The Philippine government will soon launch its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) program with the aim of boosting tourism by attracting remote workers and driving foreign spending, especially during tourism off-seasons in the country.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 86 last April 24 which creates the framework for the DNV. It’s for non-immigrant foreigners who want to visit and work remotely in the country.
The move will help position the country as a competitive destination for the growing number of digital nomads globally.
In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco hailed the new measure as a “progressive policy,” highlighting the administration’s push towards digitalization and innovation in the tourism sector.
Frasco added that digital nomads can help boost the tourism sector by visiting during off-peak seasons, thus providing a more consistent flow of economic activity.
Cebu, Boracay, Siargao, Palawan, and La Union are some popular workation destinations expected to benefit from the DNV program.
Foreigners who will be granted the Digital Nomad Visa can stay in the country for up to a year, with a possibility of being renewed for the same duration. Multiple entry privileges will also be granted.
Foreigners are eligible for the DNV in the Philippines as long as they:
- are at least 18 years old,
- show proof of remote work using digital technology,
- demonstrate sufficient income generated outside the Philippines,
- have no criminal record,
- hold health insurance valid for the visa period,
- are a national of a country that offers reciprocal nomad visas to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a foreign service post,
- not pose a security threat to the Philippines,
- not be employed by a Philippine company.
The DNV’s pilot stage will start between the end of May ’til late July. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), with other related agencies, will oversee the implementation and the database of the program.