Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Sri Lanka vs. Taiwan
A comparison of remote work visas for Sri Lanka and Taiwan.
Comparing Digital Nomad Visa Programs: Sri Lanka vs Taiwan
Sri Lanka vs. Taiwan
Are you a digital nomad looking for a new place to call home? Sri Lanka and Taiwan both offer unique experiences that might appeal to you. Sri Lanka is an island nation located in South Asia known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and delicious food. Taiwan, on the other hand, is an East Asian country with a rich cultural history, bustling cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
Both countries have recently introduced visa programs targeted specifically towards digital nomads. Let's take a closer look at what each country has to offer.
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise with a lot to offer visitors and digital nomads alike. There are plenty of things to see and do, from exploring ancient ruins to going on safari to lounging on the beach. The people are friendly and the food is delicious, with a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences. And, with the new digital nomad visa program, it's easy to stay and work in Sri Lanka for an extended period of time.
Digital Nomad Visa Program
| Cost of Visa | Proposed: US$600 |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | Proposed: 1 Year with an option to renew |
| Income Requirement | Bank statements to prove income. Condition not disclosed yet. |
Other Conditions or Requirements
- Local employment is not allowed. The applicant must be working/ rendering services to a foreign entity.
- A special security clearance should be obtained by the individuals from Sri Lankan embassies in their respective countries.
- Proposed: Tax exemption for earnings. Condition not disclosed yet.
About Taiwan
Taiwan is a small, but vibrant island country with a lot to offer. The country has a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food, temples, and architecture. And, with modern, bustling cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, as well as stunning natural landscapes, such as Taroko Gorge, Taiwan is a great place to live and work as a digital nomad.
Gold Card
| 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 monthly salary at least TWD160,000 is one of the conditions which the applicant must meet. However, it is not eligible for following fields: • Education • Culture and Arts • Sports |
Other Conditions or Requirements
- 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 first time will be eligible for 50% tax deduction for first 5 years on their annual salary over NT$3 million
- 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
- Visa holders employed in Taiwan can join the NHI system along with their dependents
- Special professionals or senior professional that have made certain special contributions to their field of work or have received national recognition in one of the following professional industries: 1. Science and Technology 2. Economy 3. Finance 4. Education 5. Culture and Arts 6. Sports 7. Law 8. Architectural Design 9. National Defense 10. Special Cases Recognized by the NDC, Standard Requirements vary basis the field of profession.
- For the field of Architecture, click here.
- For the field of Culture and Arts, click here.
- For the field of Economy, click here.
- For the field of Education, click here.
- For the field of Finance, click here.
- For the field of Law, click here.
- For the field of National Defense, click here.
- For the field of Science and Technology, click here.
- For the field of Sport, click here.
Choosing between Sri Lanka and Taiwan
Choosing between Sri Lanka and Taiwan as your digital nomad destination will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of work you do, your income level, and your personal preferences. Sri Lanka has a lower cost of living and a relaxed, tropical lifestyle, making it a good choice for those looking for a slower-paced lifestyle. However, it's important to note that many of the conditions of the digital nomad visa have not been disclosed yet, so it's important to stay informed. Taiwan, on the other hand, has a higher cost of living, but it also has a more developed infrastructure and a thriving start-up culture, making it a good choice for those working in the tech industry. It's also worth considering the duration of your stay, as the Gold Card in Taiwan offers a longer length of stay compared to Sri Lanka's proposed digital nomad visa. Regardless of which country you choose, both Sri Lanka and Taiwan offer unique cultural experiences, friendly locals, and plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration.