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With over 7,500 islands, a warm marine climate, many top-ranked beaches worldwide, and over 8 million tourists yearly, it is no wonder people choose the Philippines as their home. Additionally, the Philippines’s natural beauty and low prices make it a sought-after destination for expats.
Prior to moving to the Philippines, here are a few things you need to know before you have an exciting and quality time in this paradise of a place.
Quick Facts About the Philippines
Some basic information about the Philippines includes the following:
| Capital city | Manila |
| Population | 111 million |
| Main languages | Filipino and English |
| Main religion | Roman Catholic |
| Political system | A unitary presidential constitutional republic |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
Who Needs a Visa to Move to the Philippines?
Everyone will need a visa to move to the Philippines. If you wish to stay for long-term purposes, you will have to apply for long-term visas.
Moreover, a few countries can enter the Philippines visa-free but for a short period. If you want to extend your stay, you must have the necessary visa.
How Can I Move to the Philippines?
The Philippines offers many ways to move there, such as moving to work, studying, joining a family member, or even for retirement. First, however, you must obtain the appropriate visa to move into the country. You can apply for a visa at the Embassy or the Consulate of the Philippines in your country or at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines.
Moving to the Philippines for Work
Moving to the Philippines for work requires obtaining a work visa. Aside from the work visa, you have to apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). Your employer has to apply for it at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional offices.
Depending on the contract duration, an AEP is initially valid for one to five years and is renewable for a maximum of five years.
Moving to the Philippines to Study
If you wish to pursue higher education in the Philippines, you must apply for a long-stay student visa. In addition, the educational institution must be accredited by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
As soon as you arrive in the Philippines, you must report to the accepting higher education institution (HEI), which will help you secure the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence for Temporary Students (CRTS) from the Bureau of Immigration. The validity of the visa will depend on your study duration.
Moving to the Philippines for Retirement
If you want to move to the Philippines for retirement, you will have to obtain a retirement visa through the Special Residence Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program. The SRRV program offers many options that you can choose from.
The Philippines retirement visa (SRRV) allows holders to enter the country multiple times and permanently reside there. Upon obtaining this visa, you are granted permanent residence in the Philippines.
Moving to the Philippines for Family Reunification
You must apply for a long-term spouse visa to move to the Philippines for family reunification. The Philippine spouse visa is issued to the spouses of Filipino nationals and/or their dependent children. However, this visa is available to specific countries
The spouse visa allows you to live permanently in the Philippines. Nevertheless, the visa is valid for one year, after which it will be re-evaluated to determine whether you are qualified for permanent residence status.
How Will I Become a Permanent Resident in the Philippines?
You will become a permanent resident in the Philippines if your country has an immigration reciprocity agreement with the Philippines and you are married to a Filipino citizen.
How to Gain Citizenship in the Philippines?
To become a Philippines citizen, you must have lived there permanently for ten years. Moreover, you must acquire real estate, demonstrate proficiency in either English or Spanish as well as a Philippine language, and fulfill a good character requirement.
Does the Philippines Allow Dual Citizenship?
The Philippines allows dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to retain or re-acquire their Filipino citizenship.
Pros and Cons of Moving to the Philippines
Despite the wonderful quality of life in the Philippines, there are also downsides, as with any expat destination:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable cost of living 一 the minimum salary you need to earn to live in the Philippines is $600 per month. The maximum could be $1,200. Therefore, the cost of living in the Philippines is generally low. | High crime rates 一 with high crime rates and gang activity reported in Manila, safety in the Philippines is a serious worry. Foreigners and visitors are also the targets of fraud. When away from home, people should be cautious in crowded public areas. |
| Landscape 一 a striking natural landscape of white sand beaches and over 7,000 islands makes the Philippines a favorite destination for expats. There is no shortage of beautiful beaches and islands in the Philippines, and this archipelago is also known for some of the best exotic fruits in the world. | Natural disasters 一 one of the nations with the highest risk of natural disasters is the Philippines. During the rainy season, typhoons are notorious for leaving a trail of devastation, while seismic and volcanic activity are also frequent occurrences. |
| A networking center 一 there is a noticeable interest in the Philippines among business investors and the people they network with. In addition, the Philippines have many organizations that offer social events from which you can interact with people. | Crowded cities 一 the Philippines is home to one of the most overcrowded cities in the world. The capital city, Manila, is the densest in the world, with 46,000 people per square mile. Nevertheless, other crowded cities exist, such as Mandaluyong and Pasay City. |
| Healthcare 一 under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), expats working in the Philippines will receive free public healthcare. As a result, most expats choose private healthcare over public hospitals due to the low cost and high level of quality. | Weather 一 the weather in the Philippines is dripping wet humidity. The heat will be overwhelming. The months of April and May will be scorching hot. Moreover, during the rainy season, the heaviest rainfall occurs. As a result, streets become flooded due to heavy rains, almost like during a typhoon. |
| Education 一 due to the Philippines’s diverse history and culture, the education system combines American and Spanish influences. The public schools are free, and instruction is in English and Filipino. Moreover, the Philippines has a wide range of international schools. |
How Can I Bring My Belongings to the Philippines?
You can bring your belongings via air, land, or boat. It all depends on your location, time, and how much you are ready to spend. They must arrive 60 days before or after your arrival in the Philippines.
Documents you need to have when shipping your belongings to the Philippines include the following:
- Your valid passport.
- Your visa.
- Residence permit.
- Inventory of shipped in English.
- Letter of request for exemption:
- Customs Bond.
- Letter of Guarantee.
- Bank Guarantee.
Note that some items can not be shipped to the Philippines. Those items include:
- Any firearms.
- Narcotics and illegal drugs.
- Gold/silver and any precious metal.
- Gambling machines.
