Reporter Chen Bi-fen
December 20, 2024. 21:43
NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching delivers a congratulatory speech at the ‘Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa Launch Ceremony,’ revealing that his first job was as a programmer. Photo provided by NDC.
류징칭 국발회 주임위원이 ‘대만 디지털 노마드 비자 출범식’에서 축사를 하며, 자신의 첫 직업이 프로그래머였음을 밝히고 있다. 사진=국발회 제공
As the COVID-19 pandemic drove the rise of remote work, a new category called "Digital Nomad" has emerged among workers worldwide who possess digital technical skills and high incomes. Today, this group has become a significant source of new talent for countries around the globe.
Liu Chin-ching, Minister of the Taiwan National Development Council (NDC), stated that thanks to Taiwan issuing the "Employment Gold Card" (which allows for free job changes) since 2018, Taiwan has ranked 12th in the world and 1st in Asia in the "Digital Nomad Index." This demonstrates that Taiwan already possesses the objective conditions to attract digital nomad talent.
As part of the Executive Yuan's plan to leapfrog national talent competitiveness, the NDC is promoting policies to recruit overseas talent. Minister Liu announced that, referencing recent cases in neighboring Asian countries, the "Digital Nomad Visa" will be issued starting next year (2025). This visa will provide foreign nationals with a stay of up to 6 months per entry, with a lower application threshold compared to the existing Employment Gold Card, to accelerate the attraction of digital nomad talent.
The NDC held the "Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa Launch Ceremony" in Tainan City on the 20th. In addition to the organizers, Asian peers were invited, including Representative Nagakawa Katsuyu of the Osaka Innovation Hub (Japan), Vice President Makino Yuki of the Japan Digital Nomad Association (JDNA), Director Kim Yong-woo of the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (BCCEI) (Korea), and Director Jang Seong-hee of the Jeju Economic Development Department. It is understood that Taitung, currently the largest gathering place for international digital nomads in Taiwan, will be the next hub.
Minister Liu assessed the event as "a historic day," noting that Taiwan has launched its first digital nomad-related plan and took its first step toward internationalization by designating Tainan as the first city to welcome digital nomads. He also expressed gratitude to friends from Japan and Korea for participating and voiced his hope to cooperate with cities like Osaka and Busan in the future to exchange experiences and jointly promote the development of the digital nomad sector.
Minister Liu mentioned that since his first job in life was programming, he has always placed great importance on the digital industry. Through this connection, he came to understand the growing group of "digital nomads." He emphasized, "Taiwan has two major strengths that make it very suitable for attracting this group." First, Taiwan possesses the best digital nomad environment in Asia. Its living conditions, environment, cuisine, and world-class attractions like Alishan and Ximending are highly praised by international media.
Second is the government's innovation and startup plan. Minister Liu stated that, in accordance with the goal proposed by President Lai Ching-te, the government is investing 150 billion TWD (approx. 5 billion USD) annually to support innovation and startups. He welcomed digital nomads to participate in startup investment plans and develop the digital industry together with Taiwanese youth.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che stated, "Tainan is a cultural capital and a new technology city." He added that by collaborating with the NDC to establish an international digital nomad service hub in Tainan, they are realizing the spirit of "fusion of old and new, a technological ancient capital." He sincerely invited friends from domestic and international circles to infuse Tainan with richer innovation energy and work together to make Tainan the top choice for international digital nomads.
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