Moving to Philippines

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence requirements for the Philippines depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including most EU nations, are often eligible for visa-free entry for tourism for a limited period, typically 30 days, which can sometimes be extended. However, for those planning to reside, work, study, or join family, a specific visa is required before or upon arrival.

• Work Visas: These are typically sponsored by an employer in the Philippines.
• Family Visas: Available for those joining a Filipino spouse or family member.
• Study Visas: For individuals enrolled in an accredited educational institution.
• Retirement Visas: Specific programs exist for retirees meeting certain criteria.
• Special Residence Permits: Other categories may apply depending on your specific circumstances.

It is crucial to verify the most current and accurate information directly with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. Requirements, processing times, and necessary documentation can change, so always consult official government sources well in advance of your move.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in the Philippines can be an exciting part of your relocation. The market offers a range of options from apartments and condominiums in urban centers to houses in more suburban or rural areas.

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Numerous local real estate websites list properties for rent.
  • Real Estate Agents: Engaging a local agent can be highly beneficial, especially for foreigners, as they can help navigate the market, language barriers, and legalities.
  • Word of Mouth/Local Networks: Sometimes the best deals are found through local connections.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewing Properties: Schedule visits to potential homes.
  • Lease Agreement: Once you find a suitable property, a lease agreement will be drafted. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing.
  • Deposits: It is standard to pay a security deposit (often equivalent to 1-3 months' rent) and advance rent (usually 1-2 months). The security deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, provided the property is returned in good condition.
  • Utilities: Clarify whether utilities (electricity, water, internet) are included in the rent or if you are responsible for setting them up and paying separately.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Consider starting with a short-term rental (e.g., serviced apartment, Airbnb) for the first few weeks or months. This allows you time to explore different neighborhoods and find a long-term rental that truly suits your needs without feeling rushed.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to the Philippines is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you plan your budget effectively, though exact figures will always depend on your specific situation.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and vehicles.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from the Philippines will impact shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months in many Western countries) can sometimes result in higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for movers at both your current home and your new residence in the Philippines (e.g., stairs, elevators, narrow streets, parking availability) can affect labor costs.
• Mode of Transport: Air freight is significantly faster but more expensive than sea freight. A combination might be used for urgent items.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembling/reassembling furniture, storage, and specialized handling for delicate or valuable items will add to the overall cost.
• Insurance: Protecting your belongings during transit is highly recommended and is an additional expense.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Be aware of potential import duties and taxes on your household goods and personal effects upon arrival in the Philippines.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your unique relocation needs, it is best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here’s a general checklist to guide you, typically spanning 4-8 weeks before your move:

8 Weeks Before:

• Declutter and Downsize: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces your moving volume and cost.
• Research Visas & Immigration: Reconfirm all requirements with official sources and begin the application process if necessary.
• Research Housing: Start looking into neighborhoods and housing options in the Philippines.
• Get Quotes: Contact relocation123.com for a free quote for your international move.

6 Weeks Before:

• Gather Important Documents: Collect passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, school records, financial statements, and insurance policies. Make copies and keep them separate from your main luggage.
• Notify Schools/Employers: Inform your children's schools and your current employer of your departure date.
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical or dental appointments. Get prescriptions refilled.
• Pet Relocation: If moving with pets, research specific import requirements for animals into the Philippines and begin the necessary veterinary procedures.

4 Weeks Before:

• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need immediately, like seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Utilities & Subscriptions: Start notifying utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (magazines, gym memberships).
• Change of Address: Set up mail forwarding.
• Financial Arrangements: Inform your bank of your move. Research opening a local bank account in the Philippines.

2 Weeks Before:

• Confirm Travel Arrangements: Finalize flights and temporary accommodation in the Philippines.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with essentials for your first few days in the Philippines (important documents, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes).
• Defrost Freezer: If moving appliances, empty and defrost your freezer.

1 Week Before:

• Final Packing: Pack remaining items, leaving out only what you need until moving day.
• Clean Your Home: Arrange for a final cleaning if necessary.
• Say Goodbyes: Spend time with friends and family.

