Are you considering retiring in the Philippines?

[ASEAN NOW News]

 

Expats especially after a lifetime of working hard often dream of living in a warm climate in SE Asia.

 

Therefore, retiring to the Philippines is a dream for many ex-pats.

 

The country has pleasant weather most of the year, interesting local cuisine, and affordable housing, are just a few reasons why.

 

Life in the Philippines

 

The first thing you’ll notice about the Philippines is the weather. With lows of about18°C and highs in the thirties, the Philippines is ideal if you don’t like extreme climates. 

 

The Philippines is also a naturally beautiful country

 

Located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the Republic of the Philippines consists of around 7,640 islands — about 2,000 of which are inhabited — that form an archipelago.

 

Although cities like Manila are all hustle and bustle, it’s the countryside, coastal regions, islands, and rainforests that make the Philippines picturesque. 

 

As a retiree, another benefit of living in the Philippines is that English is widely spoken.

 

The absence of a language barrier makes things like banking, shopping, and travelling easy to manage.

Many Philippine regions are structured to make visitors feel welcome.

 

From English signs to general courtesy, Filipinos understand the benefits of friendly hospitality. 

In fact, there’s even a Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

 

Approved by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the PRA offers guidance to overseas retirees.

 

The US military’s long history with the Philippines has already created a large ex-pat community.

 

Consequently, there are tons of businesses like pubs, diners and letting agencies all catering to foreign settlers. 

 

The extensive ex-pat community also means there are plenty of opportunities to socialise.

 

So, whether you’re into golf, (there are over 95 top-class courses there) salsa, or cooking, you’re never far away from meeting new people.

 

Retirement visas for the Philippines

 

The first step in retiring in the Philippines is getting a Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV).

 

Also known as a ‘retirement visa,’ an SRRV gives you the right to remain in the Philippines.

 

The basic requirements for the visa are that you’re at least 50 years old and you may need to deposit at least £7,250 in savings into a Filipino bank account (or £14,500 if you don’t have a guaranteed monthly income).

 

Have evidence that your pension is at least £580 a month (or £725 for couples). You can count other benefits towards this amount. 

 

After that, you’ll need to cover other expenses like your visa fee and for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I).

 

Of course, rules and regulations change, so best to check with a local Philippines Embassy or consulate or check out the  Philippine Retirement Authority .

 

If you want to keep up to date then join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

 

 

[ezzra]

Backward country, bad infrastructure, bad weather, can't compare Thailand or other SE countries to the people in PH who not as nice to say the least...

[bkk6060]

31 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Backward country, bad infrastructure, bad weather, can't compare Thailand or other SE countries to the people in PH who not as nice to say the least...

Agree with everything,  but the people.  I have found Filipino´s to be generally friendlier and helpful.  Could be the English, you can ask a question joke with them and have fun and they don´t frown or give you a strange look like here.

[andyman57]

8 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Agree with everything,  but the people.  I have found Filipino´s to be generally friendlier and helpful.  Could be the English, you can ask a question joke with them and have fun and they don´t frown or give you a strange look like here.

I am in the Philippines now I find the people ok but although they speak English when it comes to getting anything  done they are so thick I spent 20yrs in Thailand  and it's a far superior  country leaves the Philippines  standing

[BritManToo]

Lovely country, friendly people, amazing beaches, cheap booze, easy VISA.

What more could any retired guy want?

[ezzra]

26 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Lovely country, friendly people, amazing beaches, cheap booze, easy VISA.

What more could any retired guy want?

Yes if you go visit but not to set up a home there, i have been to PH many times, it would be a good place if one is a beach bum lives in a hut but not for everyday life living in a big city...

[georgegeorgia]

Having just spent 6 weeks there travelling I find the people not friendly, compared to thai people.., all taxi drivers had scowls on their faces, people pushed on the decripit SkyTrain if you could call it that.

Rubbish on streets left 

[grahamuk]

What a lot of miseries. 

