Sen. Villanueva urges Malacañang to prioritize Digital Nomads Visa bill

MANILA, Philippines — The Palace on Tuesday was told to prioritize the passage of the bill seeking to institutionalize the grant of a new visa category in the Philippines, particularly for digital nomads.

Sen. Joel Villanueva made the appeal during the Kapihan sa Senado forum.

“Our appeal to the Palace is for them to prioritize this. We still have time, it's easy. This proposed bill is very simple where we would just grant Digital Nomad Visas to those who work here in the Philippines in order for them to enjoy our paradise and what our country can offer,” said Villanueva in Filipino.

In February, Villanueva filed Senate Bill No. 2991, said that granting a visa to digital nomads could help boost Philippine tourism.

He particularly believes that granting this new type of visa would allow visitors to stay in the country for a longer period while working for a foreign-based employer or business.

New visa category

According to Villanueva’s bill, the new visa category for digital nomads is valid for one year and renewable for another year.

Under the proposed measure, applicants need to provide proof of sufficient income generated outside the country, must hold a valid health insurance within the validity of the visa, must have no criminal record in his/her home country and will not be a threat to the Philippines, among other requirements.

READ: Marcos open to EO on digital nomad visas

But before Villanueva’s appeal, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has already authorized the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue Digital Nomad Visas to non-immigrant foreigners who desire to enter or stay in the Philippines for a temporary period.

Marcos made the directive through Executive Order (EO) No. 86, which seeks to establish a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads or foreign nationals seeking to reside and work remotely in the Philippines temporarily.

“The DFA is hereby authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas  to non-immigrant foreigners who desire to enter and/or stay in the country for a temporary period for the purpose of working remotely using digital technologies, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines,” President Marcos said in the EO, which was signed on April 24, 2025.

Asked how this could be different from his bill, Villanueva pointed out that an EO could be easily revoked should there be a change in leadership.

“Another thing is that an EO is so simple that you couldn't challenge it. So I think it's more reliable if it's a law, you can hold on to it, it would also last, and at the same time it would be clear who should have accountability,” said Villanueva.

(2025/04/29-14:52)