Moving to Philippines
The Republic of the Philippines is a Southeast Asian country in the Pacific Ocean of over 7,000 islands. It is the world’s 12th most populous country, at 92 million. It was a former Spanish and American colony, and there are very many cultures and ethnicities throughout the many islands. It is also one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth. Its capital is Manila, and its official language is Filipino. It is a unitary presidential constitutional republic. It has a tropical climate and is generally hot and humid.
Visas
Work Visa
You may apply for a work visa under pre-arranged employment. The most visas are given to certain occupations: teachers, professors, doctors, nurses, scientists, professionals, bankers, commercial workers, industrial workers and agricultural workers. You must apply through a consulate in your home country. They are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.
You must apply in person at your local Filipino Consulate.
You must submit the following documents:
- Passport, valid for at least 6 months
- Two completed application forms
- Four passport photos, signed
- Medical/physical exam by a licensed physician, including AIDS test
- Police Records
- Fees
Click here for more information.
Click here for more details on working in the Philippines.
Student Visa
To apply for a student visa, you must submit documents to your local Filipino Consulate. You must submit the following:
- Valid passport
- Two completed application forms
- Medical/physical exam by a licensed physician, including AIDS test
- Police Records
- Fees
When you arrive in the Philippines, you are required to secure your Alien Certificate Registration.
Click here for information about study abroad in the Philippines.
Moving Pets
To move your pet to the Philippines, you are required to obtain an import permit from the Department of Animal Control. You must also get an International Health Certificate, and have it microchipped. A rabies vaccination is necessary for importation.
Click here for an anecdote.
Other Information
Click here for a map of the Philippines.
For a better look at what it might be like to live in the Philippines, check out this Philippines Living web site.
Click here for information about real estate in the Philippines.