Taiwan Employment Gold Card (2026)
Requirements, income thresholds, and step-by-step application guide
Visa Type
Employment Gold Card
Min. Income (USD)
$5,000/mo
Tax Residency After
183 days
Entry for US Citizens
90-day tourist + visa
What is the Taiwan Employment Gold Card?
Combines open work permit, resident visa, ARC (Alien Resident Certificate), and re-entry permit into one 1–3 year card. For digital nomads, qualification under the 'Digital Economy' category requires monthly income of TWD 160,000 (~$5,000) or recognized expertise. Apply at goldcard.nat.gov.tw.
Important note: 90-day visa-free for US citizens. Extensions are possible at the National Immigration Agency. The visa exemption allows consecutive stays as long as there is a genuine departure between them.
What are the requirements for the Taiwan digital nomad visa?
Most Taiwan digital nomad visa applications require the following documents. Requirements can change — always verify with the official Taiwan immigration authority or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Valid passport
Typically required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Proof of remote income
Bank statements or employment contracts showing at least $5,000/month in consistent remote income.
Health insurance
Valid international health insurance covering your stay in Taiwan. SafetyWing and Cigna Global are common choices.
Proof of accommodation
Lease agreement, coliving contract, or hotel reservation for initial accommodation.
Clean criminal record
Background check from your home country, often requiring an apostille and certified translation.
Application fee
Consulate application fees vary by nationality and processing location.
Does the Taiwan digital nomad visa trigger tax residency?
Tax residency in Taiwan is typically triggered after spending 183 days in a calendar year. If you stay under this threshold, you may avoid Taiwan tax residency — but you still have obligations in your home country.
183 days triggers Taiwanese tax residency. Non-residents (under 183 days) are taxed at 18% on Taiwan-sourced income only. Residents are taxed at progressive rates (5–40%) on worldwide income. Gold Card holders in specific categories may benefit from a 50% income exclusion for foreign-sourced earnings. Consult the Taiwan National Taxation Bureau.
Banking and money in Taiwan
Cathay United Bank and CTBC Bank are foreigner-accessible. Opening a local account requires an ARC (resident status). Without an ARC, international cards at 7-Eleven ATMs (Japan Post) work reliably with lower fees. Wise transfers are efficient. Taiwan is still heavily cash-based outside of major retailers.
Top cities in Taiwan for digital nomads
Taipei
Asia's most underrated nomad city — exceptional safety, night markets, and hot springs on the MRT
Tainan
Taiwan's ancient capital — the island's cultural and culinary heartland, slower and cheaper than Taipei
Check your eligibility
Our visa eligibility checker covers Taiwan and 40+ other countries — compare options side by side.
Need help with your application?
Visa requirements change fast and mistakes are costly. A qualified immigration attorney can review your application, flag issues before they become rejections, and handle filings on your behalf.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taiwan Employment Gold Card?
Combines open work permit, resident visa, ARC (Alien Resident Certificate), and re-entry permit into one 1–3 year card. For digital nomads, qualification under the 'Digital Economy' category requires monthly income of TWD 160,000 (~$5,000) or recognized expertise. Apply at goldcard.nat.gov.tw.
How much income do I need for the Taiwan digital nomad visa?
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card requires proof of at least $5,000 per month in remote income. Income proof typically includes bank statements, employment contracts, or client invoices.
Does the Taiwan digital nomad visa lead to tax residency?
In Taiwan, tax residency is typically triggered after 183 days in a calendar year. 183 days triggers Taiwanese tax residency. Non-residents (under 183 days) are taxed at 18% on Taiwan-sourced income only. Residents are taxed at progressive rates (5–40%) on worldwide income. Gold Card holders in specific categories may benefit from a 50% income exclusion for foreign-sourced earnings. Consult the Taiwan National Taxation Bureau.
Can US citizens get the Taiwan Employment Gold Card?
Yes — US citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists, and can apply for the Employment Gold Card to extend their stay legally for remote work.
Related
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, income requirements, and processing times change frequently — always verify current requirements on the official Taiwan government website or consulate before applying. Settled Nomad is not responsible for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.