There are currently 35 million digital nomads around the world
Almost five years after it was first launched, during the peak Covid-19 pandemic, one more country is set to offer Digital Nomad Visas (DNV) to a select category of highly-skilled, white-collared professionals from across the world as the Philippines is said to be finalising its DNVs.
According to reports, Manila will join other South East Asian nations in a bid to attract international talents and embrace the remote work revolution. The new visa will allow eligible foreign nationals to stay in an affordable, English-speaking environment for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal and work, with preferred status accorded to them.
According to local news agency reports, the programme could be implemented within the next two months, just in time for the northern hemisphere summer travel season.
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The visa has already been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and will be open to applicants who are at least 18 years old, hold valid health insurance, have a clean criminal record, and earn a minimum annual income of EUR 24,000 (USD 27,200). It will only be granted to citizens of countries with which the Philippines has reciprocal visa agreements.
According to government sources, DNV applications will be fully processed online, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to modernise its services and improve accessibility to foreign nationals. And with multiple government agencies involved, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the country is gearing up for a smooth rollout.
Speaking to the media earlier, Christina Frasco, Secretary, Tourism, has described the programme as a strategic tool for long-term tourism development. ‘‘Allowing digital nomads the opportunity to stay longer in the country, will spur tourism activities and increase visitor spending,’’ she said. By attracting longer-staying remote workers, the Philippines hopes to stabilise tourism flows throughout the year and enrich local communities through cultural exchanges.
According to reports, there are currently 35 million digital nomads around the world, a significant jump from barely 10.9 million in 2020 and this number is projected to reach 60 million by 2030. According to analyst reports, the modern-age nomads contribute an estimated USD 787 billion to the global economy each year, with most digital nomads earning at least USD 50,000 annually, and 35 pc of them between USD 100,000-250,000.
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Currently, 40 pc of countries offering DNVs do not require digital nomads to pay additional taxes, and 17 pc have no minimum income threshold.
According to UN Tourism, more than 50 pc of countries across the globe now offer some form of DNV and competition is intensifying, but the Philippines is uniquely positioned to stand out as English is widely spoken in the country, with the majority of Filipino adults being fluent in the language and internet penetration is around 90 pc, which is a key requirement for digital nomads and on top of that the cost of living remains comparatively low.
The Philippines joins a growing list of countries in Asia with similar programmes, including South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Türkiye, Thailand and Kazakhstan, all of which launched their versions in 2024. While Japan targets high-income nomads earning at least EUR 62,860 per year with six-month DNVs Türkiye has set its income threshold at EUR 33,800. Kazakhstan’s ‘Neo-Nomad Visa’, emphasising the country’s nomadic roots, projects potential earnings of EUR 6.7 million by attracting IT professionals.
As the global race for digital nomads accelerates, the Philippines is positioning itself as a strong contender, with its strength rooted not just in policy, but in people and unique environment.
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