➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?
Not confirmed but around $2,000 USD per month.
➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?
The Philippine government has confirmed that the new 12-month digital nomad visa will have the option to be extended for an additional 12 months.
➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Anyone working for non-Filipino companies or clients.
➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Not confirmed but expected to be close to US$250.
➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?
Digital nomads will be exempt from paying local income taxes on earnings derived from their employment outside the Philippines.
Nomad Visa Philippines 2024
In May 2023, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration announced plans to introduce a digital nomad visa aimed at attracting remote workers to the country. This new visa is designed for individuals who are employed outside of the Philippines and meet certain income requirements. Eligible remote workers can obtain a visa valid for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for another 12 months.
Current Tourist Visa Options
Pending the official rollout of the digital nomad visa, remote workers interested in the Philippines can enter the country using a tourist visa. For many nationalities, this visa is available upon arrival and typically grants a 30-day stay. This can be extended for up to 36 months. Notably, U.S. citizens enjoy more lenient conditions, being eligible for a tourist stay of up to six months.
Key Features of the Digital Nomad Visa
Although full details of the visa are yet to be disclosed, preliminary information suggests significant benefits for digital nomads. Applicants would be permitted to reside in the Philippines for 12 months, working for non-Filipino companies or clients. This period is extendable for another year provided the eligibility criteria are still met. Notably, visa holders won’t be required to pay local taxes on their foreign income, and employment within the Philippines will be prohibited. The visa is also expected to include provisions for accompanying partners and dependent children under 18, although specific income requirements for dependents have not been detailed.
Expected Requirements for the Philippine Digital Nomad Visa
- Proof of Stable Income: Applicants must demonstrate a stable income from abroad, such as through employment contracts or proof of self-employment. The anticipated minimum income is likely to be around US$24,000 annually or $2000 per month, considering the standards of neighboring countries and the local economic context.
- Health Insurance: Visa applicants will need to show that they have comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay. The quality of healthcare varies across the Philippines, with more advanced facilities typically available in urban areas.
- Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal record from the applicant’s home country is a must, verified through documents that may require an Apostille certification for international use.
Application Process for the Digital Nomad Visa
As the Philippine government finalizes details, the expected procedure for applying for the digital nomad visa involves initial online submissions through the government’s visa portal. Applicants will likely need to schedule a subsequent appointment at a local embassy or consulate to present original documents and their passport in person. This multi-step process ensures that all documentation is verified accurately, facilitating compliance with immigration regulations.
Timeline for Visa Availability and Processing
The official launch date for the Philippines digital nomad visa has not been announced, but indications suggest it could be as early as 2024. Based on the processing times for other types of visas, such as work and student visas, applicants might expect a processing period of two to three months. Prospective applicants should prepare for a similar timeframe, allowing ample time to gather necessary documentation and meet application requirements.
Cost of the Digital Nomad Visa
While specific fees for the digital nomad visa remain unannounced, looking at existing visa costs can provide a rough estimate. For instance, the current fee for a student visa is around US$250. This amount could serve as a baseline for the minimum fee applicants might expect to pay for the digital nomad visa.
Tax Considerations for Digital Nomads in the Philippines
A significant advantage of the digital nomad visa is the tax exemption on foreign income. The Philippine government has clarified that digital nomads will not be required to pay local income taxes on earnings from their employment abroad. However, they are still responsible for fulfilling tax obligations in their country of employment. Additionally, the local value-added tax (VAT) in the Philippines is 12%, which applies to goods and services purchased within the country.