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Head to head

Ecuador vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Ecuador has the lower entry bar: €1,245 per month versus €4,400 for Taiwan.
  • Taiwan grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month €1,245 (better) €4,400
Income basis Salary / employment contract Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 2 years 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Special tax regime (Residencia fiscal temporal (temporary tax-residency regime for new residents)) Special tax regime (Tax incentives for foreign special professionals (Art. 20, Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals))
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €276 ≈ €157 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country, Online Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 1–16 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Taiwan Gold Card →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Ecuador → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources