Modern Condo in Philippines
Settle Permanently

Settle in the Philippines : The Complete Guide

Residency visas, housing, healthcare, banking and practical steps: compare the routes that fit your situation before making the Philippines your new home.

How can you obtain residence in the Philippines?

There is no single Philippines residence permit for every applicant. Your route may be the SRRV from age 40 subject to its conditions, a 13A visa for the spouse of a Filipino citizen, an investor route, or another long-stay status. Compare eligibility, deposits, work rights and renewal duties before applying.

🛂 Residency Visas

Choose the visa adapted to your situation for permanent settlement

Popular

SRRV - Retirement

Permanent
$15,000 - $50,000

Permanent retirement visa for applicants aged 40+

✅ Benefits

Permanent Residency
Multiple Entry/Exit
Work Rights (with permit)
Tax Benefits

📋 Requirements

Minimum Age: 40
Bank Deposit Required
Monthly Pension (if applicable)
Clean Police Record
Learn more

13A Visa - Spouse

Permanent
Admin Fees

For spouses of Filipino citizens

✅ Benefits

Permanent Residency
Full Work Rights
No Investment Required
Path to Citizenship

📋 Requirements

Marriage to Filipino Citizen
Apostilled Marriage Certificate
Filipino Sponsor
Identity Documents
Learn more

Quota Immigrant

Permanent
$50,000+

Annual quota immigrant visa

✅ Benefits

Permanent Residency
Work Rights
Path to Citizenship
Family Included

📋 Requirements

Substantial Investment
Job Creation
Government Approval
Limited Annual Quota
Learn more

Temporary Resident

1-3 years (renewable)
Variable

Renewable temporary residency

✅ Benefits

Long-term Residency
Renewable
Limited Work Rights
Transition Possible

📋 Requirements

Financial Proof
Local Sponsor
Health Insurance
Regular Renewal
Learn more

🏙️ Where to settle?

Discover the best cities for your expatriation

🏙️

Metro Manila

The economic and cultural capital

High400-1200€/month

Highlights:

Job Opportunities
Modern Infrastructure
Rich Cultural Life
International Hospitals
CareerBusinessEducationServices
🌆

Cebu City

The economic hub of the South

Moderate300-800€/month

Highlights:

Tech Hub
International Airport
Beaches Nearby
Reasonable Cost of Living
IT/TechQuality of LifeExpatsFamilies
🌿

Davao

The safest city in the Philippines

Low200-600€/month

Highlights:

Excellent Security
Preserved Nature
Durian Capital
Stable Climate
SecurityNatureRetirementFamilies
🏔️

Baguio

The city of pines with a cool climate

Moderate250-700€/month

Highlights:

Temperate Climate
Reputed Universities
Cordillera Culture
Fresh Air
Cool ClimateEducationRetirementHealth
🎓

Dumaguete

The peaceful university city

Low200-500€/month

Highlights:

University Vibe
Expat Community
Exceptional Diving
Quiet Life
RetirementEducationDivingCommunity
😊

Iloilo

The city of love on the rise

Low200-600€/month

Highlights:

Rapid Development
Historical Heritage
Renowned Gastronomy
Welcoming People
InvestmentCultureGastronomyBusiness

📋 Settlement Process

Follow these steps for a successful expatriation

1
📋

Choose the Right Visa

Select the visa type according to your situation

1-2 months
Assess Eligibility
Gather Documents
Consular Procedures
Obtain Certifications
2
📦

Prepare the Move

Organize your practical installation

2-3 months
Sell/Rent your Home
Organize Transport
Transfer Finances
Cancel Contracts
3
🏠

Arrive and Settle

First steps in your new life

1-2 months
Find Housing
Open Bank Account
Get Tax Number (TIN)
Register for Services
4
🤝

Local Integration

Adapt to Philippine culture

6-12 months
Learn Local Languages
Join Communities
Understand Culture
Develop Network

💡 Practical Information

Everything you need to know for your new life

🏥

Health

International health insurance recommended. Quality private hospitals in major cities.

🎓

Education

International schools available. Education system in English. Reputable universities.

🚗

Transport

International driving license valid 90 days. Conversion to local license possible.

💰

Banking

Account opening with residency visa. Modern banking services available.

Compare banking options
📱

Telecoms

Excellent mobile and internet network. Affordable plans. WiFi everywhere.

🏛️

Administration

Procedures in English. Bureaucracy can be slow. Patience and documents required.

Ready to start your new life?

Join thousands of expatriates who have made the Philippines their new home