Philippines (PH)
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of 7,641 islands, the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, and one of the most welcoming destinations for expats.
Leaving Philippines
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
3 months before: Give lease notice. Begin visa/immigration departure procedures at BI. Start shipping or selling household items. 1 month before: Cancel utilities and subscriptions. File BI visa cancellation if applicable. Arrange Pag-IBIG TAV withdrawal if eligible. Ship final boxes. 2 weeks before: Close or downgrade bank accounts if desired. Collect all original documents (birth certificates, medical records, ACR I-Card for surrender). 1 week before: Final BIR filing if required. Return keys, collect deposit receipt. Book departure MMDA-clear route to NAIA well in advance. At airport: Declare if carrying ₱50,000+ or USD equivalent in cash (BSP and Customs Bureau requirement).
Deregistration
The Philippines has no formal address deregistration system. However, you should: (1) Cancel your ACR I-Card at the Bureau of Immigration if departing permanently — avoid future annual report obligations. (2) File a request with BI to cancel your visa and get a departure clearance if on long-term visa. SRRV holders formally "convert" or surrender their PRA membership. (3) Notify your barangay captain informally if you wish — not legally required.
Tax clearance
File your final income tax return (BIR Form 1701/1701A) for the year you depart by April 15 of the following year — or earlier if you can. Settle all BIR obligations (VAT returns, percentage tax, withholding remittances). Close your BIR registration (BIR Form 1905) to avoid ongoing filing obligations. Transfer your RDO records if changing address before departure. Note: BIR has no automatic departure clearance requirement for most individual taxpayers — but outstanding tax obligations can technically prevent you from clearing BI at the airport.
Pension portability
SSS (Social Security System): contributions by foreign employees are portable. Foreigners who have contributed to SSS can claim benefits if they become disabled or reach retirement age (60 for optional retirement, 65 for compulsory). Totalization agreements exist with Canada and a few other countries — check SSS bilateral agreement list. SSS contributions are not refundable simply on departure (unlike some countries). After 120 months (10 years) of contributions, a retirement benefit vests. PhilHealth: no portability — contributions are for Philippine coverage only. Pag-IBIG: members can withdraw total accumulated value (TAV) of contributions upon permanent departure (eligible after meeting contribution requirements — typically 24 months). Apply at Pag-IBIG branches with proof of departure.
Health insurance
PhilHealth coverage ends when you stop contributing or leave the Philippines. For HMO plans: cancel with 30-day notice to your provider. Ensure you have international travel or relocation health insurance for the gap between PhilHealth/HMO cancellation and new coverage in your destination country. Get a copy of all medical records and prescriptions before departure.
Bank account
Philippine bank accounts can generally be maintained from abroad. Many expats keep a Philippines bank account for managing rental income or investments. Notify your bank of your foreign address. For closure: visit branch in person or designate a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to an agent. BancNet and UnionBank have improving international online banking. Wise and GCash Padala are useful for ongoing remittances to/from the Philippines.
Utilities
Cancel Meralco, Manila Water/Maynilad, PLDT/Globe subscriptions with 30 days' notice. Submit final meter readings. Pay all outstanding bills. Get official certificate of payment clearance (needed when surrendering the unit). Electricity and water deposits typically returned within 60 days of cancellation.
Rental contract
Minimum 1-month notice to landlord under Civil Code (check your lease for longer notice periods — 2–3 months is common in expat-grade condos). Ensure Meralco and water accounts in your name are transferred back to landlord. Return unit in same condition (fair wear and tear excepted). Landlord must return security deposit within 30 days — get in writing. Final walkthrough inspection recommended — use your move-in inventory checklist as reference.
Leaving the Country
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