【Digital Nomad Guide - Taiwan Edition】Which City Suits You? Comparison of 8 Taiwanese Cities + Tax and Visa Cheat Sheet

Hey there, future digital nomads! If you’re dreaming of working remotely while soaking in the culture and beauty of Taiwan, you’re in for a treat. Taiwan is not only budget-friendly but also packed with attractions and mouth-watering cuisine, making it a top choice for digital nomads. While Taipei often steals the spotlight, there are plenty of other cities across Taiwan that are just as perfect for remote work. We’ve put together a guide to 8 fantastic Taiwanese cities that are ideal for your digital nomad lifestyle, complete with all the visa and tax info you’ll need to get started!

Exciting news for digital nomads! Taiwan now has a special visa just for you. To get started, you need to be from a country that’s on the visa-exempt list. You’ll also need to meet certain income and savings criteria from the past years and fill out the online visa application. For all the nitty-gritty details, check out the official guide for the Digital Nomad Stay Visa.

Here’s what you’ll need to show:

• Proof that you’ve been granted a Digital Nomad visa from another country before, with the necessary documentation.
• If you’re over 30, you need to have earned at least $40,000 annually in one of the last two years.
• If you’re between 20 and 30, you need to have earned at least $20,000 annually in one of the last two years.

Additionally, you’ll need to show proof of regular savings over the last six months, with an average monthly balance of at least $10,000.

The Employment Gold Card is your all-in-one ticket to working and living in Taiwan. This unique document serves as a "work permit," "residence visa," "alien residence certificate," and "re-entry permit" rolled into one. If you're a skilled professional from Hong Kong, Macau, or any foreign country (excluding Mainland China), you can apply. With this card, you're free to seek out job opportunities, start new positions, and switch roles throughout its validity. Plus, you'll enjoy perks like income tax reductions, direct access to health insurance, and residency for your spouse and children.

To apply, your job must be in one of the ten specified categories, and you'll need to meet the income or achievement criteria for your field. Once you're approved, you can stay in Taiwan for 1 to 3 years, depending on your choice at the time of application, and reapply when your card expires. For more details, check out the Employment Guidelines for Foreigners in Taiwan:

• Architectural Design
• Cultural Arts
• Digital
• Economics
• Education
• Finance
• Law
• National Defense
• Technology
• Specialized Sports Skills

Thinking about how long to stay in Taiwan? Your duration of stay will determine whether you're a resident or non-resident, which in turn affects your taxes. It's essential to consider these tax implications when planning your stay!

Residents:

• If you stay in Taiwan for more than 183 days in a year, you're considered a resident.
• As a resident, you'll be taxed on your income from all around the world.

Non-residents:

• Staying for less than 183 days? You'll still be taxed on your worldwide income.
• If you're there for less than 90 days, you'll only be taxed on the income you earn in Taiwan.
• Plus, there's no need to file a final tax return for income sourced from Taiwan.

Every year, from May 1 to May 31, it's time to declare your income taxes. If you're planning to leave Taiwan during this period and won't be back before the end of May, make sure to file your taxes before you go. Here are the tax brackets for 2025, listed in New Taiwan Dollars:

• Up to 590,000: 5%
• 590,001 - 1,330,000: 12%
• 1,330,001 - 2,660,000: 20%
• 2,660,001 - 4,980,000: 30%
• Over 4,980,000: 40%

When it comes to deductions, apart from the standard "exemption" and "standard deduction," there are special deductions based on your personal circumstances:

• Exemption (under 70 years old): 97,000
• Standard Deduction (single): 131,000
• Special Deductions
  • Special Deduction for Salary Income
  • Special Deduction for Savings and Investments
  • Special Deduction for Disabilities
  • Special Deduction for Education Expenses
  • Special Deduction for Preschool Children
  • Special Deduction for Long-term Care
  • Special Deduction for Housing Rent: 180,000
• Donation Deductions

Hey digital nomads, here's a heads-up: your foreign income might be taxable too! But don't worry, if it doesn't hit the threshold, you might be off the hook.

