The Philippines is one of the most dynamic emerging markets in the East Asia region, with sound economic fundamentals and a competitive workforce that is globally recognized. Growth in the Philippines has been on average about 5 percent since 2002, significantly higher than the rate achieved in the previous two decades.

The rebound in government spending is expected to spur growth through the rest of this year and in 2016. In July, growth in public expenditure excluding interest accelerated to 31% year on year. Election-related spending will also support domestic demand through May 2016, when elections will be held.

This updated assessment provides the background to the constraints on and threats to competitiveness, as well as the government’s priority reforms to improve competitiveness to attract investment.

A comprehensive list of the business structure options.

This site provides the easy steps to business registration in the Philippines

This site a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Philippines.

There are various business or juridical entities that may be established by a foreign investor interested in conducting business activities in the Philippines. These include the establishment by a foreign corporation of a (i) local subsidiary through a domestic corporation, (ii) a branch office, (iii) a representative office, (iv) a regional or area headquarters, or (v) a regional operating headquarters. Entry into the Philippines can also be achieved through joint ventures with other domestic corporations.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Philippines stands at 30 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Philippines averaged 32.05 percent from 1997 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 35 percent in 1997 and a record low of 30 percent in 2009. Corporate Tax Rate in Philippines is reported by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Resident corporations are subject to a 30 percent regular corporate income tax rate based on net income, or to a 2 percent minimum corporate income tax rate based on gross income, whichever is higher

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Philippines stands at 32 percent.

The Philippines taxes its resident citizens on their worldwide income. Non-resident citizens and aliens, whether or not resident in the Philippines, are taxed only on income from sources within the Philippines.

The Sales Tax Rate (VAT) in Philippines stands at 12 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Philippines averaged 11.80 percent from 2006 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 12 percent in 2007 and a record low of 10 percent in 2006. Sales Tax Rate in Philippines is reported by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

VAT on sales or lease of goods, properties and services; a) Sales on goods and properties b) Transactions deemed sale c) Sales of Services and use or lease of properties

See Exit, Entry and Visa Requirements on this site

See Exit, Entry and Visa Requirements on this site

There are 7,107 islands in the Philippines so island hopping is a popular leisure activity, not to mention a cheap way to travel around the country.

An overview of the major telecom operators in the Philippines

Telecommunications in the Philippines are well-developed due to the presence of modern infrastructure facilities.

This site provides Information on all forms of public transportation

Workers’ Protection in a new employment relationship

A Presidential decree describing the labor code

The Labor Code is the main instrument that provides protective mantle to the workers in the Philippines. It was promulgated during an economic regime whose principal engine for growth was import substitution. Its basic assumption is that as economic development deepens most of the workers will eventually join the ranks of regular employees. Thus the provisions of the Labor Code are largely aimed at protecting those with regular employment.

A guide to employment and employee benefits law in the Philippines.

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in the Philippines

See “Etiquette & Customs” on this site

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Philippines, in particular to the Sulu Archipelago, certain regions and cities of the island of Mindanao, and the southern Sulu Sea area. 

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

The cost of living in the Philippines is low compared to other major Southeast Asian countries. 

The main variable of the Philippines climate is not temperature or air pressure, but rainfall. In general, the climate of the Philippines can be described as tropical, with the coastal plains averaging year-round temperatures about 28°C. The area’s relative humidity is quite high, and ranges between 70 and 90 percent.

The Philippines is hot year-round but sea breezes can add freshness during the winter (November to February). The typhoon season lasts from around July to October

Schooling in the Philippines suffers from underfunding and a lack of resources. Education at local Filipino schools is not likely to be of the standard most expats are used to. Expats living in the Philippines opt to send their children to international schools.

The Philippine education system has been heavily influenced by its colonial history, which has included periods of Spanish, American and Japanese rule and occupation

Regular and special non-working holidays and observances

Public holidays in the Philippines are days off that have been provided for by law (Chapter 7 of the Administrative Code of 1987) and which are observed across the nation.

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Discover and compare Philippines facts about health, technology, energy, environment, military, government, economy, demographics, education and more

The Philippines – although generally safe and sincerely friendly to tourists – is also prone to the usual safety issues plaguing even more developed countries

Import and Export regulations – FAQs

A complete description of import rules and regulations

Listing of trade agreements from the Department of Industry and Trade

This site provides key information on the Philippines’ participation in the WTO. The Philippines has been a WTO member since 1 January 1995 and  a member of GATT since 27 December 1979.

Expats looking for accommodation in the Philippines will find a variety of options to choose from, depending on their budget and particular circumstances. From luxury condominiums, to free-standing houses, from metropolitan city living in Metro Manila to the tropical beaches of Palawan, every area of the Philippines has something unique to offer expats.

A guide to a wide variety of hotels and hostels

This site provides a listing of travel advice and major attractions in the Philippines

A guide to the best of the country’s 7000 islands