Moving Day:

• Supervise Movers: Be present to answer any questions and ensure everything is loaded.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Secure Important Documents: Keep your essential documents bag with you.

For a precise estimate of your relocation costs and to start planning your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Philippines: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to the Philippines involves navigating specific customs regulations for your household goods and personal effects. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth and compliant import process for your move.

If you're a returning resident (including Overseas Filipino Workers - OFWs)

If you are a Philippine passport holder returning to the country after working abroad, you may be eligible for duty and tax exemptions on your personal effects and household goods. Your shipment must arrive within 60 days of your return to qualify.

What you'll need

• Original Passport with latest arrival stamp
• Authorization Letter
• Affidavit of End-Use/Ownership
• Certificate of Employment (for OFWs)
• TIN ID/BIR Form with importer’s TIN
• Signed Sea Waybill (Express Release BL) / AWB
• Copy of Packing list
• Copy of Birth Certificate (for non-OFW returning residents)
• Copy of Proof of Residence abroad (for non-OFW returning residents)
• Copy of Employment or Resident Visa ID card (for non-OFW returning residents)

Good to know

• Tax exemption is secured from the Department of Finance.
• The value of goods allowed for tax-free entry varies based on your time abroad:
  • At least 10 years abroad, not availed in 10 years: Up to Php350,000.00
  • At least 5 years but not more than 10 years abroad, not availed in 5 years: Up to Php250,000.00
  • At least 6 months but not more than 5 years abroad, not availed in 6 years: Up to Php150,000.00
• Returning OFWs can also bring in one of each home appliance and other durable goods tax and duty-free.
• Any value exceeding the allowed amount will be subject to duties and taxes.
• Port storage is free for five days; demurrage charges apply thereafter for containerized shipments.

If you're a dual citizen (Filipino and foreign passport holder)

Dual citizens are also eligible for duty and tax exemptions on household goods and personal effects, similar to returning residents.

What you'll need

• Original & valid Philippine & foreign Passport
• Original Oath of Allegiance
• Original Certificates of both Retention and Identification
• Copy Birth Certificate
• TIN ID/BIR Form with importer’s TIN
• Original Authorization Letter
• Original Affidavit of Ownership
• Copy dated & signed Bill of Lading/AWB
• Copy of Packing List

Good to know

• The same tax-free value limits and conditions as returning residents apply.
• Shipment must arrive within 60 days of your return.

If you're relocating as a non-resident with a 9(g), 9(d), 47(a)2, 13G, or 13A visa

Non-residents holding specific long-term visas (such as investor visas, permanent resident visas, or marriage-based visas) will generally be subject to duties and taxes on their household goods and personal effects.

What you'll need

• Original passport with a stamped visa (e.g., 47(a)2, 13G, or 13A)
• Dated & signed Sea Waybill (Express Release BL) / AWB
• Signed Authorization printed on company letterhead
• Signed Affidavit of Ownership
• Copy of Packing list
• Copy Certificate of Employment (for 47(a)2 visa holders)
• Visa application documents (submitted / received stamp by the Bureau of Immigration)
• TIN ID/BIR Form with importer’s TIN
• Copy of Alien Certificate of Registration I-Card (for 13G/13A visa holders)
• Copy of Marriage Contract (for 13A visa) – be prepared to present the original if requested by the Department of Finance
• Copy of spouse’s Birth Certificate (for 13A visa) – be prepared to present the original if requested by the Department of Finance

Good to know

• All household goods and personal effects are dutiable.
• Port storage is free for five days; demurrage charges apply thereafter for containerized shipments.

If you're an official/employee of a Regional Office or hold an Executive Order No. 226 (EO 226) visa

Individuals with an EO 226 visa are entitled to duty and tax exemption for their household goods and personal effects.

