Under a new directive, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of Philippines has been authorised to issue digital nomad visas for up to one year. Targeting remote workers, the visa requires applicants to demonstrate a stable income and hold citizenship from countries offering reciprocal visa arrangements to Filipinos.
This move positions the Philippines among a growing list of nations embracing remote work visa programmes, even as some regions revert to physical office spaces.
With foreign visitor numbers still below pre-pandemic levels, the government hopes the digital nomad visa will bridge the gap by welcoming a new demographic of travellers who blend work and leisure. Officials expect the scheme to attract long-stay visitors who can contribute to the local economy without competing in the domestic job market. According to government data, tourism remains a key driver for the Philippines, contributing 8.6 per cent to its GDP in 2023. Authorities aim to further revitalise this vital sector by opening pathways for remote workers.