Senate bill proposes digital nomad visa to boost PH tourism
2 min read
Senator Joel Villanueva has introduced a bill creating a new visa category to attract digital nomads—remote workers who operate from various locations—as a way to support the country’s tourism industry.
Villanueva filed Senate Bill No. 2991, or the “Digital Nomad Visa Act,” which would grant foreign nationals a digital nomad visa, allowing them to work remotely from the Philippines for one year, with the option to renew for another year.
“Digital nomads spend money and therefore, would benefit the economy. The Philippines is a promising destination for those who embrace a nomadic lifestyle and leverage technology to work remotely from outside their home country,” Villanueva said in a statement.
While digital nomads would not be allowed to take local jobs, the senator highlighted that they could still contribute by sharing knowledge and best practices with local communities.
Currently, over 50 countries offer similar visa programs for remote workers.
If passed into law, the Digital Nomad Visa would be issued through the Bureau of Immigration and available to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old
- Valid health insurance covering the visa period
- No criminal record in their home country
- Payment of entry and exit fees
The bill also clarifies that digital nomads will not be considered residents for tax purposes and cannot be employed in the Philippines.
In 2023, the Philippines ranked 7th among the world’s fastest-growing remote work hubs, according to the World Economic Forum, based on data from Nomad List, a platform where over 10,000 remote workers log their locations. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
