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Head to head

Germany vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Tax treatment differs: Germany — standard resident taxation; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Germany Freelance and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Germany Freelance Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €4,400
Income basis Freelance income Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 3 years 3 years
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Yes Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation 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 ≈ €100 (better) ≈ €157
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time — 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Germany Freelance →

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 Germany → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources