Digital nomads will welcome the news that the Philippines is about launch of its digital nomad visas (DNV), joining a growing number of Asian nations seeking to attract international talents and embrace the remote work revolution. The new visa will allow eligible foreign nationals to stay in an affordable, English-speaking environment for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal, and work while enjoying its magnificent beaches.
An official launch date has yet to be announced, but the Philippines News Agency (PNA) reports that the programme could be implemented within the next two months, just in time for the northern hemisphere summer travel season.
Visa requirements
The visa has already been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and will be open to applicants who are at least 18 years old, hold valid health insurance, have a clean criminal record, and earn a minimum annual income of €24,000. It will only be granted to citizens of countries with which the Philippines has reciprocal visa agreements.
DNV applications will be fully processed online, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to modernise its services and improve accessibility to foreign guests. And with multiple government agencies involved – the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Internal Revenue – the country is gearing up for a smooth rollout.
PCO Usec. Claire Castro highlights gov't move to allow remote workers from around the world to apply to stay up to a year in the Philippines with the new Digital Nomad Visa.#RP1News #RadyoPilipinas #RadyoPubliko
— Radyo Pilipinas (@radyopilipinas1) April 28, 2025
What is in it for the Philippines?
Tourism secretary Christina Frasco has described the programme as a strategic tool for long-term tourism development. ‘Allowing digital nomads the opportunity to stay longer in the country, will spur tourism activities and increase visitor spending,’ she noted. By attracting longer-staying remote workers, the Philippines hopes to stabilise tourism flows throughout the year and enrich local communities through cultural exchanges.
This is the Philippines:
— Alessandro Palombo (@thealepalombo) February 3, 2025
– 0% tax on foreign income for non-citizens
– Over 90% of population speaks English
– New digital nomad visa in 2025
Tropical paradise for expats PLUS it's a hidden tax haven.
Here are 7 reasons why the “Pearl of the Orient” should be on your radar🧵: pic.twitter.com/uEjHHsHFiV
A booming global trend
The digital nomad population is rapidly expanding. There are currently 35 million digital nomads, up from 10.9 million in 2020 – a number projected to reach the staggering 60 million by 2030. These remote workers contribute to an estimated $787 billion to the global economy each year, with most digital nomads earning at least $50,000 annually, and 35% of them between $100,000 and $250,000.
Currently, 40% of countries offering DNVs do not require digital nomads to pay additional taxes, and 17% have no minimum income threshold.
Why choose the Philippines?
More than 50% of countries across the globe now offer some form of DNV, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Competition is intensifying, but the Philippines is uniquely positioned to stand out: English is widely spoken in the country, with the majority of Filipino adults fluent in the language; internet penetration is around 90% – a key requirement for digital nomads – ; the cost of living remains comparatively low.
From workspaces in urban centres like Cebu to beaches with fast Wi-Fi in Siargo, the country offers an ideal environment for remote workers.
‘With our unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and the warmth of the Filipino people, the Philippines stands ready to welcome digital nomads to travel, work, and thrive across our islands,’ Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco told the PNA.
Regional context
The Philippines joins a growing list of countries in Asia with similar programmes, including South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Türkiye, Thailand and Kazakhstan, all of which launched their versions in 2024. While Japan targets high-income nomads earning at least €62,860/year with six-month DNVs Türkiye has set its income threshold at €33,800. Kazakhstan’s ‘Neo-Nomad Visa’, emphasising the country’s nomadic roots, projects potential earnings of €6.7 million by attracting IT professionals.
As the global race for digital nomads accelerates, the Philippines is positioning itself as a strong contender, with its strength rooted not just in policy, but in people and unique environment.
