In a bid to strengthen its workforce and address the growing demand for skilled professionals, Taiwan has launched two new visa programs aimed at attracting Indian workers. These initiatives focus on key sectors such as technology, engineering, and more, as the country seeks to combat workforce shortages driven by declining birth rates.

Starting in 2025, Taiwan will issue six-month visas to foreign "digital nomads," a category of workers who can perform their jobs remotely from anywhere using a laptop. This new visa program is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to secure talent and support its economy, which is heavily reliant on the tech industry and exports.

Taiwan’s National Development Council in Taipei announced the scheme, noting that the country’s workforce is shrinking, compelling the government to seek fresh sources of skilled labor. The goal is to attract 400,000 foreign workers by 2032 to meet the demands of Taiwan’s rapidly evolving sectors.

The first visa option, called the Employment Seeking Visa, allows Indian nationals to enter Taiwan and search for job opportunities within their areas of expertise. This program provides a valuable opportunity to explore the local job market before committing to long-term employment. It is ideal for professionals considering a career move to Taiwan.

The second program, the Taiwan Employment Gold Card, offers a more comprehensive package for highly skilled individuals. This card combines a visa, work permit, and residence permit, making it easier for professionals, entrepreneurs, and specialists to live and work in Taiwan. Valid for up to three years, the Gold Card is renewable, providing long-term flexibility for those wishing to settle in Taiwan and contribute to its economic growth.

Both of these visa programs are part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to attract international talent. The country is especially focusing on sectors with a high demand for skilled workers, such as information technology, engineering, and research and development.

Taiwan’s population, as of September, stood at 23.4 million, reflecting a decline due to the country's fertility rate of less than 1 percent. However, recent figures show a slight increase in the birth rate compared to 2023, indicating a small but positive shift. Despite these efforts, Taiwan continues to face challenges in sustaining its workforce as more people retire and fewer young individuals join the job market.

In addition to attracting digital nomads, Taiwan offers a favorable cost of living compared to other regional hubs like Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, which also face talent shortages. As of 2022, about 35% of the foreign professionals in Taiwan with open work permits were already working remotely, according to a government-backed survey.

Taiwan’s Taitung County, known for its scenic beauty and tourism, is particularly keen to attract digital nomads. The local government is refurbishing a beachfront hotel for nomads and expanding a bicycle rental network to 1,000 bikes by the end of 2025. Additionally, a platform with 118 members has been created to organize workshops and events for digital nomads, promoting Taiwan as an ideal destination for remote workers.