Some people visit the Philippines for two weeks of holiday and go back home with unforgettable memories. Others arrive for a short work assignment or a few months of remote work and fall in love with this Southeast Asian archipelago.
Many of these people end up realizing they want to make it home. And plenty actually do. In fact, official records suggest that 153,000-plus foreigners have made the Philippines their home.
And it’s actually no surprise. The Philippines is a beautiful country. English is widely spoken. The communities are famously welcoming. And the cost of living? Much lower than in many Western countries.
But relocating abroad is a big deal. So here’s what to know before you go.
Choose the Right Location to Match Your Lifestyle
Where will you live? That’s one of the first things to consider when relocating anywhere. You need a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle.
Thankfully, the Philippines isn’t a one-size-fits-all country. There’s a location for every preference. Enjoy the city or want to live where you can still chase career opportunities? Then you’ll love Metro Manila. But be ready for serious traffic. News reports showed that Filipinos spent roughly 240 hours in Metro Manila traffic jams in 2023 alone.
If you’d rather experience a mix of city life and beaches, then look at places in Cebu. Davao is ideal for a slower, more relaxed pace, but people love Dumaguete, Iloilo, and Baguio.
Choosing the right neighborhood simply means thinking about what your day-to-day life will look like.
Understand Visa and Residency Options
Paperwork is where a lot of dreams get stuck. The truth is that no matter how much you love the Philippines, you can’t just show up and stay forever. You need the appropriate paperwork, and the most common starting point is a tourist visa, which you can usually extend for a few months.
If you’re planning to stay longer, however, you have a few paths. For retirees, the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa is a popular choice. This visa lets you stay indefinitely as long as you meet a few requirements.
Planning to work for a local company? You’ll need an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and a work visa. This process is usually easier if your employer handles it for you. The Philippines recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for people who work for clients or employers abroad. It’s good for one year and renewable.
So, decide how you want to come in and get the appropriate paperwork sorted out.
Find the Right Home for Your Needs
Housing is another really big decision you’ll have to make. A common piece of advice from long-term expats is simple: rent first. It’s a good suggestion, too. Rent for a few months. See if you actually like the neighborhood.
So, how much should you budget for rent? A lot of housing agencies quote somewhere around ₱25,000, which is just a bit above $400 a month for a decent place. Of course, places in Metro Manila, Makati or BGC can run a lot higher.
If you eventually decide to purchase your own property, remember to plan for future comfort and accessibility. This guide to home elevator installation in the Philippines explains what homeowners should know when considering residential lift solutions, especially for multi-story homes or aging-in-place planning.
Cibes Lift Philippines notes that there are many different things to consider when installing a lift in your home, including civil works and permit fees. A proper guide will clarify all these details.
Quick note: Foreigners in the Philippines cannot own land directly. You can only own property through long-term leases, up to 99 years, or if you marry a Filipino and the land is in their name.
Learn About the Cost of Living
Now, let’s talk about money. The cost of living in the Philippines is about 76% lower than in the USA. However, how much you spend each month will depend a lot on your lifestyle and where you choose to live.
For context, electricity can eat into your monthly budget if you’re not used to the humidity and want air conditioning. Imported goods, such as cosmetics and electronics, private schooling, and private healthcare can also be on the high side.
Shane Clark of Philippines Expats on Facebook sums it up perfectly. “You can live cheap in the Philippines. You can live comfortably. You can live very well. You can also overspend if you’re not paying attention. There is no single ‘Philippines budget.’ There are lifestyles, locations, trade-offs, and priorities.”
FAQs
Is it safe to move to the Philippines?
Absolutely. In fact, many retirees do. You’ll find many of them in Metro Manila, Dumaguete, or Cebu. However, you may also want to check your country’s travel advisory for the Philippines before moving.
Can I own land in the Philippines?
No. Unfortunately, foreigners can’t own land outright. What you can do is legally own a condominium unit or lease a house and lot for a long period. The government recently increased this period to 99 years.
What is healthcare like in the Philippines?
The private healthcare system is quite good. Many of the doctors and nurses there were trained in the US or Australia. It’s also very affordable compared to Western prices. Public hospitals, however, can often be crowded.
Moving to the Philippines: Key Points at a Glance
The table below summarizes what we’ve been talking about so far, to help make your decision and planning easier.
| Point | Key Takeaway |
| Why Move? | Affordable, English-speaking, tropical, and welcoming. |
| Where to Live | Manila for city life. Cebu for balance. Dumaguete, Iloilo, or Baguio for retirees and remote workers. |
| Visas | Pick the visa that matches your stay. Tourist, work, retirement, or digital nomad. |
| Housing | Foreigners can’t own land directly, only long-term lease or via a Filipino spouse. |
| Cost of Living | Around 76% lower than the US overall. |
Conclusion
Moving to the Philippines isn’t really about the views. What actually matters is whether you can see yourself living there day in and day out. Hopefully, this guide can get you started in the right direction.
But here’s the truth: This isn’t something you decide after reading online. You have to go there yourself. Get lost in the local hustle, bustle, and culture. That’s the only real way to know if the Philippines can be your new home.
