Taiwan Attracts Digital Nomads

According to Digital Nomads’ list, four Asian cities are listed as the best places for remote workers in 2023 – one in Vietnam, one in Thailand and two in Bali. These are rated based on the cost of living, internet quality and overall liveability. Now Taiwanese local authorities, such as Taitung county, are taking steps to attract digital nomads to bolster the local economy, reports SCMP. For instance, the Taitung county government worked with a nonprofit organisation called Crossroads to open the door for digital nomads by connecting them with local landlords and a hotel to provide accommodation and communal working space. They also gave remote workers English-language support and trained 80 local companies on how to work with foreigners. Dozen digital nomads have taken advantage of the programme. The pandemic accelerated the remote work trend - around 6,000 people have applied for open work permits and residency since 2020. 

However, despite advantages such as transport convenience, public safety and strong internet coverage, Taiwan still needs to be seen as a digital nomad destination. Although some local initiatives drive Taiwanese digital nomadism forward, central government offices have not recognised digital nomads as a visa or residency holder category. Remote workers also report that Taiwan must enable better banking services, visas and easier access to housing to compete internationally.

Source: SCMP