Taiwan is set to expand its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) program, allowing remote workers to stay for up to two years instead of the current six-month maximum. The Cabinet has approved this change as part of a strategy to draw international professionals and tackle an anticipated shortfall of 350,000 skilled workers by 2028.
Since launching earlier this year, the DNV has permitted remote workers to stay initially for three months, with a one-time renewal extending the stay to six months. The planned two-year visa aims to attract 100,000 digital nomads, with the goal of retaining 10,000 as long-term residents, according IMI Daily.ย
The original six-month limit was seen as too brief for Taiwanโs position in the Asian market, prompting officials to enhance the visaโs appeal. This expansion reflects Taiwanโs ambition to compete as a leading destination for remote workers and global talent in the region.
While specific data on DNV applications has not been made public, sources suggest the extension responds to lower-than-expected interest under the existing program.
This move is part of a wider package of reforms targeting skilled foreign professionals. The Cabinet has also approved revisions to work experience requirements and work permit regulations, designed to simplify relocation for highly qualified workers.
Notably, Taiwan will waive its usual two-year work experience prerequisite for graduates from the worldโs top 1,000 universitiesโan increase from the current exemption only applying to alumni of the top 500. Additionally, graduates from the top 200 universities can enter Taiwan without a job offer if they apply for a work permit with the Ministry of Labor before arriving.
Taiwan is prioritizing talent in technology and creative sectors as part of these efforts. Recently, the government introduced tax breaks for foreign workers moving to Taiwan for the first time, offering a 50% exemption on income tax for earnings above NTD 3 million (approximately $102,000) annually, valid for up to five years.
To qualify for the tax incentive, workers must meet residency requirements and have registered in Taiwan for five years before relocating.
The legislative body, Taiwanโs Legislative Yuan, still needs to approve the Cabinetโs proposed changes through a multi-stage process involving committee reviews and public consultation before final adoption.
Once implemented, Taiwanโs expanded Digital Nomad Visa will join a growing list of nearly 60 similar programs worldwide, as more countries compete to attract remote workers.
