Moving to Philippines: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Philippines: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Philippines the top income tax rate is 35%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Philippines from arrival once you take up residence (Alien residing in the Philippines with intent to stay (not mere sojourner)). The typical route is SRRV Classic retiree visa (deposit USD 50k, age 40–49): Age 40+ (since 9/2025); deposit USD 50k (40–49 no pension) / USD 30k (50+); fees USD 1.5k + 300/dependant There are 6 open residence programmes in Philippines — see the list below.
Living there
Manila (Makati) has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 29.7 °C and summer highs around 33.5 °C. The economy grew +5.4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 5.7% for 2026. Its passport opens about 66 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Residual Mindanao & NPA insurgencies; frequent clashes with Chinese coast guard.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 35% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 10% |
| Corporate tax | 25% |
| Rezidență fiscală | de la sosire — Alien residing in the Philippines with intent to stay (not mere sojourner) |
| Ruta dvs. | SRRV Classic retiree visa (deposit USD 50k, age 40–49) — Age 40+ (since 9/2025); deposit USD 50k (40–49 no pension) / USD 30k (50+); fees USD 1.5k + 300/dependant |
| Pașaport | fără viză sau la sosire în 66 țări |
| Economic growth | +5.4% (2025), forecast 5.7% (2026) |
| Tip de climă | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 29.7° / 33.5° (Manila (Makati)) |
| Război și conflict | armed — Residual Mindanao & NPA insurgencies; frequent clashes with Chinese coast guard |
| Toate riscurile naturale | 8.9/10 |
| Soliditatea băncilor | 5/10 · BBB+ |
| Protecția proprietății | 3.5/10 |
| Locuințe calde iarna | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Philippines
- Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) – Classic — Investiție CHF 8'000 · open · 2026-10
- Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) – Smile / Human Touch / Courtesy — Investiție CHF 16'000 · open · 2026-10
- Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) — Investiție CHF 60'000 · open · 2026-10
- Digital Nomad Visa (Executive Order 86) — digitalNomad · changing · 2026-10
- Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) + Alien Employment Permit — employment · open · 2026-10
- Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A) — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Philippines to become tax resident?
de la sosire. Alien residing in the Philippines with intent to stay (not mere sojourner) Resident aliens taxed only on Philippine-source income
How much tax will I pay in Philippines?
In Philippines the top income tax rate is 35%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Philippines offer?
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) – Classic (CHF 8'000); Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) – Smile / Human Touch / Courtesy (CHF 16'000); Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) (CHF 60'000); Digital Nomad Visa (Executive Order 86); Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) + Alien Employment Permit
What is the usual way to move to Philippines?
SRRV Classic retiree visa (deposit USD 50k, age 40–49). Age 40+ (since 9/2025); deposit USD 50k (40–49 no pension) / USD 30k (50+); fees USD 1.5k + 300/dependant
Compare with nearby countries
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