Philippines
Manila, Asia
Living in Philippines: the short version
The Philippines is warm, welcoming, English-speaking and inexpensive, with thousands of islands to explore. It is especially popular with retirees through the SRRV retirement visa, though infrastructure, traffic in Manila and typhoon season are real trade-offs.
Best for: Retirees, people with Filipino family ties, and budget-conscious remote workers.
Why people move here
- English is an official language
- Low cost of living and household help
- Accessible retirement visa from age 50
What to watch out for
- Manila traffic and pollution
- Typhoons and flooding in the rainy season
- Few local jobs for foreigners; slow internet in rural areas
How to move to Philippines: main visa and residency routes
Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.
- Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
- Permanent multiple-entry residence for people aged 50+ who make a deposit with the Philippine Retirement Authority.
- 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa
- For foreigners with a Philippine employer, together with an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor.
- 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa
- Permanent residence for spouses of Filipino citizens.
- Digital nomad visa
- Created by executive order in 2025; check the Department of Foreign Affairs for current availability and requirements.
Healthcare for newcomers
Private hospitals in Manila and Cebu offer good care at low cost, while rural facilities are basic. Expats generally use private insurance; SRRV holders can also join PhilHealth.
Cost of Living
Cost of living index: 25 (NYC = 100)
Rent (1BR)
$350
Rent (3BR)
$800
Groceries
$170
Transport
$25
Utilities
$110
Internet
$30
Dining Out
$50
Tax System
Corporate Tax
25%
VAT / Sales Tax
12%
Social Security
9.5%
Capital Gains
15%
Income Tax Brackets
| Income Range (USD) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $4,400 | 0% |
| $4,401 - $7,000 | 15% |
| $7,001 - $14,000 | 20% |
| $14,001 - $35,000 | 25% |
| $35,001 - $140,000 | 30% |
| $140,001 - Above | 35% |
Culture
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands whose culture blends Malay roots with more than three centuries of Spanish rule and decades of American influence. It is Asia’s largest Catholic nation and one of its most English-fluent.
Traditions
- The world’s longest Christmas season, starting in September
- Sinulog and Ati-Atihan festivals
- Fiestas for town patron saints
- Karaoke (videoke) at every gathering
Cultural Values
- Bayanihan (community spirit)
- Hiya (sense of shame and propriety)
- Utang na loob (debt of gratitude)
- Family
Common Greeting: Kumusta! / Magandang umaga!
Cultural Tips
- • Add “po” and “opo” when speaking to elders as a sign of respect
- • Filipinos may avoid saying “no” directly: listen for hesitation
- • Arriving a little late to social events is normal (“Filipino time”)
- • Expect to be offered food repeatedly; accepting is polite
🍽 Food & Cuisine
Filipino food balances sour, salty and sweet, mixing Malay, Chinese, Spanish and American influences. Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and calamansi lime are everyday staples.
Adobo
Chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves and black pepper
Sinigang
Sour tamarind soup with pork, prawns or fish and vegetables
Lechon
Whole roasted pig with crackling skin, the centrepiece of every fiesta
Halo-halo
Shaved ice dessert with sweet beans, fruit, ube jam, leche flan and milk
Sources and methodology
Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on . Found something out of date? Tell us.
Official Philippines sources
Data sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax
- Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices)
- World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators
- OECD Tax Database — tax rates and social contributions
- ILOSTAT — employment and unemployment
- UNDP Human Development Reports — health and education
- UN World Population Prospects — population
Quality of Life
Job Market
Average Annual Salary
$5,500
Job Difficulty
Difficult
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Work Permit Required
Yes
Top Industries
Languages
Official Languages
Other Languages Spoken