Philippines Launches Remote Work Visa (What You Need To Know)
Everything we know so far about the new remote worker visa.
Welcome to Digital Citizen 👋
After building businesses across multiple countries, one thing became clear. Success is not tied to one system, one location, or one way of thinking.
In today’s world, you can design life on your terms. Globally, intelligently, and with intention.
Digital Citizen is your guide to living smarter, working freely, and navigating a borderless world with clarity.
Subscribe to join a growing community of independent minds building a future without permission.
Finally
The Philippines has officially launched its digital nomad visa
Remote workers can now apply to live in the country for up to one year, with a minimum income requirement of around $2,000 per month.
This move places the Philippines among the few Southeast Asian countries offering a dedicated visa for remote professionals.
Here is what you need to know.
What We Know About the Visa
The Philippines digital nomad visa is now live and open for applications. It was officially launched in late June 2025 following the signing of Executive Order No. 86.
Here are the key details:
Visa type: Digital Nomad Visa (official name pending)
Status: Launched and accepting applications
Eligibility: Remote workers employed by companies based outside the Philippines
Minimum income: Around $2,000 USD per month (or $24,000 per year)
Duration: Valid for 12 months
Renewable: Yes, for another 12 months
Tax treatment: Applicants are not considered tax residents
The goal is to attract skilled professionals who work remotely, contribute to the local economy, and respect the local labor market by not taking jobs from residents.
Some administrative details may still evolve during the pilot phase, but the visa is officially active.
Why the Philippines Is Doing This Now
Southeast Asia has been a magnet for digital nomads for over a decade. But the Philippines has mostly stayed on the sidelines.
So why the shift?
There are a few reasons:
Tourism recovery. The country wants to boost long-term tourism after years of pandemic-related losses. Welcoming nomads is one way to keep dollars flowing in, especially in second-tier cities and islands.
Regional pressure. Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia already offer pathways for remote workers. The Philippines does not want to get left behind.
English advantage. The Philippines has one of the highest English fluency rates in Asia. That makes it easy for nomads to settle in and communicate, compared to other countries in the region.
Local support. Government agencies like the Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Immigration are pushing for the visa as part of a broader strategy to attract "quality tourists"
The intent is clear: they do not want party tourists or budget backpackers (that they already have). They want remote professionals who stick around, spend money, and contribute to the economy without taking local jobs.
Why the Philippines Appeals to Nomads
The cost of living is low, even in major cities like Manila or Cebu.
In smaller towns or island communities, you can live comfortably on less than $1,500 a month. Rent, food, and transport are affordable without sacrificing basic comfort.
English is spoken almost everywhere. That alone makes daily life a lot easier compared to some neighbouring countries. Whether you’re getting a SIM card, renting a scooter, or chatting with locals, communication is rarely a struggle.
Then there’s the geography. With over 7,000 islands, the country is a dream for anyone who wants to work a few hours and spend the rest of the day outside. Places like Siargao, Palawan, and Cebu already attract remote workers, and co-working spaces and beachside apartments are becoming more common.
Culturally, the Philippines is known for being warm and welcoming. People are friendly and helpful, and that makes it easier to settle in.
One thing to note: The time zone works best if you’re connected to teams in Australia, East Asia, or Southeast Asia. For U.S.-based work, the hours can be tough, especially if your job requires regular calls or real-time collaboration.
Challenges and Realities
For all its natural beauty and cultural strengths, the Philippines still comes with trade-offs.
The most common complaint is internet reliability. While major cities like Manila or Cebu have decent speeds in certain areas, many islands and smaller towns still struggle with stable connections. It’s improving, but not fast enough in places where nomads actually want to live.
Healthcare is another factor. The Philippines has both public and private options, but the quality varies. For anything serious, people often travel to Manila, or even out of the country. Basic care is affordable, but if health is a concern, it’s worth doing some research on what is available nearby.
Transport within the country can be unpredictable. Domestic flights are cheap, but delays are common. Ferries and long-distance buses vary widely in quality. And while local rides are cheap, traffic in big cities like Manila can be exhausting.
Safety depends on where you go. Many areas are perfectly safe, but others still come with travel advisories. You do not need to be paranoid, but you do need to stay informed and avoid certain regions, especially in the far south.
Lastly, bureaucracy in the Philippines can be slow and unclear. Even once the visa is officially launched, do not expect the process to be fully smooth at the start. Paperwork, delays, and unclear communication are likely.
How It Compares to Other Southeast Asian Visas
The Philippines is late to the digital nomad visa trend, but it’s entering a region that already has a few options on the table. Here’s how it stacks up:
Thailand recently introduced the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa). It offers stays of up to 180 days per entry, renewable once, with a total stay limit of one year. The income requirement is expected to be modest, but the fine print is still emerging.
Indonesia has been talking about a dedicated digital nomad visa for years, but it hasn’t launched yet. Most nomads use the B211A visa, which is a tourist visa extension.
Malaysia has the DE Rantau visa, which is one of the most straightforward in the region. It is a one-year renewable pass for remote workers. It also offers clear benefits like fast-track applications and family inclusion.
Compared to this, the Philippines proposal is simple:
12 months visa
$2,000/month income requirement
No tax residency
Now that the program is live, it stands out as one of the clearest and most accessible digital nomad visas in Southeast Asia.
If the implementation stays smooth, it could quickly become a go-to choice for remote professionals in the region.
Read more about the best visas for remote workers here:
Who This Visa Is For
This visa is built for remote professionals who want to stay put for a while and work legally in South-East-Asia.
It works if you:
Earn a stable income of at least $2,000/month
Work full-time for a company based outside the Philippines
Value English-speaking environments and low living costs
Want to experience Southeast Asia but avoid crowded nomad hubs like Bali or Chiang Mai
Are happy to live with a bit less infrastructure in exchange for warm weather, nature, and cultural friendliness
If you are somewhere between a digital nomad and a lifestyle expat, and you are ready to stay in one place for 6–12 months, this visa could be a good option.
How to Apply
You can apply for the Philippines digital nomad visa through the official eVisa platform or at a Philippine embassy or consulate in your country.
Here is what you’ll need:
1. Submit your application
Apply online at evisa.gov.ph
Or apply in person at a Philippine embassy or consulate
2. Prepare your documents
Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
Proof of remote work (employment contract or client agreements)
Proof of foreign income (minimum $2,000/month or $24,000/year)
Health insurance covering your stay in the Philippines
Police clearance or certificate of good conduct
Passport-sized photo
3. Wait for approval
Processing time for single-entry: 7–12 working days
Processing time for multiple-entry: 15–21 working days
4. Receive your visa
Approved applicants receive a 12-month multiple-entry visa, renewable for another 12 months
Final Thoughts
The Philippines is now offering a clear legal path for remote workers to live and work in a tropical, English-speaking country with low living costs and a welcoming culture.
The visa is officially live.
With a 12-month stay, no local tax obligations, and a reasonable income threshold, it’s one of the most straightforward options in Southeast Asia.
The rollout may still come with some hiccups, but the foundation is solid.
If you are looking for a place to settle in the region without the usual visa uncertainty, this is one of the best offers on the table right now.
If you liked this, you might also like …
Thanks for reading and see you soon! ❤️
If you’re enjoying Digital Citizen, tap ❤️ and 🔄 at the top to help more curious minds find their way here. It means a lot.