Move to Taiwan

Night markets, misty mountains and one of Asia's safest, friendliest places

Taiwan now has a real digital nomad visa: since 1 January 2026 the 6-month nomad visa can be extended up to 2 years in total. Many Western passports also get 90 days visa-free (not extendable, except UK and Canada up to 180 days). High earners and specialists can get the Employment Gold Card, a combined open work permit and residence permit.

Routes we checked
3
Digital nomad visa
Yes
Budget from
$1,300 a month
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Currency
TWD
Last checked
30 October 2026

Digital nomad visaWork permit

Ways to live in Taiwan

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Digital nomad visa Digital nomad visas →

Digital Nomad Visa

Visitor visa for remote employees and freelancers working for clients or employers outside Taiwan. Only for nationals of Taiwan's visa-exempt countries.

What you need
Annual income of at least $40,000 (age 30+) or $20,000 (age 20–29) in one of the last two years, or another country's nomad visa, plus an average bank balance of $10,000+ over the last 6 months. Remote work or client contracts, CV and full health insurance; no work for Taiwanese employers.
Income
from about $3,333 a month
Savings
about $10,000
How long
6 months, extendable with the National Immigration Agency up to 2 years in total
Renewable
Yes
Cost
Standard visitor visa fee (non-refundable)
Processing time
The National Development Council checks eligibility first, then the mission decides
How to apply
Online form, then submit at a Taiwan mission abroad; if already in Taiwan visa-free, apply at the Bureau of Consular Affairs at least 10 working days before your stay ends
Path to permanent residence
Visitor status; not a route to permanent residence on its own.

Official page

Work permit Work permits →

Employment Gold Card

4-in-1 card: open work permit, resident visa, residence permit and re-entry permit. No job offer needed; you can work for anyone, freelance or look for work.

What you need
Qualify in one field (tech, economy, finance, education, culture, etc.); the common route is an average pre-tax salary above 160,000 Taiwan dollars (about $5,000) a month in any of the last 3 years. Savings, crypto and investment income do not count.
Income
from about $5,000 a month
How long
1, 2 or 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
3,700 / 4,700 / 5,700 Taiwan dollars for 1 / 2 / 3 years (US citizens applying abroad: 7,790 / 8,790 / 9,790); extension 1,500–3,500
Processing time
About 1–3 months
How to apply
Online on the Taiwan Gold Card portal, from abroad or inside Taiwan
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
Time on the Gold Card counts towards permanent residence.

Official page

Visitor visa for employment-seeking

Visitor visa for qualified foreign professionals who come to look for a job in Taiwan.

What you need
Either recent work with an average salary of at least 47,971 Taiwan dollars a month over the last 6 months, or a degree in the last year from a top-1,500 university. At least 100,000 Taiwan dollars in funds and health insurance for the whole stay.
Income
from about $1,500 a month
Savings
about $3,100
How long
3 months, one extension of 3 months (6 months max)
Renewable
No
Cost
Visitor visa fee
How to apply
At a Taiwan overseas mission
Path to permanent residence
Only if you find a job and switch to a work-based residence permit.

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$400
One-bedroom flat$700
Two-bedroom flat$1,200
Bills$70
Typical local salary$1,400
Budget for one person$1,300

Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Taipei combines efficient city life with hot springs and hiking trails on its edges. Night markets, bubble tea and beef noodle soup are everyday staples, and the east coast and central mountains offer dramatic scenery.

Day to day

High-speed rail runs down the west coast and city metros are excellent. The national health system is efficient and affordable. Transit cards double as payment, though cash is still common. Mandarin is the main language; English is limited outside Taipei.

Trade-offs

Summers are hot and humid, with typhoons and earthquakes. Housing is often small and dated, and many services assume Mandarin.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Taiwan have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Taiwan offers: Digital Nomad Visa.

How much money do I need to live in Taiwan?

A single person can live on from about $1,300 a month. A one-bedroom flat costs about $700 a month.

How can I move to Taiwan?

The routes we have checked are: Digital nomad visa, Work permit.

When was this information checked?

The residence routes for Taiwan were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

Sources and last check

Residence routes for Taiwan were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

Other countries in East Asia