How to Move to Philippines: Full Guide (2025)

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Interested in moving to The Philippines? Here’s what you need to know:

🇵🇭 Philippines at a Glance

• Islands Galore: Consists of 7,107 islands and a population of over 117.8 million.
• Global Workforce: Over 12 million Filipinos work overseas.
• Metro Manila: Also called NCR; the Manila urban area boasts 20 million residents.
• Family Ties: Most Filipinos live with their families until marriage.
• Climate: Tropical with wet and dry seasons. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning earthquakes and typhoons are common.
• Nature’s Playground: One of the most biologically diverse countries, known for stunning beaches and pristine coastlines.
• Colonial Heritage: Spanish colony from the 1500s to 1898 (named after King Philip), then an American colony until 1946.

🏠 Living Essentials

• Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP).
• Languages: Filipino and English are official. Filipino (incl. Tagalog) is the primary language for 1/3 of Filipinos, with Kapampangan, Ilocano, and Visayan also major. Many Spanish loanwords!
• Education: Schools teach in both Filipino and English.
• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic (80.58%), with Protestant (10.8%) and Islamic (5.57%) minorities.
• Cities: Biggest are Manila (NCR), Davao, and Cebu—about 30% of the population lives here.

🤔 Why Choose the Philippines

• Western Vibe: Most westernized Asian nation due to 400 years of Spanish and 50 years of US influence.
• Friendly Locals: Filipinos are welcoming; 75% have family living in western countries.
• Popular Destination: On the “beaten path”—millions of visitors and retirees flock here every year.
• English Everywhere: English is an official language and is widely spoken.
• Affordable Living: Low cost of living, even in big cities. Luxury lifestyle for less. A live-in maid may cost about ₱15,000 ($260 USD) per month (plus room/board).
• Fresh & Cheap: Markets offer fresh local produce and inexpensive seafood.
• Easy Transit: Public transport is everywhere—no car needed! Motorcycles and scooters are popular (but optional).
• Travel Hub: Great base for Asian travel. Round-trip flights to many destinations can be under $100 USD.
• Lifestyle Choices: Choose city buzz or peaceful suburbs—both are available.
• Tech Ready: Telecom and internet infrastructure are excellent.

⚠️ Philippines: Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• Widespread Poverty: Income inequality is visible, and poverty can be hard to ignore.
• Bureaucracy: Red tape and corruption do exist.
• Land Ownership: Foreigners can’t own land in their own name.
• Business Barriers: Starting a business can be tricky due to strict laws and regulations.
• Job Market: Few good jobs for foreigners; building a career is tough.
• Scammers Exist: While most are honest, some may try to take advantage of foreigners.
• Weather Woes: Typhoons and extreme heat (overnight temps can hit 90°F/32°C in May).
• High Import Prices: Imported goods and foods are expensive.

🛂 Philippines Visa Guide

There are a number of different types of visas that are available. Each has its strengths and weakness.

Forever Tourist Method:

• 30 days visa-free entry for most nationalities – simple stamp at the airport!
• Outbound ticket required, but not necessarily within 30 days.
• Extend easily: Visit local immigration for a 59-day extension (modest fee).
• Manila main office can grant 6-month extensions. Repeat until you hit 36 months total.
• Stay 60+ days? You’ll need an Alien Registration Card (PHP 3000, valid for a year).
• Stay past 6 months? You need exit clearance from local immigration.
• Process is straightforward after your first time. Most retirees use this “forever tourist” approach.
• Work is NOT allowed on this visa.

Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV):

• Temporary Resident status with flexible options, valid for 2 years and easily renewed.
• Income requirements depend on age; over 50? You’ll need a $20,000 deposit and a $1,000/month pension.
• Deposit can be used to buy a condo or similar property only.
• Work allowed, but you must get an Alien Employment Permit.
• No exit permission required for stays over 6 months.
• Steep initial fee: $1,500 puts some retirees off.
• SRRV Courtesy: New category! Former Filipino citizens age 35+ can apply, only a $1,500 deposit needed.

Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG):

• Business owners/managers qualify if you employ 10+ Filipino staff (excludes security and domestic workers).
• 1-year probation, then renewable every 2 years.
• Family included: Spouse and unmarried kids under 18 also get the visa.

Special Work Permit (SWP):

• Requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP); employer must prove no Filipino can do the job.
• Corporate officers get AEPs automatically.
• Visa lasts 6 months and is easy to renew.
• Investor visa available if you invest $250,000+ – valid as long as the investment is held.

Marriage Visas:

• Section 13a Visa:
  • Permanent residency through Filipino spouse (apply before or after entering the Philippines).
  • Work allowed, no AEP needed.
  • Probationary for 1 year before becoming permanent.
• Balikbayan Visa:
  • 3-year validity issued at entry—Filipino spouse must be traveling with you.

🛬 Residency and Citizenship

• Former Filipino Citizens:
  • Can easily reclaim citizenship or opt for dual citizenship.
• Foreigners:
  • Naturalization exists, but few succeed unless married to a Filipino.
  • Residency requirement: 10 years, plus proven cultural familiarity and positive social contribution.
  • Must speak Filipino or another Philippine language.
  • Reduced residency (5 years) for certain categories (e.g., born in the Philippines to foreign parents).

💼 Business in the Philippines

• Corporations:
  • 60% Filipino ownership is standard; rules vary by industry.
  • Retail trade with foreign ownership: minimum PHP 25 million capital.
  • Domestic corp with over 40% foreign ownership: minimum $200,000 capital.
• Professional licenses:
  • Only Filipinos are eligible.
• Special Economic Zones/Freeports:
  • Expats can fully own businesses if set up as a corporation, with one Filipino Corporate Secretary.
  • Most registration is online and low-cost.
• Work restrictions:
  • Owning a business doesn’t equal work rights! You’ll still need an Alien Employment Permit and work visa.
• Big Update (2022):
  • 100% foreign ownership allowed in telecom, domestic shipping, railways/subways, airlines, expressways, and tollways.
• Tax:
  • Corporate income tax: 20–25% of net income.

📚 Helpful Resources

• Philippines Bureau of Immigration – Your official one-stop shop for info.
• JobStreet Philippines – The country’s most-used job portal, offering advanced search, company reviews, and more

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