Travel Philippines Launches Digital Nomad Visa to Boost Tourism and Economy

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) 86, introducing the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to temporarily reside and work remotely in the Philippines. This move aims to invigorate the country's tourism sector and strengthen its economy by appealing to digital nomads.

 

Effective immediately upon publication, EO 86 establishes the legal framework for issuing these visas, permitting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to grant DNVs to non-immigrant foreigners working remotely for clients or employers based outside the Philippines.

 

Key provisions of the order specify that DNV holders may stay in the Philippines for up to one year, with the option to renew visas for the same duration. These visas include multiple entry privileges throughout their validity.

 

To qualify for a DNV, applicants must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate remote work using digital technology, and show proof of sufficient income outside the Philippines. Additionally, applicants must possess an unblemished criminal record, valid health insurance for the DNV period, and come from a country that offers reciprocal DNVs to Filipinos and hosts a Philippine Foreign Service Post (FSP).

 

 

 

For applicants from countries lacking a Philippine FSP, applications can be made in the nearest nation where an FSP is available.

 

The DFA is tasked with maintaining a database of DNV holders, ensuring compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and working alongside the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Tourism (DOT), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to develop implementation measures.

 

These agencies are directed to issue the necessary guidelines for the effective rollout of the DNV program within 30 days of the EO's effectivity.

 

This initiative follows the World Economic Forum's (WEF) ranking of the Philippines as the 7th fastest-growing hub for remote work globally in 2023. By simplifying the process for digital nomads to live and work in the Philippines, the government anticipates a positive impact on both the tourism sector and overall economic growth.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Philippine News Agency 2025-04-25