Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Seychelles vs. Taiwan
A comparison of remote work visas for Seychelles and Taiwan.
Exploring Digital Nomad Visa Programs: Seychelles vs. Taiwan
If you're considering living the digital nomad life in Asia, two countries worth checking out are Seychelles and Taiwan. Both countries offer lucrative visa programs that make it easier for remote workers to live and work abroad. Here's a closer look at their digital nomad visa requirements:
1. Seychelles
Seychelles, a stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has a short-stay visa program called the Visitors' Workcation Permit, specially designed for digital nomads who wish to work remotely from the island nation while enjoying its picturesque landscape and other attractions.
Visitors' Workcation Permit Program
| Cost of Visa | EUR 45 |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | 30 days to up to 1 year |
| Income Requirement | Proof of work and income/subsistence |
Other Conditions or Requirements
- Rendering services/ working with local businesses and employers are not allowed
- Valid passport
- Proof of valid medical and travel insurance
- Proof of being self-employed, being a freelancer, or a business owner or proof of employment
- Proof of accommodation
2. Taiwan
Taiwan, located in Southeast Asia, has a digital nomad visa program called the Gold Card. The program is designed to attract foreign professionals to live and work in Taiwan for extended periods.
Gold Card Program
The Gold Card program aims to attract special professionals or senior professionals that have made significant contributions to their field of work or have received national recognition in one of the following professional industries:
- Science and Technology
- Economy
- Finance
- Education
- Culture and Arts
- Sports
- Law
- Architectural Design
- National Defense
- Special Cases Recognized by the NDC
The specific requirements vary based on the field of profession. For details on the requirements for specific fields, refer to the linked pages below
- Architecture - Click here
- Culture and Arts - Click here
- Economy - Click here
- Education - Click here
- Finance - Click here
- Law - Click here
- National Defense - Click here
- Science and Technology - Click here
- Sport - Click here
Gold Card Program Requirements and Benefits
| Cost of Visa | Ranges between US$122 and US$275 depending upon the applicant’s nationality |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | Up to 3 years |
| Income Requirement | For most of the fields of the EGC application, having a monthly salary of at least TWD160,000 is one of the conditions which the applicant must meet. However, it is not eligible for the following fields: education, culture, and arts, sports |
Other Conditions or Requirements
- Proof of remote work
- Visa holders employed in Taiwan can join the NHI system along with their dependents
- If the applicant spends more than 183 days in the country, he will be considered as a tax resident
- Visa holders who work in Taiwan for the first time are eligible for 50% tax deduction on their annual salary over NT$3 million for the first 5 years
- If the foreign individual qualified for immigration incentive regulation released on February 18, 2018 (Qualified for 1st time ARC with special work permit), and if the foreign individual stayed in Taiwan over 183 days within a calendar year during his qualify special work permit period, then the foreign individual may enjoy 50% tax exempt on the excess of annual wage in the amount of NTD 3 million for maximum three years during his permit valid period
- Possess no criminal record
Conclusion
Both Seychelles and Taiwan offer great visa programs for digital nomads. Seychelles is perfect for short stays, while Taiwan's Gold Card program provides a longer-term option for established professionals in certain fields. As always, it's important to do your research and understand all the requirements before choosing which country to apply to.