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Head to head

Panama vs Philippines: the digital nomad visas compared

Low confidence Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Philippines grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 9), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Panama Remote Worker Visa and the Philippines DNV.
Criteria Panama Remote Worker Visa Philippines DNV
Minimum income / month €2,580 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 9 months 1 year (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 18 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Territorial taxation Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €215 —
Where to apply In country Embassy / consulate, Online
Processing time 6–9 weeks —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Panama Remote Worker Visa →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Philippines DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Panama → Insurance for Philippines →

Sources