Frequently Asked Questions

Go Relocation Philippines offers two ways to begin the conversation depending on the level of guidance you need.

The first option is a Free Clarity Call, which is a short introductory conversation where you can briefly discuss your situation and ask initial questions about moving to the Philippines. This call is designed to help determine whether your plans align with the available visa pathways or relocation options.

For individuals who want a more detailed and structured discussion, another option is booking a Relocation Plan. This is a paid consultation where we dedicate focused time to reviewing your circumstances in greater depth, including visa eligibility, relocation planning, housing considerations, and practical steps involved in establishing life in the Philippines.

The Relocation Plan is intended for those who want a clearer roadmap before making major relocation decisions.

Go Relocation Philippines does not charge professional or agency fees for SRRV processing. Our assistance with SRRV applications is compensated through the official marketer program of the Philippine Retirement Authority.

However, applicants may also avail Groundwork Support or other accessorial expenses that may be required during the process. These may include government fees, document authentication, medical examinations, courier services, and other third-party costs depending on the applicant’s situation.

The best starting point is usually an initial consultation where your plans, goals, and circumstances can be discussed.

Yes. Go Relocation Philippines can assist clients in identifying temporary accommodation and suitable long-term housing options after arrival.

Many clients begin with a short-term stay while they explore different areas and understand their lifestyle preferences before committing to a longer lease or property purchase. GRP can guide clients through this transition and provide advisory support when evaluating housing options.

At present, housing assistance and relocation support are primarily available in Cebu.

Many foreigners explore the Philippines gradually before deciding to relocate long-term. This is where “Discovery Tours” come in as it helps you understand the place before making a big commitment.

Relocation services may include assistance with local essentials such as banking introductions, phone registration, and daily living setup.

Depending on the visa type, some steps may begin remotely while others require the applicant to be physically present in the Philippines.

The Discovery Tour is a structured orientation experience designed to help foreigners explore important locations, understand daily life, and gain clarity before making relocation decisions.

Go Relocation Philippines assists foreign nationals with visa guidance, relocation planning, and property advisory services to help them establish life in the Philippines.

Transportation in the Philippines is generally affordable compared to many Western countries.

For example, a taxi ride of around 15 kilometers such as from Mactan Cebu International Airport to IT Park in Cebu City, typically costs around ₱250 (approximately US$4) depending on traffic conditions.

Public transportation options such as jeepneys, buses, and ferries are even cheaper, while ride-hailing services such as Grab are widely available in major cities.

Yes. Living in provincial areas is generally more affordable than living in major cities such as Metro Manila or Cebu City.

For example, a three-bedroom house with its own lot in a provincial area not too far from the city may rent for around ₱15,000 per month (approximately US$250) depending on the location and property condition.

While provincial living is typically more affordable, access to certain services, hospitals, and international amenities may be more limited compared to larger cities.

Yes. Many households in the Philippines hire domestic helpers, drivers, or nannies depending on their lifestyle and needs.

For foreigners who choose to hire household help, a full-time helper or nanny may cost around US$250–US$300 per month, depending on experience, responsibilities, and living arrangements.

Some households provide accommodation and meals as part of the employment arrangement.

The cost of living in the Philippines can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, location, and personal spending habits.

Major factors include:

• housing and rent
• healthcare
• transportation
• dining and groceries
• travel and leisure activities

For a more personalized estimate, you can use the Relocation Calculator available on the homepage of our website, which helps provide a rough estimate of potential monthly living expenses based on your lifestyle preferences.

In most cases, banks in the Philippines require foreigners to hold a resident-type visa before opening a bank account. This means that having permanent or long-term residency status is usually necessary.

Even if a foreigner holds an ACR I-Card with a tourist visa status, many banks may still require a longer-term visa before allowing an account to be opened.

That said, policies can sometimes vary depending on the bank branch and the discretion of the branch manager, but generally speaking, resident visas provide the most reliable path to opening a local bank account.

Local markets and restaurants are generally affordable, while imported goods and international restaurants may cost more.

 Private healthcare is generally more affordable than in many Western countries, though costs depend on the hospital and type of treatment.

The Philippines is often considered affordable compared to many Western countries, but the actual cost of living depends heavily on lifestyle choices and location.

Working with a licensed real estate professional can help ensure proper documentation, due diligence, and a smoother transaction process.

Property management services help oversee rental operations, maintenance, tenant coordination, and property upkeep, particularly useful for owners who are not always present in the country.

Many residential leases are structured around one-year agreements, although shorter or longer arrangements may be negotiated depending on the property owner.

Foreigners who legally own condominium units may lease their property to tenants, subject to local regulations and tax obligations.

Property transactions may involve taxes such as capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, and transfer fees. The exact responsibilities depend on the agreement between buyer and seller.

Foreign buyers should carefully review ownership structures, developer credibility, property documentation, and long-term management considerations before making a purchase.

Yes. Foreigners commonly rent condominiums, apartments, or houses through long-term lease agreements with landlords or property owners.

Compared to many Western countries, property taxes in the Philippines are relatively low. However, taxes and fees still vary depending on the location and type of property.

Foreign nationals may own condominium units in the Philippines, provided that foreign ownership in the building does not exceed the legal limit set by law.

Under Philippine law, foreign nationals are not allowed to legally own land. However, there are legal ways for foreigners to secure long-term housing in the country.

Foreigners are allowed to own condominium units, provided that foreign ownership in the building does not exceed the legal limit. Another option is entering into long-term land lease agreements, which allow foreigners to legally use land for residential or business purposes for an extended period.

For foreigners interested in securing a house and lot property, alternative structures may be considered. One option is through institutional arrangements such as the Philippine New Land Trust (PNLT), which is designed to provide a structured and compliant way for foreigners to secure residential property rights in the Philippines.

While it is possible to apply independently, many applicants choose professional guidance to ensure requirements, timelines, and documentation are handled properly, especially for long-term residency visas.

This depends on the visa type and the stage of the application. Some visas allow applicants to remain in the country while processing is underway, while others may require specific procedures.

In many cases, yes. Certain visa types allow conversion from a tourist visa while the applicant is already in the country, provided the requirements are met and the appropriate application is submitted.

Tourist visas may initially allow stays of 30 days depending on nationality. Extensions can be applied for at the Bureau of Immigration, allowing foreigners to stay for longer periods under certain conditions.

No. The SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa) itself is a lifetime visa, meaning the residency status does not need to be renewed every year.

However, SRRV holders are required to renew their SRRV identification card periodically. In the past this was done annually, but the Philippine Retirement Authority has recently begun issuing the ID with a two-year validity period in many cases.

The visa status remains valid as long as the retiree continues to comply with the program requirements and maintains their SRRV standing with the Philippine Retirement Authority.

Yes. Foreign nationals may obtain residency through several visa pathways such as the SRRV (Retirement Visa), the 13A Spousal Visa, or other qualifying immigration programs depending on their circumstances.

Overstaying a tourist visa may result in penalties, fines, and additional immigration requirements before leaving or extending your stay. In some cases, prolonged overstays may require clearance procedures with the Bureau of Immigration.

The 13A visa is a residency visa available to foreign nationals who are legally married to a Filipino citizen. The process (if done in the Philippines) involves submitting documentary requirements and undergoing a probationary period before permanent residency may be granted.

Yes, provided the additional dependents submit proof of relationships. Applying children dependents should also be 21 years old and under and unmarried.

The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a long-term residency visa issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority. It allows qualified foreign nationals to reside in the Philippines indefinitely, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements such as age, financial deposit, and documentation.