Moving to Manila: The Complete Expat Guide by Life Situation

Before diving into visa options, honestly assess your situation. Are you working remotely for a foreign company? Running your own business? Retired with passive income? Each path has different requirements, financial implications, and lifestyle realities. Understanding which path fits you determines everything else—visa type, tax strategy, healthcare options, neighborhood choices.

You work for a foreign company (or clients) online. Your income is in foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.). You're location-independent and can work from anywhere. You typically stay 3 months to 2+ years. Your primary motivation: low cost of living, good quality of life, interesting culture, or just wanting a change of scenery.

Tourist Visa (Visa-Free Entry) US, EU, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and 150+ countries get 30 days visa-free. Extend it to 59 days (40 pesos, Bureau of Immigration). Cost: Free + 40 pesos extension. Duration: Up to 59 days. Renewal: Leave Philippines and return for another 30 days ("visa run" to nearby countries like Thailand).

Visa on Arrival Select countries get 30 days upon arrival. Cost: $25-35 depending on nationality.

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Get multiple 30-day entries for better logistics than border runs. Cost: ~2,000-3,000 pesos. Duration: Multiple 30-day periods over several months.

SRRV (Special Resident Retirement Visa) Technically for retirees but available to anyone. 50+ years old deposit 500,000 pesos; younger need 1M pesos in Philippine bank. Renewable annually. Cost: 500,000-1,000,000 PHP one-time + annual fees (~3,000 PHP). Duration: Indefinite. Benefit: No extension hassles, can work legally.

13A (Immediate Relative) Visa Marry a Filipino, get spousal visa (instant). Cost: Marriage/legal fees. Duration: Renewable indefinitely (one-time deposit: 500,000 PHP). Benefit: Legal work permission, best stability option.

If working for foreign company remotely You typically pay taxes in your home country, not Philippines (unless you establish residency/work permit). Remote workers on tourist visas technically don't owe Philippine taxes. Practically, most operate in a grey area—never formally registering as working in Philippines, paying taxes at home.

If you establish SRRV or work permit You'd owe Philippine taxes on Philippine-sourced income. This is complex and usually requires a tax accountant (costs 5,000-15,000 PHP annually).

Best practice Consult a tax accountant in your home country before moving. Many digital nomads work with US tax accountants ($150-300/year) to stay compliant even while abroad.

Tourist Without Insurance Not recommended. Medical emergencies can cost 50,000-500,000+ PHP. Hospitals will demand payment upfront.

International Travel Insurance $30-80/month for comprehensive coverage. Covers hospital, evacuation, routine care. Recommended for short-term stays.

Private Health Insurance (local) AXA, MGEN, PhilHealth. Cost: 15,000-40,000 PHP/year depending on age/coverage. Covers local private hospitals (Makati Medical, Manila Medical, etc.). Quality is good.

PhilHealth (National Insurance) If you stay 6+ months, register for PhilHealth (~2,000 PHP/year). Very basic coverage, real hospitals require additional private insurance.

Practical approach Most remote workers get international travel insurance (cheaper, simpler) for short stays, or local private insurance if staying 1+ years. Use private hospitals exclusively (20,000-80,000 PHP for typical visit + procedures).

Legal status Remote work for foreign companies is technically illegal without a work permit, but enforcement is nearly non-existent for remote workers not physically going to offices. You're working online; Philippines doesn't track this.

Internet Crucial. Get dual WiFi from two providers (Globe and Smart, ~1,000-1,500 PHP/month each). Add mobile hotspot backup. Work from coworking spaces (700-900 PHP day pass) when home internet fails.

Taxation Pay taxes in home country. Keep records. Many remote workers hire accountants at home to stay compliant.

Income stability Reliable remote income is prerequisite. If freelancing, stabilize income before moving.

Timezone challenge SE Asia timezone is inconvenient for US/EU work. Dawn calls are common. This affects neighborhood choice (need good internet) and social life.

Monthly living budget 30,000-60,000 PHP ($550-1,100 USD) for comfortable single living in good neighborhood. Includes: rent (15,000-25,000), food (8,000-12,000), utilities (2,000-3,000), transport (2,000-3,000), activities/eating out (5,000-15,000).

