The Philippines Just Announced a Digital Nomad Visa. Should You Pack Your Bags?
You know that fantasy of working whilst sipping traditional lemon juice while from a beachfront café?
Yeah... the Philippines just made that real.
They’ve officially launched a Digital Nomad Visa, and it’s about to shake up your remote work options, especially if you’re tired of overpriced co-living spots or dealing with 90-day tourist visa loops.
Let’s break it down.
1. What’s the deal?
The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa lets you legally live and work there for up to a year, with the option to renew.
You don’t need to switch jobs. You just need to prove you’re working remotely for a non-Filipino company and meet a few basic criteria (don’t worry, we’ll get into it).
And yes, you can come and go as you please while your visa’s active. Multiple entries allowed. No shady border runs.
👉 Launch is expected before the end of July 2025 and it’ll be available at your local embassy or online via evisa.gov.ph.
2. Are you eligble?
Here’s the checklist:
✅ You’re 18+
✅ You work remotely (freelancer, contractor, or employee of a non-Philippines company)
✅ You’ve got health insurance that covers you in the Philippines
✅ You’re earning enough to support yourself — unofficially, we’re hearing around $24K USD/year minimum
✅ You have no criminal record
✅ You’re from a country that also offers digital nomad visas to Filipinos (reciprocity matters)
If you tick those boxes, you're golden.
3. What do you need to apply?
Same usual suspects:
A passport with at least 6 months validity
Proof of your remote job or freelance gigs (contracts, payslips, etc.)
Bank statements showing you meet the income requirement
Health insurance documents
Police clearance from your home country
Visa application form (will be on evisa.gov.ph)
You’ll apply either online or at a local consulate/embassy.
(btw, if you’re looking for your next remote role that will allow you to travel worldwide, I think the Remote Rebellion Community will be the perfect fit for you to get your Resume and Cover letter template. This is where we publish new fully remote roles every. single. week!)
4. What’s it gonna cost?
They haven’t dropped the final price tag yet but other Southeast Asia nomad visas are going for $200–$300 USD. So expect something similar.
Processing time? Probably 6–12 weeks from submission. Don’t wait ‘til the last minute if you’re planning a move.
5. Why the Philippines?
Because 7,641 islands is a pretty solid start.
Here’s why nomads are buzzing:
Low cost of living — you can live well without draining your savings
Most people speak English — no need to download Duolingo (unless you want to!)
Fast-growing remote work scene — coworking spaces and digital infrastructure are picking up fast
Great people and culture- Filipinos are famously friendly and fun to be around. And they love Karaoke too!
If Bali feels overdone and Europe’s draining your wallet… this might be your move.
6. A few things to watch for
⚠️ You can’t work for a local Filipino employer on this visa. It’s strictly for remote gigs with non-local clients or companies.
⚠️ Not clear yet if dependents (like partners or kids) can join under the same visa — we’re waiting on updates for that.
⚠️ You won’t be considered a tax resident, which is good news for most, but double-check your home country’s tax rules just in case.
7. Thinking of going for it?
Here’s your quick-start plan:
Bookmark the eVisa site (evisa.gov.ph) and follow updates from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration
Get your documents in order now, don’t scramble last-minute
Talk to a relocation consultant or immigration expert if you want extra peace of mind
Already in SEA? Keep your visa runs legal and level up your stay with this new option
Final Thoughts
For those of you who are sick of playing the "how long can I stay here without getting deported" game, the Philippines might just be your next long-term remote base.
With turquoise waters, English-speaking locals, decent infrastructure, and a fresh new visa that finally welcomes remote workers, this is your in!
Will it be perfect? No place is. But if working from paradise has been on your vision board for 3 years straight… maybe this is the nudge you’ve been waiting for.
You don’t need to be rich or sponsored.
You just need a remote job, a decent Wi-Fi setup, and the courage to book the damn ticket.
Let us know if you're thinking about applying or already packing. We’re collecting the best tropical WFA setups for our next post. 👀
Want help finding the right role before you go?
Check out the Remote Rebellion Community to get your CV and Cover letter template and fully remote roles updated every week, we got you 😉
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
FAQ
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Yes, as long as you’re working remotely for clients or companies outside the Philippines, you’re good. Freelancers, contractors, full-time remote employees, all welcome. Just have contracts, payslips, or invoices ready to show you’re legit.
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Nope. The current setup says you’re not considered a tax resident, so foreign income stays untaxed in the Philippines. But (and it’s a big but), your home country might still want a slice, so check in with a tax pro before you book that flight.
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Right now, it’s not super clear if dependents are allowed on this visa. Some reports say it might be possible, others say “not yet.” If you're planning a full fam move, best to wait until the government releases official details or shoot them an email.
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There’s no rulebook for that (yet). The visa is tied to remote work for non-Philippine entities, so if you stop working, you might technically be out of compliance. If that happens, contact the immigration office right away. Don’t ghost and hope they won’t notice.