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Head to head

Japan vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Taiwan has the lower entry bar: €4,400 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Taiwan grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Taiwan offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Japan DN Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month €4,500 €4,400 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 6 months 3 years (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Special tax regime (Tax incentives for foreign special professionals (Art. 20, Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €157
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 1 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

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 Japan → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources