The Philippines is one of the easiest countries in Asia to settle in for English speakers. English is an official language, used in government, business and education, and Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality. Costs are low, and the islands offer some of the world's best beaches and diving. It is especially popular with retirees and with people married to Filipinos.

Visa and residence options

Most visitors can enter visa-free for 30 days and extend their stay at Bureau of Immigration offices, sometimes for many months. For long-term residence the main options are:

  • Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV): run by the Philippine Retirement Authority, this offers permanent, multiple-entry residence for people aged 50 and over. Applicants make a time deposit in a Philippine bank, with lower amounts for people with a qualifying pension. Former Filipino citizens and certain other groups have their own options.
  • 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa: for foreigners with a Philippine employer. It requires an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment, which checks that no qualified Filipino is available.
  • 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa: permanent residence for spouses of Filipino citizens, usually probationary for the first year.
  • Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV): for people investing at least US$75,000 in qualifying Philippine businesses.
  • Digital nomad visa: an executive order in 2025 created a digital nomad visa for remote workers employed outside the Philippines. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs for current availability and income requirements.

How much does it cost to live in the Philippines?

Our Philippines data puts a one-bedroom apartment at around $350 a month and a three-bedroom at around $800 on average. Condos in Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Manila, or in Cebu's business park areas, cost considerably more. Provincial cities such as Dumaguete, Iloilo and Davao are much cheaper and popular with retirees.

Groceries cost about $170 a month, and local food is very cheap. Electricity is expensive, among the highest in Asia, so air-conditioning can push utility bills above $100 a month. Domestic help is affordable and common in middle-class households.

How Philippine tax works

Since 2023, resident individuals pay income tax on a progressive scale from 0% on the first 250,000 pesos a year up to 35% on income above 8 million pesos, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Resident citizens are taxed on worldwide income, but resident aliens are generally taxed only on Philippine-source income, which benefits retirees living on foreign pensions.

Employees also contribute to SSS (social security), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG (housing fund), totalling roughly 9.5% of pay. VAT is 12%. See our tax calculator to estimate tax on local income.

Healthcare

Private hospitals in Manila and Cebu, such as St. Luke's and The Medical City, offer good care at low prices. In rural areas and smaller islands, facilities are basic, and serious cases may need transfer to a city. Expats generally buy private health insurance; SRRV holders can also join PhilHealth.

Daily life

Family, faith and community are central. The Philippines is Asia's largest Catholic nation, and the Christmas season begins in September. Fiestas, karaoke and food are part of every gathering. Respect for elders matters: younger people add "po" and "opo" when speaking to older people.

The trade-offs are real. Manila's traffic is among the worst in the world, typhoons hit between June and December, and infrastructure and internet can be unreliable outside cities. Foreigners cannot own land, though they can own condominium units within limits.

Is the Philippines a good place to move?

The Philippines suits retirees, people with Filipino family ties and budget-conscious remote workers who value friendliness and English over polished infrastructure. Spend time in a few regions before choosing where to settle.