Essential First Steps for New Arrivals

Visa and Entry
Tourist visas (30 days, extendable up to 36 months), 13A Marriage Visa, SRRV retiree visa, 9G work visa, student visa, and digital nomad visa (in development).

Residency
Options include 13A permanent residency, SRRV, and work‑based residency.

Open a Philippine Bank Account
Requires passport, ACR I‑Card, proof of address, and local phone number.

Healthcare Registration
PhilHealth, private hospitals, and international insurance options.

Housing in the Philippines

Types of Housing

• Condominiums
• Houses
• Townhomes
• Beachfront rentals
• Serviced apartments
• Shared housing

Market Characteristics

• Very affordable outside Manila
• Condos often include pools, gyms, security
• Deposits typically 2–3 months
• Lease terms 6–12 months

Popular Expat Areas

• Metro Manila: Makati, BGC, Ortigas, Rockwell
• Cebu: IT Park, Lahug, Mactan
• Dumaguete: Valencia, Bacong
• Other: Baguio, Siargao, Palawan, Subic/Clark

Practical Advice

• Check for backup generators
• Internet varies by region
• Air conditioning essential
• Manila traffic can be intense

Working in the Philippines

Work Permits
9G Work Visa, Alien Employment Permit (AEP), and employer sponsorship.

Employment Standards

• Standard workweek: 40–48 hours
• Paid vacation: 5–15 days
• Many public holidays
• Labor protections vary

Key Industries

• BPO and outsourcing
• Technology and software
• Tourism and hospitality
• Education (English teaching)
• Real estate
• Logistics and trade
• Manufacturing

Financial Overview: Taxes and Income

Income Tax
Progressive system; tax residency after 180 days.

Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Options include sole proprietorship, corporation, foreign‑owned enterprise, and PEZA‑registered companies.

Corporate Tax
Corporate tax plus VAT apply.

VAT
Standard rate: 12%.

Healthcare System

The Philippines has a mixed public–private healthcare system.

Public Healthcare (PhilHealth)
Very affordable; basic coverage.

Private Healthcare
High‑quality, modern, English‑speaking doctors; recommended for expats.

Costs

• Public healthcare low‑cost
• Private healthcare moderate
• Dental care inexpensive

Transportation and Mobility

Public Transport

• Jeepneys
• Buses
• MRT/LRT (Manila)
• Taxis
• Ride‑sharing (Grab, JoyRide)

Driving

• Driving on the right
• Foreign licenses accepted temporarily
• Local license required long‑term
• Heavy traffic in Manila

Domestic Travel
Extensive flights, ferries, buses, and vans.

Culture and Society

Filipino culture is warm, family‑oriented, community‑focused, and blends Western and Asian influences.

Social Norms

• Warm, friendly greetings
• Tipping appreciated
• English widely used
• Card payments in cities; cash elsewhere

Religion in the Philippines

Predominantly Christian, with Muslim and Indigenous communities.

Daily Life

Shopping and Services
SM, Robinsons, Puregold; malls, wet markets, street food.

Language
Filipino and English official; English widely spoken nationwide.

Digital Services
GCash, Maya, online banking, government portals.

Education and Family Life

School Options

• Public schools
• Private schools
• International schools (American, British, IB)
• Catholic schools

Childcare

• Preschools
• Childcare centers
• Nannies
• After‑school programs

Community and Integration

Active expat communities in Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, and Subic/Clark.