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My emigrant handbook gives you plenty of practical information in 15 chapters across more than 100 pages when you are planning a move abroad.

Open handbook overview
Start
  • How to Use This Handbook
Part 0: Timeline
  • 0.1 Five to two years beforehand
  • 0.2 Optional intermediate route
  • 0.3 Twenty-four to twelve months beforehand
  • 0.4 Twelve to six months beforehand
  • 0.5 Six to three months beforehand
  • 0.6 Three to one month beforehand
  • 0.7 First 90 days on the ground
  • 0.8 Permanently established
Part 1: Reality Check
  • 1.1 The Trial Stay: A Holiday Is Not Everyday Life
  • 1.2 Personal Suitability and Expectation Management
  • 1.3 Moving Away or Moving Towards
  • 1.4 The Return Plan: Plan B Is Not Failure
Part 2: Money
  • 2.1 Income Model
  • 2.2 Realistic Monthly Budget
  • 2.3 Emergency Reserve
  • 2.4 Bank Account and Money Transfer
  • 2.5 Brokerage Accounts, ETFs, and Crypto
  • 2.6 Saving Before Emigration
Part 3: Authorities
  • 3.1 Deregistering Your Residence
  • 3.2 Cancelling Contracts
  • 3.3 Tax Office and Tax Status
  • 3.4 Pension and Proof of Life
  • 3.5 Elections and Embassy
Part 4: Documents
  • 4.1 Passport and Certificates
  • 4.2 Powers of Attorney
  • 4.3 Postal Service
  • 4.4 Password Manager and 2FA
Part 5: Health
  • 5.1 International Health Insurance
  • 5.2 Standby Cover and Ability to Return
  • 5.3 Medication and Chronic Illnesses
  • 5.4 Mental Health and Culture Shock
Part 6: Moving
  • 6.1 Reduce Household Belongings
  • 6.2 Balikbayan Boxes and Shipping
  • 6.3 Electronics and Power Supply
Part 7: Arrival
  • 7.1 Flight and Entry
  • 7.2 First Accommodation
  • 7.3 SIM, eSIM, VPN, and Communication
Part 8: First 90 Days
  • 8.1 Airport, Cash, and Taxi
  • 8.2 Location and Rental Agreement
  • 8.3 Local Bank Account and Payment Apps
  • 8.4 Internet and Working from Home
Part 9: Visa
  • 9.1 Tourist Status and Extensions
  • 9.2 Long-Term Options: SRRV, 13A, and Other Routes
  • 9.3 Marriage in the Philippines
Part 10: Work
  • 10.1 Job Search in the Destination Country: Do Not Wait Until You Are There
  • 10.2 Remote Work and Self-Employment
  • 10.3 Business in the Destination Country: Understand the Market Before Risking Capital
  • 10.4 The Hard Financial Test: What Happens If Income Fails?
Part 11: Everyday Life
  • 11.1 Money Boundaries with Your Partner and Family
  • 11.2 Land, Real Estate, and Ownership
  • 11.3 Dating, Marriage, and Social Risks
  • 11.4 Saving Face and Avoiding Conflict
Part 12: Family
  • 12.1 Children, School, and the Ability to Return
  • 12.2 Pets
  • 12.3 Driving Licence, Vehicle, and Mobility
  • 12.4 Care, Disability, Chronic Illness, and Other Special Cases
  • 12.5 Pregnancy, Birth, and a Young Family Abroad
Part 13: Safety
  • 13.1 Medical Emergency Plan
  • 13.2 Typhoons, Earthquakes, Power Outages, and Supplies
  • 13.3 Digital and Financial Security
Part 14: Long Term
  • 14.1 Annual Emigrant Maintenance
  • 14.2 Life Certificate and Retiree Routine
  • 14.3 Return, Care Needs, and End of Life
Part 15: Return Plan
  • 15.1 The Return Traffic Light: When You Must Act
  • 15.2 Timeline: Plan Your Return Backwards
  • 15.3 Financial Reserve: What You Will Live On During the First Few Months
  • 15.4 Accommodation, Registration, and Choosing Where to Live
  • 15.5 Health Insurance: Do Not Wait Until After Landing
  • 15.6 Work, Employment Agency, and Citizen’s Benefit After 55
  • 15.7 Taxes: Returning Can Expose Old Mistakes
  • 15.8 Who Can Help You from Abroad
  • 15.9 The First Week in Germany
Part 16: Links & Worksheets

My Philippines travel guide explains every region and province individually and in detail, including the most important visitor destinations.

Luzon Visayas Mindanao Overview Map overview
NCR
Metro Manila
Cordillera
Abra Apayao Benguet Ifugao Kalinga Mountain Province
Ilocos
Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur La Union Pangasinan
Cagayan Valley
Batanes Cagayan Isabela Nueva Vizcaya Quirino
Central Luzon
Aurora Bataan Bulacan Nueva Ecija Pampanga Tarlac Zambales
CALABARZON
Batangas Cavite Laguna Quezon Rizal
MIMAROPA
Marinduque Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Romblon
Bicol
Albay Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Catanduanes Masbate Sorsogon
Western Visayas
Aklan Antique Capiz Guimaras Iloilo
Central Visayas
Bohol Cebu
Eastern Visayas
Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Samar Southern Leyte
Negros Island
Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Siquijor
Zamboanga Peninsula
Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Sulu
Northern Mindanao
Bukidnon Camiguin Lanao del Norte Misamis Occidental Misamis Oriental
Davao
Davao de Oro Davao del Norte Davao del Sur Davao Occidental Davao Oriental
SOCCSKSARGEN
Cotabato Sarangani South Cotabato Sultan Kudarat
Caraga
Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur Dinagat Islands Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur
BARMM
Basilan Lanao del Sur Maguindanao del Norte Maguindanao del Sur Tawi-Tawi Special Geographic Area

Resident & Investor

  • SRRV Retirement Visa
  • SIRV Investor Visa
  • FAB/FIV Bataan

Visit & Work

  • (9A) Tourist Visa
  • 9G Work Visa
  • 9F Student Visa

Family & Residence

  • Quota 13 Special Case
  • 13A Marriage Visa
  • Balikbayan Privilege
About me
Toplists
Did you know?
Mitnahme-D-A-CH
Goetzsacebu
Video Meeting

Did you know? Short fact-based information about the Philippines

  • Film & media · 16
  • Geography & nature · 85
  • History · 97
  • Culture & society · 87
  • Food · 27
  • Literature & language · 35
  • Music & art · 38
  • People · 30
  • Politics & government · 41
  • Sport · 33
  • Economy · 29
  • Science & inventions · 16

By Goetz Kohlberg · last reviewed 30 July 2026

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The Emigrant's Handbook: by Goetz Kohlberg, based in Cebu City since 2014 · based on personal experience and continuously reviewed.

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