Living in Manila: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Manila.
As the most bustling Philippine city, Manila welcomes expatriates in large numbers every year. Former Spanish colony, it is now the Philippine capital city and its economic, political, trade and cultural hub.
Besides providing professional opportunities, Manila also has all the necessary infrastructure to allow you to live a thrilling expat experience. It also holds a huge historical wealth.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Manila with general information to discover the destination.
Discovering Manila
Are you relocating to Manila soon? Expect the city to be more than just the picture-perfect white ...
Tips for adjusting to Manila's culture
Manila, known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, is the nation's capital city. This ...
Developing a professional network in Manila
It might be challenging to establish a professional network, especially when relocating to Manila. ...
Work
Dive into the Manila labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Manila.
Work in Manila
Manila, also referred to as the National Capital Region, is the capital city of the Philippines and ...
The labour market in Manila
The Philippines is among Asia's premier labor markets. Many aspiring expats are choosing Manila ...
Jobs in Manila
Discover professional opportunities in Manila and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Manila. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Manila
There are lots of renting options to choose from when relocating to Manila. Most expats in the ...
Buying property in Manila
Buying a property is a big and exciting step, but navigating the rules and regulations in a new ...
Find your ideal home in Manila
Explore real estate listings in Manila to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Manila.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Manila.
Getting around Manila
Right after touching down at the airport, the first thing the new expat may notice is the wide variety of transportation in the Philippines, ranging ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Manila.
Things to do in Manila alone
Manila is a bustling and multicultural city. There is a plethora of activities in Manila to ...
Gastronomy in Manila
The food of Manila reflects an evolution over many centuries, starting from its Austronesian ...
Sports in Manila
With the hustle and bustle of city life, keeping an active lifestyle becomes more and more tricky. ...
Articles from the magazine
Van in Cebu: "Philippines has a laid back happy lifestyle"
Van comes from California. She moved to the Philippines four and a half years ago with her daughter to study Nursing. She particularly enjoys going to the beach, partying and blogging.
From the US to the Philippines: A retired American expat in Tagaytay
Gary comes from Southern California. He retired in 2013 after serving in the US Army Signal Corps and occupying several corporate executive positions in the private sector for over 35 years. Nowadays, he is enjoying a relaxed lifestyle in Tagaytay, Philippines.
This month's expat blog: Travel Gourmande
After spending 12 rewarding years in Dubai, Arni and her family decided to move back to the Philippines and "set up their nest". Today, and after a decade of a hectic career-oriented lifestyle in the Middle East, Arni and her French husband run their business in the Philippino countryside. With every opportunity, Arni steals some time for blogging — what started as a journal filled with travel and culinary tips, expanded to be the record of an eventful life journey. Are you ready to join Arni in her adventures and get inspired?
Stricter immigration policies for foreign workers and students in Canada
Continuing with the restrictive immigration policy initiated in 2024, Canada has introduced several new measures in 2025, including the suspension of sponsorship application processes, delays in pathways to permanent residency, and restrictions on work permit eligibility for expatriate spouses. The most recent regulation now allows for the cancellation of work permits and student visas.
How to adapt your professional skills in a new country
Moving abroad is frequently seen as a career boost, but it's important to recognize that skills and qualifications might not always transfer seamlessly across borders. Challenges such as language barriers, changes in status and salary, and unrecognized degrees can lead to a diminished professional identity. How can you safeguard your career value when relocating internationally?
UK implements ETA requirement for Europeans from April 2025
Announced several months ago, the paid visa will take effect from April 2, 2025. Here's what you need to know.
UAE's new visa programs: Blue Visa and Golden Visa for global talent
To further broaden its expatriate community, the United Arab Emirates has introduced new categories of visas. Building on the success of existing visas for educators, digital nomads, and athletes, the UAE is now extending special invitations to green energy leaders and influencers, strengthening its position as a hub of international talent.
How different countries approach midday breaks
Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.
