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Head to head

Taiwan vs Thailand: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • 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: Taiwan — special tax regime; Thailand — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Taiwan Gold Card and the Thailand DTV.
Criteria Taiwan Gold Card Thailand DTV
Minimum income / month €4,400 No fixed threshold
Income basis Salary / employment contract Savings accepted
Initial duration 3 years (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 5 years
Path to permanent residence Yes (better) No
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Special tax regime (Tax incentives for foreign special professionals (Art. 20, Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals)) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required in practice Not required
Insurance duration required Full visa period —
Application fee ≈ €157 (better) ≈ €350
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate, In country Online, Embassy / consulate
Processing time 4–12 weeks 4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Taiwan Gold Card →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Thailand DTV →

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 Taiwan → Insurance for Thailand →

Sources