What you'll need

• Original passport with a stamped EO 226 visa
• Dated Sea Waybill (Express Release BL) / AWB
• Original Packing list
• Company registration with SEC (copy)
• Official list of expatriates
• Latest inward remittance

Good to know

• Tax exemption is secured from the Department of Finance upon presentation of your original passport with the stamped visa and copies of shipping documents.
• Your shipment must arrive within 90 days from your latest arrival in the Philippines.
• Port storage is free for five days; demurrage charges apply thereafter for containerized shipments.

If you're a diplomat (9(E) visa holder)

Diplomats are granted full duty and tax exemption for their household goods and personal effects.

What you'll need

• Note verbal approval
• Dated Sea Waybill (Express Release BL) / AWB
• Packing list

Good to know

• You must be in the Philippines to submit credentials and secure your Diplomatic ID before a Request for Tax Exemption can be applied for.
• Your diplomatic agency will initiate the tax exemption request through a note verbal letter to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which will then endorse it to the Department of Finance (DOF).
• Diplomats are also entitled to bring in one car duty/tax free.
• Port storage is free for five days; demurrage charges apply thereafter for containerized shipments.

If you're a temporary visitor or tourist (9(a) visa holder)

Temporary visitors and tourists do not have any tax exemption privileges for their shipments. All household goods and personal effects are subject to duties and taxes.

What you'll need

• Dated Sea Waybill (Express Release BL)
• Packing list
• Passport copy

Good to know

• Shipments are subject to a 15% rate of duty and a 12% rate of tax.
• Clearance is only allowed by paying duties and taxes, or under a cash bond if you have a pending application for a change of visa status (e.g., to 9(D), 47(a)2, 13G, 13A, or EO226).
• A bond, computed at 150% of the assessed taxes/duties, must be posted for conditional release of the shipment pending visa approval.
• The bond is valid for 3 months and can be extended for another 3 months. It is cancelled once the visa is approved.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Diplomats can import one car duty and tax-free. Returning residents, dual citizens, and holders of 13G or 13A visas are allowed to import cars but are subject to significant duties and taxes (around 200% of the car's book value).

• Cars must not exceed 1500 kgs in weight and 2800 cc in engine displacement.
• The car must be registered under the consignee's name for at least 12 months.
• Returning residents must have stayed abroad continuously for one year.

What you'll need

• Dated Sea Waybill (Express Release BL)
• Packing list
• Prior Authority to Import secured from the Bureau of Import Services (BIS)
• Original Car registration

Pets

Pets are subject to a 5% duty on their original value and a 12% tax.

What you'll need

• Airway bill
• Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) – this is crucial.
• Health and vaccination certificates

Restricted & prohibited items

All imported and exported wooden crates must comply with ISPM-15 guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade. This standardizes the treatment of wood packing materials.

Alcohol & tobacco

For non-diplomatic shipments, only very limited amounts of alcohol (less than 10 bottles) are generally allowed. If you have a tax-free exemption, no tax or duty applies. Otherwise, alcohol is subject to high taxes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the free storage period at the port?
Port storage is typically free for five days. After this period, demurrage charges will apply for containerized shipments, as per the carrier's discretion.

Can I get a tax exemption if I'm a returning OFW?
Yes, returning OFWs are eligible for tax exemption on personal effects and household goods, with varying limits based on the duration of stay abroad. You also get an exemption for one of each home appliance.

What if my visa status changes while my shipment is in transit?
If you are a temporary visitor/tourist and apply for a long-term visa, you may conditionally release your shipment by posting a cash bond. The bond is 150% of the assessed duties/taxes and is valid for 3 months, extendable once.

Are there specific requirements for wooden packing materials?
Yes, all wooden crates used for international shipments must adhere to ISPM-15 standards for phytosanitary measures.

Is there a time limit for my shipment to arrive after I do?
For returning residents (including OFWs and dual citizens), your shipment must arrive within 60 days of your return. For EO 226 visa holders, it must arrive within 90 days of your latest arrival.

What happens if I exceed the tax-free allowance for returning residents?
Any amount exceeding your allowed tax-free limit will be subject to the corresponding duties and taxes.

For personalized assistance with your move to the Philippines, please contact relocation123.com.

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