There seems to be a lot of demands on the temporary digital nomad such as health insurance, proof of income, paperwork (police report etc.), proof of income and more, just for the issuance of a 1 year temporary visa.

The path of least resistance is what is done today, the tourist visa, renewable for 3 years.

True, not all countries can enjoy the visa waiver and the 2 or 3 year renewal window but I will guess that most (though not all) digital nomads come from a visa waiver country.

For those that do not come from a visa waiver country, such as Indian or Chinese, this DNV might be interesting. But my comments relate to people from visa waiver countries

Also, consider the reasons for this being implemented:

"Advances in internet and teleconferencing technology has led to an increase in digital nomads who balance remote work with travel."

"Advances" may be true for many countries in the region but is it true here? And what about the reliability of internet access, especially with the brownouts? That is a "demand" that the digital nomads present back to the country which is not necessarily met.

But there may be a whole lot of foreigners from certain non-waiver countries in the region who might take advantage of the new visa but may not really use it for 'digital nomading'. I am no expert but if there are ways to come in for whatever illegal opportunities are available, it will happen.

So I think with tourist visa being superior for those with visa waiver that has none of the digital nomad visa requirements for a 1 year temporary visa, and not the best internet to meet nomads' demands, I am not sure how well this may go. I know my son had been considering moving here and working remotely with his USA office but the internet was too slow in Cebu where he was interested in staying.

 

Do you think they will still allow work offshore on a tourist visa or will they curb that as they will say the tourist visa is as intended a tourist only one?

I like the criminal record check, I think that’s one area that needs improvement.

 

Visas

Visas Immigrant Visas Child Born Abroad of Immigrant Mother Child Born Subsequent to the Issuance of Immigrant Visa of the Accompanying Parent Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A) Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizen (13G) Returning Resident (13E) Quota Visa...

immigration.gov.ph

Looks like it still does not exist according to BI

 

I believe in law and order but once the price had been paid for the broken law the person should not be treated like a criminal for the rest of his her life.

 

Here is a link to the Executive order for the digital nomad visa:

https://pco.gov.ph/wp-content/s/2025/04/20250424-EO-86-FRM.pdf

 

I believe in law and order but once the price had been paid for the broken law the person should not be treated like a criminal for the rest of his her life.

That only works in an ideal work when child molesters get executed.

 

From what I can see it's a complete waste of time, over complicated and the requirements are hard the reach, lso no mention of the fees.

 

Can you legally work for an offshore company on a tourist visa?

 

People from countries that don't get visa-free access on arrival to the Phil might benefit most, if they can obtain the visa. Also, if the visa allows for easier opening of s etc., that would be an advantage.
One potential hurdle is that their country must offer a nomad visa as well.

I can see why the Phil are cautious given the more recent unintended uses of work visas. On the other hand, trying to attract capable technologists who bring some coin does make sense IMO.
It's a delicate balance.

 

One of the requirements is reciprocity, the USSA doesn't offer nomad visas to filipinos so the nomad visa is not available to Americans. Thailand's 5 year visa is much easier to obtain.

 

One of the requirements is reciprocity, the USSA doesn't offer nomad visas to filipinos so the nomad visa is not available to Americans.

The US should do the reciprocity deal too, ban Filipinos from obtaining US citizenship or buying US real estate.

 

Brits can take advantage of DNV. If contracting for a UK company but working remotely in the Philippines, and are a non-UK tax resident living over 183 days in the Philippines, no UK tax and no Filipino tax. Foreign-sourced income on a digital nomad visa remains exempt from tax under Philippine law, technically at least (might be best to get advice from someone with a speciality in this area).

There is probably going to be a provable 'minimum' income; the figure bandied about is a minimum of £18,000 ($24,000) to be eligible, Etc.

As for working 'long-term/full-time' as a foreigner remotely for an alien company from the Philippines on a Tourist Visa, then its a grey area with risks. Tourist visa intended for short-term stays so working short-term not a problem, but renewing year after year might be an issue. Being in the Philippines, possibly breaking laws is not a risk worth taking, perhaps.

 

my wealth manager has talked about this, there are strict rules on the 183 day rule and not so easy. One rule is not ties in the U.K. and no U.K. bank . Private U.K. pensions are and will always be classed as income.

Tax on foreign income

Find out whether you need to pay UK tax on foreign income - residence and ‘non-dom’ status, tax returns, claiming relief if you’re taxed twice (including certificates of residence)

www.gov.uk

Tax on foreign income

Find out whether you need to pay UK tax on foreign income - residence and ‘non-dom’ status, tax returns, claiming relief if you’re taxed twice (including certificates of residence)

www.gov.uk

I’ve added a quick link for those interested. When it comes to tax I strongly recommend talking to a very good ant or financial institution.

 

Good points, thanks. This link is helpful as well: Tax on your UK income if you live abroad

Non-Residents apparently do not usually pay UK tax on State Pension.
I have modest military and private pensions plus aiming to do remote work, not sure if it will be as a director of the company or just a contracter with the company in one of my son's name - I'll have to get good professional advice methinks.

