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The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia. Here are five important facts about the Philippines:

1. Cultural Diversity: The Philippines is a culturally diverse nation with influences from Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American cultures. The people of the Philippines are known for their warm hospitality, vibrant festivals, and strong sense of community. The country's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its traditional arts, music, dance, and cuisine.

2. Stunning Natural Beauty: The Philippines is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes. From pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to lush mountains and vibrant rice terraces, the country offers a diverse range of natural wonders. Popular destinations include Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and the Chocolate Hills, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

3. Thriving Tourism Industry: Tourism plays a significant role in the Philippine economy. The country is a popular destination for travelers seeking beach vacations, diving and snorkeling adventures, historical and cultural sites, and eco-tourism experiences. The hospitality and friendliness of the Filipino people contribute to the appeal of the country as a tourist destination.

4. Economic Growth: The Philippines has experienced robust economic growth in recent years. The country's economy is diversified, with sectors such as services, manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances from overseas Filipino workers contributing to its development. The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has also seen significant growth, making the Philippines a major global player in the sector.

5. Cultural Heritage Sites: The Philippines is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting its rich history and cultural significance. Sites such as the Historic City of Vigan, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park showcase the country's unique heritage and natural wonders.

These important facts reflect the cultural diversity, natural beauty, thriving tourism industry, economic growth, and cultural heritage of the Philippines. The country offers a mix of stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and a warm and welcoming population, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Immigration Details

The Philippines does not have a specific Golden Visa program. However, there are several immigration options available for individuals interested in immigrating to the Philippines, including starting a business, obtaining a work permit, studying, and applying for permanent residency. Here's an overview of each option:

1. Establishing a Company:
- Capital requirements: The capital requirements for establishing a company in the Philippines can vary depending on the type of business and industry. The exact capital requirements are determined by the government agencies responsible for regulating specific industries.
- Employing locals: If you establish a company in the Philippines, you will have the opportunity to employ local workers. You will need to comply with the country's labor laws, including obtaining work permits and adhering to employment regulations.
- Resident investment: There is no specific resident investment program in the Philippines, but successfully running a business can contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency in the future.
- Timeline and fees: The timeline and fees for establishing a company in the Philippines can vary depending on various factors such as the nature of the business, government processing times, and professional fees.

2. Work Permit:
- Finding a job: Secure a job offer from a Philippine employer. The employer will need to sponsor your work permit application and provide the necessary documentation, including an employment contract and proof of qualifications.
- Work permit: Once you have a job offer, your employer will apply for a work permit (Alien Employment Permit or Special Work Permit) on your behalf. The specific work permit category will depend on the nature of your employment and qualifications.
- Residency permit: With a work permit, you can reside in the Philippines for the duration of your employment. Work permits are typically valid for a specific period and can be renewed if the employment continues.
- Timeline and fees: The processing time for work permits can vary depending on the type of permit and individual circumstances. The fees typically include work permit application fees, government fees, and any related administrative charges.

3. Study-based Immigration:
- Obtain admission: Apply and get accepted into a recognized educational institution in the Philippines.
- Student visa: Once accepted, you will need to apply for a student visa (Special Study Permit or Student Visa), which allows you to reside in the Philippines for the duration of your studies.
- Residency permit: Depending on your circumstances, you may have the opportunity to transition from a student visa to a work permit or apply for permanent residency if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Timeline and fees: The processing time for student visas and transitioning to other permits can vary. The fees typically include visa application fees, tuition fees, and other administrative charges.

4. Permanent Residency:
- Quota or non-quota immigrant visa: The Philippines offers different immigrant visa categories, including quota and non-quota visas. Quota visas have a limited number of slots available each year.
- Eligibility criteria: The eligibility criteria for permanent residency in the Philippines can vary depending on the specific immigrant visa category. Generally, it involves proving a certain level of financial stability, contribution to the country, or family ties to Filipino citizens.
- Citizenship: After obtaining permanent residency, individuals may be eligible to apply for Philippine citizenship through a separate application process.

