Planning a Long Stay in the Philippines:
Tips for UK Digital Nomads

Tourist Visa

UK citizens generally do not require a visa if they plan on staying 30 days or less in the Philippines, provided they carry their return journey ticket. In case they want to stay for over 30 days, then they need to apply for a tourist visa. You need to apply for a visa before travelling, or you can also apply for an extension after completion of your visa-free period. In case you are sure about your long stay in the Philippines, then you can apply for a tenure between 6 months and 3 years. This visa also allows you to change to a different visa after arrival in the Philippines, allowing you a longer stay.

Long-term Visa or Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

If you are aged over 50 years and planning to visit the Philippines for work for an indefinite period of time, then you can opt for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). The Philippine Retirement Authority administers the visa grant for a long-stay period and also grants an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) for employment purposes. You must ensure you have a specific amount in your bank account and need to make a deposit from an authorised local bank in the Philippines. However, the application process for this visa can be complex and is not advised for frequent travellers.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

One of the ideal visas for Digital Nomads of the UK is the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), which allows remote work to employees while enjoying stunning views and a different culture for work. This visa is valid for a tenure of 1 year, which can be extended later for a second year. One must ensure to show a stable income from overseas operations to obtain this visa. Additionally, one must ensure that they are not employed by companies based in the Philippines itself.

Significance of the Digital Nomad Visa

The Philippine government introduced the Digital Nomad Visa back in May 2025 to allow the eligible foreign nationals to work remotely in the Philippines for a period of one year. The visa holders can make multiple entries in the Philippines during the tenure of their visa. The President of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos, stated that this visa is being introduced with the aim of boosting the country's economy and tourism, along with establishing a legal framework for allowing foreign nationals to stay in the country for a temporary period.

Employees or freelancers, dreaming of enjoying the Filipino way of life by living in the country itself, then this visa is ideal for them. The Filipino lifestyle, warm hospitality, lively environment, diverse culture and many more, open up the opportunity to enjoy the time besides working. In order to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, one needs to meet a set of criteria that will allow them to receive a visa grant in the Philippines.

Criteria to Apply for Digital Nomad Visa

In order to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in the Philippines, you must fulfil the following criteria:

Why Travel to the Philippines as a Digital Nomad?

The Philippines offers a wide variety of opportunities for digital nomads, allowing them to enjoy a holiday while working. Below are some of the reasons to travel to the Philippines as a digital nomad from the UK.

Diverse Culture and Friendly Locals

The Philippines is renowned for its warm hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on the foreign nationals visiting there. The diverse culture and friendly locals of the Filipino community help foster a positive community, which attracts UK digital nomads to work and explore the stunning natural beauty of the archipelago.

Low Cost of Living

One of the major factors for a digital nomad is the price of the lifestyle and how affordable it can be. Well, the UK digital nomads will be happy to know that the cost of living in the Philippines is low, even in the urban areas, allowing the digital nomads to enjoy a high-quality lifestyle.

Easy Communication with the Locals

Around the Philippines, one will encounter a large population speaking English, making it easy for the UK digital nomads to communicate with. However, if you plan to stay for a longer period, it is recommended that you learn Tagalog, one of the primary languages spoken in the country.

Digital Infrastructure of the Philippines

Over the past years, the Philippines has seen significant growth and improvements in the internet infrastructure, increasing the reach of internet connections to different parts of the Philippines. Although there are certain rural areas that lack a steady internet connection, the urban areas offer a reliable internet speed, allowing smooth workflow for digital nomads.

Less Pollution and a Clean Environment

Except for the urban areas, where you may encounter bustling traffic, on other islands, you will experience a clean and less polluted environment, making it easy to breathe.

Healthy Foods

You will get a wide array of cheap but healthy foods, starting from the fresh seafood to seasonal fruits and vegetables. Make sure to try out the popular Filipino dishes to taste the local culinary culture, species and flavours.

Coworking Spaces

Digital nomads will feel relaxed if they face blackouts or slow internet connections, due to the presence of coworking spaces around popular cities in the Philippines, like Malina, Cebu, Davao and others. Pay for a day and use the setup to commence your work and meet like-minded people or digital nomads from other countries as well.

Digital Detox

Despite visiting the Philippines with the focus on working remotely, take time and treat yourself to a digital detox. There are numerous islands around the archipelago, where you can enjoy time with yourself and indulge in various activities, allowing you to stay away from electronic gadgets.

Read Also: Travel Tips for Philippines

Ideal Cities in the Philippines for Digital Nomads

In the Philippines, there are about 7641 islands, but not all are ideal for digital nomads. Here are some cities that are preferred by the UK digital nomads, offering them reliable internet speed as well as a myriad of experiences and places to visit.

Cebu

Cebu is a standout choice for residing as a digital nomad in the Philippines, offering you a blend of natural attractions and urban infrastructure, high-speed internet, low cost of living and many more. Moreover, you also get access to an international airport, making your frequent travel to a foreign country or to your home in the UK. The strategic location of the island at the centre of the country also makes it a gateway to the surrounding islands. Moreover, it also has less traffic congestion and crime rate, making it ideal for digital nomads, planning to work and enjoy the city attractions side by side.

Manila

Travel to the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, which offers digital nomads reliable internet speed, co-working spaces, vibrant culture, excellent food, entertainment areas and many more. There are also a number of bustling malls and the biggest work-focused expat hub, offering you an ideal atmosphere in which to work. There are many popular spots ideal for digital nomads, like Bonifacio Global City or Makati, that offer you shopping, nightlife, bars and the hippest people. In terms of tourism, you will also get to enjoy a vibrant culture and a mix of modern and historical sites.

Read Also: Best Historical Sites in the Philippines

Siargao

One of the popular choices among digital nomads in the Philippines is Siargao, a destination with an island lifestyle, a growing remote-work community, surf culture, vibrant beaches and growing infrastructure. However, at times, there may be power outages and issues with connectivity, impacting the work culture of the digital nomads. But a growth in the number of internet cafes has been found in Siargao that offers a stable internet speed. Being the surfing capital of the Philippines, you also get various activities to indulge in, adding the spice of adventure to your remote work life. However, during the peak season, the price may go high, and the rainy season also lasts long in this part of the Philippines.

Davao

Davao is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines, boasting an affordable cost of living and growing infrastructure, making it an ideal place in the Philippines for digital nomads to reside. If you are looking for a place with fewer crowds, then this is an ideal destination to stay, and it also offers you close proximity to the Samal Islands and Mt. Apo. The culturally rich environment with friendly locals is bound to make your stay memorable. You will also find a number of coworking spaces and cafes with reliable internet speed, making your work easy.

Iloilo City

Another destination in the Philippines that attracts digital nomads is Iloilo City, renowned for its modern infrastructure, urban environment, affordability, diverse culinary scene, and rich cultural heritage. The stable economic growth lays a solid foundation for living and working here. The accessible location also helps in exploring the surrounding region. Moreover, you can also find a supportive community of locals and other digital nomads operating there, providing strong networking opportunities.

Tips for UK Digital Nomads

Here are some tips for UK Digital Nomads planning to move to the Philippines for remote work.