How far does USD income go $2,000/month = 110,000 PHP. This is solidly middle-class Manila life. $3,000/month = 165,000 PHP. This is affluent living.

Comparison Remote worker earning $2,000/month in US after taxes and living expenses might have $500 left. Same $2,000 in Manila, after 40,000 PHP living expenses, leaves 70,000 PHP ($1,300) to save or spend. Quality of life dramatically improves.

You're retired or semi-retired with pension, social security, investments, or rental income (passive income from abroad). Age 50+. Looking for low cost of living, warm climate, interesting culture. Typically planning 10+ years in Philippines.

Age 50+ Deposit 500,000 PHP one-time in Philippine bank. Get SRRV (indefinite resident visa). Renewable with annual processing fee (~3,000 PHP).

Age below 50 Deposit 1,000,000 PHP one-time.

Cost breakdown Initial: 500,000-1,000,000 PHP deposit (stays in bank, you can't touch it). Annual fees: 2,500-3,000 PHP. Visa processing: 500-1,000 PHP. Total: Depends on age, but essentially a one-time 500K-1M investment.

Benefits No extension hassles. Stay indefinitely. No need for border runs. Can legally work if you want. Spouse and dependent children can be included.

Processing Handled through Pag-IBIG Fund (government) or through travel agencies. Takes 2-4 weeks.

Foreign Source Income (pensions, investments abroad) Generally not taxed in Philippines if sourced from abroad. US Social Security, UK pensions, etc. are typically not taxable in Philippines. Verify with accountant.

Philippine Source Income Rental income from properties in Philippines is taxable. Interest from Philippine bank accounts is taxable. Dividends from Philippine stocks are taxable.

Tax Treaty Many countries have tax treaties with Philippines to avoid double taxation. US, UK, Canada, Australia have treaties.

Practical approach Hire tax accountant in Philippines (5,000-10,000 PHP annually) to ensure compliance. Many retirees pay minimal taxes because their income sources are foreign and tax-treaty protected.

Critical Healthcare quality in Philippines is good but inconsistent. Private hospitals (Makati Medical, Asian Hospital, Chong Hua) are excellent, comparable to US/UK standards. Costs are 30-50% of Western prices.

Insurance mandatory SRRV holders typically need local health insurance. AXA, MGEN PhilHealth provide comprehensive coverage (25,000-60,000 PHP/year depending on age). Covers hospitalizations, routine care, some procedures.

Medical tourism Many retirees use Philippines for elective procedures (surgery, dental) at fraction of Western costs. Quality is very high.

Age-related consideration Healthcare becomes increasingly expensive and necessary with age. Budget 2,000-5,000 PHP monthly for insurance + routine care, more if medical issues arise.

Evacuation Some retirees maintain evacuation insurance (can be covered by international insurance or added separately).

Monthly budget 40,000-70,000 PHP ($730-1,280 USD) for comfortable living. Includes: nice apartment (20,000-30,000), food (10,000-15,000), utilities (3,000-4,000), healthcare (2,000-5,000), activities (5,000-15,000).

Minimum income Most financial advisors recommend 40,000-50,000 PHP (~$730-900 USD/month) minimum to live comfortably without constant financial stress.

Comparison US retiree on $1,500/month Social Security lives below poverty line in US. Same $1,500 (82,000 PHP) in Manila is solidly middle-class, comfortable living with savings.

SRRV cost recovery 500,000 PHP SRRV investment is recovered in saved living costs within 1-2 years compared to living in home country. After that, it's pure savings.

You're starting or running a business in Philippines. This might be: online business serving Philippines market, importing/exporting, real estate development, manufacturing, franchising, or services (coaching, consulting, etc.). This path requires more legal structure than remote workers or retirees.

Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV) For business owners. Requires 500,000-1,000,000 PHP investment in Philippine company. Applies through Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

9(g) Work Permit Allows foreign nationals to work in Philippines for specific employer. Requires employer to petition. Cost: ~5,000 PHP. Duration: 1 year, renewable.

