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In exciting news for digital nomads and remote workers, the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a digital nomad visa to allow foreign workers to work remotely from the Philippines on Thursday, 24 April, 2025. This is part of broader plans to increase tourism and strengthen the economy following a 23% drop in international tourism in 2024.
What We Know About the Visa?
We know very little about the visa so far, with the Filipino government promising to release further details within the next 30 days, and for applications to open within the next 60 days.
It has already been announced that the visa will be for up to one year initially, renewable for another year.
What they have said so far is that you must be at least 18 to apply, and show proof of remote work with sufficient income to support yourself, plus have no criminal record.
It is unclear what “sufficient funds” will mean. Many countries set income requirements based on the local minimum or average wage, often set at two times. This would make the visa accessible, with the average wage even in large cities being only around US$700 per month. However, a number of Asian countries have set their minimum income requirement significantly higher. Taiwan has set its minimum at around UD$3,500 per month, while Japan and South Korea have gone higher, at almost US$5,500 per month. However, Malaysia is probably more comparable, with a minimum income requirement of US$2,000 per month.
Another interesting piece of information that is being shared by some sources is that the visa will only be open to nationals of foreign countries that offer digital nomad visas to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post. We suspect that “and” should probably be an “or,” or the Philippines will be excluding most of the potential audience for their visa from countries like the United States and Australia, both of which do not have digital nomad visas.
What is the Cost of Living in the Philippines?
The cost of living in the Philippines, even in larger and more expensive cities like Manila, promises to be accessible for most digital nomads, even though they can expect to pay more than locals for certain expenses, such as accommodation. Most digital nomads who have lived in the Philippines estimate a monthly expenditure of about US$1500.
- Expect to pay US$400-$600 for a furnished one-bedroom apartment. This price could go up, with locals taking advantage of the new visa to make money through Airbnb and short-term rentals, but it also means that digital nomads and remote workers are likely to have more options in the near future.
- Expect to spend between US$300-$500 on food, including both groceries and eating out. The Philippines is one of those countries where there is lots of tasty and affordable street food, so it can be affordable to eat out regularly. Expect to pay US$5 for lunch or a small dinner, and US$15 per person for a fancier restaurant meal. A beer is about US$2 a pop. Groceries are relatively affordable, expect to pay just US$2 for a dozen eggs (if you know the cost of eggs in the US right now, that’s a bargain).
- Transport might cost US$100-$200 a month using a combination of affordable public transport and ride-sharing services like Uber and Grab.
- Expect to pay another US$30-$50 a month for services such as your phone plan and internet package, and another US$150 per month for bills if it is not included in your rent.
Assuming you want to do more than just live and you expect to spend some money on seeing the sights and doing touristy things, then a budget of US$2,000 per month should be enough to enjoy your time.
Best Places to Stay in the Philippines on a DNV?
If you choose to travel to the Philippines on a DNV, you will want to find places to stay that allow you to enjoy the country’s incredible natural beauty and fascinating culture, but also have the infrastructure you need to be productive, so affordable and safe housing, reliable internet, access to co-working spaces, and good local transport. With that in mind, these are ten of the best places to make your home base while exploring the Philippines.
Manila
The capital, Manila, is an obvious choice when it comes to urban amenities. You can expect reliable high-speed internet and lots of coworking spaces and cafes. It is more expensive than other areas, but you have access to both historical sites and modern entertainment hubs on your doorstep. You also have the best international transport links, and excellent domestic transport links to exploring other parts of the Philippines.
Cebu City
Cebu City is an urban hub, but with enviable access to beaches and natural attractions. But the coworking spaces during the week and then go island hopping on the weekends, and plan a visit to Kawasan Falls. There are also a number of important historical sites in the area, including Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro.
Siargo
This is the surfing capital of the Philippines and will appeal to anyone looking for a laidback vibe, and to sneak in time in the waves between online meetings. Most expats and digital nomads stay in the General Luna area, where there are lots of accommodation options and cafes with strong internet.
Bohol (Panglao Island)
Panglao Island, connected to mainland Bohol by a bridge, famous for its white-sand beaches, which have attracted many resorts, but also good infrastructure. You are also near fun sites like the Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
Davao City
Located in Mindanao, Davao is a rising hub for digital nomads because it is safe and affordable, and has a growing number of facilities for digital nomads, such as co-working spaces and internet cafes. From here, you have great access to the country’s beautiful nature, including Mount Ap, the highest peak in the Philippines, and Samal Island.
Palawan
While infrastructure is less reliable here, Palawan is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including stunning limestone cliffs, lagoons, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Essential Things to Know About the Philippines Before Traveling
Ready to make your visa application and pack your bags for the Philippines? Before you travel, here are a few essential things to know.
Language – There are 180 regional languages, but English is also an official language used in education and business. You can expect many people you meet to speak English.
Money – The local currency is the Philippine Peso, with US$1 = around 55 PHP. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but the most popular form of payment are local mobile payment apps like GCash and PayMaya, for which you will need a local sim.
Weather – The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, which means it is hot, humid, and there is a lot of rainfall. Pack for the heat, which means light linens and defrizzing hair oils. The rainy season is between June and November, with a high risk of heavy storms and typhoons, and the hot, dry season is December to May.
Getting Around – There are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, more than 2,000 of them inhabited, so traveling around to different areas can be challenging. Domestic flights are often the best choice, and there are a number of budget airlines to choose from. There are also a range of ferries and small boats to move people between islands, and it is often best to ask locals about these. There are both buses, including colorful Jeepneys, in most cities and ride-hailing apps everywhere, but expect traffic to be heavy in most cities.
Food and Drink – Food hygiene is generally good in the Philippines, even at street food stalls, but be sure to wash your hands before eating. Also, don’t drink the tap water, as it is subject to contamination from industrial waste and sewage. Ice is usually fine because it is made from purified water. If you are brave, try Balut, which is a fertilized duck embryo boiled and eaten in the shell. It is considered a local delicacy.
Safety – While the Philippines is generally considered quite safe in terms of crime, there are concerns to be aware of. Drug trafficking is a significant issue in the Philippines, and kidnapping in tourist areas is not uncommon. There is also the potential for terrorist attacks, with a recent attack in Marawi City in December 2023 killing four people.
Culture – Around 80% of the Philippines is Catholic, and this impacts local culture and customs. This includes a focus on strong extended families, respect for elders, and a spirit of community cooperation. Be careful not to embarrass other people in public, as it can cause Hiya, which is a sense of shame. It is considered rude to refuse hospitality; it is better to accept a small portion than refuse. Don’t point with your index finger, use your whole hand instead.
Find out more about traveling to the Philippines as a digital nomad with our complete guide to Manila.
