Philippines
Last updated: March 2026 · MobilitySQR Country Guide
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (59A) | 30 days (extendable to 59) | Tourism, visit | Return ticket, funds |
| 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment | 1–2 years (renewable) | Employment | Job offer, AEP, medical clearance |
| Special Resident Retiree (SRRV) | Permanent | Retirement (35+) | $50,000 deposit or $2,500/month income |
| Special Investor (SIRV) | Permanent | Investment (min. $50,000) | Investment documentation |
| 18A Transit | 7 days | Transit passage | Onward ticket, documents |
Foreign residents must establish physical presence for 180 days per tax year (calendar year) to qualify for certain tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income.
| Annual Income (PHP) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 250,000 | 0% (tax-exempt) |
| 250,001–400,000 | 5% |
| 400,001–800,000 | 10% |
| 800,001–2,000,000 | 15% |
| 2,000,001–8,000,000 | 20% |
| Over 8,000,000 | 35% |
Required for all foreign workers in the Philippines. Processed by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Government-subsidized health insurance for employed and non-employed citizens and registered residents.
| Category | Budget (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR condo, business district) | PHP 25,000–50,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | PHP 3,000–5,000 |
| Groceries & food | PHP 10,000–15,000 |
| Transportation (car/Grab/public) | PHP 3,000–8,000 |
| Insurance & phone | PHP 2,000–4,000 |
| Entertainment & dining | PHP 5,000–10,000 |
| Healthcare & miscellaneous | PHP 2,000–5,000 |
| Total (Budget to Comfortable) | PHP 50,000–97,000 |
| Agency | Details |
|---|---|
| SSS | sss.gov.ph — member services & contributions |
| PhilHealth | philhealth.gov.ph — health insurance & claims |
| Pag-IBIG Fund | pagibigfund.gov.ph — housing loans & benefits |
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Emergency Services | 911 or 117 (police), 118 (fire) |
| Emergency Medical | 888 (ambulance); major hospitals have 24/7 emergency |
| Embassy/Consulate | Contact your country’s embassy for citizen assistance |
| Expat Community Groups | Facebook groups for various nationalities (Expats in PH, Digital Nomads Manila) |
Housing, cost of living, education, and daily life in Metro Manila
Status: Primary business & financial district. Target Audience: Professionals, executives, expat families. Highlights: High-rise offices, upscale shopping (Ayala malls), dining, nightlife. Cost: PHP 25,000–60,000/month (1BR condo). Pros: Walkable, secure, excellent restaurants & services. Cons: Congested traffic, expensive, can feel sterile.
Status: Modern mixed-use development, rapidly growing. Target Audience: Young professionals, digital nomads, startups. Highlights: Modern infrastructure, tech parks, restaurants, Fort Bonifacio historic district. Cost: PHP 20,000–50,000/month (1BR condo). Pros: Newer, vibrant, good for remote workers. Cons: Further from airport, still developing in some areas.
Status: Secondary business district. Target Audience: Mid-level professionals, families. Highlights: Office towers, SM & Robinsons malls, residential condos. Cost: PHP 18,000–40,000/month (1BR condo). Pros: Affordable, good transport links via MRT. Cons: Older infrastructure, congestion during rush hour.
Status: Emerging IT/tech hub in QC. Target Audience: Tech workers, startups, young professionals. Highlights: BPO offices, tech companies, restaurants, lifestyle amenities. Cost: PHP 15,000–35,000/month (1BR condo). Pros: Affordable, tech-friendly, growing scene. Cons: Less polished than BGC/Makati, traffic congestion.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, central district) | PHP 25,000–50,000 |
| Utilities & internet | PHP 3,000–5,000 |
| Groceries | PHP 8,000–12,000 |
| Dining out (mixed) | PHP 5,000–10,000 |
| Transportation | PHP 3,000–8,000 |
| Healthcare & insurance | PHP 2,000–5,000 |
| Entertainment & misc. | PHP 3,000–8,000 |
| Total (Budget–Comfortable) | PHP 49,000–98,000 |
07 — Social Security & Benefits
SSS (Social Security System)
Mandatory for private sector employees; provides disability, sickness, maternity, retirement benefits.
Pag-IBIG (Housing Benefit Fund)
Mandatory fund for low-cost housing loans and short-term loans.
PhilHealth (Recap)