1. What are the legal rights and obligations of US citizens and green card holders while living in Philippines?

U.S. citizens and green card holders living in the Philippines have the right to engage in activities that are considered legal in the Philippines, including working, studying, investing, and traveling. They must abide by all laws of the Philippines and respect its culture and customs. U.S. citizens and green card holders are subject to both Philippine laws and may be subject to U.S. laws, depending on their activities. They must also pay taxes to both jurisdictions.

Additionally, they must obtain visas prior to entering the Philippines and are also required to register with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration upon arrival. Lastly, U.S. citizens and green card holders should remember that they are subject to Philippine laws at all times, even if they are not legally residing in the country and must follow any rules that the Philippine government may impose on foreigners.

2. Are there any immigration benefits for US citizens and green card holders in Philippines?

Yes, there are a few immigration benefits for US citizens and green card holders in the Philippines. US citizens and green card holders may be eligible to apply for a multiple-entry Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), which is valid for up to one year. This visa allows the holder to stay in the Philippines on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Additionally, US citizens and green card holders may be eligible for certain tax exemptions, as well as Social Security benefits and other benefits provided by the Philippine government.

3. Are US citizens and green card holders allowed to work in Philippines?

No, US citizens and green card holders are not allowed to work in the Philippines. They must obtain a work visa in order to work legally in the country.

4. Is there a specific quota for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a work visa in Philippines?

No, there is no specific quota for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a work visa in Philippines. However, US citizens and green card holders must meet all requirements for a work visa in the Philippines, including obtaining a legitimate job offer in the country and obtaining an Alien Employment Permit from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment. Also, each foreigner must secure a valid visa from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration before entering the country.

5. Are US citizens and green card holders eligible for free movement within Philippines?

No, US citizens and green card holders are not eligible for free movement within the Philippines. US citizens and green card holders must obtain a visa prior to entering the Philippines.

6. Is there a specific period of time that US citizens and green card holders can stay in Philippines?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders may stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa. This period of stay may be extended for an additional 59 days by applying for an extension with the Bureau of Immigration.

7. Can US citizens and green card holders apply for permanent residency in Philippines?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders can apply for permanent residency in the Philippines. The process involves submitting an application to the Philippine Department of Immigration, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview.

8. What are the requirements for US citizens and green card holders to obtain permanent residency in Philippines?

US citizens and green card holders are eligible to obtain permanent residency in the Philippines through investment or marriage.

In order to obtain residency in the Philippines through investment, the applicant must be over 21 years old and invest at least $50,000 in a qualifying business. The applicant must also provide proof of financial stability, such as bank statements.

Marriage to a Filipino citizen also provides an avenue for US citizens and green card holders to obtain residency in the Philippines. The applicant must be over 18 years old and present a valid marriage certificate. In addition, the couple must complete the application process in the Philippines and submit documents related to their relationship.

9. Does Philippines have any special programs that benefit US citizens and green card holders?

Yes, Philippines has a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program that benefits US citizens and green card holders. The program allows US citizens and Green Card holders to retire in the Philippines and avail of certain privileges, such as visa-free entry into the country, and exemption from local income taxes.

10. Are there any incentives for US citizens and green card holders to invest in Philippines businesses or real estate?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders are eligible for certain incentives when investing in businesses or real estate in the Philippines. The Philippine government has incentives for foreign investors, including tax holidays, pioneer status, and tax exemptions for certain types of investments. Additionally, the Philippines’ Board of Investments offers incentives for foreign investors, such as duty-free importation of capital equipment, income tax holidays, fiscal incentives, and other non-fiscal incentives.

11. Is it necessary for US citizens and green card holders to obtain a residence permit in Philippines?

No, US citizens and green card holders do not need to obtain a residence permit in the Philippines. US citizens and green card holders can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa, and can request an additional 59-day extension from the Bureau of Immigration.

12. Are US citizens and green card holders required to pay taxes on income earned from Philippines?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders are required to pay taxes on income earned from the Philippines. The United States has a tax treaty with the Philippines, which means that US citizens and green card holders may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation, or even an exemption from certain types of taxation in the Philippines.

13. Are there any restrictions on ownership of property in Philippines for US citizens and green card holders?

Yes, US citizens and green card holders are subject to certain restrictions when owning property in the Philippines.
Under Philippine law, foreign investors are prohibited from owning land or any interest in land, but they can own condominium units and lease land for up to 50 years, with a one-time renewal for another 25 years, under the Condominium Act of the Philippines.
Foreigners are also not allowed to own more than 40% of a corporation that owns residential land in the Philippines. Other restrictions may include different fees and taxes for foreign investors.

14. What type of visas do US citizens and green card holders need to enter Philippines?

US citizens and green card holders do not need a visa to enter the Philippines if they are staying for less than 30 days. If they plan to stay longer, they will need to apply for a visa at a Philippine embassy or consulate prior to arriving in the Philippines.

15. Is there a dedicated immigration office or agency that deals with legal matters related to US citizens and green card holders in Philippines?

Yes, the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines is the agency that deals with legal matters related to US citizens and green card holders in the Philippines. They provide information and assistance related to visa applications, renewals, extensions, and other immigration policies.

16. Does the government of Philippines provide any support services for US citizens and green card holders such as legal aid or translation services?

No, the government of Philippines does not provide any specific support services for US citizens and green card holders such as legal aid or translation services. However, there are some organizations that specialize in providing such services for US citizens living in the Philippines. These organizations include Amerasian Worldwide, Inc., the International Organization for Migration, and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

17. What is the process for applying for citizenship in Philippines for US Citizens and Green Card Holders?

US Citizens and Green Card holders who wish to apply for citizenship in the Philippines must meet certain eligibility requirements. To be eligible, an applicant must be over 18 years old and must have been a legal resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Filipino language, be of good moral character, and take a written and oral exam on Philippine history, government, and law. Applicants must also provide proof of residence and employment in the Philippines during the time of their application.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can then submit an application for citizenship to the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. The application process typically takes several months to complete and includes a fee. After the application is approved, applicants are required to take an oath of allegiance at a Philippine embassy and then receive their Certificate of Naturalization.

18. Are there any educational opportunities available for the children of US Citizens and Green Card Holders living in Philippines?

Yes, there are a variety of educational opportunities available for the children of US Citizens and Green Card Holders living in the Philippines. These include international schools, universities, and other educational institutions. International schools offer a variety of curriculums, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, and courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Universities offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, as well as specialized programs. Additionally, there are other educational institutions offering courses in a wide range of subjects such as language classes, music lessons, and art classes.

19. What is the process for registering a business in Philippines as a US Citizen or Green Card Holder?

To register a business in the Philippines as a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, the following steps must be taken:

1. Choose a business name and register it with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
2. Obtain the necessary documents from the SEC, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
3. Secure permits and licenses from the local government, if required.
4. Open a bank account for the business in the Philippines.
5. Register with the Bureau of Immigration for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP).
6. If hiring employees, register with the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth.
7. Register for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes with the BIR, if applicable.
8. Submit all documents to the SEC to complete business registration.

20. Are there any special requirements or restrictions on travel outside of Philippines for US Citizens or Green Card Holders living in Philippines?

Yes, US citizens or green card holders living in the Philippines must have a valid US passport and travel visa in order to enter any country outside of the Philippines. Additionally, US citizens must also comply with the laws of the country they plan to visit. Some countries may also require additional documentation such as proof of health insurance.