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by ExpatHub_Mod · Pinned

45.2K

📌 MASTER THREAD: Visa & Immigration Q&A — All answers here first

by VisaExpert_PHL · Pinned

892128K

Visa Help Hot

Anyone successfully converted tourist visa to 13A recently? How long did it actually take?

I submitted all documents in February and still waiting. BI officer told me 3-6 months but I've heard others say...

by GregFromCanada · 12 min ago

2.1K

Housing Hot

Best areas for families in Metro Manila? Prioritizing international schools and safety.

We're relocating from Sydney with 2 kids (8 and 11). Husband works in BGC. Looking at Alabang vs BGC vs Eastwood...

by SophieWilliams_AU · 1 hr ago

4.8K

General

Honest review after 2 years in Dumaguete — is the "retirement paradise" hype real?

Short answer: mostly yes, with caveats. Long answer follows. I moved here from Portland at 62 and here's what nobody tells you...

by RetiredInDumaguete · 3 hr ago

7.3K

Jobs

Remote work visa options — BIVAB vs just staying on tourist visa renewals?

I've been on tourist visa renewals for 14 months and getting nervous. Has anyone actually gone through the BIVAB process?

by NomadKlausDE · 5 hr ago

1.4K

Health

PhilHealth coverage for foreign residents — worth enrolling as a voluntary member?

My HMO doesn't cover everything and I'm looking at options. The PhilHealth voluntary member contribution is only ₱300/month...

by HealthConscious_UK · 8 hr ago

980

Finance

Opening a business as a foreigner — corporation vs. sole prop vs. partnership?

Planning to open a small dive shop in Moalboal. Lawyer quoted me ₱80K to set up a corporation. Seems steep. Anyone done this recently?

by Entrepreneur_PHL · 1 day ago

3.2K

Relationships

Long-distance relationship to Philippines move — timeline & practical advice

My partner is Filipina and I'm planning to move from Toronto in Q3 2026. She's in Quezon City. Looking for practical advice on...

by LDR_ToManila · 2 days ago

5.6K

Balikbayan

Balikbayan box rules changed again? Customs clearance nightmare in March

Sent 3 boxes in February, two cleared fine, one got held at NAIA for 6 weeks. BOC wanted receipts for everything...

by BoxingFromLA · 3 days ago

2.8K

Showing 8 of 8 threads