Philippines allows special visa for foreign remote workers after Marcos signs order

April 25, 2025 , 06:21 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(April 25, 2025) – Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Thursday signed an executive order allowing foreign online workers to live in the Philippines while servicing their employers abroad.

Under Executive Order No. 86, the government will begin issuing digital nomad visas (DNVs) to non-immigrant foreigners who work remotely. The move is part of a push to boost tourism and the economy.

“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is hereby authorized to issue 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,” said Marcos in the executive order.

It also instructed the DFA, Department of Justice, Department of Tourism, Bureau of Immigration, and Bureau of Internal Revenue, to put in place policies and systems to make the Philippines a more attractive option for foreign remote workers.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and earn income from sources outside the Philippines. They must also hold valid health insurance, be nationals of countries that offer DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a foreign service post, and must not pose a threat to national security.

Those qualified will be allowed to stay in the Philippines for up to one year, with the option to renew for another year. The DNVs also allows multiple entries.

With its low cost of living, scenic destinations, and growing culture of remote work, the Philippines has steadily become a preferred location for digital nomads. In 2023, the World Economic Forum ranked the country as the seventh fastest-growing remote work hub in the world.

The DFA is expected to begin the pilot implementation of the program within 60 days from when Marcos’ directive takes effect.

“The DFA shall create a database of all DNV holders for monitoring purposes. In this regard, the DFA shall strictly comply with data privacy requirements under Republic Act No. 10173 of the Data Privacy Act,” added Marcos.

(PM)

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Reliance corner Sheridan Streets
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tv5dataprivacy@tv5.com.ph

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