The Philippines will introduce a program for digital nomads or foreign nationals seeking to temporarily reside and work remotely in the Philippines through Executive Order (EO) No. 86.
What to Expect
Under the EO, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to non-immigrant foreign nationals “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.”
The DFA is also directed to create a database of all DNV holders for monitoring purposes, while ensuring the strict compliance with data privacy requirements under Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
- Foreigners who are issued valid DNVs may enter and/or stay in the Philippines for a maximum period of one year.
- DNV holders may renew their visas for the same duration, and may be granted multiple entry privileges during the validity of their DNVs.
- Foreigners applying for DNV must be at least 18 years old; must show proof of remote work using digital technology, sufficient income generated outside the Philippines; and must have an unblemished criminal record.
- Applicants must have health insurance valid for the DNV period; must be a national of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post (FSP); must not pose a threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines; and must not be employed in the Philippines.
- Foreigners who are nationals of countries that offer DNVs to Filipinos but do not have a Philippine FSP may apply for DNV in the nearest country where a Philippine FSP is located.
The DFA is directed to initiate a pilot implementation of the DNV program within 60 days of publication of the EO. The EO 86, takes effect immediately upon the publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.