Remote work has become increasingly popular due to the time flexibility and freedom it promises. And when Thailand recently announced their five-year digital nomad visa, it has reignited interest among Filipino freelancers and remote workers seeking flexible work opportunities abroad. 

With digital nomad visas, you can legally work remotely while exploring new cultures and environments. And if this sounds like your ideal work setup, here are six destinations you might consider to be your next workplace. 

THAILAND

Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash

Thailand has long been a top tourist destination for Filipinos, even before the introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The country boasts an affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and bustling cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thai cuisine, a warm climate, and friendly locals make many Filipinos feel right at home.

The DTV is open to applicants aged at least 20 years old. It is valid for five years and allows remote workers to stay in Thailand for an initial period of three months per year. This can be extended for another 180 days for a fee of 10,000 baht (approx. PHP 16,000). Visa holders are permitted to work online for overseas clients; however, a work permit is required if you’ll be working for a Thai company.

Requirements: 

• Valid passport 
• Proof of financial savings of at least 500,000 baht (approx. PHP 800,000)
• Application fee of 10,000 baht (approx. PHP 16,000)
• International health insurance

For more information, visit thaiembassy.com. 

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. The country is known for its diverse cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, and modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Like Thailand, Malaysia offers affordable cost of living and a warm, tropical climate, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. 

The  DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows tech talents and non-tech professionals to stay in their country for three to 12 months, renewable for another year. Applicant may opt to include their dependents in the application.  

Requirements: 

• Valid passport
• For freelancers / independent contractor: 
• Active project contract with a duration of more than three months (can be more than one)
• Bank statement for at least the last three months 
• ITR
• For employees:
• Active employment contract from a non-Malaysian employer
• 3 months of payslips
• ITR
• Annual income of $24,000 (approx. PHP 1.4 million)
• Latest CV
• Highest education certificate
• International health insurance
• NBI Clearance
• Application fee of RM1,000 (approx. PHP12,400)

For more information, visit mdec.my/derantau/foreign. 

South Korea is a tech-savvy country with a vibrant culture and rich history. With a Hallyu community as large and dedicated as ours, cities like Seoul and Busan are dream destinations of many Filipinos. Their fast internet speeds, numerous coworking spaces, and excellent public transportation system make it an ideal destination for digital nomads. 

The Workation (Digital Nomad) Visa allows foreigners to travel and work in Korea for up to two years. It is open to applicants aged 18 years or older who have worked in their current field for at least a year. Visa applicants may also bring their dependents or family members, provided they submit additional requirements.

Requirements: 

Valid passport

Certificate of Employment from an international company (if employed) or Certificate of Registration (if you’re a freelancer or a business owner)

Proof of income of over 85 million won (approx. PHP 3.5M) per year

Bank statement & ITR

• International health insurance

Certificate of tuberculosis screening from a hospital designated by the South Korean embassy

Apostilled NBI clearance 

South Korean address

For family members/dependents: Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificate

Application fee of PHP 4,500

For more information, visit overseas.mofa.go.kr. 

The UAE, particularly Dubai, is known for its futuristic skyline, luxury lifestyle, and cosmopolitan environment. Its strategic location makes it a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa. It offers excellent infrastructure, a tax-free income policy, and a high standard of living, making it a popular choice for digital nomads.

In March 2021, Dubai launched their Work Remotely from Dubai program, which allows foreigners to live in Dubai with a virtual work visa, valid for one year under self-sponsorship.

Requirements: 

• Valid passport
• International health insurance
• Proof of accommodation reservation
• For business owners / freelancers: 
• Certificate of Registration or any proof of company ownership for at least one year 
• Minimum monthly income of $5,000 (approx. PHP 290,000) 
• For employees: 
• Proof of employment with one year contract 
• Most recent payslip 
• Minimum monthly salary of $5,000 (approx. PHP 290,000) 
• Bank statements for the last three months
• Application fee of $287 (approx. PHP 16,700)

For more information, visit u.ae/en/information-and-services/. 

COLOMBIA

Photo by Saul Mercado on Unsplash

Colombia is a country of incredible biodiversity, vibrant cities, and warm, welcoming people. Cities like Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring," prides themselves on their rich culture, coffee plantations, and stunning landscapes that provide an enriching experience for remote workers.

The Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, also known as Visa V Nómadas Digitales allows freelancers and entrepreneurs to work and explore their country without worrying about renewing their passport stamps. It is typically granted for one year but can sometimes be granted for two years.     

Requirements: 

• Valid passport 
• Letter of motivation
• Letter from your employer/s or proof of self-employment
• Proof of income equivalent to 3 million Colombian pesos per month (approx. PHP 44,000 per month)
• International health insurance
• Application fee of $52 (approx. PHP 3,000)

For more information, visit filipinas.embajada.gov.co. 

Brazil offers a diverse range of experiences, from the bustling city life of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to the serene beaches of Bahia. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, lively festivals, and natural wonders like the Amazon rainforest. All its corners make a dreamy location for remote work. 

Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa allows immigrants to work for foreign employers while staying in Brazil for up to one year, with the option of renewing for another 12 months. During this period, visa holders are allowed to exit and re-enter Brazil.

Requirements: 

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Apostilled NBI Clearance
• Travel and international health insurance
• Monthly income of at least $1,500 (approx. PHP 87,500) or savings amounting to $18,000 (approx. PHP 1M)
• Proof of employment or self-employment
• Application fee of €120 (approx. PHP 7,600)

For more information, visit gov.br. 

With the growing popularity of remote work and the introduction of digital nomad visas, Filipinos now have more opportunities than ever to work remotely while exploring new destinations. Each country listed above offers unique benefits and requirements, catering to the diverse needs of digital nomads. 

Whether you prefer the bustling streets of Bangkok, the tech-savvy environment of South Korea, or the vibrant culture of Brazil, there's a perfect destination waiting for you. 

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