PRESIDENT Marcos has signed an executive order authorizing the issuance of a special visa for digital nomads or foreigners working for overseas-based employers, a move aimed at boosting the country’s growing remote work sector and strengthening its tourism and digital economy.
Executive Order No. 86, signed on April 24, allows the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue “Digital Nomad Visas” (DNVs) to foreign nationals who wish to temporarily stay in the Philippines while working remotely for employers or clients based overseas.
The new visa is open to individuals at least 18 years old who can show proof of remote work, sufficient income generated outside the country, a clean criminal record, and valid health insurance.
Applicants must also be citizens of countries that offer similar visas to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a foreign service post.
“Establishing a legal framework for digital nomads supports the administration’s push for tourism, innovation, and economic development,” the order stated.
DNVs will be valid for up to one year and may be renewed for another year. Holders will also enjoy multiple-entry privileges during their stay, provided they continue to meet the requirements and do not engage in local employment.
The DFA is tasked with maintaining a secure database of all DNV holders in line with data privacy laws. It will also coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for security clearance procedures.
The order allows applicants from countries without a Philippine post to apply in the nearest country that has one.
Grounds for revoking a DNV include fraudulent application, violation of immigration laws, or taking up local employment.
A pilot run of the DNV program is expected within 60 days of the order’s effectivity, with full guidelines to be released within 30 days.
The DFA is required to submit bi-annual reports to the Office of the President to monitor the program’s rollout.
EO 86 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.