 

It’s a nightmare, tax and HMRC are a pain. I would strongly recommend you make an on the Gov site, I checked this year or before April and found they added 3060 quid and I phoned them and they tried to say it was income but in the end they removed it as I’m only drawing on a pension. It would have meant I would have been taxed more, sneaky little devils. They could not tell me where it had come from. I wonder how often that goes on, after all most just take it for granted that their tax is correct.

I also used p55 online form to get over paid tax back and again they said 6 weeks but if you have an you can get that within 5 days of them working it out.

they are quick enough wanting money but always slow giving out what’s yours.

Online you can check tax and NI contributions too.

annoys the crap out of me that state pension has no increase when you move abroad and I hate private pensions but note if you smacked, are ill or obese you can claim extra. Pension wise offers a free service to chat with.

 

LOL Newfie especially if an Australian government pension, if you have to have it and want to live O/S it's about AU 22K per year,,,,,, could be a hard life as we live on about AU40K and live well but don't have rent or electricity bills and if we want a new car, bike, refrigerator etc. comes from other investments.
20/30 years ago the Phills was cheap to live but not so much these days but still offer attractive visa options for those that want to live here.

Cheers, Steve.

 

State pension here is awful, back years ago we were told it could run out so we were given a chance to opt out which I did. Then typical government put us back into the state pension, I did well out of that all be it in a protected pension which means it can’t be drawn down from the policy it was placed in but can be moved.

many in the U.K. lost their private pension when a well known one collapsed. The government watched it and did sod all but when the banks got into trouble they soon helped them. My very close friends mother sat on the board that got some money back for those involved but it was so little.

I don’t trust the government, they can change those laws to suit them, I can see them lowering the tax free amount. As you know I was a Greenkeeper, very low wages and my private pension even if I worked to 67 would be not enough Let alone working to that age and that’s what many forget, your health at that point in life.
you and me got out as quick as we could. It’s an odd feeling not worrying about money, I’m so use to it in the UK as prices have gone up. I said to my other half how much a month shall we budget as we are in the sticks and she said 50k Peso a month. I’m thinking that’s low but I’ve done the sums and it’s about right. In Manila is was a lot higher.
I need to work it out roughly as I’m in a scheme that allows a 4% draw tax free while I’m on my pensions but I’m thinking why draw if not needed.

my next problem is trying to persuade other half she’s fine and does not need to work, she’s been nagging me that it’s unfair she’s not contributing.

 

Well done Newfie especially if you can live on P50K per month. Here it's P100 to 110K per month with no power bill. Mind you if we didn't drink and smoke the would knock off 35K a month and the caretaker cleaner after food, PhilHealth and wage would be another 12/13K so I suppose if you knock our vices and caretaker off the cost we would be around 60/70K a month.
No joy selling your property in the UK? Can take time to find the right buyer. Been there plenty of times.

Ben is off to buy a new EV SUV next week to replace our 6 year old car that is starting to make noises. Then no fuel bills for local stuff and a slightly larger SUV that I hope it will see me out.

Cheers, Steve.

 

Well done Newfie especially if you can live on P50K per month. Here it's P100 to 110K per month with no power bill. Mind you if we didn't drink and smoke the would knock off 35K a month and the caretaker cleaner after food, PhilHealth and wage would be another 12/13K so I suppose if you knock our vices and caretaker off the cost we would be around 60/70K a month.
No joy selling your property in the UK? Can take time to find the right buyer. Been there plenty of times.

Ben is off to buy a new EV SUV next week to replace our 6 year old car that is starting to make noises. Then no fuel bills for local stuff and a slightly larger SUV that I hope it will see me out.

Cheers, Steve.

It’s other half’s birthday today, flowers on their way and cake and a meal later with family.

I hope she loves them 🥰

EVs are so good now, worth it as you have solar so free charging. What did you go for?

im drawing down fairly close to the 40% tax mark. Left some to play with but lump sums are worked out on a 1 to 12 which is simply on a draw they work the tax out as if you draw that each month so you over pay tax and have to claim it back. The down side is on those payments you can hit the 40% and higher tax. I don’t want the government to getting more tax from me so I work at keeping it below that freshhold.

 

Sorry Sky Blues Seas but I don't understand what you are saying in your second paragraph.

Cheers, Steve.

 

lol, Seems you need to listen to your wife Newfie at P50K per month,,,,,, let her handle the finances as she's the local.

Was just thinking of what Sky Blues Sea Said about living on P 35 to 50K per month, did you mean locals or blow ins like us?

Most locals here that have a job live on P10 to 20K per month with a wife and 2/4 kids, live in the family home with their siblings/their families and honestly are the happiest people I've ever met in all my travels around the world and honestly got me stuffed how they do it.
Obviously far different expectations.

Cheers, Steve.

