After Token2049, Alessandro Palombo, who previously shared his work environment and life in Dubai, also shared why Taiwan is a "beautiful island" that digital workers should pay attention to. The article received 1.68 million views, and if friends around you are interested in digital nomadism in Taiwan, it's worth referencing this article.
Table of Contents
ToggleTaiwan is a Prosperous Democratic Country and Technological Powerhouse
Alessandro Palombo began introducing Taiwan's history with an overview:
17th-century Dutch and Spanish colonial rule.
- Qing Dynasty rule (1683-1895).
- Japanese colonial period (1895-1945).
- In 1949, the Republic of China government relocated.
It's not hard to understand why it was named Ilha Formosa (beautiful island). Today, despite facing complex geopolitical challenges, it remains a prosperous democratic country and technological powerhouse.
- 15% of GDP comes from semiconductors
- 90% of advanced chips are manufactured here
- The world's tenth-largest stock market
He mentioned seven reasons why he believes Taiwan is worth paying attention to.
Taiwan's Digital Nomad Visa is Now Online
First is the visa. Two visas are popular among foreign nationals in Taiwan. One is the digital nomad visa: launched in January 2025, allowing a maximum stay of 6 months, strictly for remote work. Qualification requirements include being able to apply with a digital nomad visa issued by other countries, with income thresholds varying by age. Details can be found on the digital nomad visa website.
The other is the employment gold card, valid for 1 to 3 years (renewable), suitable for freelancers or entrepreneurs under specific conditions. Eligibility depends on professional knowledge in designated fields or monthly income exceeding $5,600, with Taiwan striving to attract global talent and focusing on key industries. Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin and Korean cheerleading goddess Lee Do-hye are employment gold card holders.
- 9 National Parks, covering about 9% of the island's area
- World-famous night market scenery
- Fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures
He directly stated that the cuisine alone is worth a visit.
Taiwan Can Cover Australia, Asia, and European Working Time Zones
Strategically, Taiwan's working hours are basically the same as major Asian markets, and overlap with European and Australian working time zones. Only 90 minutes to Hong Kong, 2 hours to Shanghai, 2.5 hours to Tokyo, 4 hours to Singapore, this convenient geographical location makes Taiwan an ideal base for business activities or adventures in Asia.
Taiwan Is Not Just a Part of the Tech Supply Chain, It Is the Supply Chain
In terms of technological ecosystem, Taiwan produces 90% of advanced semiconductors. The government heavily invests in startups, such as the Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan, and provides excellent incentives for tech companies. He describes Taiwan as not just a part of the tech supply chain, but the supply chain itself.
Taiwan Boasts World-Class Internet Infrastructure
In terms of infrastructure, Taiwan has world-class internet infrastructure (average 200Mbps+). This includes nationwide smart city plans and thriving artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Taiwan's positioning has transcended that of a manufacturing country.
Geopolitical Tensions Remain the Primary Risk for Residing in Taiwan
He also candidly acknowledged several challenges in Taiwan:
- Language barriers may pose problems in dealing with bureaucracy and daily life.
- Limited job opportunities outside key developing industries.
- Median housing prices in first-tier cities like Taipei are 16 times family income
Of course, the critical challenge is the tense geopolitical situation with China. Beijing insists on the "One China" principle, denying Taiwan's sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government insists on democracy and resists the "one country, two systems" model. The current complex situation stems from a complex historical context.
He believes Taiwan is suitable for digital nomads seeking a high-quality Asian base, tech companies leveraging Taiwan's technological strengths, and investors focusing on "silicon dilemmas". In summary, Taiwan combines East Asian efficiency with extraordinary openness and calmness.
Risk Warning
Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks, with prices potentially experiencing extreme volatility, and you may lose all your principal. Please carefully assess the risks.
