Philippines Expat Guide 2026
Thinking of moving to the Philippines? This guide covers everything from cost-of-living breakdowns by province to visa requirements, property rules, tax obligations, and healthcare — all written with strict disclaimers and verified against current government sources.
Read this before using any guide on this site
Every page in this section is for general information only — not legal, immigration, tax, or financial advice. Philippine laws change frequently. Always verify with official government sources (Bureau of Immigration, BIR, PRA, LRA) and consult a licensed Philippine attorney before making any decision. We are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.
Official sources: Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) · Philippine Retirement Authority (pra.gov.ph) · Bureau of Internal Revenue (bir.gov.ph) · Land Registration Authority (lra.gov.ph)
Province Guides
Detailed cost-of-living breakdowns, neighborhood recommendations, healthcare access, and expat community information for the most popular destinations.
Cebu
Best all-around expat destination
- Large expat community
- Direct intl flights
- Great food scene
Davao
Best value for quality of life
- Lowest crime in PH
- Efficient city government
- Affordable living
Iloilo
The hidden gem
- Best food culture
- University city
- Very affordable
Baguio & Benguet
Cool climate, mountain living
- Year-round cool weather
- Popular retirement spot
- Moderate cost
Metro Manila
Most urban, highest cost
- Best healthcare
- Most international
- All amenities
Legal & Government Guides
Visas, property ownership, taxes, citizenship, and healthcare — the practical information every foreigner needs before committing to a move.
Visas & Immigration
Tourist visa extensions, SRRV (retirement visa), 13A (marriage), 9g (work), and ACR I-Card requirements.
Property Ownership
What foreigners can and cannot own. The condo rule, long-term leases, corporation structures, and common pitfalls.
Tax Obligations
TRAIN Law basics, residency classification, foreign-sourced income rules, BIR registration, and tax treaties.
Citizenship
Naturalization requirements, RA 9139 and RA 473, dual citizenship for former Filipinos under RA 9225, and realistic timelines.
Healthcare
PhilHealth for foreigners, private health insurance options, HMO plans, hospital tiers by province, and medical costs.
See your income class before you move
Enter your foreign income, select your home country, and choose a Philippine province. We convert at the live rate and show your exact economic class using PSA FIES 2023 data.
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