Philippines to launch digital nomad visa for foreign remote workers
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines joins the growing list of countries offering visas for digital nomads. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 86, authorizing the issuance of Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to foreign nationals seeking to live and work remotely in the Philippines. The order, signed on April 24, 2025, aims to boost tourism and stimulate the economy by attracting remote workers from around the world.
“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is hereby authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to non-immigrant foreigners who desire to enter and/or stay in the country for a temporary period for the purpose of working remotely using digital technologies, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines,” President Marcos stated in the order.
Eligibility and conditions for applicants
To qualify for a DNV, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Show proof of remote work using digital technology
- Demonstrate sufficient income generated outside the Philippines
- Present a clean criminal record
- Hold health insurance valid for the visa period
- Be a national of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post
- Not pose a security threat or be employed within the Philippines
Foreigners who meet these criteria may stay for a year, with a one-year renewal option. Multiple entry privileges are also granted during the visa’s validity.
Boosting tourism and local economies
Philippines Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco described the move as a “progressive policy” that reflects the administration’s commitment to digitalization and innovation in tourism.
“Allowing digital nomads the opportunity to stay longer in the country will spur tourism activities and increase visitor spending,” she said.
Frasco added that digital nomads help mitigate seasonal fluctuations in tourism by visiting during off-peak times and providing a steady economic flow. Popular destinations for remote work include Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Palawan, and La Union.
Implementation and next steps
The DFA will coordinate with the Department of Justice, Department of Tourism, Bureau of Immigration, and Bureau of Internal Revenue to finalize guidelines within 30 days of the order’s effectivity. A database of DNV holders will be created, ensuring strict compliance with data privacy laws. The pilot implementation of the DNV program is expected to begin within 60 days.
The World Economic Forum ranked the Philippines as the 7th fastest-growing remote work hub in 2023.
Other destinations that offer digital nomad visas are Cyprus, New Zealand, Kenya, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkiye, Japan, South Africa, other cities in China, and Jeju Island in South Korea.
