How to have free healthcare for life: The alternative to the DTV, the Taiwan Gold Card

This is really outside the box but I think some people should at least consider it.

Taiwan has free healthcare and a lot simpler ‘immediate’ residency with the ‘gold card’ for only $350USD. As long as you stay 183 days per year in Taiwan for three years you then have permanent residency.

As thailand now taxes foreign income. A good strategy would be living in both for three years and keeping Thailand under 180 days so you are not taxed, then migrating permanently to thailand if you enjoy it more after your healthcare in Taiwan is solidified and you have residency.

The ‘ideal’ which I am still considering is simply living in Taiwan for 3 years and for 6 months of the year when you’re bored hitting up Pattaya or Cebu or Bali or where ever else and after 3 years, more permanently move to Thailand, with your residency + free healthcare secured.

Of course most people aren’t going to be willing to do this, me either at this stage. But if you could, would then be free healthcare for life. Plus a permanent residency, I think 2-4 years paid maternity leave and actual government benefits, which even if you go after and get residency in Thailand, to me, all I see is a second un-avoidable tax bill, so why bother?

After speaking to the head maxiofacial surgeon in Khaosiung hospital, he told me a lot of Americans (and HKers) are taking up this strategy and simply flying to Taiwan when elective issues come up.

Otherwise, for now, based on my research I think travel insurance is the way to go for healthcare. I think blue cross blue shield does it in America, safetywing people mention sometimes and I use fastcover (for Australia) with no excess around $1500AUD for the year.

For now, I’m still just considering it. But! For me the DTV was definitely not a celebration it was an admission, to myself, that 100% I will not be living in Thailand forever, it is purely temporary and the DTV solidified that as I have since completely stopped looking into investing in or making a company here to get the work permits + other requirements necessary for residency. So yes, the DTV is cool, but as a long term plan, I mean it’s not one unless you are 50 and by 55 you can get the retirement visa.

Considering applying to DTV and wondering if folks feel like I should do it sooner rather than later; basically wondering if you feel the DTV rules will change to be more restrictive?

What's involved in a NZ citizen getting a visa to retire in Thailand? What sort of taxation does one face on a pension living there?

Hi .been looking at how to apply for a 1year retirement Visa .I am 60 years old .it seems very complicated.any advice on how to make it look easier than it sounds .

The new Long Term Visas. Does anyone have information on this third visa. i employed by a very large overseas company and want to work digitally in Thailand.My salary is paid into a Singapore bank account.

Hey guys just going through the processes required for my visa including putting 400,000฿ into a Thai bank account.

Just wondering if that amount can be used during the year or do I need to maintain that amount regardless of what I use?

Also will they try to tax me on this amount that I deposit?

Lastly can you recommend a bank in Thailand?

Thanks in advance.