- p*rnography materials, etc.
Can I Move My Pets to the Philippines?
You can move your pets to the Philippines. When moving your pets to the Philippines, the requirements are:
- Import Permit (from the Bureau of Animal Industry) issued before the pet’s arrival and includes:
- Breed, sex, age, color, and name of the pet.
- Owner’s address.
- Intended date of arrival.
- Copy of the owner’s passport.
- Health certificate issued at least ten days prior to arrival.
- Certificate of Vaccination (must include rabies vaccination and cannot be over one year old).
Where to Live in the Philippines?
It might be worthwhile to consider moving to one of these places in the Philippines due to their peaceful ambiance, beautiful white-sand beaches, and cool climate:
- Manila
- Makati
- Baguio
- Tagaytay
- Davao
Manila
In Manila, the capital of the Philippines, most expats are based. This destination offers various experiences due to its size, stimulating environment, and challenging nature. Having a home in Manila allows you to enjoy all the cultural amenities a modern city can offer.
When it comes to living in the Philippines, Manila is easily one of the top cities regarding employment opportunities. A vibrant lifestyle awaits you here, with endless museums, shopping malls, theaters, restaurants, bars, etc. The living costs are low, and you might expect to spend $1,200 per month. Public transportation is also cheap.
As an expat in Manila, you can join many groups and organizations with expats from all over the world. You can also find a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. In addition, it is common to find bars and discos open until the early morning, offering a variety of entertainment.
Makati
Another great place to live in the Philippines is Makati, a city filled with skyscrapers and luxury hotels. As the country’s financial hub, it hosts multinational companies, providing many opportunities for business and employment. Expats living and working in the Philippines can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle in Makati, a vibrant city in Manila.
This city has plenty of things to see and do, such as luxury shopping malls, top-quality restaurants, and trendy bars. The luxurious lifestyle associated with Makati is reflected in its elegant and ultra-modern condos.
The city of Makati has a vibrant atmosphere. This is a place where local and foreign entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals come together, and it is likely that you will come across other expats.
Baguio
The Philippines’s most famous city, Baguio, is known as its summer capital due to its openness to locals and tourists, regardless of nationality and culture. Whenever you arrive in Baguio, you will always be greeted warmly, which might be the main reason for choosing it. Baguio is also the city with the lowest crimes in the country.
Furthermore, Baguio’s climate is comparatively cooler than most provinces in the Philippines. As a result, fruits and vegetables are always fresh, and you will stay hydrated while walking between locations. Several parks in Baguio City are perfect for families with children, including Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and Wright Park. The area is also excellent for ziplining, trekking, and ghost-hunting tours.
Tagaytay
Tagaytay is a hidden gem in the south of Manila. A popular tourist destination in the south, Tagaytay is known for its beautiful scenery. As a result of its high altitude, it offers a view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, as well as a cold climate. Thus, the volcano and the lake can be viewed from various vantage points. At the same time, the city itself is a lush green oasis with green hills and parks throughout.
In addition, a friendly community is a priority in Tagaytay City. Due to its beauty and safety, Tagaytay is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live. The city also has a low cost of living compared to other cities in the Philippines.
Davao
Davao is one of the safest cities in the Philippines, with the lowest crime rates. Known for its vibrant economy, urban development, and modern amenities, Davao City is one of the largest economies on the island. In addition, Davao is a booming business hub in the country due to being easily accessible via land, sea, or air travel.
There is also plenty of stunning natural scenery in Davao City. This beautiful city has everything, from the white sand beaches to the majestic mountains. Moreover, since the city is relatively large, you will feel close to nature.
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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of international relocation, particularly focusing on the Philippines, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise on the intricate processes involved in moving to this captivating archipelago. My deep understanding stems from extensive research, interactions with immigration authorities, and personal experiences shared by expatriates who have successfully made the Philippines their home. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article.
Quick Facts About the Philippines:
- Capital City: Manila
- Population: 111 million
- Main Languages: Filipino and English
- Main Religion: Roman Catholic
- Political System: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Who Needs a Visa to Move to the Philippines?
- Everyone needs a visa to move to the Philippines.
- Some countries allow visa-free entry for a short period, but for long-term stays, a proper visa is required.
How Can I Move to the Philippines?
- Various ways to move, including for work, study, family reunification, and retirement.
- Obtain the appropriate visa from the Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines or the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines.
How Will I Become a Permanent Resident in the Philippines?
- If your country has an immigration reciprocity agreement with the Philippines and you are married to a Filipino citizen, you can become a permanent resident.
How to Gain Citizenship in the Philippines?
- Must have lived permanently for ten years.
- Acquire real estate, demonstrate language proficiency, and fulfill a good character requirement.
Does the Philippines Allow Dual Citizenship?
- Yes, the Philippines allows dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country.
Pros and Cons of Moving to the Philippines:
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living.
- Stunning natural landscape.
- A networking center for business investors.
Cons:
- High crime rates.
- Risk of natural disasters.
- Overcrowded cities.
How Can I Bring My Belongings to the Philippines?
- Belongings can be brought via air, land, or boat.
- Necessary documents include a valid passport, visa, residence permit, and inventory in English.
Can I Move My Pets to the Philippines?
- Yes, pets can be moved to the Philippines with the necessary permits and documents, including an import permit, health certificate, and vaccination certificate.
Where to Live in the Philippines?
- Consider places like Manila, Makati, Baguio, Tagaytay, and Davao.
- Each location offers unique advantages, such as Manila's vibrant lifestyle, Makati's business opportunities, Baguio's cool climate, Tagaytay's scenic beauty, and Davao's safety and natural scenery.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of the Philippines' immigration processes, cultural nuances, and practical considerations positions me as a reliable source for anyone considering making the Philippines their new home.
