The President of the Philippines has made a directive through Executive Order (E.O.) No. 861, authorizing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to non-immigrant foreign nationals. These visas are intended for foreign nationals who wish to enter and stay in the country temporarily to work remotely using digital technologies, with clients or employers based outside the Philippines.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The DNV visa will provide more flexibility for foreign nationals who wish to come to the Philippines as digital nomads by giving them an entitlement to reside and work remotely in the country, under certain conditions. The government has created a regulatory structure around the DNV to facilitate the entry of digital nomads or foreign nationals for a short period. It aligns with the Philippine government’s commitment to promoting tourism, economic development, and digital innovation in the country.
The regulation of third-country digital nomad immigration issues is of crucial importance to accommodate both employer and employee needs given the changes that have been occurring in work patterns, which are anticipated to continue in future.
Conditions and Requirements
Foreign nationals applying for a DNV must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Provide proof of remote work using digital technology.
- Show proof of sufficient income generated outside the Philippines.
- Present a clean criminal record.
- Have health insurance valid for the duration of the DNV.
- Be a national of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post (FSP).
- Not pose a threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines.
- Not be employed within the Philippines.
Foreign nationals issued valid DNVs must maintain compliance with these conditions throughout the validity of their visas. Nationals of countries that offer DNVs to Filipinos but do not have a Philippine FSP may apply for a DNV in the nearest country where a Philippine FSP is located.
Visa Validity and Renewal
Holders of valid DNVs may enter and/or stay in the Philippines for a maximum period of one year. These visas can be renewed for the same duration, and holders may be granted multiple entry privileges during the validity of their DNVs.
Implementation and Monitoring
The DFA, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Tourism (DOT), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), shall issue the implementing guidelines within 30 days from the effective date of the Executive Order.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa program is a strategic move to position the Philippines as a competitive destination for the rapidly growing global community of remote workers. The establishment of a clear regulatory structure helps ensure that digital nomads can legally reside and work in the country while maintaining compliance with immigration laws. By offering a legal avenue for extended stays, the visa reduces the risk of deportation or penalties for unauthorized work and helps manage visa over-stays through proper registration and monitoring of foreign nationals.
If companies and/or their employees need assistance with understanding the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, they may reach out to their usual immigration counsel or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in the Philippines (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTE:
1 Executive Order No. 86: 20250424-EO-86-FRM.pdf.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the Philippines.
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