Digital Nomad Visa Act

Senate office of the Bectory TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 AUG 18 P1:39 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1203 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NEW VISA CATEGORY FOR DIGITAL NOMADS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic fundamentally reshaped the modern workplace, which accelerated the adoption of remote work arrangements. Enabled by advancements in digital telecommunications, this shift has given rise to a new class of professionals: the "digital nomad," who work remotely using digital technologies while travelling to different countries. Recognizing the potential of this global trend, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) 86 on 24 April 2025, authorizing the creation of a visa specifically for digital nomads or foreign nationals seeking to work remotely from the Philippines. This proactive measure aims to position the country as a premier destination for this this growing demographic. The country's growing appeal was recently affirmed in the 2025 "Work from Anywhere Barometer" by the International Workplace Group (IWG), which ranked Manila as the 18th best city globally and the 6th best in Asia for "workcations." This high ranking validates the timeliness of the government's initiatives. The passage of this bill will provide a robust legislative foundation for EO 86, which will ensure policy continuity and signal a long-term commitment that will attract the global digital workforce. By formally establishing this visa program in law, the Philippines joins a growing number of nations strategically courting this demographic. This is a calculated effort that will attract high-value, long term visitors who contribute directly to our local economies and tourism sector. According to an article by Forbes dated 14 February 2024, "the digital nomad lifestyle offers a unique work experience that comes with the autonomy of not being chained to an office. Like the name implies, it affords professionals with the opportunity to work remotely while traveling freely. It requires smart planning, adaptability and personal drive to make it work for both the digital nomad and employer." Indeed, the

increase of digital nomads in our country shall aid economic growth and boost tourism. We must take advantage of this emerging trend. Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. IMEER. MARCOS

THE OF THE SECRE PHILIP RECEIVED TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DAAUG 1 8 2025 First Regular Session 1:39 TIME: _ pm BY: _ S.B. No. - SENATE203 BILLS & LYDEX Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NEW VISA CATEGORY FOR DIGITAL NOMADS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Digital Nomad Visa Act."

Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - The following terms shall be defined in this Act, as

follows: a) Alien refers to a non-immigrant foreigner or individual who is not a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines; and b) Digital Nomad refers to an individual who works remotely using digital technologies while travelling to different countries, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines.

Sec. 3. Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). - An alien who is considered as a Digital Nomad,

10 who is employed in and whose clients are situated in a country other than the Republic of the Philippines, and who desires to enter and/or stay in the country may, upon making an application with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), be granted a DNV for a period of one (1) year, renewable for another period of one (1) year, subject to the following conditions: a) Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; b) Must be a Digital Nomad, as defined in Sec. 2 of this Act;

c) Must show proof of sufficient income which is generated outside the Philippines; d) Must have a health insurance that is valid in the Philippines and for the entire period for which the DNV is granted; e) Must not have any criminal record in his home country and in the Philippines; f) Must not pose a threat to the internal or external security of Philippines; g) Must pay a fee which shall be determined by the BI to cover the cost of the processing fees for the issuance of the DNV; and h) Must pay the reasonable Entry and Exit Fee, the amount of which shall also be determined by the BI.

Sec. 4. Effect of Grant of DNV. - An alien who has been granted a DNV shall not

12 be deemed a resident of the Philippines for purposes of taxation. The income that they shall be receiving from the employer overseas, while in the country, shall not be considered income from Philippine sources.

Sec. 5. Revocation of DNV. - Subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations, the

BI may revoke a DNV if the holder shall violate any of its terms and conditions or shall 17 no longer be qualified to be a holder of the same, as may be determined by the BI in accordance with this Act.

Sec. 6. Database of DNV. - A database of all individuals issued with a DNV shall

20 be created. It shall also contain other information as the BI shall deem necessary.

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the implementation of this Act

shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) calendar days

from the effectivity of this Act, the BI, in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees or

issuances, presidential proclamations, letters of instruction, rules and regulations, or

1 parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act

shall be deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act or any section or provision hereof not otherwise affected shall remain valid and in full force and effect.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its

7 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,