Resident Reporting Requirements:

• You need to include your global income in your calculations
• You might be eligible to apply for foreign tax credits

Threshold for Overseas Income:

• If your income is below 1 million, you don't need to report it
• Anything over that needs to be included in your comprehensive income tax

Double Taxation Agreements:

• Look into whether there's a tax treaty that applies to you
• You can apply to avoid being taxed twice

When it comes to opening a bank account in Taiwan, having both your passport and a residence permit will make the process a breeze. Here are three banks that I think are great options:

A Quick Look at the Top Banks:

• E.SUN Bank: Very welcoming to foreigners
• Cathay United Bank: Great English support
• China Trust: Fantastic online banking features

Documents You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Residence Permit/Unified ID Number
• Entry Certificate
• Local Contact Number
• Proof of Residence

A Few Things to Remember:

• Book an appointment ahead of time
• Bring multiple copies of your documents
• Ask about online banking and international remittance services

Taiwan boasts a world-class health insurance system that's both affordable and accessible, ensuring you get the medical care you need without breaking the bank. But to enjoy these perks, you need to meet certain criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Who Can Enroll:

• You must have a residence permit for at least 6 months
• If you’ve got a job with a Taiwanese company, you’re in luck—your coverage kicks in from day one

How to Sign Up:

• Head to your local government office with your residence permit
• Fill out the enrollment form
• Pay your health insurance premium

What It Costs:

• The standard premium is around NT$826 per month
• If you have dependents, expect to pay a bit more
• You can also prepay for 6 months if that suits you better

If these criteria seem a bit too strict, travel insurance is another option. Just remember, even with annual travel insurance, there are usually limits on how many days you can be away. For instance, most Hong Kong insurers cover up to 90 days per trip, meaning you’d need to return to Hong Kong every 90 days. It’s cheaper though, with annual plans from Allianz costing around HK$1,138, AXA about HK$1,039, and Starr roughly HK$1,050.

For digital nomads, there are now specialized insurance plans that let you choose your destinations and travel days. While these options can be pricier, they offer more flexibility. Check out providers like World Nomads and Safety Wing to find the best fit for your travel lifestyle.

If you're planning to dive deep into the heart of various cities, hopping between vacation rentals or hotels can be an exciting way to experience different vibes. However, if you're looking to settle in and truly get to know one place, renting a home directly might save you some money. Here's a rundown of rental prices in different cities, but first, let's cover the basics you need to know before signing a lease:

Confirm Before Signing:

• Verify the landlord's ID
• Check property ownership documents
• Inspect the actual usable space
• Ensure rights to use common facilities

Essential Contract Clauses:

• Lease duration and rent amount
• Deposit terms
• Cost-sharing details
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Conditions for early termination

Welcome to Taipei, Taiwan's bustling capital and a digital nomad's paradise! This city is teeming with cutting-edge tech infrastructure, making it a breeze to find the perfect cafe or co-working space to get your work done. If you're looking for the best neighborhoods, you can't go wrong with Xinyi, Songshan, and Da'an. These areas are not just business hubs but also offer fantastic lifestyle and entertainment options. Co-working spaces like WeWork and CLBC are popular choices, with fees starting at TWD 4,000 per month. Taipei is also incredibly welcoming to internationals, with English widely spoken, making it an ideal spot for first-time visitors to Taiwan.

• Internet Facilities: Comprehensive 4G/5G coverage, free WiFi everywhere
• Average Monthly Rent: Starting at TWD 12,000 for a studio apartment
• Co-working Spaces: More than 50 options available

Welcome to Taichung, the cultural and creative heart of central Taiwan! If you're looking for a city with a laid-back vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of Taipei, this is the place for you. Taichung is known for its well-developed infrastructure, especially in the Qiji and Xitun districts. Here, you'll find plenty of modern office buildings and co-working spaces, all at about half the rental cost of Taipei. The city offers a unique blend of urban conveniences and natural beauty, letting you breathe in fresh air from its green corridors while enjoying city life. Plus, the café culture here is booming, making it easy to find a cozy spot to work.

