Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
How long does it take to establish legal residency?
Citizens of the UK, US, Australia, Ireland, and most EU countries are legal from the moment they land — an initial 30-day visa-free admission is automatic. From there, formal documents take time: TIN registration within 2–4 weeks, ACR card after 60 days of continuous stay, Certificate of Tax Residency after full BIR registration. SRRV and SIRV applications typically take 4–12 weeks.
Do I need to spend a minimum number of days in the Philippines?
Holders of SRRV, SIRV, 9G, or 13(a) visas qualify as Resident Aliens through their visa status — not through days spent in-country. This is the most flexible position and the one we recommend. Those relying purely on tourist status to establish tax residency need more than 183 days in a calendar year.
Do I need to be present for any of this?
For the lease signing, bank account opening, and certain visa steps, personal presence is required at some point. We coordinate all of this with your travel schedule. Most preparatory work — document collection, form completion, advance applications — is handled remotely before you arrive.
What is a Certificate of Tax Residency and do I need one?
It is an official document from the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue confirming you are a Philippine tax resident. Many clients need this to demonstrate to their home country's tax authority — or to a bank — that they are no longer tax-resident at home. We include assistance with this in our tax registration service.
What is the difference between Resident Alien and Non-Resident Alien?
A Resident Alien holds a qualifying long-stay visa or spends more than 183 days per year in the Philippines. They pay Philippine income tax only on Philippine-sourced income — foreign income is fully exempt. A Non-Resident Alien on short stays pays a flat 25% on any Philippine-sourced gross income with no deductions. Resident Alien status is far more advantageous and is what we help all clients achieve.
How are investment income, capital gains, and crypto taxed?
For Resident Aliens: foreign dividends, interest, capital gains from foreign securities, and crypto gains from foreign exchanges are fully exempt from Philippine tax. Only Philippine-sourced investment income is taxable — for example, dividends from a Philippine company (10% withholding) or interest from a Philippine bank account (20% withholding).
The Philippines is not in CRS — does that mean I have no reporting obligations?
Your obligation to report foreign accounts depends entirely on your home country's rules, not the Philippines'. If you are genuinely no longer tax-resident in your home country, those reporting obligations change. We do not provide home-country tax advice, but we work alongside your existing advisers.
Can I open a Philippine bank account without coming to the Philippines?
In general, no. Most Philippine banks require personal presence for identity verification and account signing. We minimise the time required by preparing everything in advance — but the in-person visit is necessary.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Most visa programmes accommodate spouses and dependent children. SRRV and SIRV applications can include family members. We advise on the most appropriate approach.
How safe is Davao City?
Davao is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Asia. Crime rates are significantly lower than Manila and lower than most European capitals. Expat residents consistently report feeling safer in Davao than in the cities they came from.
Why do you refuse to offer mailbox addresses?
Because they do not work. Tax authorities and banks have seen every version of a postal address pretending to be a residence. They reject it. When they do, the consequences fall on the client. We help build the real thing — at a cost that is lower than most people expect. A good furnished apartment in Davao City costs less per month than a single night in a decent London hotel.
Can I buy property in the Philippines?
As a foreigner you can own a condominium unit outright, but not land. Prices start from approximately €47,000 for a studio. We work with trusted local property lawyers and can guide you through the purchase process.
Do you provide legal and tax advice?
We provide practical guidance and service delivery. For complex cross-border tax or legal questions in your home jurisdiction, we work alongside your existing advisers. We have relationships with local Philippine lawyers and tax accountants and can facilitate introductions.
I have read everything online and asked AI. Why do I need you?
Because reading about the Philippines and actually navigating its administrative system are two entirely different things. The Bureau of Immigration, the BIR, the PRA, and the banking system all require in-person presence, local knowledge, and the patience to follow up when something stalls. Tim and our Davao team do this every day. That is the service.
