1. What Properties can I own?

Foreigners cannot own land, but can own condominium units or apartments in high-rise buildings as long as the foreign proportion does not exceed 40%. They can also buy a house but not the land on which it is built. Leases on land up to 50 years, renewable for another 25 years, are available.

If a foreigner is keen on acquiring land, there are several options. One, if married to a Filipino citizen, is to have the ownership of the land under the Filipino’s name. However, in the event of death or separation, the land cannot be transferred to the foreigner. Another option is to acquire land through a corporation. Corporations can only be, at the maximum, 40% foreign-owned.

The maximum area that may be acquired for residential purposes is 1,000 square meters of urban land or one hectare of rural land.

When buying new property, it is important to look for properties backed by established developers and licensed real estate agents/ brokers, especially in cases of off-plan or pre-selling (the property is at the planning stages and non-existent during the time of the sale).

2. How do I setup a Corporation?

You can put up your own corporation at SEC.  We also offer setting up a corporation for you for the purpose of purchasing a house and lot for a minimal fee.  For more details on this get in touch with me.

3. Do you accept foreign Checks?

No we don’t.  Best option would be to open your own Checking account here in the Philippines or make use of a friend’s Philippine checkbook with Special Power of Attorney.