Starting on January 1, 2025, Taiwan is introducing a six-month visa program for foreign digital professionals, commonly known as digital nomads, to address workforce shortages resulting from declining birth rates.
The National Development Council in Taipei announced that effective January 1, 2025, these visas aim to attract remote workers capable of performing their jobs from anywhere with a laptop. This initiative is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to bolster its tech-centric, export-reliant economy by infusing new talent into the shrinking workforce. The government has set an ambitious goal of attracting 400,000 foreign workers by 2032.
David Chang, secretary general of Crossroads—a Taipei-based non-profit advocating for digital nomadism in Taiwan’s talent acquisition strategy—praised the move: “The visa launch serves as a signal that Taiwan is officially open to digital nomads. We applaud the government for responding to global trends by adopting digital nomadism into Taiwan’s talent-acquisition strategy.”
Development Minister Liu Chin-ching highlighted Taiwan’s appeal to remote workers, stating that the country offers the “best digital-nomad environment in Asia” and has received international recognition for its living conditions, environment, and cuisine.
Other countries in Asia offering digital nomad visa
In recent years, the rise of remote work has prompted several other Asian nations to introduce digital nomad visas to attract global talent and stimulate local economies.
Indonesia
Indonesia, particularly its popular island of Bali, has long been a hub for digital nomads. In June 2022, the government announced plans for a five-year digital nomad visa aimed at attracting remote workers. This visa offers tax-free residency for those earning income from businesses or employers based outside Indonesia, making it highly appealing to professionals worldwide.
Thailand
Thailand has introduced a Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program targeting digital nomads, retirees, and high-income professionals. This visa, launched in 2022, allows remote workers to stay for up to 10 years while benefiting from reduced tax rates and access to government services. Thailand’s affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure make it a favored destination among remote professionals.
Malaysia
Malaysia has also introduced initiatives to attract remote workers. The country’s Professional Visit Pass, while not a dedicated digital nomad visa, is often used by remote workers to live and work temporarily. There have been discussions about expanding visa options to accommodate the growing digital nomad community.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Although geographically located at the crossroads of Asia and the Middle East, the UAE offers a Remote Work Visa, which allows professionals to live in Dubai or other emirates while working for companies abroad. This one-year visa provides access to the UAE\u2019s world-class infrastructure, thriving business environment, and cosmopolitan lifestyle.