With a valid passport and the right long-term visa, Filipinas can now explore exciting destinations and stay abroad for an extended period.
We also got your other travel destination choices covered in Top 10 Destinations for Solo Female Travelers and The Top 10 Festivals in the World!
Here are my top 10 countries that make it easier for Filipinas to live abroad while working remotely.
1. Estonia
Estonia offers one of the earliest digital nomad visa programs, which functions like a nomad residence permit. Filipinos can apply to stay for up to a year while working for a company outside Estonia. The visa application fee is relatively modest, and the country is known for its robust digital infrastructure and fast internet.
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: Affordable
- Why Estonia: Fast internet, affordable cost of living, and easy access to other European countries.
2. Portugal
For those interested, Portugal’s D7 Visa acts much like a temporary resident visa for those with a steady income. This temporary residence permit allows them to stay for a year and renew if needed. Portugal is known for its sunny beaches, relatively low application fee compared to other parts of Europe, and a welcoming expat community.
- Length: 1 year, renewable
- Fee: Moderate
- Why Portugal: Affordable living, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals.
3. Croatia
Croatia lets applicants stay for up to 12 months. With its stunning coastlines, clear blue waters, and relatively short stay requirements for digital nomads, it has become a popular choice. The application process is straightforward, making it a great place for remote workers seeking a relaxed pace of life.
- Length: Up to 12 months
- Fee: Moderate
- Why Croatia: Gorgeous coastline, rich history, and lower cost of living.
4. South Africa
South Africa offers a working visa to remote professionals who meet a minimum monthly income requirement – along with proof of employment and health insurance. With landscapes ranging from beaches to mountains, it’s an ideal spot for both work and adventure.
- Visa Length: 6-12 months
- Visa Cost: Moderate
- Why South Africa: Beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and vibrant culture.
5. Malaysia
Malaysia launched its digital nomad visa to attract remote workers from Southeast Asia and beyond. Filipinas can enjoy modern cities, an affordable cost of living, and delicious local cuisine for the duration. Be ready to present proof of income and possibly local income tax documentation if required.
- Length: 6-12 months
- Cost: Affordable
- Why Malaysia: Thriving digital nomad community, low cost of living, and proximity to other Southeast Asia destinations.
6. Colombia
Colombia’s digital nomad visa grants up to two years of residence. Known for its cultural diversity and lively cities, Colombia is especially appealing for younger nomads. Applicants often need to show proof of employment with a foreign entity and adequate funds for their temporary stay.
- Visa Length: Up to 2 years
- Visa Cost: Affordable
- Why Colombia: Lively culture, affordable living, and great weather year-round.
7. Spain
The Spain digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year. Filipinas can enjoy Spain’s sunny beaches, rich culture, and famous cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Spain also offers a golden visa for those seeking permanent residency through investment.
- Visa Length: 1 year, renewable
- Visa Fee: Moderate
- Why Spain: Rich culture, warm weather, and beautiful cities.
8. Cayman Island
The Cayman Island’s premium digital nomad visa lets Filipinas stay for up to two years in Caribbean luxury. Successful applicants often need health insurance and to demonstrate a stable income. Although the application fee is on the higher side, the tropical lifestyle may be worth it.
- Visa Length: Up to 2 years
- Visa Cost: Higher
- Why Cayman Island: Tropical paradise, luxury living, and stunning beaches.
9. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is increasingly friendly to remote workers. Though there isn’t an official Philippines digital nomad visa yet, remote workers may extend a tourist visa for a long stay. This island nation features affordable living costs, vibrant culture, and picturesque beaches.
- Visa Length: 6-12 months (tourist visa extension)
- Visa Cost: Low
- Why Sri Lanka: Affordable, beautiful beaches, and a peaceful lifestyle.
10. Japan
Although there’s no official Japan digital nomad visa, Japan’s working holiday visa allows Filipinos to live and work in the country for a time. This temporary-stay visa is perfect for those under 30 who want to explore Japan while working remotely. Japan is known for its rich culture, modern cities, and advanced technology.
- Visa Length: Up to 1 year (depending on eligibility)
- Visa Fee: Moderate
- Why Japan: High-tech cities, rich culture, and efficient public services.
Beyond the Top 10
Many countries are now offering unique pathways – making it easier for Filipinos to become self-employed remote working citizens. But if the places already mentioned don’t fit your plans, here are several other vacation / work destinations that offer long-stay visa or remote-work solutions for visa holders and freelancers:
Dubai and Taiwan maintain flexible digital nomad programs, while Grenada and Dominica draw interest with their citizenship-by-investment schemes.
In North America and Central America, you’ll find popular routes in Costa Rica and Mexico, alongside options like El Salvador experimenting with crypto-friendly policies.
For longer tropical stays, consider the Bermuda Certificate, the Barbados Welcome Stamp, or programs in Antigua, Anguilla, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
Meanwhile, European nations such as Georgia, Latvia, Cyprus, Italy, Hungary, and Iceland have evolving digital nomad or temporary residence permit pathways.
Venturing further, Brazil, Ecuador, and Argentina in Latin America each offer (or plan to offer) remote-friendly visas, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region provides relaxed cross-border travel for certain member nations.
If you’re eyeing a working holiday, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia remain steadfast favorites, and South Korea is testing new remote-work initiatives.
Some last minute tips: don’t forget to check specific requirements. Always research the local consulate or embassy website.
Minimum income requirement, proof of employment, travel insurance and health insurance vary by country for every digital nomad lifestyle. You might also need to pay local income tax depending on your temporary residence permit conditions.
For further details, consider consulting with my team (if you have a Filipino passport) or the foreign affairs departments of each country before planning your next adventure!
FAQ
Greece is considered to have one of the easiest EU digital nomad visas due to its straightforward requirements and convenient application process.
Some of the cheapest countries digital nomads should consider would be: Croatia, Thailand, Cabo Verde, Belize, Brazil, Portugal and Romania.
The top digital nomad visas in Europe are from countries like Spain, Portugal, Estonia, Greece, Malta and Croatia. These countries offer long-term visas tailored for remote workers with benefits like tax breaks, visa-free travel in the EU and accessible minimum income requirements.
