Retiring in the Philippines

The Philippines is very often and very correctly regarded as an ideal country to spend one's retirement years, due to it's warm, mainly benign climate, the friendliness of the Filipinos, and the retiree will find that most things are cheaper than in more developed countries.

Accordingly, this site is to give guidance and information to potential retirees. We have used various official websites and to the right of this article you will find links to some of them.

We can also help with accommodation and transport to people who wish to see for themselves the advantages of living in the Philippines.

Why the Philippines you may ask? The real answer is that  you can enjoy a good life in the Philippines at an attractive and affordable price. Add to this the various cultures, the famous hospitality of the people, beautiful scenery everywhere and warm weather all year.

The Philippine Retirement Authority can provide a Special Resident Retiree Visa and give a large number of benefits and advantages.

• Property

We can help you find property to buy or rent, from condominiums to beach houses, from agricultural land to islands, from retirement property investments to beach lots. We can arrange for you to communicate with experts in these properties.

• Geography

The Philipines comprises three island groups-Mindanao, The Visayas and Luzon, where the capital, Manila, lies. It is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. The time is GMT+8.

• Climate 

The Philippines is in the tropical zone. The dry, hot season runs from March to June, the wet season from July to November. December to February are cooler but generally dry months. The temperature ranges from 26C to 34C depending on the time of year. The level of humidity can reach 77%.

• Language

Communicating is not difficult because many Filipinos speak English. It is the largest English speaking country in Asia.

• Faith

More than 80% of Filipinos are Catholics. Muslims comprise 5% of the population and there are others of different Christian beliefs and some Budhists.

• Living costs

A principal advantage of living in the Philippines is the lower cost of living. food, hosing and labour are relatively cheap. So people from other countries and expatriate Filipinos can enjoy a reasonable standard of living.

• Medical care

Many hospitals have equipment and medical staff that are world class. Filipino medical professionals are in demand in many countries because of the gentle, caring way they perform their duties, especially with patients.

• Filipinos

Filipinos are mostly friendly, courteous and helpful. A ready smile can usually be seen even in adversity.

• Telecommunications

Telecommunication services are constantly improving. So there is no problem in communicating with family and friends overseas. The latest global news is always available online. The Philippines is connected to Asia and the rest of the world by several high speed submarine fibre optic systems.

• The Philippine Retirement Authority 

 The PRA is well known for the help and advice it gives to it's members. Some some say it almost becomes part of the family.

• Eligibility

Unless the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Bureau of Immigration bars them foreign nationals and returning Filipinos are able to retire here provided they are:-

-over 35
-have no criminal record
-comply with medical requirements

-fulfill the investment criterion
Applicants must go to the PRA office in the 29th floor, Citibank Tower, Makati, Manila.

Top 10 Retirement Ideas in the Philippines

The links on the right will help you decide whether to retire, work or live in the Philippines and give advice on what is possible and on various things that need to be considered.

1. The Philippine Retirement Authority is a government department intended to encourage and assist expatriate retirees who have decided to make the Philippines their second home. A deposit of US$50,000 or equivalent is required but this can quickly be withdrawn for the purchase of a condominium or other investments, including golf and country club shares. I have several friends who have chosen this option and are pleased with the benefits it gives them.You can still work if you are a member of the PRA.
2. The Philippines has a mainly benign tropical climate, so no more worries about snow, ice or fog. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_the_Philippines
3. It is a beautiful country with great places to visit. There are many historical sites to view from the Spanish colonial period, 1561 to 1898, the WW11 Japanese occupation and the American rule of the country, 1898 to 1946.
4. There are beautiful beaches, fringed by palm trees, also clear seas and superb coral reefs to scuba dive on to see the myriad of wonderful tropical fish. http://www.cocobeach.com/ Parts of the country are in the protected "Coral Triangle". In some areas whale and dolphin watching by boat is very popular. There are many 5 star hotels and superb beach resorts. There are volcanoes to see both live and extinct.
5. The Filipino people are friendly, hospitable and very helpful and the majority speak English with an American accent and vocabulary.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_people
6. Medical care is excellent and affordable, although health insurance is recommended. Many hospitals have world class equipment and the standard of medical procedures and nursing is very high.http://www.stluke.com.ph/
7. Non Filipinos cannot buy land under the Constitution but they are permitted to buy condominiums.http://www.viviun.com/Real_Estate/Philippines/Condos/ Many of these can be purchased fully furnished and on the higher levels there is often a superb view.
8. The cost of living is lower than in Europe or North America. http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Philippines Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant. Fresh seafood is always available and of high quality as the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands so fishing is a major industry. Meat products are also easily available, both local and imported. For a taste of home visit one of the delicatessen stores of which there are several around the country.http://www.santis-deli.com/
9. You will see from the photographs many of the beautiful places to go for leisure, water-sports, or diving. Just find a parasol, order a cold drink, relax and enjoy it all away from the noise, crowds and pollution of big cities like London or New York.
10. Many beach resorts offer scuba diving tuition. Among the favourites are Puerto Galera http://www.puertogalera.org/ and Boracay http://www.boracay.com/
11. Come and live in the beautiful Philippines. I say to my friends in England "Just another day in paradise". Be part of that paradise.

Mabuhay ng Filipinas

A place to relax

A beautiful white sand beach

A banca in Palawan

Dinner on the beach

Beach Girl

Photographs by Blue Horizon Travel Inc.