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Head to head

South Africa vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • South Africa has the lower entry bar: €2,646 per month versus €4,400 for Taiwan.
  • Only Taiwan offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: South Africa — standard resident taxation; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the South Africa Remote Work and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria South Africa Remote Work Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month €2,646 (better) €4,400
Income basis Salary / employment contract 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 No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not 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 ≈ €33 (better) ≈ €157
Where to apply Embassy / consulate Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 6–10 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

South Africa Remote Work →

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 South Africa → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources