In mid-2025, the Philippines formally introduced its official Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) through Executive Order No. 86, marking a significant shift in how the country welcomes remote professionals. Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this order establishes a legal framework for foreign nationals to live and work remotely within the archipelago for an initial period of one year. The visa is designed with flexibility in mind, offering multiple-entry privileges and the option to renew for a second year, effectively allowing a two-year residency for those who wish to call the Philippines their home base.
The application process has been modernized to suit the lifestyle of its target audience, with the evisa.gov.ph portal serving as the primary hub for submissions. While the process is digital-first, applicants may still need to interface with Philippine Foreign Service Posts (embassies or consulates) for document verification or interviews. Approval times typically range from six to twelve weeks, and the estimated cost for the visa is expected to fall between $200 and $300 USD. This official pathway replaces the “gray area” of repeated tourist visa extensions, providing a more stable and secure legal status for long-term stays.
To qualify for the DNV, applicants must meet several stringent but transparent criteria. Most importantly, you must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of employment or contracts with non-Philippine entities, ensuring that your income is generated entirely from outside the country. A minimum annual income of approximately $24,000 USD (or roughly $2,000 monthly) is required to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Additionally, you must provide a clean police record from your home country and maintain valid health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in the Philippines.
One of the most attractive features of the DNV is its tax treatment, which aims to minimize the financial burden on remote workers. Under the new regulations, visa holders are generally not considered tax residents for their foreign-sourced income. This means that as long as your salary comes from an overseas employer or client, it will not be subject to Philippine income tax. However, the visa carries a strict prohibition against local employment; engaging in work for Philippine-based companies or clients is grounds for immediate revocation of the visa.