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Head to head

Philippines vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Taiwan grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Taiwan offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Philippines — territorial taxation; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Philippines DNV and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Philippines DNV Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month No fixed threshold €4,400
Income basis Savings accepted 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 No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion No Yes (better)
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Territorial 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 — ≈ €157
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, Online Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time — 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Philippines DNV →

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 Philippines → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources