Moving to
Philippines
The real numbers for Philippines: take-home pay after tax, the true cost of living in Manila, and how expats and nomads get a visa.
Take-home pay
Net salary in Philippines after income tax and social security:
Progressive TRAIN-law rates; the first ₱250k/year is tax-free and SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG add small capped contributions.
Cost of living · Manila
Visa
Digital Nomad Visa created by Executive Order No. 86 (May 2025) targets roughly US$24k/year in foreign income.
Typical income requirement: $2,000/month.
Manila needs street-smarts; petty theft and scams are common in crowded areas.
Dial 911 for police, ambulance or fire.
Get paid in your home currency, spend in PHP, skip the ~3% bank markup.
Nomad-friendly cover that works from day one — most visas require it.
Moving to Philippines — FAQ
Is there income tax in Philippines?
Yes. Philippines taxes income on progressive brackets. On a $60,000 salary the effective rate is about 24.7%, leaving roughly $45,188.
Can digital nomads get a visa for Philippines?
Yes — Digital Nomad Visa created by Executive Order No. 86 (May 2025) targets roughly US$24k/year in foreign income.
How much does it cost to live in Manila?
A single person needs roughly $900/month in Manila, and a family around $2,300/month, all-in.