Philippines (PH)

Register birth of child born in the Philippines at PSA

Children born in the Philippines must be registered with the Local Civil Registry (LCR) within 30 days of birth. Hospital-assisted births: hospital usually submits the Live Birth Certificate to LCR. PSA then issues the official Birth Certificate. For foreign nationals: also register birth at your home country's embassy/consulate for citizenship and passport.

Extend tourist visa (9a) beyond initial 30-day stamp

Visit a Bureau of Immigration (BI) office to extend your 9(a) Tourist Visa before it expires. First extension: 29 days (total 59 days). Further monthly extensions available up to 36 months total. Fee: ₱3,130 per extension (approx). Book appointment via bi.gov.ph. Missing the deadline: immigration violation and fines.

Apply for ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration)

Required for any foreigner staying beyond 59 days continuously. Apply at Bureau of Immigration. Documents: passport, valid visa extension receipts, 2 passport photos. Fee: ₱2,620 + ₱500 ACR fee. Processing: 1–3 weeks. The ACR I-Card is a biometric ID card and your primary proof of legal stay — carry it at all times. Expired card: ₱50,000 fine.

Obtain Alien Employment Permit (AEP) before starting work

Foreign nationals employed in the Philippines must hold an AEP issued by DOLE before starting work. Employer applies on your behalf. Requirements: employment contract, passport copy, endorsement letter, medical certificate. Fee: ₱2,000 (initial) / ₱1,000 (renewal) under DOLE DO 248 (2025). Processing: 3–4 weeks. Working without AEP: deportation and employer fines.

Register with PhilHealth for mandatory health insurance

PhilHealth membership is mandatory for all employed workers including foreigners with AEP. Employer registers and deducts 2.5% of basic salary (employer pays matching 2.5%). Voluntary members: 5% of declared income. PhilHealth Number needed for hospital admissions and benefit claims. Register at philhealth.gov.ph or any PhilHealth office.

Confirm entry visa or visa-on-arrival eligibility

Check if your nationality receives a 30-day visa-on-arrival (extendable to 36 months) or requires a pre-arranged visa. Most Western nationalities (US, UK, EU, AU, CA) receive 30 days on arrival. Apply at the nearest Philippine embassy if your country requires a pre-arranged visa.

Purchase CTPL (Compulsory Third-Party Liability) before driving your vehicle

CTPL is mandatory for all motor vehicles before LTO registration renewal. Coverage: ₱100,000 per person per accident for bodily injury. Cost: ₱600–₱1,000/year. Purchase at LTO offices or accredited insurance companies. Without CTPL, you cannot renew vehicle registration. Additionally, comprehensive insurance with Acts of God rider is strongly recommended for typhoon and flood coverage.

Apply for BAI Import Permit for bringing pets to the Philippines

Import permit from Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) required before arrival with your pet. Documents: current rabies vaccination certificate, veterinary health certificate, microchip record. Quarantine: 7–30 days at BAI facility at owner's expense. Rabies booster: must be within 12 months but not less than 30 days before arrival. Apply at least 1 month before travel.

Register with SSS (Social Security System)

Foreign employees with AEP must contribute to SSS. Register at my.sss.gov.ph or nearest SSS branch. Employer deducts employee share (5% of MSC) and pays combined contribution. Self-employed/voluntary: declare Monthly Salary Credit and pay 15% combined. SSS Number issued on registration — keep it permanently for future benefit claims.

Register with Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF)

Pag-IBIG (HDMF) contributions are mandatory for employed workers with AEP. Employee contributes 2% of monthly salary credit; employer matches 2%. Registration at pagibigfund.gov.ph or any Pag-IBIG office. After 24 contributions, you are eligible for Multi-Purpose and Housing Loans (up to ₱6,500,000 at 5.375%–10.5% p.a.).

Obtain business permit from LGU (for business registration)

Businesses (sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations) must obtain a Business Permit (Mayor's Permit) from the Local Government Unit (LGU) where the business is located. Annual renewal: January 1–31. Requirements vary by LGU: Barangay clearance, BIR Certificate of Registration, lease contract, fire safety certificate, sanitary permit. Online renewal available in Makati, BGC, Quezon City, and Manila.

Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN) with BIR

All residents earning income in the Philippines must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and obtain a TIN. Employees: employer registers on your behalf (BIR Form 1902). Self-employed: file BIR Form 1901 at your Revenue District Office. TIN is needed for banking, government transactions, and payslips. One TIN per person — never register twice.

