tech companies. He described Taiwan as not just a part of the technology supply chain; it is a supply chain in itself.

Taiwan has world-class internet infrastructure.

In terms of infrastructure, Taiwan has world-class internet infrastructure with an average of 200Mbps+. The scope includes the national smart city initiative, as well as a thriving artificial intelligence and biotechnology sector. Taiwan's positioning has transcended that of a manufacturing country.

Geopolitics remains a major risk for those residing in Taiwan.

He also frankly stated that there are still many challenges to consider in Taiwan:

Language barriers can become a problem in dealing with bureaucracies and everyday life.

Outside of key developing industries, job opportunities are limited.

The median house price in Taipei and other first-tier cities is 16 times the household income.

Of course, the key challenge is the tense geopolitical situation with China. Beijing adheres to the "One China" principle and denies Taiwan's sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government insists on democracy and resists the "one country, two systems" framework. The complex situation today stems from a complicated historical context.

He believes that Taiwan is suitable for digital nomads seeking high-quality Asian bases, technology companies leveraging Taiwan's technological strength, and investors following the advantages of "Silicon Shield." In summary, Taiwan combines East Asia's efficiency with extraordinary openness and calm.

This article is a complete guide to digital nomadism in Taiwan! What advantages does Taiwan offer for digital workers? Which identities can apply for a digital nomad visa? First appeared in Chain News ABMedia.