In our spotlight on APAC series, we round up the latest developments across the region. In this post, we capture the new guidelines on the Digital Nomad Visa programme and relaxation of rules on the Entry of Indian Nationals in the Philippines.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Philippines has joined a growing number of jurisdictions offering visas for remote professionals through Executive Order No. 86. This measure allows the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue DNVs to non-immigrant foreign nationals who wish to enter and/or stay temporarily in the country to perform remote work (In terms of digital technologies) for employers or clients located abroad. The DNV is valid for a period of one year and can be extendable upon renewal. To be eligible, applicants must meet and continuously fulfil with the following conditions during the validity of their DNVs:
- Must be at least 18 years of age;
- Must show proof of remote work using digital technology;
- Must show proof of sufficient income generated outside the Philippines;
- Must show proof of no criminal record;
- Must have health insurance valid for the period of the DNV;
- Must be a national of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post (FSP); otherwise, the application may be filed in the nearest country where a Philippine FSP is available;
- Must not pose threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines; and,
- Must not be employed in the Philippines.
The DFA and the rest of the relevant government agencies are still amid implementing rules and regulations (IRR) governing the DNV, including procedures for its issuance, revocation, and renewal. Until the IRR is officially announced, eligible foreign nationals are advised to wait before applying for this new visa category.
Entry of Indian Nationals
The Philippines has also lessened the rules on entry of Indian nationals, promoting closeness between the two countries. The DFA issued Foreign Service Circular (FSC) Nos. 2025-019 and 2025-020, which respectively provide for 14-day and 30-day visa-free entry for Indian nationals. These new measures promote the government’s policy to boost stronger tourism engagement with India.
Under FSC No. 2025-019, Indian nationals may enter the Philippines with visa-free for a maximum period of 14 days, so long they show a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodations or bookings, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket. Transit passengers holding visas to a destination beyond the Philippines must still obtain a Philippine transit visa. The FSC No. 2025-020 permits Indian nationals holding a valid visa or permanent residence from the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, the Schengen countries, Singapore, or the United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) to enter and stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, subject to applicable visa or residence document, with the same supporting documents as above.
Both types of visa-free entry privileges are strictly for tourism purposes. They are non-extendible and non-convertible to other Philippine visa categories. These measures evidence the Philippine government’s commitment to a streamlined immigration framework, enhancing procedural clarity and predictability for employers and foreign nationals alike.
For more information or any assistance you require pertaining to the above-mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel.ang@magrath.sg or Royston@magrath.sg.
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