Register books of accounts and official receipts with BIR (self-employed)

Self-employed individuals and freelancers must register books of accounts (journal, ledger) and an Authority to Print (ATP) for official receipts with BIR. Annual BIR registration fee: ₱500 (Form 0605). Official receipts (OR) must be issued for all professional/service income. Non-compliance: penalty ₱1,000–₱50,000 + potential criminal prosecution.

File Annual Income Tax Return (ITR) by April 15

All resident individuals earning taxable income must file BIR Form 1700 (pure compensation income) or 1701 (mixed/self-employed income) by April 15 each year. Employed individuals whose employer filed BIR Form 2316 (substituted filing): no separate ITR required. Self-employed: also pay quarterly taxes (April 15, August 15, November 15). File via BIR eFPS or eBIR Forms online.

Pay quarterly estimated income tax (self-employed and professionals)

Self-employed individuals and professionals pay quarterly estimated income tax: Q1 due April 15, Q2 due August 15, Q3 due November 15. Annual return (1701) due April 15 following year with final settlement. Under the 8% flat tax option: pay 8% of gross revenue minus ₱250,000 — no OSD/itemised deductions needed. File via BIR eBIR Forms app.

Pay BIR annual registration fee by January 31

Self-employed individuals, professionals, and businesses must pay the BIR annual registration fee of ₱500 (BIR Form 0605) by January 31 each year. Non-payment: fine of ₱1,000–₱50,000. Pay at Authorized Agent Banks (BPI, BDO) or via eBIRForms. Update your Certificate of Registration (COR) if there are changes in business address, type, or tax type.

Complete MVIS emission test for annual vehicle registration

Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) emission and roadworthiness test required annually (every 2 years for new vehicles) for LTO registration renewal. Conducted at LTO-accredited MVIS centres nationwide. Cost: ₱500–₱800. Covers: emissions (Euro 4), lighting, brakes, tyres, chassis. Failure to comply prevents registration renewal.

Take LTO theory exam to get a Philippine driver's licence after 90 days

Your foreign driving licence is valid for 90 days from arrival date. After 90 days: take the LTO written exam (30 questions, must score 25/30). No practical test required if you have a valid foreign licence. Steps: book appointment via ltms-portal.lto.gov.ph, bring foreign DL, passport, ACR I-Card, medical certificate (₱250–₱500 at LTO-accredited clinic). Licence fee: ₱652.50 (non-professional).

Register with your home country's embassy in Manila

Register with your home country's embassy or consulate in Manila for emergency assistance, passport renewal, and notarisation services. Registration is free and allows the embassy to contact you in emergencies (typhoons, civil unrest). Sign up for travel advisories and emergency notification emails.

Open a Philippine peso bank account

Open a savings account at BPI, BDO, or UnionBank. Required documents: passport, ACR I-Card (if already issued) or visa extension receipt, proof of address (utility bill or barangay certificate), initial deposit (₱1,000–₱10,000 depending on bank). BPI Easy Saver and BDO Savings Account are expat-friendly. UnionBank GoTyme: fully digital, no initial deposit.

Get a Philippine SIM card and register it (mandatory by law)

Purchase a Globe, Smart/TNT, or DITO SIM card at any convenience store or telecom outlet. SIM registration is MANDATORY (RA 11934): register at provider's website or app with valid ID (passport for foreigners) within 180 days. Unregistered SIMs are deactivated. Globe recommended for BGC/Makati coverage; Smart for provincial areas.

Set up home fibre broadband connection

Apply for home fibre broadband: PLDT Home Fibr, Globe At Home, Converge ICT (fastest in many areas), or Sky Cable. Processing: 2–4 weeks installation. Cost: ₱1,299–₱2,599/month for 100Mbps–1Gbps. Converge FiberX is fastest and most reliable for Metro Manila and Cebu. Online application + 2 valid IDs + proof of billing address.

Join InterNations Manila or expat community groups

InterNations (internations.org) has an active Manila chapter with regular events in BGC and Makati. Facebook groups: "Expats in Manila", "BGC Expats", "Cebu Expats". AmCham, EuroCham, British Chamber run networking events. The Philippine expat community is large and welcoming — essential for practical advice, social connection, and business networking in the first months.

Save Philippine emergency numbers and download PAGASA alerts

Save key numbers: 911 (unified emergency), 117 (PNP direct). PAGASA app or website: monitor typhoon signals (Signal 1–5) during June–November. Download NDRRMC app for official disaster alerts. Know your building's emergency procedures. Keep 3-day emergency supplies during typhoon season.

