Intelligence
The MyDavaoBase Blog
Practical intelligence on Philippine residency, tax, visas, banking, and life in Davao City. Direct, authoritative, no fluff.
Why Real Boots on the Ground Still Matter — Even in the Age of AI
You can find everything about Philippine residency online. AI will summarise it in seconds. Here is what it cannot do — and why Tim and the team exist.
Read more →The Philippine Passport: A Plan B Travel Document Worth Understanding
The Philippine passport is not a tier-one travel document — but as a secondary passport for long-term residents, it has specific advantages worth understanding.
Read →30 April 2026Why Davao City Is Safer Than You Think — And Safer Than Most European Cities
Davao City is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Asia. Here is what the data shows and what daily life actually feels like for expats.
Read →23 April 2026What a Real Philippine Residency Package Actually Contains
A mailbox address is not a residence. Here is what a complete, verifiable Philippine residency package contains — and why each document matters.
Read →16 April 2026Buying Property in the Philippines as a Foreigner: What Is Actually Possible
Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines. They can own condominiums. Here is what is legal, what is not, and what the process looks like.
Read →9 April 2026The 9G Visa and the Employer of Record: How to Work Legally in the Philippines
The 9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is how foreign nationals work legally in the Philippines. Via an Employer of Record, you can get one without a local employer.
Read →2 April 2026The SIRV: The Philippines' Investment Residency Visa Explained
The Special Investor's Resident Visa offers indefinite Philippine residency from USD 75,000 in qualifying investments. Here is what qualifies, what it costs, and who it suits.
Read →26 March 2026The Resident Alien Tax Status: The Most Important Concept in Philippine Tax for Foreigners
Resident Alien status is the most advantageous tax position for foreigners in the Philippines. Here is what it means, how you get it, and why it matters.
Read →19 March 2026Can Americans Benefit from a Philippine Base? Yes — With the Right Setup
Americans pay US tax on global income regardless of where they live. But a Philippine base still offers real advantages — if structured correctly.
Read →12 March 2026Company Structures for Davao-Based Entrepreneurs: The Three Questions
Do you need a company if you are based in Davao? If so, what kind? Three questions that determine the right structure.
Read →5 March 2026The Cost of Living in Davao City: Real Numbers for 2026
What does it actually cost to live well in Davao City in 2026? Real numbers for rent, food, transport, utilities, and healthcare.
Read →26 February 2026Singapore Banking from a Philippine Base: How It Works
A genuine Philippine residence is a practical pathway to Singapore private banking. Here is the structure, the banks, and the minimum requirements.
Read →19 February 2026Opening a Philippine Bank Account as a Foreigner: What Actually Happens
Opening a bank account in the Philippines as a foreigner is possible but requires the right documents in the right order. Here is what actually happens and how we help.
Read →12 February 2026Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines: Up to 36 Months Without a Long-Stay Visa
British, American, Australian, and most EU citizens can stay in the Philippines for up to 36 months on a tourist visa extension. Here is how it works.
Read →5 February 2026The Philippines and CRS: What Non-Participation Actually Means
The Philippines does not participate in the OECD Common Reporting Standard. Here is what this means, what it does not mean, and how it fits into a legally structured international setup.
Read →29 January 2026The Philippine Driver's Licence: A Second Licence Worth Having
The Philippine driver's licence is internationally recognised, requires no new test, and serves as a useful second identity document. Here is who should get one and why.
Read →22 January 2026What a Barangay Certificate Is and Why You Need One
The Barangay Certificate is one of the most important and least understood documents in the Philippine residency process. Here is what it is and why banks and immigration ask for it.
Read →15 January 2026Davao City vs Manila: Why We Are Not in the Capital
Most Philippines services operate out of Manila. We are in Davao. Here is why — and why it matters for clients.
Read →8 January 2026The SRRV at 40: What the New Age Threshold Actually Means
The Philippine SRRV minimum age dropped from 50 to 40 in September 2025. Here is what changed, what it costs, and who benefits most.
Read →1 January 2026Why 2026 Is the Year to Stop Thinking About a Plan B and Start Building One
The window for building a genuinely useful international base is not closing — but the conditions that make it easy are tightening. Why 2026 is the year to act.
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