• Internet Facilities: Widespread fiber optic networks
• Average Monthly Rent: Starting from 8,000 TWD for a single suite
• Features: Rich cultural and creative atmosphere

Nestled in the southern part of Taiwan, Kaohsiung is the island's largest city in the region, known for its pleasant subtropical climate and laid-back vibe. If you're visiting, don't miss out on the Pier-2 Art Center and the Asia New Bay Area, where you'll find a plethora of emerging creative parks and shared spaces. Thanks to its affordable cost of living and excellent infrastructure, Kaohsiung is a haven for budget-savvy digital nomads. Sea-view apartments in the port area are especially sought after.

• Internet Facilities: Major areas are covered with 5G
• Average Monthly Rent: Single suites start at 6,000 TWD
• Transportation: Easy-to-navigate metro system

Welcome to Hsinchu, Taiwan's very own tech haven! This city is renowned for its cutting-edge digital infrastructure, making it a prime spot for tech enthusiasts. Around the bustling science park, you'll find plenty of office spaces and top-notch internet connectivity. It's a magnet for tech professionals, so you'll have no trouble meeting like-minded individuals. While Hsinchu might not offer the same level of amenities as Taipei, it makes up for it with more affordable rent and a much quieter environment.

• Internet Facilities: Super-fast fiber optic internet
• Average Monthly Rent: Starting at 9,000 TWD for a cozy studio
• Features: Vibrant tech scene

Tainan, an ancient city brimming with cultural charm, has seen a burst of creative spaces popping up in recent years. The West Central District, in particular, is a must-visit for its beautifully revamped shared spaces that let you work amidst rich history. The cost of living here is quite reasonable, and with a plethora of culinary delights to explore, it's an ideal spot for remote workers looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.

• Internet Facilities: Excellent coverage throughout the city
• Average Monthly Rent: Starting at 6,000 NTD for a single suite
• Features: Rich cultural heritage

Nestled on Taiwan's eastern coast, Hualien is a dream destination for those looking to settle down for a while. The region is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a haven for nature lovers. While you won't find a plethora of shared spaces, Hualien is dotted with charming cafes that are perfect for getting some work done. It's an ideal spot for digital nomads who crave a blend of work and play, with plenty of opportunities for surfing, hiking, and simply soaking in the relaxed vibe.

• Internet Facilities: Reliable internet in the city center
• Average Monthly Rent: Starting at 7,000 TWD for a single suite
• Highlights: Gorgeous natural scenery

Taoyuan is where you'll find the bustling Taoyuan International Airport, making it an incredibly convenient spot, especially for those remote workers who are always on the go. The districts of Zhongli and Taoyuan have modern co-working spaces, and the rental prices here are much more budget-friendly compared to Taipei. Plus, if you ever need to pop into Taipei, it's just a quick 40-minute train ride away. The up-and-coming neighborhoods of Guishan and Linkou are also great places to consider for settling down.

• Internet Facilities: The newer areas have top-notch network quality
• Average Monthly Rent: Starts at NT$8,000 for a single room
• Advantages: Close to the airport and offers affordable housing

In the past few years, the cities of Luodong and Yilan have blossomed into cultural and creative hubs, offering a delightful mix of shared spaces and unique accommodations. This region effortlessly blends the convenience of urban living with the peace of rural life, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate hot springs and a laid-back pace. On weekends, you can enjoy exciting outdoor activities like whale watching around Guishan Island.

• Internet Facilities: Excellent coverage in urban areas
• Average Monthly Rent: Starts at 7,000 TWD for a single suite
• Features: Plenty of hot springs and natural resources

Taiwan is a fantastic destination for digital nomads, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional charm. With its robust infrastructure, budget-friendly living expenses, and the incredibly hospitable locals, picking the right city to settle in is key. It's a great idea to try out a place for a short period before making a long-term commitment. Don't forget to sort out your visa and tax details ahead of time, and you'll soon be enjoying an ideal work-life balance in Taiwan!