1-year visa for foreigners working remotely from PH pushed

Metro Manila, Philippines - Foreign nationals working remotely from the Philippines could stay for up to a year–with the option to renew for another 12 months–through the proposed "Digital Nomad Visa" bill.

Senator Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill No. 2991 on Monday, Feb. 24, seeking to establish a new visa category for "digital nomads" or those traveling to different countries while working remotely. He said more than 50 other countries have been offering a similar type of visa.

Under the proposal, applicants must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of sufficient income earned outside the Philippines, have health insurance, and pay processing, entry, and exit fees to be determined by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

“Said individual must not have a criminal record in his home country and will not be a threat to the Republic of the Philippines,” the bill states, adding that the foreign national cannot be employed in the Philippines.

The bill also mandates the BI to maintain a list of those granted the visa and authorizes the agency to revoke it if the holder violates any terms and conditions.

Villanueva said his past trips to various local tourist destinations, including Siargao, inspired him to file the bill, which aims to boost the country’s tourism. He noted that the Philippines was ranked as the 7th fastest-growing remote work hub in 2023, according to the Nomad List.

“From our pristine beaches, green mountain ranges to our city’s vibrant urban hubs, each location in the Philippines provides unique advantages for remote workers,” Villanueva said in a statement.

“Digital nomads spend money and therefore, would benefit the economy. The Philippines is a promising destination for those who embrace the nomadic lifestyle and leverage technology to work remotely from outside their home country,” he added.