Overview
The Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) issues the visa to nationals of visa-exempt countries who show either the age-banded income in one of the last two years or a digital nomad visa issued by another country, together with a bank balance averaging at least US$10,000 a month over six months. The National Development Council reviews applications.
Since 8 January 2026 the stay may be extended by the National Immigration Agency in six-month steps up to a maximum of two years, provided you have a residential address in Taiwan.
Editor's note — The visa is a visitor visa, not a resident visa: no local employment, no Alien Resident Certificate, and — per Fragomen — no sponsoring of dependants. If you want to work for a Taiwanese company, you need a Ministry of Labor work permit or the Employment Gold Card.
Who is eligible
- National of a country whose citizens enjoy visa-exempt entry to Taiwan.
- Aged 30 or over with an annual salary of at least US$40,000 in one of the last two years, or aged 20–29 with at least US$20,000 — or holder of another country's digital nomad visa.
- Bank balance averaging at least US$10,000 a month over the past six months.
- Remote work for employers or clients outside Taiwan; no local work.
- Health insurance, a work contract and a résumé.
Income & financial requirements
In one of the last two years.
In one of the last two years.
Average monthly balance over six months.
Proof of a nomad visa from another country.
BOCA lists the age-banded salary tests and the six-month average bank balance of US$10,000, evidenced with tax records, payslips or contracts and bank statements. Holders of another country's digital nomad visa can use that visa as the qualifying document instead of the salary test.
Costs & fees
- Standard visitor-visa fee per BOCA's fee schedule (varies by nationality; some nationals are fee-exempt).
- Extension fees at the National Immigration Agency for each six-month extension.
- Health insurance for the stay; Taiwan's National Health Insurance is not available to visitor-visa holders.
Taxes
Staying 183 days or more in a calendar year makes you a Taiwan tax resident; income for services performed in Taiwan is Taiwan-source even when paid abroad, with an exemption for short stays of 90 days or less. Progressive rates run from 5% to 40%. Model the calendar if you intend to use the full two years.
How to apply
Prepare the file
Application form, photos, passport (six months), work contract, résumé, income proof, six months of bank statements, insurance.
Apply abroad or in Taiwan
Outside Taiwan: through a Taiwan overseas mission, which forwards the file to the NDC. Already in Taiwan: at BOCA or a MOFA regional office at least ten working days before your current stay expires.
Decision
Typically five to eight business days; an interview may be required.
Extend in six-month steps
Apply to the National Immigration Agency before each expiry with proof of a Taiwan address, up to two years.
Duration & renewal
Six months per visa, extendable in six-month increments to a maximum of two years since January 2026. Time on the visitor visa does not count towards permanent residence.
Bringing family
The visa does not allow sponsoring dependants; family members need their own basis to stay (their own nomad visa, visitor entry or a resident visa).
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Up to two years on the island
- Lower bar for under-30s
- Recognises other countries' nomad visas
- Fast decisions
Considerations
- No dependants
- Visitor status — no ARC, no local work
- US$10,000 balance test on top of income
- Tax residence after 183 days