Phl opens doors to digital nomads

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 86, establishing the legal basis for granting Philippine visas to digital nomads—foreign nationals who wish to live in the country temporarily while working remotely for employers or clients based abroad.

The newly signed EO aims to boost the country’s tourism and economy by welcoming remote workers who can contribute to local spending without taking jobs from Filipinos.

Under the EO, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to eligible non-immigrant foreigners who plan to stay in the Philippines for up to one year to work remotely using digital technology. These visas may be renewed for the same period and come with multiple-entry privileges.

The DFA will also maintain a database of DNV holders to ensure compliance and monitor their presence in the country, with safeguards in place to uphold the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

“Foreigners who are issued valid DNVs may enter and/or stay in the Philippines for a maximum period of one year. DNV holders may renew their visas for the same duration, and may be granted multiple entry privileges during the validity of their DNVs,” EO 86 reads.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have proof of remote work arrangements, and demonstrate sufficient income from sources outside the Philippines. They must also have a clean criminal record and valid health insurance for the duration of the visa.

Only nationals of countries that offer similar visa privileges to Filipinos and where the Philippines maintains a Foreign Service Post (FSP) are eligible. If an FSP is not available, applications may be submitted to the nearest country with a Philippine FSP. Applicants must also not be employed by any local company or pose a security risk.

To ensure the effective rollout of the visa program, the DFA is directed to coordinate with the Department of Justice, Department of Tourism, Bureau of Immigration, and Bureau of Internal Revenue in formulating and releasing implementation guidelines within 30 days of EO 86’s effectivity.

This policy shift aligns with the Philippines’ rising profile as a remote work destination. In 2023, the World Economic Forum ranked the country as the 7th fastest-growing hub for remote workers.

EO 86 took effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.