What paperwork do you need after moving to the Philippines in 2026?

Confirm your entry basis matches how you will live before you treat a 9(a) tourist week as settlement. Visitor extensions keep you lawful while you decide; they do not authorise local payroll: Extend your stay. Work assignments need an employer-led Alien Employment Permit and 9(g) track: Get a work permit. Family and SRRV retirees follow their own Bureau of Immigration or Philippine Retirement Authority checklists: Apply for a residence permit.

Once your visa class qualifies, finish the ACR I-Card and calendar the BI Annual Report window each year: Get an ACR I-Card. Secure a lease immigration and banks will accept: How to rent a home.

Register a Philippine mobile number under the SIM Registration Act early: Get a mobile phone. Apply for a TIN with BIR when tax or payroll desks require it: Get a TIN. Open a bank account once passport and ACR or other accepted IDs match: Open a bank account.

Buy private hospital cover from day one, then enrol PhilHealth when ACR or SRRV status qualifies: Choose health insurance and Enrol in PhilHealth. Convert a foreign licence at LTO after identity papers settle: Convert a driving licence. Apostille civil and police papers in the issuing country before BI or PRA filings: Apostille documents. Pet arrivals need BAI SPSIC before the flight: Bring pets.