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.
Capital: Manila
Region: Asia
Language: Filipino
Currency: PHP (₱)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)
Emergency: 911
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Professional Services
Finding lawyers, accountants, doctors and other professionals in Philippines.
Professional services in the Philippines are generally affordable compared to Western standards but quality varies significantly. Always verify licences with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) at prc.gov.ph. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) accredits all practising lawyers. Word-of-mouth recommendations from the expat community (Facebook groups, InterNations) are highly reliable.
Language options: All professional services in Metro Manila and Cebu are available in English — it is an official language and the primary business language. Filipino/Tagalog may be used in provincial or informal settings. Legal documents are often in English. No need for translation services in most expat-serving firms.
Immigration Lawyer / Consultant
₱10,000–₱50,000 for visa applications and processing. Ongoing retainer: ₱5,000–₱20,000/month. How to find: Referrals from expat communities (Expats in Manila Facebook groups, InterNations). Firms specialising in Philippine immigration: Sentro, ACCRALAW, SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (SyCipLaw), Quisumbing Torres. Philippine Immigration Consultants Association (PICA) members.
💡 Immigration processing in the Philippines involves extensive paperwork and multiple government agencies. A good immigration lawyer saves time and reduces errors. Beware of unaccredited "fixers" who charge excessive fees and may use fraudulent shortcuts.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Individual tax return: ₱5,000–₱25,000. Monthly bookkeeping: ₱5,000–₱20,000. Company audit: ₱30,000–₱150,000+ depending on company size. How to find: Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) directory at picpa.com.ph. Expat community referrals. Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) in BGC/Makati for complex international tax needs.
💡 BIR compliance is essential — penalties and surcharges for late/incorrect filings are steep (25% surcharge + 12% interest). Hire a CPA familiar with the CREATE Law (2021) if you have corporate concerns.
Real Estate Broker / Agent
Buyer's agent: free (commission from seller). Seller's agent: 3–5% of sale price. Rental agent: 1 month's rent commission. How to find: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licensed brokers. Philippines Association of Real Estate Boards (PAREB). Reputable agencies: Leechiu Property Consultants, Santos Knight Frank, Colliers Philippines, 8990 Holdings (affordable). For condos: developers have in-house sales teams.
💡 Foreigners cannot own land — only condominiums (max 40% foreign ownership per building). Always verify broker's PRC licence (Real Estate Service Act RA 9646). Get all agreements in writing. Verify condominium project with HLURB/DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development).
Labour Lawyer / Employment Attorney
Consultation: ₱2,000–₱10,000/hour. NLRC (National Labor Relations Commission) case representation: ₱30,000–₱200,000+ depending on complexity. How to find: Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) directory. Firms specialising in labour: ACCRALAW, Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles. DOLE also provides free legal assistance.
💡 Philippine labour law strongly favours employees. Employers must follow due process strictly for termination — consult a labour lawyer before any disciplinary action involving termination.
Health Insurance Broker
Individual international health insurance: $1,500–$5,000/year USD. Local HMO plan: ₱15,000–₱50,000/year. How to find: Insurance Commission-licensed brokers. Major health insurers: Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare, Caritas Health Shield, Pacific Cross.
💡 PhilHealth alone is insufficient for expats — it covers basic hospitalisation at government hospitals only. Comprehensive private HMO or international health insurance is essential. Ensure your plan covers medical evacuation.
Notary Public
Per notarised document: ₱100–₱500. Affidavits: ₱200–₱1,000. Special Power of Attorney: ₱500–₱2,000. How to find: IBP member notaries are available in every city. Any lawyer can be a notary. Notarial services in legal offices, malls, and LGU service centres.
💡 Philippine notarisation (notarisation/notarial act) is required for: property deeds, Powers of Attorney, affidavits, corporate documents, and many government applications. DFA authentication ("red ribbon") is required for use of Philippine documents abroad under the Apostille system.
Professional Services
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