Can You Have Property in the Philippines?

But you must rent or lease the building you work in and the house you live in because of existing laws, unless you are married to a Philippine citizen. Foreigners are not allowed to own real property, though they can lease for up to 50 years with and option for another 25 That is more than enough for me.

Legislation has been proposed to allow foreigners to own some property. But it has not passed as yet. I believe if it does it will allow only enough for a domestic dwelling.

How about Jobs?

There are few jobs available to foreigners unless are married to a Filipina or Filipino. If so, you don't even have to apply for a work permit, just register at your local office of the Department of Labor and Employment, (DOLE).

The rational behind this prohibition against foreigners working is that there are not enough jobs to go around for qualified Filipinos.

So why allow foreigners to take them. And if you work for a Filipino company you would not like the pay, very low by your standards. If you have your own company or work for a friend, you may get a decent salary, if you are married to a Philippine. Some foreigners are sent here to work by the overseas companies for which they work in their countries. They are paid by US, companies, not Filipino.

Here are some representative salaries paid in the Philippines for those few who get them: But you must be a Filipino citizen or a spouse of a Filipino/Filipina to get one of these big money plum jobs and be rolling in the cash, have contacts and be lucky too. If you get one of these jobs, and you need to lose weight, subsist on this income alone, you will.

Can You Own a Company or Invest Here?

And you can start your own company and hire people to work for you. You can supervise the management, legally. Foreigners, not married to Filipinas or Filipinos often actually do the management, through a hired manager, not totally legal, but in a gray area. and often over-looked if it contributes to employment of Filipinos here. You can train, advise, and direct as any owner would, just not be a "worker". Skilled labor is cheap; hiring workers is an option. Business can be very profitable if you do your homework. But you do need some capital. Some people lend money at high rates. There are no usury laws here. know that is hard to believe.

Capital is in demand. That is why business here, if you know what you are doing, is so profitable. Many are engaged in software, web page development, Internet Cafes, raising livestock, renting large houses and renting out rooms to student "bed spacers," six or more to a room. Franchising is an option because many local and international franchises are available for your to buy, own and have a Filipino manage. Many foreigners are involved in export too, especially handicrafts, but also agricultural products, and others. Be sure to join the American Chamber of Commerce, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce for the City you are in. Belonging to the Rotary and there services clubs can be very important to your success. Also important is belonging to internet list and bulletin boards where you can exchange ideas and make contacts, source goods and services, business to business.

You Can be a Paid Consultant

Some foreigners with special skills have been hired as consultants or even start their own consulting businesses. If Filipinos do not have the skills you have, this is legal. If you have your own business in your country, it is possible for you to come here and sell your consulting services. As a consultant you can work with Philippine Business who need your expertise. You need to be an expert in a field where consultation is needed and prove it to immigration.

Must You Pay Taxes On Income and Pensions?

You do not have to pay taxes here on your pension or other income unless it is earned here. Money you make here is taxable by the Philippine Government. If it is in excess of $90,000 per year, it may be taxable by the US Government too. This $90,000 changes, so if you plan to make in that neighborhood, better check for the latest amount. Since it always goes up, it is not a big concern.

Below is an excellent informative and "How To" post a member made and one I made to the Yahoo List for someone interested in doing business here. They may help you: Ray Philmore, posted this on the List in December 2001. Ray owns an establishment in Davao. He is still in business and doing well. My advice below his is not much different. You can do it, be very successful on little, but do it like Ray recommends.

It seems that many messages being posted have a certain amount of "How to make a small fortune in the Philippines"/"Start with a large one" syndrome about them. I have written a small piece below of my experiences in the hope that it will instill in some a more positive attitude towards the country and more.

Click here to read some post from the lists members about Business in the Philippines.

If you have no income or maintain a permanent residence in a state in the U. S., you do not have to file any state Income Tax Return in the previous residence state.

If you have no income or maintain a permanent residence in a state in the U. S., you do not have to file any state Income Tax Return in the previous residence state.

Click Here to Read for Working with the Internet, Outsourcing, Telecommuting to Another Country