🇵🇭 Philippines
English-speaking archipelago with low costs and easy long-term retirement options
Visa Options
- SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa) (Indefinite (renewable)) — $10k–$50k time deposit depending on age/pension (lower for pensioners 35+)
- SIRV (Special Investor's Resident Visa) (Indefinite) — $75,000 minimum inward remittance into approved stocks/investments
- 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (1–3 years (renewable)) — Job offer from PH-registered employer + Alien Employment Permit
- Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) (Indefinite while employing 10+ Filipinos) — Business generating minimum required local employment
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 0% – 35% (progressive; resident aliens taxed on PH-source income, non-resident citizens on worldwide)
- Corporate Tax: 20% (small/medium) – 25% (standard, under CREATE Act)
- VAT: 12%
- SRRV Time Deposit: Convertible to active investment (condo purchase, etc.) after visa approval
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): $700 – $1,200/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Manila/BGC): $500 – $900/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Cebu/Davao): $300 – $500/mo
- Groceries: $150 – $250/mo
- Utilities: $60 – $120/mo
- Dining out: $4 – $12/meal
- Domestic help (part-time): $100 – $180/mo
- Public transport (jeepney/Grab mix): $30 – $50/mo
Relocation Checklist
- Choose visa route (SRRV for retirees 35+, SIRV for active investors, or work visa)
- Get NBI/police clearance and medical exam
- Open PDIC-insured bank account for time deposit (SRRV)
- Apply through Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) for SRRV or BOI for SIRV
- Secure Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card)
- Register with the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival
- Get a TIN (Tax Identification Number) if earning locally
- Arrange private health insurance (PhilHealth optional for foreigners)