The Philippines, being a tropical paradise on earth, attracts people from all over the world to come and reside there. Some people want to go there on vacation while others wish to move there permanently. There, in the middle, are the types of people who want neither and both at the same time.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to move there permanently but a month or two doesn’t sound enough then the new Philippines Digital Nomad Visa is the best option for you.
If you wish to learn more, keep reading this article.
Does the Philippines have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, the Philippines’ Digital Nomad Visa was introduced in June of 2023. This visa is a way for people to live in the Philippines without having to leave their work behind. The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa is specially made for individuals who are remote workers looking to establish a healthy work-life balance.
The Philippines has introduced this visa in hopes of increasing its revenue, boosting its local economy, and improving its tourism industry.
Did You know? The Philippines has joined hands with a group of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and China to offer digital nomad visas and increase its popularity in South Asia.
Who can Apply for the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa?
Some eligibility requirements must be fulfilled in order to apply for a digital nomad visa philippines.
Take a look below to see if you stand up to the eligibility criteria:
- Remote workers: you must be employed in a foreign country. People employed by local businesses or involved in any Philippines-based business activity will not be eligible.
- Clean criminal record: you must have a clean criminal record to be considered eligible for this visa.
- Minimum income requirement: as per our estimate, you must make a minimum of $24000 annually to be eligible for this visa.
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in the Philippines?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a Philippines Digital Nomad Visa
Choose your application method : Before you move on with anything else, you need to determine your method of applying. You can either go to a Philippines embassy or consulate in your country or apply online. Both methods are functional.
In-person application
- Make an appointment
If you decide to apply in person then you should preferably make an appointment with your chosen consulate. The agent can guide you through the following process and clear any doubts.
- Gather your documents
Once your appointment is made, you should start preparing all the necessary documents. This will include things such as proof of income and proof of residence etc. The accuracy of your documents will influence the processing time for your application.
- Submission
Now you need to show up to your appointment and submit the documents along with the application form. The agent can guide you on how to acquire that form.
- Wait for feedback
Once you have completed all the steps listed above and paid the visa fee, you need to sit tight and wait for the feedback.
Online visa application
It is speculated that the application process will be held digitally in the beginning. Hence If you are submitting your Philippines Digital Nomad Visa application online, all you need to do is go to the Philippine government’s portal and go along with each step.
Remember, you still need to prepare your documents, fill out the application form, and pay the fee.
How Much Does it Cost?
Since this visa is in the initial period of development, official costs have not been disclosed to the public yet. However, judging by other Visas’ costs in the country (such as student visas) we can estimate that the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa can cost around $250 / €235.
Philippines Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Take a look below and learn all about the Philippines digital nomad visa requirements.
Applications and Documentations
- Valid passport: a passport which will remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the Philippines.
- Valid health insurance: health insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Proof of employment: applicants must submit proof that they are currently working for a business based outside of the Republic of the Philippines. This could be proved by the submission of a contract of employment, Payslips, or any other documents.
- Remote job: applicants must be able to prove that if they are not employed by a foreign company, they are either self-employed or they are working as freelancers. You can prove this by submitting adequate business documentation.
- Clean criminal record: you must be able to prove that you have not been convicted of any crimes in your home country or current country of residence. You can easily get certificates from a local police station.
Financial requirements
Not much is disclosed by the Philippines government as of now but they have said the following about the minimum income requirement.
The Filipino government says that the minimum income requirement would be inspired by the countries that offer similar digital nomad visas. Here is a quick example:
| Malaysia | Minimum income of $24 000 / €22562 annually |
| Thailand | Minimum income of $80 000 / €75209 per year or $40 000 / €37604 if you have a master’s degree in the digital field |
Most countries require double the amount of average or minimum wage as the minimum income requirement. The Philippines has a minimum wage of $2053 / €1930 per year and an average wage of $12955 / €2778.
Seeing this and considering the requirements of the neighbouring countries, we can estimate the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa to have a minimum income requirement of $24000/ €22562 per year.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Philippines Digital Nomad Visa?
