Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Want to work from a tropical paradise? The Philippines just opened its doors to foreign remote workers with a brand-new Digital Nomad Visa that lets you live and work in the country for up to a year.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved Executive Order No. 86, establishing a legal framework for digital nomads, or people who travel and work remotely using technology while living temporarily in different places. These are foreign nationals who want to stay in the Philippines while working remotely for overseas employers or clients.
Also read: 10 Best Beach Airbnbs in the Philippines, From Luzon to Mindanao
“To further boost tourism and economy in the country, there is a need to establish a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads in the country,” Marcos said when signing the order.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will issue these Digital Nomad Visas to eligible applicants.
What are the qualifications for Digital Nomad Visa
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To be eligible for the Philippines’ new Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old, engaged in remote work using digital technology, and earning income from sources outside the Philippines. They should also be a citizen of a country that offers reciprocal digital nomad visas to Filipinos and has a Philippine Foreign Service Post. A valid passport, a clean criminal record, and health insurance covering the entire visa period are required. Applicants must not be employed by a Philippine-based company.
You will need to prepare:
A completed visa application form
Proof of remote employment or self-employment, such as contracts or invoices
Evidence of sufficient income from foreign sources
Valid health insurance for the entire stay
A police clearance certificate from your country of residence
The visa grants an initial stay of 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months, giving digital nomads a maximum of two years to explore the country while working remotely.
Also read: 17 Secluded Hotels & Resorts in Palawan That Are Off the Tourist Radar
The application process is expected to be done online via the government’s e-Visa portal, though some steps may need to be completed at embassies or consulates. The official guidelines, including the minimum income requirement, have yet to be announced.
The future of work and travel in Philippines
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This new visa program is a game-changer for the Philippines, opening doors to a growing global community of digital nomads. It gives foreign remote workers a chance to enjoy the country’s beautiful islands, lively cities, and warm culture while continuing their careers online.
Also read: 10 Tools That Will Make Your Digital Nomad Life a Whole Lot Easier
For Filipino millennials and Gen Z travellers, this is your chance to connect with more people from different backgrounds, exchange ideas, and expand your network without leaving home. It makes the Philippines a vibrant hub where work and adventure meet, offering experiences that go beyond tourism.
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