 

I have been visiting and living in PI for more than 30 years. Retired here 4+ years ago, with family. Now have my permanent resident visa. 

 

Wouldn't want to retire to Thailand, infested as it is with fat, sweaty, tattooed sexpats and soccer hooligan types.  Each to their own.   Stay in Thailand...please.  ????

[georgegeorgia]

On 8/16/2022 at 10:49 PM, grahamuk said:

What a lot of miseries. 

 

I have been visiting and living in PI for more than 30 years. Retired here 4+ years ago, with family. Now have my permanent resident visa. 

 

Wouldn't want to retire to Thailand, infested as it is with fat, sweaty, tattooed sexpats and soccer hooligan types.  Each to their own.   Stay in Thailand...please.  ????

I guess they come from the UK ? Your right though, 

[bkk6060]

I just visited the Philippines. 

What a huge disappointment the same garbage that was there before Covid, is still there.  Garbage, filth, rats, urine smell, beggars everywhere much worse then before. Dirtiest country I have ever visited by far.  And, prices are way up in Manila and several of the beach communities.

Glad I went because I will never go again it is a huge downgrade from Thailand in my opinion, a big zero the quality of life is probably better even in Cambodia.

 

[georgegeorgia]

On 8/19/2022 at 5:41 PM, bkk6060 said:

I just visited the Philippines. 

What a huge disappointment the same garbage that was there before Covid, is still there.  Garbage, filth, rats, urine smell, beggars everywhere much worse then before. Dirtiest country I have ever visited by far.  And, prices are way up in Manila and several of the beach communities.

Glad I went because I will never go again it is a huge downgrade from Thailand in my opinion, a big zero the quality of life is probably better even in Cambodia.

 

I guess it depends which part you went to?

Dumaguete is nice , Boracay , Palawan 

[Shop mak]

Many trips there, only beautiful Boracay would be on my very short list.

The country is just so difficult to live in, if one have lived in Thailand already.

 

Food is tasteless.

Traffic is a nightmare.

Dirty, dust, air pollution, litter everywhere.

Internet often very slow, can't do anything.

Extreme long lines in banks supermarket pharmacy.

Not much medicine available, compared to Thailand. Prescription required on many medicines, that are sold over the counter in Thailand.

Out of stock is the norm.

Rocky beaches many places.

High entrance fee to beautiful beaches in many locations.

Hassle to travel from island to island, and their ferries are famous for fire, accidents, and deaths.

Lease apartment condo more expensive than Thailand, and much smaller units. Always require lease contract for a year.

Expensive electric 2,5x Thailand.

Burglery, robbery, pick pockets.

No divorce, only time consuming expensive annulment.

Daily life irritate many expats.

 

The few good things.

Long stay 3 year max.

Own import Vat duty tax doesn't kick in before 5,000p.

Lines of women want to become your gf, most chubby and they let themself go (gain weight) when in a longtime relationship / married.

Cheap booze and smokes.

Friendly people.

English spoken.

Friendly to foreigners.

That's it.

 

I continue stay in Thailand.

 

 

[Hummin]

Philippines is for the young people, unless you love chaotic cities and limited places you can walk after dark! 

 

Philippines is best for those who do watersports and beach bums. Thailand beats Philippines on every point except language.

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Philippines is for the young people, unless you love chaotic cities and limited places you can walk after dark! 

 

Philippines is best for those who do watersports and beach bums. Thailand beats Philippines on every point except language.

I never had any problems walking anywhere in PI after dark.

Would also say PI beaches are better than Thai beaches, cleaner, better sand, no sand flies, less beach hawkers..

[Hummin]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I never had any problems walking anywhere in PI after dark.

Would also say PI beaches are better than Thai beaches, cleaner, better sand, no sand flies, less beach hawkers..

I found more reasons to move to Thailand, and a great wife. But agree beaches us better in Phils