Taiwan issues over 1,000 DIGI Gold Cards

台灣發行超過1000張數位金卡（DIGI Gold Card）

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Digital Affairs has issued over 1,000 cards under the Employment Gold Card in the Digital Field, also known as the DIGI Gold Card, in nearly three years.

The Administration for Digital Industries said Monday that, as of February, 1,124 DIGI Gold Cards had been approved, per CNA. Software development accounted for the majority, reflecting strong international interest in Taiwan’s software industry and injecting new momentum into the sector.

The National Development Council launched the Employment Gold Card program in 2018 to attract global talent. Eligible fields include the economy, science and technology, education, finance, culture and the arts, digital, architecture and design, law, national defense, sports, biotechnology, and the environment, as well as special cases approved by the council.

Huang Ya-ping (黃雅萍), deputy director-general of the ADI, said Taiwan has strong capabilities in digital and information and communications technology. The ministry introduced eligibility criteria for the DIGI Gold Card in May 2023, with approvals now ranking fourth among the 12 categories.

US nationals account for the largest share of DIGI Gold Card holders at about 30% (384 cases), followed by India and Singapore at around 6% each. By expertise, software development leads at about 60%, followed by computer programming and digital content production or distribution at 9% each, cybersecurity at 6%, and e-commerce at 5%.

Carrie Peterson, a DIGI Gold Card recipient, said she first came to Taiwan about 25 years ago to study Chinese. After returning to the US, she remained drawn to Taiwan’s warmth and creativity and decided to settle there, where she founded an edtech startup.

Shian Lee, a Malaysian national and CEO of drone company Alphaswift, said he was similarly attracted by Taiwan’s welcoming environment. He added that he sees Taiwan as playing a key role in the “non-red supply chain” and has begun collaborating with local firms on chip design and manufacturing.

Google Taiwan HR head Vanessa Lu (呂亞樵) said Taiwan has three major advantages, including technological strength, infrastructure, and depth of talent. She emphasized the need to continue building a diverse talent pool and said the program facilitates exchanges between international and local talent.

Lu said Google’s Taiwan workforce includes employees from more than 40 countries. She added that this diversity is reflected in the development of AI.

The ministry said foreign professionals who obtain the card enjoy multiple benefits, including an open work permit that allows them to change jobs or take on part-time work, while their spouses may also work in Taiwan. After employment or starting a business, cardholders and their dependents may enroll in the National Health Insurance system.

Cardholders are also eligible for tax incentives and other benefits. The ministry said it will continue promoting the program through industry partnerships and talent exchanges to attract more international professionals.