Taiwan to Spain: Complete Visa and Immigration Guide
Taiwanese citizens have excellent access to Spain: visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Your situation is unique because Taiwan isn’t recognized by Spain as a sovereign state, yet Taiwanese passport holders enjoy the same Schengen access as many EU candidate countries. This creates both opportunities and complications we’ll cover in detail.
Key Facts for Taiwanese Citizens
- Visa Required: No (90 days visa-free Schengen with ID number in passport)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Entrepreneur
- Processing Time: 4-8 weeks for residence permits
- Spanish Representation: Liaison Office in Taipei (not official embassy)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: No
- Dual Citizenship: Complex (Taiwan generally requires renunciation for naturalization)
Why Taiwanese Professionals Choose Spain
The combination of visa-free access for scouting trips and growing tech scenes in Spanish cities makes Spain increasingly attractive for Taiwanese professionals looking for change.
Visa-Free Entry: Your 90-Day Window
Taiwanese citizens don’t need a visa to enter Spain for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is excellent news for scouting trips and initial planning. You can fly into Barcelona, explore neighborhoods, meet potential employers or business partners, and get a real feel for life here before committing.
Visa Options for Taiwanese Citizens
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal strategy for your move.
Spanish Representation in Taiwan
Taipei – Liaison Office of Spain
10F, B-1, No. 49, Minsheng East Road, Sec. 3, Taipei 10478
Tel: (+886) 2 2518-4901
Email: [email protected]
Note: Due to One China policy, this is not an official embassy. The Liaison Office handles consular matters including visas.
Tax Considerations
Tax Situation: No Treaty with Spain
Taiwan and Spain don’t have a tax treaty. This means you could face double taxation on income sourced in both countries.
Key Points:
- No automatic relief: Must rely on domestic foreign tax credits
- Beckham Law: 24% flat tax for 6 years on Spanish income for qualifying new residents
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year (with Taiwan ID number)
- Criminal Record from Taiwan High Court Prosecutors Office, consular legalization
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, contracts)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Proof of Accommodation in Spain
- Photos passport size, white background
Important: Taiwan is not in the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents require consular legalization through Taiwan’s MOFA, then the Spanish Liaison Office. Taiwan’s NHI won’t cover you abroad, so private Spanish health insurance is mandatory. We handle document legalization for you.
Dual Citizenship: Significant Consideration
This is important for Taiwanese nationals to understand. Taiwan generally requires renunciation of original citizenship for naturalization. If you’re becoming Spanish, you may need to genuinely choose.
Key Points:
- Taiwan requires most naturalization applicants to renounce their original nationality
- Exceptions exist for high-level professionals and Plum Blossom Card holders
- Taiwanese citizens acquiring foreign citizenship may lose ROC citizenship
- Some Taiwanese keep both by not formally reporting to Taiwan authorities
Many Taiwanese residents spend years considering this decision. Some choose permanent residency without pursuing citizenship to maintain their Taiwanese nationality.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Spain’s standard path requires 10 years of legal residency.
Timeline:
- After 5 years: Permanent residency eligible
- After 10 years: Citizenship application eligible
- Exams required: CCSE (civic knowledge) and DELE A2 (Spanish language)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Taiwanese citizens enter Spain without a visa?
Yes. Taiwanese passport holders (with ID number) enjoy 90-day visa-free access to the Schengen Area. This is for tourism, business meetings, and exploring. For stays beyond 90 days, you need a proper residence permit.
Will I lose my Taiwanese citizenship if I become Spanish?
This is complex. Taiwan generally requires renunciation for naturalization, meaning acquiring Spanish citizenship may result in losing your ROC nationality. Some people avoid this by not formally notifying Taiwan. This is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.
Why can’t I apostille my Taiwanese documents?
Taiwan is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention due to international recognition issues. Your documents require consular legalization through Taiwan’s MOFA and the Spanish Liaison Office in Taipei.
Is there a tax treaty between Taiwan and Spain?
No. There’s no double taxation agreement. If you maintain income in both jurisdictions, you could face double taxation. Professional tax planning before your move is essential.
Why is there no Spanish embassy in Taiwan?
Spain follows the One China policy and doesn’t officially recognize Taiwan. Instead, Spain maintains a Liaison Office in Taipei that handles consular matters, including visas and passport services, without formal diplomatic status.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless, visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Taiwan to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.