 

Location
Rank
  • VISA-FREE
    40
  • DUAL CITIZENSHIP
  • POPULATION
    114,597,229
  • Time To Citizenship
    63
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TAX

An individual may be considered a tax-resident in the Philippines if he or she stays more than 180 days in the country during a calendar year.

Tax-residents are subject to personal income tax on their worldwide income, whereas non-residents are taxed on Filipino-source income.

SRR visa holders are exempted from taxation on their pension and/or annuities earned abroad, whether they are remitted or not.

Tax-residents’ personal income is taxed at progressive rates up to 32% on income exceeding PHP500,000. Non-residents are subject to a flat rate of 25% on their income accrued in the Philippines. Expatriates employed by certain entities or industries may be taxed at a reduced rate of 15%.

Investment income earned by tax-residents is usually taxed at 20%. However, this excludes interest on residents’ deposits under the expanded foreign currency deposit system (FCDU) accounts, which are taxed at 7.5% and dividends received from resident entities, which are subject to a 10% final tax.

Capital gains from the sales of shares listed and traded in the stock exchange are taxed at 0.5% on the gross amount. Net gains derived from unlisted shares are subject to a 5% tax on the first PHP100,000 and 10% on the excess. Immovable property gains are taxed at a 6% of the higher of its gross sales price or fair market value.

The Philippines has not enacted controlled foreign company (CFC) rules, therefore passive income earned and retained in foreign entities own by tax residents may not be attributable.

Real property tax is levied up to 3% of the assessed value. Transfers of immovable properties are subject to local taxes up to 0.3%. Other transfer taxes may apply for certain transactions.

Inheritance is subject to a progressive tax rate that ranges from 5% to 20%. There are no taxes on net wealth.

The sale of certain goods and services are subject to V.A.T. at a 12% rate.

This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.

  • Property Tax Yes
  • Transfer Tax Yes
  • Inheritance Tax Yes
  • Net Worth Tax No
  • CFC Law No
  • Tax Residency Days 180
  • Personal Income Tax Rate 32%
  • Capital Gains Tax Rate 10%
  • Investment Income Tax Rate 20%
  • Territorial Taxation No
Visa-Free Explain

Where Can Filipino Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2023, Filipino passport holders can travel visa free to 40 countries and territories:

  • Barbados
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Colombia
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Ivory Coast
  • Dominica
  • Fiji
  • Haiti
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Kazakhstan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Micronesia
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Myanmar
  • Niue
  • Pakistan
  • Palestine
  • Peru
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Gambia
  • Vanuatu
  • Vietnam

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

What Countries Issue eVisa to Filipino Citizens?

The following 23 countries issue eVisas for Filipino passport holders:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Azerbaijan
  • Benin
  • Djibouti
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Moldova
  • Montserrat
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Türkiye
  • Uganda
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uzbekistan
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Filipino Passport Holders?

If you are a Filipino citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 27 countries listed below:

  • Armenia
  • Burundi
  • Cabo Verde
  • Comoros
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Nepal
  • Nicaragua
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Seychelles
  • Somalia
  • Saint Lucia
  • Tanzania
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tuvalu

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Filipino Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 136 countries with a Filipino passport:

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Argentina
  • Aruba
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Bhutan
  • Caribbean Netherlands
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Bulgaria
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Cayman Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Curaçao
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Estonia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French West Indies
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Guam
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Mali
  • Malta
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Spain
  • Saint Helena
  • Saint Martin
  • Sudan
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syria
  • Tonga
  • Tunisia
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen
  • Eswatini

The application for a visa goes as follows:

  1. Make an appointment at the visa center in Philippines. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
  2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
  3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do Filipino Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

Filipino citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

  • Your valid Filipino passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
  • A filled visa application form.
  • Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
  • Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
  • Proof of booked accommodation.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
  • Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)
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