 

ive never told her how much I could pull on, I’m thinking if anything happens to me she will have more than enough but I’ve kept my financial stuff under my belt a little.

wages are so low here, Manila is around 20 to 30 a month if you are lucky going on other half’s children’s earnings, that’s without SS payments. One son lives on a budget of 200 peso a day, can’t do it in Manila.

what do you spend money on in the province, we are 40 mins away from the nearest fast food outlet, it’s chicken, pork and lots and lots of fish and that’s going be cheap as chips.
I can’t talk her into anything, it’s been so hard. the washing machine, I had to drag her into Abensons and then it was Black colour was all she was interested in and she still hand washes some clothes. She will shop second hand for dresses, I had to surprise with Ecco sandals and then she refused to wear them.
I should not complain when I hear others talk about how much they part with.

 

Spending money is easy Newfie, earning snd saving it can be the difficult side.
What we spend money on? Here simply look at a rather large home with 6 Cignal tv outlets, unlimited WiFi, 2 phones, water, gas, fuel for the car, Rego and insurance for 3 sets of wheels, obligatory maintenance for the same, 2 large Labradors for food and vet costs, municipal rates, home and garden maintenance, golly the list can go on as long as your purse strings permit. Yes fast food outlets and a great night market down the road when we don't want to cook.

Newfie that's what we spend, doesn't mean you need to. End of the day? What we spend here is at least half what we used to spend in Oz and no complaints watching the waves roll in from the office.

Something my sis told me years ago was simple, you got the money enjoy what you worked your guts out for,,,,,, my retort? What about the kids? Her reply? "stuff the kids, they are adults and make their own way". While a somewhat different philosophy to my thinking eventually made sense,,,,,, you can't take it with you, enjoy while you can.

Newfie while a third world country it still costs to live here, simply depends on needs and lifestyle, no different to any country.

Cheers, Steve.

 

that’s it you can’t be buried with it.

i love the sea, I can’t live in Manila, the traffic and pollution is enough and the heat just keeps locked in its concrete jungle.

i feel safer outside of it too, we sadly had a late night visitor who managed to cut through the door at its base and then entered the grandchildren’s room In Manila,Property stolen but thankfully he or she never touched the children as you know children are at a higher risk here.
so the other half is applying for a licence, she’s got her work cut out but will be fine.
Needless to say the police will not catch the person but I was angry and upset because of the dangers here.

one thing I will do is make sure the children are safe, we decided an Aunt in the province was a safer bet to look after one and the other has moved in with family and a more secure area locally.

 

Another interesting take on the Digital Nomad Visa:

Staying in the Philippines Long-Term? You’re Probably Using the WRONG Visa

 

I think the nomad visa will have no western countries participating because of the reciprocity requirements.

Why will a Western country change their laws to allow Philippines (and other) workers to come live in their country and work over the Internet for another country ?

I think only poor countries want to compete for nomad workers to stimulate their economy.

And will a Philippines person want live in a high cost western country to work over the Internet, when it costs less to live in Philippines while working over the Internet ?

I think the reciprocity requirement will limit participation to citizens of Mexico and similar countries.

 

I think the nomad visa will have no western countries participating because of the reciprocity requirements.

Why will a Western country change their laws to allow Philippines (and other) workers to come live in their country and work over the Internet for another country ?

I think only poor countries want to compete for nomad workers to stimulate their economy.

And will a Philippines person want live in a high cost western country to work over the Internet, when it costs less to live in Philippines while working over the Internet ?

I think the reciprocity requirement will limit participation to citizens of Mexico and similar countries.

And the Thai five year visa, no contect.

 

Yes, the reciprocity condition is a bit surprising. I initially thought the idea was to attract well-earning remote workers, who would like to spend time and money in the Philippines. Many of these would come from developed countries.

 

I agree, that’s how I first took it when I heard about it but it’s rather limited in its use as it stands.

 

I hated the travel times, always traffic, relentless. The malls were impressive though but that wears off. I can see why many live within those areas, let’s face it the province is rather different to city life, might be too much for many to handle.
Manila was like all cities, a mad rush where the province was very slow and laid back, I like that. No rush to do anything.

If you come to the Philippines to retire, and not to drive around city traffic OR be inconvenienced by a non-city lifestyle, a high end subdivision is the perfect middle ground. Not just for foreigners either, wealthy Filipinos designed and built these things for themselves.

 

It’s ocean and island life for me, I love the sticks and brg life. Have family there so that’s where I’ve decided to settle. I’m really not into city life which is why I love the Philippines, we can find areas be it city or a quiet island life that suits us.

 

Agree Newfie, my thoughts also but we have to that we all have choices whether city or in the provinces. Main thing is to be happy and safe.

Cheers, Steve.

 

The post remains "digital nomad visa" and from what I have gleaned it is too difficult if you compare that option against an SRRV or simpler still if one is married to a Filipina national.
For me retirement suits.

Cheers, Steve.

 

im not sure its that great Visa everyone thought it was because of its limited appeal and restrictions

 

Also Newfie has nothing to do with where you live in the Philippines, your particular situation, choice and options.

Cheers, Steve.