Articles on: Asia and the Middle East

Being a Digital Nomad in Taiwan: innovation, culture, and quality of life

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Being a Digital Nomad in Taiwan: innovation, culture, and quality of life

Picture wrapping your workday at a Taipei coworking space overlooking Taipei 101, then hopping down to a night market in Kaohsiung—or disappearing into Alishan’s misty mountains for the weekend. Taiwan is safe, welcoming, and brilliantly connected—and its Employment Gold Card makes long-term, flexible living and working possible for qualified professionals. (Gold Card Application)


What is the Employment Gold Card?

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a 4-in-1 document that combines an open work permit, resident visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and multiple-reentry permit. Holders can work for any employer (or freelance), reside, and enter/exit Taiwan freely during the card’s validity. (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法資訊專頁)

Validity: You choose 1, 2, or 3 years, with the option to extend if you still meet the criteria. (Gold Card Application)


Who reviews and issues it?

Applications are submitted online and are jointly reviewed by the National Immigration Agency (NIA), Ministry of Labor (MoL), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and—where relevant—other competent ministries (e.g., Economy, Education, Culture, Science & Technology). (Gold Card Application)


Eligibility (fields & salary route)

You apply under one professional field (e.g., Economy; Science & Technology; Digital; Education; Finance; Law; Architecture; Arts & Culture; Sports; National Defense). Each field has specific criteria (degrees, awards, experience, publications, etc.). Many applicants qualify via the salary route: at least NT$160,000/month (≈ US$5,200). (Gold Card Application)


Family & visits

Spouses and minor children can obtain residence linked to the Gold Card holder. In addition, lineal ascendants (parents, grandparents) may apply for longer family visit stays. (Gold Card Application)


Health insurance (NHI)

  • Standard rule: Foreign residents may join Taiwan’s National Health Insurance after 6 months of residence (with a short-trip allowance). (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法資訊專頁)
  • If employed/self-employed in Taiwan: Gold Card holders and their dependents can enroll directly upon employment or business registration. (Gold Card Application)


Timeline & fees

  • Processing time: A “perfect” case can be ~30 days; if additional documents are requested, expect 50–60 days. The official application page notes some cases can take over 60 business days. (Gold Card Application)
  • Fees: Typically USD $100–$310, varying by nationality, duration (1–3 years), and whether you apply in or outside Taiwan. (Gold Card Application)


Path to Permanent Residency (APRC)

Gold Card holders may later qualify for permanent residency after 5 consecutive years with ≥183 days in Taiwan per year (certain education-based waivers apply). (Gold Card Application)


Step-by-step application

  1. Check your field & criteria, and confirm you qualify. (Gold Card Application)
  2. Apply online via the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform. (COA Immigration)
  3. Upload documents (passport, photo, CV, degrees, proof of income/achievements). Field-specific checks may occur. (Gold Card Application)
  4. Pay the application fee through the portal. (Gold Card Application)
  5. Review by authorities (NIA, MoL, MOFA; other ministries as needed). (National Immigration Agency)
  6. Passport verification & card issuance (process differs if you applied outside vs. inside Taiwan). (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法資訊專頁)
  7. Arrive in Taiwan & collect the card at your selected NIA service center. (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法資訊專頁)


Why this matters for nomads


Official links (quick access)


QUESTRAVEL’s take

From our experience, precise documentation is the difference between a smooth approval and months of back-and-forth—especially for salary proofs and “achievement-based” routes. If you want a tailored strategy (what to submit, how to present it, translations, and timing), book a consultation with our team and we’ll map the fastest compliant path for your profile.


Updated on: 06/11/2025