Personal checklist copy. Suggested dates are editable planning prompts, not legal, tax or immigration deadlines. Confirm requirements with the responsible authority.
☐ Choose a first base, not your forever home
Compare a small shortlist of cities. Read the neighborhood guides and write down the trade-offs you are willing to make. A temporary first base leaves room to change your mind.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/cities
☐ Work out your first 90 days of cash
Replace the sample budget with your own quotes. Include travel, temporary accommodation, rent, setup spending, refundable deposits and an emergency reserve. Advance rent covers months of rent; do not add it again as a second expense.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/tools/cost-of-living-calculator
☐ Check your passport and entry route
Check the current rules for the passport you will travel on, your activities and your intended stay. Confirm validity and any visa documents with the Philippine authorities; your departure country does not determine eligibility.
Philippine Bureau of Immigration: https://immigration.gov.ph/ · source checked 2026-09-09
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/tools/visa-checker
☐ Make a secure document checklist
List the documents you need, request missing copies and keep a backup somewhere you can access without your main phone. Keep document numbers and scans out of planner notes.
☐ Confirm which documents need certification
Ask the authority receiving each document whether an original, certified copy, translation or authentication is needed before paying for it. Requirements depend on the application.
Philippine Bureau of Immigration: https://immigration.gov.ph/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Plan a healthcare handover
Discuss the move with your clinician, including continuing care, records and any travel health preparation suitable for you. Arrange follow-up before you leave if needed.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/healthcare
☐ Check health cover for your actual stay
Compare policies for your age, intended activities, existing conditions, length of stay and destination. Check exclusions, waiting periods, claims arrangements and evacuation cover before choosing.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/health-insurance
☐ Confirm how to travel with your medicines
Ask your clinician and the destination authorities about your specific medicines, documentation, supply and storage. Plan continuity of treatment; do not change prescribed treatment to fit a packing plan.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Arrange access to money in the Philippines
Compare your bank and transfer options using the actual amount, currency, fees and recipient details. Check supported routes and account eligibility. Make a small test transfer before relying on a service.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/banking
☐ Prepare a backup payment method
Check card expiry, overseas use, withdrawal limits and how you will contact the provider. Keep a separate backup and confirm the costs of using each option.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/banking
☐ Keep access to important accounts
Test sign-in and recovery for your bank, email and important services before replacing your SIM. Where supported, set up a recovery method that does not rely on the number you are giving up.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/internet
☐ Book a temporary place to land
Choose a short stay that lets you inspect neighborhoods before committing to a lease. Compare total prices, cancellation terms, arrival access, location and recent reviews.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/housing
☐ Confirm your flight and onward travel requirements
Check your airline itinerary, baggage allowance and the current entry and onward travel requirements for your passport and visa. Keep bookings accessible when offline.
Philippine Bureau of Immigration: https://immigration.gov.ph/ · source checked 2026-09-09