Moving To The Philippines From The UK

Moving to the Philippines

If you are moving to the Philippines, whether to Manila, Quezon City or Caloocan, Britannia Movers International has the expertise and the international resources to suit the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to the Philippines Shipments of used household and personal effects can be imported duty-free provided the shipper holds the appropriate visa and has obtained a tax exemption from the Department of Finance within 90 days of arrival. Returning residents who have been away more than 6 months must obtain the same exemption, but may pay duty over and above their personal exemption of PhP10,000. All consignments must arrive within 60 days of the shipper. Your local Britannia Member will provide you with detailed customs regulations. Britannia and our agents will assist you with completion of customs formalities. To assist us with this please let us have a copy of your passport (and visa if applicable). The required documentation will be supplied to you on arrival.
	Philippines Customs Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Transit Times to the Philippines Both sole use and crated consignments usually take an average of 6 – 7 weeks to reach the Philippines. If your final destination is not on the mainland island, delivery may take longer. However, this can vary depending on volumes being shipped, customs or immigration delays and prevailing weather conditions. Sole use container loads take on average 5 – 6 weeks door-to-door.
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to the Philippines All groupage consignments will be barcoded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to the Philippines with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Importing Motor Vehicles to the Philippines The import of cars not exceeding 1500kg/2800cc is permitted provided they have been owned for longer than 12 months, and if for a resident, that you have been away continuously for more than a year. However, duty can be as high as 200% of book value. Therefore, we do not recommend shipping your car to the Philippines.
	Philippines Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International Payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to the Philippines with Britannia

Your Move to the Philippines with Britannia – Britannia can offer you a door-to-door shipping service to the Philippines and can either ship your effects by sole use container or for smaller shipments in a wooden crate (LCL). In addition, we can offer a door-to-door airfreight service to some destinations in the Philippines. Our agents in Manila will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.

Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a wide range of additional removal services when moving to the Philippines. We are authorised to provide a comprehensive insurance, can arrange international storage and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to the Philippines, you can request a removals quote, and read more about our international removals.

Living in the Philippines

A melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, and full of natural wonders, the Philippines is a very exciting expat destination. Whether you are looking for new professional opportunities, want to live in a big city, or enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, the Philippines could be a perfect destination. The Philippines also has a developed economy and offers relatively good living standards.

Located in Southeast Asia in the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago in the world. Its tropical climate and location make it prone to earthquakes, but have also made the country rich in natural resources. The Philippines comprises over 7000 islands and can be divided into three main parts, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Not only does the country boast a rich culture, but it has the world’s 12th largest population, with about 94 million inhabitants. While the Philippines has had its share of political instabilities in the 20th century, and only became independent from the USA after World War II, it has a strong, industrialised economy with relatively low unemployment rates.

If you are looking for outdoor adventures, the Philippines can boast a range of natural wonders, from coral-fringed islands, to stunning hills, and sandy beaches, where you can go hiking, diving, snorkelling or swimming with sharks. Manila, the capital of the Philippines is a commercial, and cultural centre, with some major landmarks, and offers a cosmopolitan and multicultural lifestyle. If you decide to move to the Philippines, you’ll surely enjoy its great cuisine, its cultural diversity that combines Eastern and Western influences, and the range of opportunities the country offers.

Philippines Visas

If you want to move to the Philippines permanently you will need to obtain a visa. For those relocating for work, a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa is required. This type of visa is arranged through your employer, who must obtain the necessary permits to sponsor your stay.

If you’re planning to retire in the Philippines, the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) will likely be suitable. This visa is available to individuals aged 50 or older and offers permanent residency in exchange for a qualifying investment or pension.

Expats who want to join family members or marry a Filipino citizen can apply for the 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa, which grants permanent residency to foreign spouses of Filipino nationals. The application involves providing proof of marriage, financial capacity, and medical clearance.

The visa application process typically involves submitting documents such as a valid passport, completed application forms, proof of funds, and other supporting paperwork. Applications can be processed at Philippine embassies or consulates in the UK, or through the Bureau of Immigration once you’re in the Philippines.

Working in the Philippines

There is a range of opportunities for UK expats in the Philippines, particularly in industries such as education, business process outsourcing (BPO), IT, healthcare, and tourism. The country has a booming BPO sector, which is one of the largest in the world, and has many international companies looking for expats for leadership roles or to provide expertise in specialised fields. English teachers are also in demand, especially in private schools, universities, and language centres.

Tourism and hospitality are growing industries in the Philippines, particularly in popular destinations like Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan. Expats who have experience in hotel management, tour operations, or eco-tourism may find opportunities in these areas. In addition, multinational companies in sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and engineering often seek skilled professionals to manage or support their Philippine operations.

The working culture in the Philippines combines professionalism with a strong sense of community. Relationships and trust are highly valued in the workplace, and it’s important to maintain harmonious interactions with colleagues. Teamwork is emphasised, and Filipinos generally have a friendly and welcoming approach to collaboration. While hierarchical structures are common, many workplaces are open to suggestions and encourage innovation.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

Living and housing costs are much lower in the Philippines than in the UK. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the Philippines is over 50% lower than in the UK, not including rent costs. Rent alone is 76% lower in the Philippines than in the UK. Salaries do reflect this difference, with the average monthly salary in the Philippines being 87% lower than in the UK, but wages will vary depending on your role, experience, and industry.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in the Philippines below. Prices are shown in Philippine peso (₱) and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Interesting Facts About the Philippines

• The people of the Philippines are from different ethnic origins, including Malay, Chinese, Hispanic and American.
• The country has over 175 languages and dialects, with Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English as the official languages – English is widely spoken, making the Philippines one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world.
• Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality guests are treated with great care, and sharing food and stories with visitors is a significant part of the culture.
• The Philippines is home to stunning natural attractions, including the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, and the Rice Terraces of Banaue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Philippine flag is the only flag in the world that is hoisted upside down when the country is in war.
• The coastline in the Philippines is over 35,000km long, which makes it the 5th largest coastline in the world.
• With more than 11 million Filipinos living abroad, the Philippines has the largest diaspora network in the world.

Choose Britannia for Your Relocation to the Philippines

If you are thinking about moving to the Philippines and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a removals quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.