Prepare a typhoon emergency kit before June–November season

Typhoon preparedness essentials: 3-day food and water supply (3 litres/person/day), flashlights + backup batteries or power banks, waterproof storage for documents (passport, ACR I-Card), emergency cash (ATMs go offline after typhoons), first aid kit, AM radio for PAGASA bulletins. Know evacuation routes and nearest evacuation centre (barangay hall). Strong typhoons can cause 2–5 day power outages.

Set up GCash mobile wallet

GCash (80M+ users) is essential for daily life — QR payments, bills payment, top-up, e-commerce, and peer transfer. Register with a Philippine SIM. Full KYC verification required for full transaction limits (₱100,000 wallet balance, ₱100,000/day transfers): submit passport or ACR I-Card. Download from official Google Play or Apple App Store.

Review Philippine employment contract and 13th Month Pay

Ensure your contract complies with the Labor Code: (1) 13th Month Pay is mandatory (PD 851) — one full month's basic salary, paid by December 24; (2) SIL (Service Incentive Leave): minimum 5 days paid leave per year; (3) Probationary period: maximum 6 months (180 days); (4) Only SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, withholding tax, and court-ordered deductions are lawful; (5) Twice-monthly payroll is standard.

Verify payslip deductions (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, withholding tax)

On receiving your first payslip, verify all mandatory deductions are correctly computed: SSS employee share (5% of MSC), PhilHealth (2.5% of basic salary), Pag-IBIG (2% of monthly salary up to ₱200 maximum), and withholding tax (per TRAIN Law BIR tax table). Request BIR Form 2316 (Certificate of Withholding Tax) from employer in January each year for your ITR filing.

Access SSS salary loan for emergency financial needs

After 36 monthly SSS contributions (24 required for emergency loan), apply for an SSS salary loan of up to 2 months' Monthly Salary Credit at 10% per annum. Emergency loan (calamity loan): available in declared calamity areas — one month MSC at 10% interest. Apply at my.sss.gov.ph or SSS branch. Processing: 3–5 business days.

Register with a primary care physician (GP/internist)

Identify a primary care physician at your chosen private hospital or medical centre. All private hospital doctors in the Philippines speak English. Consultation fee: ₱500–₱2,000 at private clinics. HMO members: use in-network doctors for cashless billing. Recommended hospitals: St. Luke's Medical Center (BGC/QC), Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital (Muntinlupa), The Medical City (Ortigas).

Review and sign Philippine lease agreement

Rental contracts typically require 2 months' security deposit + 1–2 months' advance rent. CRITICAL: Post-dated cheques (PDCs) are legally binding in the Philippines — bouncing a cheque (BP 22) is a criminal offence (imprisonment up to 2 years). For units ≤₱10,000/month: Rent Control Act (RA 9653) limits increases to 7%/year. Review condo House Rules before signing.

Set up electricity (Meralco) and water accounts

In Metro Manila: electricity is Meralco, water is Manila Water or Maynilad (depending on district). Request transfer of account to your name or clarify with landlord if included in rent. Meralco: transfer fee ₱1,200. Electricity rates: ₱9–₱13/kWh (one of highest in ASEAN). Use inverter-type aircon and set to 26–28°C to manage costs. Set up autopay via the Meralco online portal.

Apply for Student Visa 9(f) for enrolled children or students

Foreign students enrolled in accredited Philippine schools require Student Visa 9(f) issued through the school (CHED-registered). School files the application with Bureau of Immigration. Duration: tied to enrolment period. Annual renewal required. Required: acceptance letter, passport, medical certificate, proof of financial capacity.

Complete eTravel registration before entering the Philippines

eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) is the Philippine government's mandatory health and travel declaration system. Complete online within 72 hours before arrival — generates a QR code shown at immigration. Required for all arrivals. System streamlines the arrival process and replaces the old paper arrival cards.

Learn basic Filipino (Tagalog)

English is an official language and you can live in the Philippines without Filipino — but Tagalog transforms daily life, from markets and tricycle rides to genuine friendships. In Metro Manila, the Philippine Italian Association language centre in Makati runs structured courses for foreigners at three levels (36 hours per course, weekday evenings and Saturdays), CEVAS operates schools across Quezon City, Makati, Alabang and other cities (roughly ₱16,000–19,000 per course) plus online classes, and online schools like Eriza's teach conversation-focused Tagalog used by expat employees at major Manila companies.

