Moving overseas is a huge decision to make. It also comes a whole bunch of considerations. If you’ve fallen in love with the Philippines (and we can totally see why you have!), then continue reading for our ultimate guide to moving to this tropical paradise.

Paperwork

Any move involves a considerable amount of paperwork and moving overseas is no exception. Ensuring you have a valid passport with at least a year left on it is recommended. Furthermore, finding out which visa you’ll need depending on your situation is imperative.

If you are planning to study or work there, you’ll most likely need a non-immigrant visa. Be sure to apply for it in good time to save any delays. It is also vital to have copies of your birth and marriage certificates ready for inspection to ensure you are who you say you are.

Finances

Moving from one place to another requires an injection of capital to ensure that things go smoothly. You’d also need more since taking flights, importing your belongings, and overall cost of living isn’t cheap.

That said, you should also consider how much money you have available to spend on accommodation and if you are planning to rent or buy.

Property

As mentioned previously, the first thing to do is to work out your budget. Next, decide upon the area in which you’d like to settle. If you want to work in the Philippines, this is important as your chosen property should be ideally close to your work.

Perhaps start with a search for an apartment for rent Iloilo, as the city offers plenty of tourist sites and job openings. Consider how many bedrooms you will need to house you and perhaps a family, and think about whether people will regularly visit you from your home country.

Transport

Before even considering purchasing a vehicle, it is important to remember that you cannot indefinitely drive in the Philippines on a foreign license. Anyone wishing to spend more than 90 days in the country should apply for a local driving license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Next, you can begin to think about what vehicle would be most appropriate for you. However, public transport is relatively good in the Philippines; from buses to jeepneys, you can get to and from your destination easily.

Work

It is recommended that people moving to the Philippines secure employment before making a permanent move. However, there are also opportunities to set up your own business. Mining, construction, and tourism are big industries within the country. If you have existing skills or experience linked to one of these, you may wish to approach companies offering your services.

In addition, many people move to the Philippines and teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). If that sounds perfect for you, be sure to undertake a course in advance to ensure you have the knowledge and skills.