Entrepreneur Visa Some travel agents offer this but it's not official. Better to structure as 9(g) or SIRV.

Most practical Start with tourist visa while setting up business structure, then transition to 9(g) or SIRV once business is registered.

Philippine Company Registration Form a Philippine corporation (most common) or sole proprietorship. Cost: ~15,000-25,000 PHP with lawyer. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.

Tax Obligations Philippine corporations pay: - Corporate Income Tax: 25-30% on profits - Value Added Tax (VAT): 12% on sales (can reclaim on business expenses) - Withholding taxes: 5-30% depending on income type - Annual filing: Deadline December 15th

Accounting Requirements Hire an accountant (15,000-40,000 PHP/year for small business) to handle books, tax filing, compliance.

Employment law If hiring employees, pay Social Security (12% employer share), health insurance, workman's comp. Employees have strong legal protections.

Foreign exchange Can transfer profits abroad, but there are remittance limits and documentation requirements. Consult accountant.

As foreign owner You cannot be the operating manager on visa. Must have Filipino general manager. However, you can be chair/owner and be actively involved—just not as "manager" on visa.

Filipino restrictions Must be 60% Filipino-owned (for most businesses). Some sectors have stricter restrictions (media, banking, mining, etc.).

Workaround Partner with Filipino co-owner, or structure company with Filipino board members/manager while maintaining operational control.

Work Permit Get 9(g) work permit so you can legally work in your own company. Cost ~5,000 PHP, processed through employer (your company).

Startup capital 500,000-2,000,000+ PHP depending on business type. This doesn't include initial investment for SIRV.

Operating costs Varies wildly. Service business minimal (5,000-20,000 PHP/month). Physical business (shop, manufacturing) requires facility rent (20,000-100,000+ PHP/month).

Profitability timeline Most businesses take 6-18 months to reach profitability. Budget for 12 months of losses before success.

Labor costs Hiring employees significantly increases costs. Monthly salary: 15,000-30,000+ PHP per employee. Benefits push total to 20,000-35,000+.

Regulatory costs Accounting, legal, permits: 20,000-50,000 PHP annually just to stay compliant.

You're studying (international school, university, language school) or early-career professional (teaching English, internship, entry-level job). Typically 18-30 years old. Lower budget. Looking for growth opportunities and cultural immersion.

Student Visa Enroll in accredited Philippine school, get student visa (usually 1 year, renewable). Cost: Depends on school. Universities: 200,000-400,000+ PHP/year. English schools: 50,000-150,000+ PHP/year.

Work Permit with Study Can work part-time (usually 20 hours/week maximum while studying). 9(g) work permit required (~5,000 PHP). Many schools help facilitate.

English Teaching Most common job for young foreigners. Requires BA degree (any major). Private schools pay 30,000-50,000 PHP/month. Hagwons (Korean test prep): 40,000-80,000 PHP/month. Tutoring privately: 1,000-3,000 PHP/hour. Visa sponsorship usually provided by employer.

Tech/BPO Jobs Growing sector. Companies (tech startups, customer service, development) hire English-speaking foreigners. 40,000-100,000+ PHP/month. Visa sponsorship provided. Most require relevant experience.

Teaching English budget 30,000 PHP salary covers: rent (8,000-12,000 in QC), food (5,000-7,000), utilities (1,500-2,000), transport (1,000), activities (2,000-3,000). Result: Living comfortably with some savings (3,000-5,000 PHP/month).

University study Many young people study 4 years, pay 200,000+ PHP annually, work part-time to offset costs. Total: 400,000-600,000 PHP over 4 years manageable for many.

Quality of life On teacher's salary, you live modestly but comfortably. Can travel on weekends, eat out regularly, enjoy nightlife. Not wealthy but financially stable for 20-something.

Growth opportunity This is investment years. Low cost of living allows savings. Networking opportunity for career growth.

Open local bank account BDO, BPI, or Metrobank (largest). Requires passport, proof of address. Takes 1-2 weeks. Essential for receiving salary, paying rent.

