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Head to head

Norway vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Norway has the lower entry bar: €2,453 per month versus €4,400 for Taiwan.
  • Taiwan grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Norway — standard resident taxation; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route) and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route) Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month €2,453 (better) €4,400
Income basis Freelance income Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 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 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 in practice Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €570 ≈ €157 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country, Online Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 8–24 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route) →

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 Norway → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources