• Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)

  Requires investment of $75,000+ in a registered enterprise

• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

  Often used by semi-retired entrepreneurs; permits business activity

• 9(g) Visa (Employment) possible if setting up a corporation and employing oneself

Immigration and investment regulations can be complex—legal assistance is essential.

Foreigners may own up to 40% of a domestic business, unless investing at least $200,000 (or $100,000 under certain conditions).

Common forms:

• Corporation (with Filipino partners or full ownership above thresholds)
• Single Proprietorship (Filipino citizens only)

  Process:

• SEC registration
• Barangay clearance and Mayor’s permit
• BIR (tax) registration
• Business permit from LGU (Local Government Unit)

Setup time: 1–2 months

• Health permits, sanitary inspection, fire inspection
• Tourism Accreditation for accommodations via DOT
• Liquor licenses regulated by local governments
• Annual renewal of local permits

• Corporate tax: 25% (regular rate)
• VAT: 12% standard
• Withholding taxes on salaries and rent

English-speaking CPAs and legal firms available in major cities and tourist zones.

• Foreigners cannot own land, but can lease for up to 50 years (renewable)
• Commercial leases common in resort areas and cities like Cebu, El Nido, Siargao
• Lease terms: 5–10 years standard

• Leases typically 1–5 years
• Foreigners can buy commercial property freely
• Key money not common, but some goodwill fees may apply
• Coastal and mountain areas (e.g. Pedasí, Bocas del Toro) popular for boutique hospitality

• High domestic tourism and returning overseas Filipinos
• Cuisine is rice-based; foreign food is in demand in tourist zones
• Remote work trends fuel demand for staycation-style resorts and hybrid accommodations

• DTI (Department of Trade and Industry)
• Department of Tourism
• Business registration facilitators and legal firms experienced with foreign investors

• Limited public funding; private investment and partnerships most common
• Crowdfunding and overseas investors are viable options for niche concepts

• DTI Philippines
• Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
• Philippine Board of Investments

Be prepared to adapt. A strong local network and cultural sensitivity are more valuable than a big budget.