Manila: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and the Metro Manila region with its sixteen cities has about 13.5 million people, one of the densest megacities in the world. The economy rests on outsourcing and call centres, finance, trade, construction and remittances from Filipinos abroad. The business districts of Makati and Bonifacio look like modern Asian hubs, while older districts are noisy and poor.

Who it suits: remote workers looking for affordable English-speaking Asia, retirees, entrepreneurs in outsourcing and tourism. Who it does not suit: people who struggle with traffic, heat, typhoons and polluted air.

Districts: where newcomers settle

• Makati - the business centre with skyscrapers, malls, restaurants and embassies.
• Bonifacio Global City - a new district in Taguig with wide streets, parks and international schools, a favourite with foreigners.
• Ortigas - offices and residential towers, slightly cheaper than Makati.
• Alabang - the quiet south with villas and gated villages, chosen by families.
• Quezon City - the region's largest city, with universities and residential areas.

Cost of living

• One-bedroom flat in Makati or Bonifacio - roughly $700-1,200 a month, much cheaper in ordinary areas.
• Groceries - local food is cheap, imported goods cost more than in Europe.
• Cafés and delivery - affordable, with many chains and street food.
• Electricity - among the most expensive in Asia, with air conditioning the main cost.
• Household staff - a helper and a driver are inexpensive.

Practicalities: transport, climate, language, money

• Transport. Traffic is among the worst in the world. There are elevated rail lines, ride-hailing and jeepneys, and an underground metro is being built.
• Climate. Tropical: +28-34 all year, with a rainy and typhoon season from June to November.
• Language. English is official alongside Filipino and is used in offices, courts and schools.
• Money. Philippine peso; cards are accepted in malls, and cash is needed in small places.

Moving and legal status

• Entry - Russian citizens need no visa for up to 30 days, and tourist status can be extended at the immigration bureau.
• Retiree visa - a special resident visa for foreigners aged 50 and over with a deposit in a Philippine bank, allowing indefinite stay.
• Employment - the employer arranges a work permit, followed by a work visa.
• Marriage - residence for spouses of Philippine citizens.
• Remote workers - an order on a digital nomad visa was signed in 2025; we check the terms and procedure on the date of application.

Taxes

A resident foreigner pays income tax only on Philippine-source income, on a scale up to 35%. Foreign income of non-citizen foreigners is not taxed. Corporate tax is 25%, 20% for small companies, and VAT is 12%.

Work and business

• Where foreigners work - management in outsourcing centres, English teaching for foreigners, tourism, and remotely for foreign companies.
• Your own business - in many sectors foreigners may hold only a minority stake, while export and technology businesses allow up to 100%.
• Land - foreigners cannot own land, but can buy condominium units as long as foreign ownership in the building stays within 40%.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - strong international schools in Bonifacio, Makati and Alabang, taught in English.
• Healthcare - large private hospitals in Makati and Bonifacio are of a good standard; private insurance is needed.
• Leisure - islands and beaches one to two hours away by air, diving, and the hills of Batangas and Tagaytay for weekends.

First steps after moving

1. Extend tourist status or apply for residence at the immigration bureau.
2. Alien registration - an electronic alien card for those staying beyond the set period.
3. Tax number and bank account - for work, renting and payments.
4. Housing - leases are usually for a year, with a two-month deposit and advance rent.
5. Phone - SIM registration with a passport is mandatory.

Safety and everyday details

• Business districts are safe; be more careful in poor areas and at night.
• Typhoons and floods in the rainy season can paralyse the city, so keep water and food in stock.
• Earthquakes happen, so choose modern buildings.
• Many malls double as offices, clinics and refuges from the heat.

Is it worth living here

Manila is affordable English-speaking Asia with strong business districts, good hospitals and islands nearby. The downsides are traffic, typhoons, heat and polluted air. Moving makes sense for remote workers, retirees over 50 and entrepreneurs living in Makati, Bonifacio or Alabang.