Schiff Sovereign's Take on Philippines
It can be notoriously difficult for Western foreigners to live in Asia: You physically stick out, the language is hard to learn, and the culture is mystifying.
But the Philippines is different: It’s English-speaking, fluent in American culture, and simply feels more familiar to Westerners.
It’s also generally much easier to integrate in the Philippines than, say, in China or Thailand.
The Philippines’ amazing islands make the country an incredible place to live. And it’s a good hub for cheap flights to explore the rest of Asia, too.
Plus, it’s amazingly inexpensive to boot. Chances are that you will be able to afford regular massages, household staff, regular meals out, etc.
Fortunately, the country’s Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) makes obtaining residency easy for retirees over 50 years old. (Until 2020, you could be as young as 35 and still qualify.)
The country’s capital, Manila, is a great city to live in, especially if you’re the adventurous type. As one person we know puts it, “If you're a person with a lot of vices, then you would find Manila to be quite convenient.”
So for retirees, adventurous families, and digital nomads alike, the Philippines can tick a lot of boxes.
There are drawbacks. The country is corrupt. The infrastructure is in a nascent state. The region is susceptible to natural disasters. And there is visible poverty almost everywhere. (The high-end Makati business district of Manila almost feels like a different country.)
But there are also a lot of opportunities.
Some entrepreneurs we know export services from the Philippines. One of them employs more than 500 workers in his call center.
Salaries are very low by Western standards, and people are English speaking, so it can be a great place to set up such a business.
There’s also some other very meaningful investment opportunities in the Philippines. In the 4th Pillar – our investment-related newsletter – we have found some great, deep-value companies located there.
But the Philippines is different: It’s English-speaking, fluent in American culture, and simply feels more familiar to Westerners.
It’s also generally much easier to integrate in the Philippines than, say, in China or Thailand.
The Philippines’ amazing islands make the country an incredible place to live. And it’s a good hub for cheap flights to explore the rest of Asia, too.
Plus, it’s amazingly inexpensive to boot. Chances are that you will be able to afford regular massages, household staff, regular meals out, etc.
Fortunately, the country’s Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) makes obtaining residency easy for retirees over 50 years old. (Until 2020, you could be as young as 35 and still qualify.)
The country’s capital, Manila, is a great city to live in, especially if you’re the adventurous type. As one person we know puts it, “If you're a person with a lot of vices, then you would find Manila to be quite convenient.”
So for retirees, adventurous families, and digital nomads alike, the Philippines can tick a lot of boxes.
There are drawbacks. The country is corrupt. The infrastructure is in a nascent state. The region is susceptible to natural disasters. And there is visible poverty almost everywhere. (The high-end Makati business district of Manila almost feels like a different country.)
But there are also a lot of opportunities.
Some entrepreneurs we know export services from the Philippines. One of them employs more than 500 workers in his call center.
Salaries are very low by Western standards, and people are English speaking, so it can be a great place to set up such a business.
There’s also some other very meaningful investment opportunities in the Philippines. In the 4th Pillar – our investment-related newsletter – we have found some great, deep-value companies located there.
