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Moving to the Philippines from Singapore
The Ultimate Guide to Moving to the Philippines
The Philippines offers stunning nature, a tropical climate, friendly locals, and a low cost of living. However, before moving to the Philippines you should get acquainted with the culture, visa processes, and taxes. Keep reading and learn all about moving to the Philippines
What can you find here?
Moving Costs: Singapore to the Philippines
The average cost of moving to the Philippines from Singapore is between S$ 2,161 and S$ 5,518.
The average freight shipping time from Singapore to the Philippines is 4-6 days by sea and 1-3 days by air.
| Size of Apartment | Cost of Sea Freight | Cost of Air Freight |
| 1BD Apartment | S$ 2,161 – S$ 2,390 | S$ 4,111 – S$ 4,554 |
| 3 BD Apartment | S$ 3,325 – S$ 3,678 | N/A |
| 5 BD Apartment | S$ 4,988 – S$ 5,518 | N/A |
*These prices are estimates and can change depending on the season, shipment weight, and distance.
Moving costs are heavily influenced by the weight and volume of shipment, which makes knowing the volume of your move important. Generally, the rule is that the more items you move, the more it will cost. Using our volume calculator below, you can save yourself the trouble of counting and get an instant estimate!
Request Moving Quotes
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Moving Companies from Singapore to the Philippines
International moving companies are useful for securely shipping your belongings overseas. Moving small amounts such as luggage is easy, but moving with furniture, things get difficult and you need to know how to package them
Below you can see moving companies catering frequently for moves from Singapore to the Philippines, or look at our international moving companies.
- Moovaz
- Family Relocation
1 ratings as "Good Communication"
- Movers Inn
1 ratings as "Efficient"
- Meisterwerks
Visa for the Philippines
Singaporeans can enter the Philippines visa-free for a maximum stay of 30 days because it’s classified as one of the visa-free countries. If you are moving to the Philippines or staying longer you must apply for a visa. You can apply for the visa via the VisaCentral.
Visa application requirements:
- Passport
- Photographs
- Singaporean residency card
- Application form bank statements
- Employment certificate
- Proof of travel arrangements
Taxes in the Philippines
The tax for Singapore expats in the Philippines is the same as the income tax for locals. The tax treaty between Singapore and the Philippines ensures that any income will only be taxed in one of the countries. Thanks to this, you will not need to worry about double taxation when moving to the Philippines.
The highest possible income tax in the Philippines is 35% compared to 45% in Singapore.
| Income in SGD | Tax rate % |
| 0 – 600 | 0% |
| 600 – 9,600 | 15% |
| 9,600 – 19,200 | 20% |
| 19,200 – 48,000 | 25% |
| 48,000 – 192,000 | 30% |
| 192,000+ | 35% |
Currency in the Philippines
The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Pesos (PHP), and the average conversion of 1 SGD is approximately 44 PHP.
Work in the Philippines
Moving to the Philippines for work from Singapore will require you to have your employment contract ready as your employer must sponsor your visa application. The most popular industries for foreigners are IT, education, tourism, sales and marketing.
Best platforms to find jobs:
The work culture in the Philippines is hierarchical and heavily relationship-oriented.
Work Permit for the Philippines
Foreigners who want to work in the Philippines will need an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) that they can apply for at the Singapore embassy or consulate. Before applying for a work permit you must obtain your visa, and report to the Philippine Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE).
Education in the Philippines for Foreigners
The education system in the Philippines consists of public, private, and international schools. Public schools are free for Filipino students, but private and international schools are not.
For expats, unless you are fluent in Filipino, international schools are the best option. International schools have curriculums from around the world and are often taught in English. Most of the schools are located in Manila, the capital of Indonesia, and are quite expensive.
If you are moving to the Philippines with your school-aged children, factor in the tuition fees and apply on time since waiting lists are long.
Cost of Living in the Philippines vs Singapore
The cost of living in Manila (Philippines) is 56% lower than in Singapore.
Living in the Philippines could mean you can afford nicer things and little luxuries that are out of your budget in Singapore. Rent prices in the Philippines are also around 65% lower than in Singapore.
| Product | Cost in Singapore | Cost in Manila (Philippines) |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | S$ 14.00 | S$ 6.77 |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6.29 | S$ 3.57 |
| 12 Eggs | S$ 4.37 | S$ 2.75 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 13.03 | S$ 7.06 |
| Water (1,5l) | S$ 1.96 | S$ 1.05 |
| Bottle of Wine | S$ 35.00 | S$ 11.29 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | S$ 120.00 | S$ 13.14 |
*These costs are estimates from November 2024 and can fluctuate, source: Numbeo
Healthcare in the Philippines
Healthcare in the Philippines is divided into public and private healthcare. The quality of public healthcare is inconsistent, with rural areas having a lower standard. Public healthcare is available for all locals and residents of the Philippines.
In contrast, the quality of private healthcare is more consistent, guarantees faster treatment, and is better equipped. Expats are generally recommended to opt for private healthcare, which by Western and Singapore standards is still relatively affordable.
In regards to health insurance, the best option for expats is to acquire international health insurance before moving to the Philippines.
Life in the Philippines vs Singapore
There is no time difference between Singapore and the Philippines!
There are some cultural differences between Singapore and the Philippines. The main differences are listed in the table below.
| Cultural fact | Singapore | Philippines |
| Communication style | Formal and direct | Friendly and indirect |
| Sense of Community | A mix of individualistic and collectivist values | Collectivist values |
| Work Ethic | Fast-paced and structured | Laid back and relaxed |
| Religion | Multi-religious | Predominantly Christian |
| Social Etiquette | Respect personal space, politeness | Warm and hospitable |
| Rules and Regulations | Very strict | More flexible |
Best Cities in the Philippines for Expats
Manila – The capital of the Philippines is a business hub and an easy option for expats. The city offers entertainment, high-end shopping, nightlife, and great healthcare possibilities. The downside of Manila is its high cost of living and high tourism, but it’s a great option for young professionals.
Cebu City – Cebu is a beautiful blend of city and nature. The cost of living in Cebu is lower than in the capital, it is family-friendly and it still offers many job opportunities. It could be a great fit for anyone who enjoys beaches, culture, and great food.
Davao City – Davao is one of the safest cities in the Philippines and has a relaxed way of life. It’s the perfect city for nature lovers and has a low cost of living. Many families and retired people opt to live there due to the nature reserves and calm atmosphere.
Baguio City – Baguio is a unique area in the Philippines, offering a cooler mountain climate compared to the typical humid climate of other parts. It has beautiful mountains and forests, and a scenic and peaceful environment, making it a great option for people who enjoy spending time in nature. The city is a budget-friendly option compared to the big cities.
Clark – As a former US military base Clark is the perfect mixture of Filipino and Western culture. The city also has an international airport, many international schools, golf courses, and more, making it attractive for families or retirees.
Iloilo City – Iloilo is one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines known for its slow pace of life, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches and access to nearby islands. The cost of living is much lower than in Manila or Cebu, and it is home to rich food culture, and festivals.
Living in the Philippines Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable
Beautiful Nature
Friendly Locals
Expat Communities
Growing Job Market
Warm Tropical Climate
Cons
Traffic and Infrastructure Issues
Prone to Typhoons
Inconsistent Healthcare Quality
Cultural Differences
Bureaucracy
Visible Income Inequality
Summary
We hope you are feeling excited and ready to move to the Philippines after reaching the end of our article. If you are left with questions look at our FAQs below, and browse the related articles.
