How To Achieve Your Travel Goals As a Freelancer

Are you a K-drama fan? Is South Korea one of your dream destinations? What about Tokyo and Osaka?

You are not alone! The third top reason for Freelancers registering their freelancing business in the BIR is for their visa application requirements.

​So what’s the connection between being a BIR Registered Freelancer and their travel goals? It’s the Income Tax Return (ITR). ITR is one of the primary requirements when you apply for a visa as a freelancer or self-employed.

There are a lot of freelance success stories where they are able to visit their dream destination due to their freelancing business.​ We’re also inviting you to our community of BIR Registered Freelancers to read stories of your co-freelancers who got their visa approved.

Just a reminder. Online Freelancing is a business.​ Yes, you’re a business owner. You’re self-employed. A service provider. There’s a misconception about this as there are freelancers that only have 1 full-time client. But still, that is a “client”, not your employer.

That’s the reason your client does not handle your taxes or process your ITR. Whether you met your clients through Upwork, OnlinejobsPH, or direct clients from LinkedIn or Facebook. Your clients have no responsibility for your taxes or ITR. That is your sole responsibility.​ ‘

Here are the requirements of South Korea and Japan for the Visa Application.

Japan Visa Application Requirements

1. Passport.
2. Application Form.
3. Birth Certificate.
4. Marriage Certificate if applicable.
5. Itinerary in Japan.
6. Bank Certificate.
7. Photocopy of Income Tax Return.

South Korea Visa Application Requirements

1. Application Form.
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture.
3.  Original Passport.
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable only).
6. Copy of PRC Card or IBP Card (If applicable only).
7. Photocopy of Business Registration from SEC or DTI.
8.  Photocopy of Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
9.  Original Personal Bank Certificate.
10.  Bank Statement.
11. Photocopy of ITR.

You can see that ITR is listed as one of the primary requirements for your visa application. If your dream travel destination requires a Visa, being a BIR Registered Freelancer should be included in your top goals.