While the official time for this visa is still unknown, you can expect to receive feedback in 2-3 months. Since it’s in the initial stages, the timeline, along with some other logistical details may vary from country to country.
3 Benefits of the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa
- Language
If you’re considering living somewhere for the next 1-2 years, you must think of factors such as language and communication. Since English is a universal language, most people can speak it fluently. It is widely spoken around in the Philippines meaning that there won’t be difficulties because of the language barriers.
- Quality of life
The quality of life in the Philippines is also very high. People tend to be friendly while the community in itself is considered safe. The overall environment is healthy and there is decent internet connectivity. The low and affordable cost of living along with budget-friendliness of resources make it a suitable option for digital nomads.
Here’s an example of the average costs of everyday items.
| Lunch | $3.50 |
| Restaurant expenses | $10-$15 |
| Beer | $1.50/ bottle |
| Grocery | $100-$150 |
| Utility bills | $100/ month |
| Internet connection | $40/ month |
- Tropical paradise
With over 7000 islands and beautiful beaches, the Philippines is nothing short of a tropical paradise. Foreign nationals can enjoy these beautiful sights every single day. From Batanes and Boracay island to Lake Cebu and Siargao island, the country is filled with exotic spots. While countries like Thailand are much more commercialised, you are more likely to face tourist crowds there.
The Philippines allows you to enjoy the natural beauty without having to struggle with crowds.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in the Philippines?
One of the best parts about the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa is that it grants a “non-tax resident” status to the digital nomads. This means that if you live in the Philippines but are not employed by any Philippines-based business and you are not involved in any business activity then you won’t be subject to local income taxes.
Although, one exception to this rule is the specific tax policy of your home country. Some countries require that you pay them taxes even on global income so you’ll have to check accordingly. As for the Philippines, your income won’t be taxable.
Furthermore, the value-added tax (VAT) is 12% in the Philippines.
Get Started With iVisa Now“I never would have been able to navigate the application without the help of iVisa. The speed at which they processed the documents was amazing.”
“Excellent service! Communication and response time were swift. They were professional and I felt confident in their ability. I would recommend them and use them again!”
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Philippines
The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa remains valid for a period of 12 months which is a longer period than several other countries offer. To make things better, the Philippines also allows you to apply for a renewal when the initial year passes.
This means you can enjoy the Philippines’ beautiful landscapes and culture for a total of 2 years without any interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens enter the Philippines without a visa?
Citizens of the United States can enter the Philippines visa-free. They will be granted a visa on the spot that will enable them to reside there for 59 days. After that, they can request a 6-month extension.
How long can I stay in the Philippines without a visa?
If you’re a United States citizen, you will be granted a visa for 59 days and you request an extension for 6 months after that. If you’re an EU resident, you will be granted a 30-day visa on arrival that could be extended for another 59 days. Lastly, US green card holders can enter a visa if their country of nationality allows it.
Is there a digital nomad community in the Philippines?
While they can reside anywhere they prefer, the best places for digital nomads include major cities like Manila. If you’re someone who prefers the beach then Siargao would be a better choice. Better yet, Cebu offers a delightful mix of both beach and city life.
Can foreigners work remotely in the Philippines?
Yes, most certainly. A Digital Nomad Visa allows people from all over the world to live in the Philippines and work remotely as per their preference. This visa allows you to reside there for 12 months. You can ask for an extension of 12 more months and enjoy the natural wonders.
Where is the best place to work remotely in the Philippines?
The best spot for remote work in the Philippines is the national capital region i.e. Metro Manilla. Makati City and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig are most famous for their digital nomad lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines is certainly a beautiful destination, if a little unpopular. If this country struck your attention and attracted you enough to consider moving then this comprehensive guide is a must-read. In this article, we discussed everything from the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa’s introduction to the benefits of acquiring it.
We discussed who can apply for this visa and how exactly they can do it. We delved into costs, required documents, and the timeline for this visa so you can see what you’re dealing with. Ending the article with the taxation system, renewal policy, and frequently asked questions, we hope it provided you with all the necessary information.
If you have any more questions, please contact us.
Did You Like This Article About the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa?
If you liked it…you will love our newsletter. Sign up and join our family!