What are the recent experiences and tips for applying for the DTV visa in Taipei, especially for remote workers?

Nov 6, 2024
8 days ago
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
DTV Taipei success applying as a remote worker. I have had to make several trips to provide additional documents. We spoke in Mandarin but the staff seemed fluent in English as well.

Although Taiwan is still an option for non-Taiwan residents, I would be worried that this high level of scrutiny will carry over to the eVisa process after 19 November since you will only have one chance to submit an application with all these documents. You will have to wait in Taiwan for the results until the DTV is approved. Taipei hotels are far more expensive now as well.

Many thanks to all the good people in this group for sharing their experiences and advice!

*to my fellow Singaporeans applying for DTV here in Taipei, the 11k NTD application fee is waived here as well due to the reciprocial arrangement between Singapore and Thailand.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
In a recent discussion, an expat shares their experience applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Taipei, highlighting the need for multiple document submissions and the potential challenges with the new eVisa process effective November 19. They note that while the application fee is waived for Singaporeans, many travelers have observed increased scrutiny, requiring detailed banking statements and proof of remote work. Others in the group offered tips on hotel pricing near the Thai consulate and shared personal experiences, suggesting to be prepared for possible interviews and to ensure all documentation is thoroughly organized.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Katy *******
Heading to Taiwan tomorrow so I can get to the office first thing Monday morning

Any tips / advice ?

Think I have all the correct documents ready
Alfred *****
Thanks .. good to know for all fellow Singaporeans applying..
Kim ****
@Colin *****
, Hi Colin , do we need to book appointment in Taipei Thailand embassy before going there ?
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kim ***
just walk in for now. But Taipei switching to evisa later this month. No need to go embassy unless request
Kim ****
@Colin *****
hi Colin will they ask for residence address in Taipei ?
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kim ***
no. The application form ask for 2 address - your permanent and your Thailand address
Kim ****
@Colin *****
thk u ..
Paul *******
I spoke in Mandarin with the staff there as well. My Chinese isn't so great, but good enough for a general conversation. I also had to come back to show additional banking documentation the next day, which I figured they might ask for (I should have brought it on day 1). Anyway, things went over smoothly the next day.
Luit *****************
With e-visa the same staff still will process the application, and it also does not mean all documents need be complete first time.

The real important thing with e-visa is that the part with the personal and passport data should be correct when you apply. There you get no second chance.

With other documents you will get asked by email and website when something is missing to upload additional documents.
Mo ******
Ok thanks! I planned to come to Taipei but I will skip this time.
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mo *****
you still have a few weeks to apply in person in Jakarta. It will otherwise be the evisa process in your home country or elsewhere that doesn't require residency
Mo ******
@Colin *****
i think Vietnam is still fine right?
Andi ***********
@Mo *****
Yes Vietnam is Evisa only but ok for tourists to apply from there.
Sab *****
I just left Taipei yesterday. I was one of the lucky ones last week that was approved without further documentation but i submitted plenty docs. I agree hotels are more pricey. I stayed in a single room at the work inn hostel beside Taipei main station which was under 20$ a night (weekdays). On the weekend the price almost doubles. It was an easy commute to the consulate, there's plenty buses too that go there.

PS: dreamers cafe is a lovely coffee shop near the Thai consulate if you dont want to commute back when waiting til the afternoon to pay for the visa.
Hans *****
@Sab ****
Taipei hotels are now horribly expensive, I'm Taiwanese, live in Taipei and I myself find Taipei accommodation unbearable!
Paul *******
@Hans ****
I disagree. Hotels cost about the same as in Bangkok. 2000 NTD ish for a family room in a new, clean hotel without breakfast is perfectly affordable and that's what I paid. In Bangkok, a similar hotel will cost at least that amount too.

However, I'm not someone who slums along in a hostel, so I'm not even going to be looking for such places anywhere I travel.
Xavier ********
@Paul ******
$1860 USD per month? What a steal, especially for Bangkok… 😬
Andi ***********
@Hans ****
Why the high cost? I live in Tokyo and many Taiwan hotels are even more expensive than here
Hans *****
It's literally impossible for the average Taiwanese to purchase a home these days in Taipei!
Hans *****
@Andi **********
bloody landlords and the useless government
Andi ***********
@Hans ****
Oh the landlords and govt as per. hopefully the pricing sorts it self out.
Hans *****
@Andi **********
I don't think it will, but maybe in a few years
Andi ***********
@Sab ****
great price you got. Many are way more expensive
Corrine ******
The visa fee is waived.. your DTV visa is free?
Andi ***********
@Corrine *****
For Singaporeans it is free in Taipei
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
yes for taipei. Not sure if other places recognised also - I was pleasantly surprised
Corrine ******
@Colin *****
that's awesome for you. I paid 500SGD for it.
Andi ***********
@Colin *****
No not for majority of other countries. One nice benefit for you to offset hotel costs.
Andi ***********
Thanks for the update and further evidence of Taipei upping its' scrutiny. Seems now even employees must provide company registration details
Rachel ********
Ty for sharing. Just got to Taipei yesterday
Katy *******
@Rachel *******
how did it go? I arrive tomorrow
Rachel ********
@Katy ******
it was so fast. They didn’t ask me too many questions but I went on a Friday and still have to go back Monday to pick up passport. I recommend going early in the morning!
Naomi ******
Hi, can I check what documents they wanted as proof of work as I've been thinking of applying there?
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Naomi *****
they asked to see all of the listed documents ie the employment agreement, the company registration as well as the company letter stating I could work overseas remotely in Thailand.
Andi ***********
@Colin *****
How many months of bank statements did you provde? I'm due to go there next month.
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
I showed 3 months. They were focusing on the entries that showed your income coming in. You have to highlight those for their review
Andi ***********
@Colin *****
Yes I heard about the income highlights . Did they ask you many questions?
Colin ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
yes several questions. Be prepared to explain your situation
Andi ***********
@Colin *****
They will be online when I'm due to go to Taipei but would not be surprised to be asked in for an "interview"
Paul *******
@Andi **********
Generally, you don't come in for interviews once the e-visa system goes into effect. You are simply asked for more documentation via email or possibly phone call.
Naomi ******
@Colin *****
thanks. That's helpful to know ☺️