Moving to the Philippines

Are you planning on moving to the Philippines from South Florida? International living can be a great way to spend the days but requires some know-how when it comes to moving abroad.

Aragon Movers South Florida is a leader in both the local and long-distance specialty moves necessary to make your journey abroad possible. To help you prepare for your new life in Southeast Asia, we’ve prepared this useful information to help you with life abroad and moving your household goods.

happy couple moving to the philippines on phi phi island

The Philippines – A Retirement Destination

Moving to the Philippines is particularly popular for expats looking to reside with their retiree visa. This is because the area has a low cost of living. Many Americans Social Security benefits alone can cover monthly living expenses there.

The Philippine government actively encourages retirees to move there by offering a significant duty-free exemption for importing household goods and exemption from travel taxes. All others who choose to live as expat residents are allowed to start businesses and work abroad without issue.

It’s also an attractive place to reside as it’s composed of over 7,000 islands each featuring gorgeous beaches, mountains, and stunning water. The Philippines are a great choice to spend your future days.

Moving to the Philippines – The Required Documents

As a part of our efforts to be the go-to name for international moving, we are a proud member of the International Association of Movers. We service over 170 countries worldwide and have done so successfully for decades. Here is some of the information you need to know before moving your household goods:

Documents Required

  • Original of passport
  • Sea waybill / air waybill
  • Inventory list in English
  • Copy of visa

Specific Information

  • All incoming shipments are subject to the payment of duties and taxes, except for the following duly approved visas, stamped on the original passport and ACR I CARD:
  • Holders of 9G, 13G, 13A, 9D, 47A2, SRRV, EO 226 visa – owners of the goods are entitled a full tax exemption; the application for the exemption should be submitted to the Department of Finance. The shipment must arrive before 90 days of the latest arrival on the passport.
  • Diplomatic shipments are fully tax-exempt.
  • Embassies and diplomatic organizations must apply for any tax exemption from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
  • Returning Philippine passport holders with 13E Visa (Returning residents) who were Permanent residents abroad / OFW.
  • Depending on length of stay abroad:
  • Less than 5 years = Php 150,000/BL
  • More than 5 years = Php 250,000/BL
  • More than 10 years = Php 350,000 /BL
  • Incoming shipments of household goods are subject to 100% customs examination, x-ray / scanning except for diplomatic shipments.
  • For air shipments, Customs clearance with a direct payment of duties takes 3 – 5 working days from the date of arrival of the shipment.

Moving to the Philippines with Aragon Movers

Understanding and abiding by foreign policies can make international moves a real hassle. That’s why it’s better to lean on a moving company you can trust to help you along the way. We’ll get you started with an obligation free in-home estimate, and discuss everything it will take to get you situated with your new life abroad.

For all other questions and information about the next steps in your journey, give us a call at 877-921-5678.