NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. B. NO. 2991
25 rpg 24 A10:45
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NEW VISA CATEGORY FOR DIGITAL NOMADS, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Remote job opportunities are steadily increasing worldwide, driven by 
technological advancements and changing workplace dynamics. The World 
Economic Forum's white paper, The Rise of Global DigitalJobs, predicts a 25% growth 
in remote digital roles by 2030, reaching around 92 million jobs globally.1
Digital nomads are professionals who use technology to work remotely, even 
from various locations. The World Economic Forum, based on the Nomad List, ranked 
the Philippines as the 7th fastest growing remote work hub in 2023.2 The Department 
of Tourism reported a 9.15% increase in foreign visitors in 2024, reaching 5.95 million, 
and tourism revenue hit an all-time high of P760.5 billion, a 126.75% recovery from 
pre-pandemic levels.3
By introducing a specific visa category, the Philippines has the opportunity to 
position itself as an appealing destination for digital nomads and capitalize on the 
growing global trend. Currently, more than fifty jurisdictions offer remote worker visas 
and permits.
World Economic Forum, The Rise of Global Digital Jobs (2024). Available at 
httDs://www3.weforum.orq/docs/WEF The Rise of Global Digital Jobs 2024.pdf, (last accessed 
23 February 2025)
Presidential Communications Office, "PH Considered as One of the World's Top Remote Work 
Hubs". Available at httDs://Dco.aov.Dh/news releases/ph-one-of-the-worlds-toD-remote-work-hubs/ 
(last accessed 23 February 2025)
Department of Tourism, "PHL Hits Record-High Tourism Revenue in 2024," Department of 
Tourism. Available at httDs://beta.tourism.aov.Dh/news and uDdates/phl-hits-record-hiah-tourism- 
revenue-in-2024/. (last accessed 24 February 2025)


The Digital Nomad Visa Act aims to attract remote workers to the Philippines, 
driving economic growth through spending in sectors like hospitality, real estate, and 
tourism. It will also boost job creation, talent development, and innovation through 
collaboration between remote workers and local businesses.
For these reasons, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
JOEL^VILLANUEV-


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
SENATE 
S. B. NO. ^
i • . I
25 PFB 24 AVD :4 5
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
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AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NEW VISA CATEGORY FOR DIGITAL 
NOMADS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be referred to as the “Digital 
Nomad Visa Act. ”
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms 
are defined as follows:
(a) 
Alien refers to an individual who is not a citizen of the Republic of the 
Philippines:
(b) 
Digital Nomad refers to an individual who works remotely using digital 
technologies while travelling to different countries;
(c) 
Digital Nomad Visa refers to the visa granted by the Bureau of 
Immigration to a person to whom this Act applies.
SEC. 3. Digital Nomad Visa. - An alien who is employed in a country 
other than the Republic of the Philippines may, upon making an application to 
the Bureau of Immigration, be granted a Digital Nomad Visa to work in the 
Philippines for a period of twelve (12) months, renewable for another twelve (12) 
months, subject to the following conditions:
(a) 
Said individual must be at least eighteen (18) years old;
(b) 
Said individual is a digital nomad as defined in Section 2 of this Act;


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(c) 
Said individual can show valid proof of sufficient income, based on 
standards to be determined by the Bureau of Immigration, in 
consultation with relevant government agencies, and that said 
income is generated outside of the Philippines:
(d) 
Said individual holds a valid health insurance valid for the period for 
which the Digital Nomad Visa is granted;
(e) 
Said individual must not have a criminal record in his home country 
and will not be a threat to the Republic of the Philippines;
(f) 
Said individual will pay a fee to be determined by the Bureau of 
Immigration to cover the cost of processing and issuing the visa;
(g) 
Said individual will pay a reasonable Entry Fee and Exit Fee, the 
amount of which will be determined by the Bureau of Immigration.
SEC. 4. Effect of Grant of Visa. - An alien who has been granted a digital 
nomad visa shall not be deemed a resident of the Philippines for taxation 
purposes and the income they receive from their employer abroad, while in the 
country, shall not be considered income from Philippine sources.
SEC. 5. No Employment in the Philippines. - An alien who has been 
granted a Digital Nomad Visa shall not be employed in the Philippines.
SEC. 6. Revocation of Visa. - The Bureau of Immigration may revoke 
the Digital Nomad Visa if the holder violates any of the terms or conditions of 
the visa, or if it is determined that the holder no longer meets the qualifications 
established in Section 3 hereof.
SEC. 7. Digital Nomad Visa Register. - A register of all individuals 
issued a Digital Nomad Visa shall be maintained by the Bureau of Immigration 
and shall contain such information as the Bureau may deem necessary.
SEC. 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s 
appropriations of the Bureau of Immigration. Thereafter, the funding shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Bureau of 
Immigration, shall, in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Department 
of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of 
Trade and Industry, Local Government Units, other relevant government 
agencies and instrumentalities, the private sector, and other stakeholders, 
issue within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the rules and 
regulations necessary to effectively implement its provisions.


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SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any portion or 
provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or 
any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - AW laws, executive orders, proclamations, 
rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of 
general circulation.
Approved,