Obtain NBI Clearance for employment and legal transactions

NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation background check) is required for employment, professional licence applications, and visa applications. Apply at clearance.nbi.gov.ph (online), pay fee (₱130 base + ₱25 e-payment fee), attend in-person appointment for biometrics. Processing: 1–3 days. Valid for 1 year.

Apostille foreign documents for use in the Philippines

The Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention on May 14, 2019. Foreign documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational degrees, police clearances) must be apostilled by the issuing country to be accepted. In the Philippines: DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) issues apostilles for Philippine documents for use abroad. Apostilled foreign documents are accepted directly by Philippine government agencies.

Register with a veterinarian and continue pet healthcare

In Metro Manila and Cebu: quality veterinary clinics available (VetStar, BGC Vet, St. Bernard Veterinary Clinic). Rabies booster required annually (RA 9482). Heartworm prevention: ESSENTIAL in tropical Philippines — give monthly heartworm prophylaxis (Heartgard or equivalent) year-round. Tick and flea prevention: critical in tropical climate.

Obtain Barangay Clearance / Certificate of Residency

Register your residence with your local Barangay Hall and obtain a Barangay Clearance. Required for bank account opening, business registration, NBI clearance, and many official transactions. Cost: ₱100–₱300. Bring: passport, visa, lease contract or proof of address. Valid for 1 year.

Register for PhilSys National ID (if eligible resident alien)

PhilSys National ID (RA 11055) is available to Filipino citizens and resident aliens. Foreigners with ACR I-Card may register for a PhilSys Number. Registration via PSA — walk-in at registration centres or online booking. The ePhilID (printed interim ID with QR code) is issued immediately; the physical card follows. Widely accepted as government ID.

Register for VAT when gross sales exceed ₱3,000,000

Self-employed and professionals with annual gross sales/receipts exceeding ₱3,000,000 must register for VAT (12%) with BIR. File monthly (BIR Form 2550M) and quarterly (2550Q) VAT returns. Below ₱3M threshold: choose between 3% Percentage Tax or 8% flat income tax option. Register VAT via BIR RDO with BIR Form 0605.

Get a Beep Card for MRT/LRT public transport

Beep Card is the reloadable transit card for MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 in Metro Manila. Purchase at any MRT/LRT station (₱80 including ₱20 initial load). Reload at station machines, 7-Eleven, SM Business Centers, and via GCash. Saves time at ticket queues. Single fare: ₱13–₱35 depending on distance.

Install Grab for safe and reliable rideshare

Grab is the dominant rideshare app (GrabCar, GrabBike, GrabFood). Essential for getting around safely — fixed price shown before booking, GPS tracking, driver details visible. Safer than flagging taxis. GrabPay: link your Philippine debit or credit card. Also covers Cebu, Davao, and major cities. At NAIA: pre-book a Grab from the official Grab pick-up zone.

Install EasyTrip or AutoSweep RFID for cashless toll expressways

For driving on Metro Manila expressways (NLEX, SLEX, TPLEX, MCX): install an RFID sticker on your vehicle windshield. EasyTrip covers NLEX and SLEX. AutoSweep covers TPLEX, SCTEx, and others. Load via app or payment centres. Cash lanes are being phased out — RFID required for smooth expressway travel.

Know your SSS unemployment insurance rights

SSS members — including covered foreign employees — have unemployment insurance under RA 11199: a cash benefit of 50% of your Average Monthly Salary Credit for up to 2 months if you are involuntarily separated (redundancy, retrenchment, closure, calamity and similar causes). With the AMSC ceiling used for this benefit at ₱20,000, the maximum is ₱10,000/month, ₱20,000 total. You qualify if you are under 60, have at least 36 monthly contributions with 12 of them in the 18 months before separation, and have not claimed this benefit in the last 3 years. Claims must be filed within one year of separation.

Claim the 105-day expanded maternity leave and SSS benefit

Under RA 11210, female workers get 105 days of paid maternity leave (any civil status, any number of pregnancies), with an option of 30 more days unpaid and an extra 15 paid days for solo parents. The SSS cash benefit is 100% of your average daily salary credit for the whole period — up to about ₱70,000 for 105 days at the ₱20,000 maternity ceiling, and ₱40,000 for 60 days in cases of miscarriage or emergency termination. Eligibility needs just 3 monthly contributions in the 12 months before the semester of childbirth, plus pregnancy notification to your employer/SSS. Up to 7 of the 105 days can be transferred to the child's father — on top of his separate 7-day paternity leave under RA 8187.