Exchange rates Monitor before converting large amounts. Send money via Wise (formerly TransferWise)—best rates and fees. Avoid airport exchanges (terrible rates).

ATMs Widely available. International card withdrawal fees 200-300 PHP per transaction.

Remittance If sending money abroad, use LBC, SM Money, or Wise. Better rates than banks.

SIM card Get local SIM (Globe or Smart) at airport or any convenience store. ~50 PHP for card. Activate plan: 300-500 PHP/month for decent data/calls.

Home internet 1,000-1,500 PHP/month for 50 Mbps fiber. Get dual connections (two providers) for reliability. Can work from coworking if home internet fails.

International calling Use WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype for free. Regular calls are expensive (20-50 PHP/minute).

Rent ranges Budget areas (Quezon City suburban) 8,000-12,000 PHP. Mid-range (Makati, BGC, Maginhawa) 15,000-25,000 PHP. High-end (BGC high-rise) 40,000-100,000+ PHP.

Lease terms Typically 1-2 years required. Deposit equals 2 months' rent. Some landlords negotiate shorter terms.

Safety Choose well-developed neighborhoods with good lighting, security. Avoid isolated slum areas. Safest areas: BGC, Makati, Legazpi, Salcedo, upscale QC areas.

Best strategy First month, stay in short-term accommodation (Airbnb, hotel). Spend time in neighborhoods. Then commit to 1-year lease once you know where you want to be.

Expat communities Facebook groups ('Expats in Manila,' 'Digital Nomads Philippines'), meetups, coworking spaces. Easy to meet people.

Language English widely spoken in business/educated circles, tourist areas, malls. Learning Tagalog earns goodwill from locals, opens doors.

Dating/Relationships Manila has active social scene. Dating apps (Tinder, Bumble) popular. Be respectful, aware of cultural differences.

Cost of socializing Reasonable. Drinks 80-150 PHP at local bars, clubs 200-500 PHP cover charges, dinners 300-1,500 PHP depending on place.

Traffic Objectively terrible. 2-hour commutes common. Humidity is extreme. Air quality sometimes poor. Power outages happen. Internet occasionally fails at critical moments.

Bureaucracy Inefficient by Western standards. Processes take longer. Corruption exists at various levels. Patience is essential.

Healthcare gaps While good hospitals exist, emergency healthcare outside Manila/major cities is limited. Not equivalent to developed country standards.

Isolation Some expats feel culturally isolated despite being in a city. Language barrier real. Making genuine local friendships takes effort.

Homesickness Initially, everything is exciting. By month 6-8, some expats miss home profoundly. Seasonal depression common.

Visa uncertainty Tourist visa extensions uncertain (can be denied). Work permits sometimes not renewed. Long-term security not 100% guaranteed.

1. Can you live on your projected income here for 12 months if plans change?

1. Do you speak any Tagalog or willing to learn?

1. Can you handle bureaucratic frustration with grace?

1. Do you have travel insurance and backup healthcare plan?

1. Have you visited Manila in person or only researched online?

1. Do you have realistic expectations or romanticized notions?

1. If this doesn't work, can you afford to leave?

1. Are you moving toward something or away from something?

If you answer "no" to most of these, reconsider or delay your move.

Week 1 Settle into accommodation. Get local SIM card. Get cash (ATM). Explore immediate neighborhood. Don't commit to anything yet.

Week 2-3 Explore other neighborhoods. Try restaurants. Join Facebook groups. Attend meetups. Get sense of city without pressure.

Week 4 Make decision about longer-term housing if needed. Open bank account if staying 6+ months. Get insurance if needed.

Month 2 Establish routines (favorite cafe, gym, restaurant). Make initial friendships. Connect with expat communities if that appeals to you.

Month 3 Reassess. Does this feel right? Are you integrating or isolated? Do you want to stay? Month 3 is realistic decision point—long enough to know, short enough to leave easily if it's not working.

Key Don't rush into 1-year leases, long-term financial commitments, or major life decisions in first month. Manila seems amazing initially. Give yourself time.