To further boost Philippine tourism and economy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 86, establishing a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads—foreign nationals seeking to temporarily reside and work remotely in the Philippines.
“The DFA 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 said in the EO, which was signed on April 24, 2025.
Often relying on Internet and mobile devices for connectivity, a digital nomad is described as a person who works remotely using technology.
They travel and live in various locations while working.
Because of its relatively lower cost of living, the Philippines is becoming a haven for digital nomads. Also because of the country’s scenic spots and increasing number of remote workers.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked the Philippines as the 7th fastest-growing remote work hub country in the world in 2023.
Under the DNV Program, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Tourism (DOT), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), was directed to study and adopt measures to effectively implement the program aimed at attracting eligible foreigners.
The President’s order also mandates the DFA to create a database of all DNV holders for monitoring purposes in strict compliance with data privacy requirements under Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
Foreigners applying for DNV must be at least 18 years old; must show proof of remote work using digital technology and sufficient income generated outside the Philippines; and must have unblemished criminal record.
An applicant must have health insurance valid for the DNV period; must be a national of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post (FSP); must not pose threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines; and must not be employed in the Philippines.
Foreigners who are nationals of countries that offer DNVs to Filipinos but do not have a Philippine FSP may apply for DNV in the nearest country where a Philippine FSP is located.
Foreigners who are holders of valid DNVs may enter and/or stay in the Philippines for a maximum period of one year and may renew their visas for the same duration. They may also be granted multiple entry privileges during the validity of their DNVs.
The DFA, in coordination with the DOJ, DOT, Bl, and BIR, shall issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the order within 30 days from its effectivity. | PND
