Philippines Digital Nomad Visa 2025 Update – Everything You Need to Know
With its tropical beaches and even a surfing scene (did you hear about Siargao!) , low cost of living, and thriving expat communities, the Philippines is becoming more and more popular for remote workers (though some issues with infrastructure remain).
Now, the country is taking steps to formalize its status as a digital nomad hub with the introduction of a dedicated Philippines Digital Nomad Visa. If passed into law, this visa will allow remote professionals to legally reside in the country while working for foreign companies.
Here’s everything you need to know about the proposed visa, including requirements, benefits, and what it means for digital nomads.
What Is the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa Act (Senate Bill No. 2991) was proposed by Senator Joel Villanueva on February 24, 2025. It aims to attract remote workers who earn from overseas clients or companies.
If this is passed, the visa will allow digital nomads to stay for one year, renewable for another year.
Like other digital nomad visas, this bill is expected to boost the economy by increasing foreign spending in the country. The Philippines ranks 7th among the world’s fastest-growing remote work hubs, according to the World Economic Forum. So the country wants to piggy back on this and it’s not a bad move at all.
Eligibility Criteria for the Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have valid health insurance covering their stay.
Provide proof of a clean criminal record from their home country.
Pay any applicable entry and exit fees.
Earn income only from overseas—nomads cannot work for a local employer or business.
When Will the Digital Nomad Visa Be Available?
The Digital Nomad Visa Act is still under review by the Senate. If passed, it will be processed through the Bureau of Immigration. More details on the application process and fees will be announced in the coming months.
If you want to become a digital nomad or find your crew, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!
We’ve got some great content on our Instagram and on our Facebook Group too where you can network with other nomads from all over the world.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get The Latest News On Digital Nomad Lifestyle, Remote Working Communities
And Much More.
100% spam free. We never share your email address. Unsubscribe anytime!
Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
If the bill is approved, this is what you can expect when travelling to the Philippines under this visa.
First of all, you will have a legal stay in the Philippines without requiring frequent visa runs. Under a normal tourist visa, you’d have to extend every month or so, depending on your passport.
Like many other visa, you will also be tax exempt as you won’t be considered residents for tax purposes.
Also, you will be able to live in an affordable country compared to other economies in the West. You will need about $1,000 per month to live decently in an average city like Cebu. This will give you a great opportunity to work from some of the most stunning destinations in Southeast Asia.
And last but not least, you will meet some interesting people from th digital nomad communitues, hubs like Manila, Cebu, and Siargao. Space is not big right now over there, but it’s growing.
How the Digital Nomad Visa Compares to Other Asian Countries
| Country | Visa Name | Duration | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇲🇾Malaysia | DE Rantau Nomad Pass | 12 months | Proof of remote income, health insurance |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | Long-Term Resident Visa | Up to 10 years | High income requirement, investment criteria |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Digital Nomad Visa (Upcoming) | TBD | Expected to require proof of remote work and income |
| 🇹🇼Taiwan | Gold Card Visa | Up to 3 years | High-skilled professionals, income proof |
| 🇵🇭Philippines | Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed) | 1 year (renewable) | Foreign income, health insurance, no local employment |
Check out what Nomads work from the Phillipines
Final Thoughts
The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa has the potential to open up new opportunities for remote workers looking to enjoy an island lifestyle while working online. With its affordable cost of living, vibrant digital nomad scene, and breathtaking destinations, the Philippines could soon become one of the top spots for location-independent professionals. Stay tuned for updates as the bill progresses!
Your Travel Resources Handy In One Place 🗺️
🧳 Travel Insurance
Enjoy peace of mind during traveling and don’t leave your country without good travel insurance. We recommend Insured Nomads or Genki for international travel insurance.
💰Travel Finances
Get your travel finances smart and straight with Wise or Revolut.
🏨 Accommodations
For a short stay check out Booking or Agoda. Staying longer? Take a look at the offers at Airbnb. Hostels are the cheapest option that you can explore at Hostelworld.
🏡 Recommended places for long-term stay
Wanna know the accommodations where we lived during our digital nomad journey? Check out the places we enjoyed the most!
🎫 Book tours
Are you up for taking part in epic guided tours? Book ones you like using GetYourGuide or Viator.
🚗 Rent a car
To find great rental car deals check out Rental Cars and get ready for your car trip!
✈️ Book a flight
For the hottest deals check out Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights or WayAway.
🛡️ VPN
To stay safely connected while traveling, don’t forget about a good VPN. We recommend Surfshark or NordVPN.
One thought on “Philippines Digital Nomad Visa 2025 Update – Everything You Need to Know”