MANILA – Senator Joel Villanueva has filed Senate Bill 2991, proposing a special visa for digital nomads—remote workers who travel while working—to encourage long-term stays in the Philippines and boost tourism revenue.
The bill introduces a one-year visa, renewable for another year, allowing foreign remote workers to live in the country while working for overseas employers. Applicants must show proof of income, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Villanueva cited the Philippines’ ranking as the world’s 7th fastest-growing remote work hub in 2023, per the World Economic Forum. The Department of Tourism also reported a 9.15% rise in foreign visitors in 2024, with tourism revenues reaching a record PHP760.5 billion.
“With our pristine beaches, green mountains, and vibrant cities, the Philippines is an ideal remote work destination,” Villanueva said. He emphasized that while digital nomads wouldn’t take local jobs, they could share expertise with local communities.
Over 50 countries currently offer similar visas. Villanueva hopes the initiative will attract more digital professionals to make the Philippines their base.
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