Hi. Thanks in advance for reading. I wanted to find (middle aged) American expats to informally discuss long-term residency options. I'm a middle aged, divorced, childless, semi-retired American laborer strongly interested in moving to Taiwan.

So far, I see my best start to residency is to go the Chinese Studies Student Visa route. And get a 'Language Study' Alien Resident Card within 15 days of arrival. However, I'm not sure where to go from there; once my language studies are completed. I'd either need to either acquire a new, different ARC; marry someone; or, invest $200k . That latter 2 options don't seem viable. Of course, I'd prefer not to work. I'd prefer to spend the rest of my days apprenticing as a painter. But I will work to meet requirements. However, I worry that the type of work I'd find won't help me stay long term.

I have experience in transportation, manufacturing, engineering, seamanship, education and visual arts but nothing that would be considered a professional level skill set. I've studied several foreign languages in college but I never had/have the need for them on a daily basis so the skills fade. I currently work as an over-the-road truck driver and have a pension from my previous career. I'll always have my pension, so income will never be a problem.

I guess my questions are these: 1) Is it unusual/impossible for middle age persons to get a language visa? 2) What's the best ARC to apply for after my studies? 3) Can I live in Taiwan and work remotely online to fulfill a work ARC? 4) Is there another affordable option to acquire 3-5 year temporary residency?

I've done some preliminary research of most East and South East Asian countries. And I've found that Taiwan or South Korea would be the best fit for me. I'm still open to South Korea but would much more prefer Taiwan.

Thanks again! Look forward to hearing from you soon!

Update: Thank you everyone for the rich amount of feedback. Things are heating up over there so I will have to reconsider my plans for Taiwan.