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Philippines questions, answered
Straight answers to what people ask before and after the move. Each one is checked against the official source and dated, because the rules change.
Money
- How much does it cost to live in the Philippines?Three real monthly budgets, from a smaller city to BGC, with current rent, electricity, food, health and visa costs, checked against official prices.
- Do Americans living in the Philippines pay tax there?The Philippines taxes foreigners only on Philippine income. What that means for pensions, Social Security and remote work, and for your US and state taxes.
Visas
- What visa do I need to live in the Philippines?The retirement visa, the marriage visa, the investor and work visas, and tourist extensions, compared for Americans who want to live in the Philippines.
- How long can a US citizen stay in the Philippines?30 days on arrival, then extensions up to 36 months in a row. What each extension costs, the paperwork, and what happens when you stay too long.
- How do I get a US visa for my Filipino partner?Fiancé visa or spouse visa: every current government fee, the steps in the US and in Manila, the sponsor income rules, and the mistakes that delay cases.
Property
- How do I rent a condo in the Philippines as a foreigner?What the law says, what is only custom, how to check the person renting to you owns the unit, and how to get your deposit back. For foreigners in 2026.
- Can a foreigner own property in the Philippines?Foreigners cannot own land, but can own a condo and lease land. What the law allows, the 2025 lease change, and why buying in a spouse's name is risky.