ASIAN COUNTRIES WITH DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS FOR FILIPINOS

As the trend of remote work continues to grow, many professionals are discovering new ways to combine their careers with their passion for travel. The advent of digital nomad visas has opened doors to extended stays in foreign lands while working remotely, even for Philippine passport holders.

With these special visas, Filipino nomads can also bask in the sights of their Asian neighbors, all while being on the clock at work. Ahead, see our list of countries in Asia that offer digital nomad visas—but before embarking on your next adventure, be sure to check all details with the respective embassies or consulates.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa is a type of visa designed for individuals who work remotely, typically in the tech, creative, or service sectors, and do not need to be physically present at their place of employment. These visas allow digital nomads to live and work legally in a foreign country for an extended period, usually ranging from six months to several years, which often require a minimum income dictated by the country’s cost of living.

Taxation under digital nomad visas varies by country. Some countries may require you to pay local taxes if you stay beyond a certain period, while others offer tax incentives or exemptions to attract remote workers. It's crucial to understand the tax implications of the specific digital nomad visa you are considering, as tax liabilities can significantly impact your financial planning and overall experience.

Countries in Asia with Digital Nomad Visas for Filipinos

1. Malaysia

In Southeast Asia, Malaysia welcomes digital nomads with their DE Rantau program, which allows tech talents and non-tech professionals to stay in their country for three up to 12 months and renewable for an additional year.

Requirements:

• Proof of work - For digital freelancers and independent contractors: active project contract, contract duration of more than three months (can be multiple contracts), clientele can be both local and foreign. For remote workers: Active employment contract, contract duration of more than three months, employer should be non-Malaysian
• An annual income of 24,000 USD (approx. P1.4 million) for tech talents or 60,000 USD (approx. P3.5 million) for non-tech talent
• Diplomas
• Medical insurance

For more information: https://mdec.my/derantau/foreign

Where to apply: https://malaysiadigital.mdec.my/ 

2. South Korea 

Filipino Hallyu fans will be delighted to know that South Korea offers its iteration of the digital nomad pass via the "Workation" visa. With this, remote workers will be able to make the country’s settings their workstation with a multiple-entry Workation visa that has a stay period of one year.

Requirements:

• Employed by a non-Korean company for more than one year and able to work remotely
• Must earn more than twice the Korean(Gross National Income) per capita of the previous year as announced by the Bank of Korea, after tax deduction. (i.e. in 2022, 7.8 million Korean Won or P330,400 per month)
• Medical insurance

For more information: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr

3. Taiwan

In the case of Taiwan, digital nomads can apply for their special Gold Card. The special visa acts as a four-in-one pass, which works as a work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit, allowing its holders to enter and exit Taiwan for one to three years. Unlike other digital nomad visas, Gold Card holders can seek employment and work part-time legally.

Requirements:

• A profession of one of these industries: Science & Technology, Economy, Education, Culture & Arts, Sport, Finance, Law, Architecture, National Defense (Ministry of National Defense), Digital (Ministry of Digital Affairs) or special cases that, with consultation, are recognized by the NDC
• Monthly salary is at an average above NTD$160,000 or approximately P290,500

For more information: https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/ 

4. Thailand

In 2024, Thailand officially announced their Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers to obtain a five-year visa with a 180-day period of stay. Aside from these, they also welcome those who intend to pursue Thai cultural activities like Muay Thai courses, cooking classes, music festivals, and the like. 

Requirements:

• Self-employed or an employee of a company outside of Thailand
• At least 20 years old
• With at least 500,000 Thai baht or approximately P800,000 in savings

For more information: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

5. United Arab Emirates

The two top cities of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, each have their own stipulations for their digital nomad visas. Remote workers can experience working in the Emirates’ futuristic landscape, with their programs both valid for one year.

Requirements for Abu Dhabi:

• Must work with an entity outside the United Arab Emirates and able to work remotely
• Monthly income of not less than 3,500 USD (approx. P205,800)

For more information: https://www.adro.gov.ae

Requirements for Dubai:

• Proof of employment with a one-year contract validity or proof of ownership of a company
• Proof of work/employment outside the United Arab Emirates and that work is conducted remotely
• Minimum of 3,500 USD (approx. P205,800) salary per month 

For more information: https://www.visitdubai.com 

2024-06-25T04:02:55Z