Relocating Abroad from the Philippines — Complete Checklist 2026
Moving abroad is one of the biggest decisions in life. Whether you are emigrating permanently, joining family, or relocating for work, this comprehensive guide covers every step — from documents and shipping to settling into your new country.
Pre-Departure Document Checklist
| Document | Where to Get | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (10-year ePassport) | DFA (Manila, regional offices) | 7-15 working days | PHP 950 (regular) / PHP 1,200 (expedite) |
| NBI Clearance | NBI offices or online | 1-7 days (walk-in) / same day (online with no hit) | PHP 155 |
| PSA Birth Certificate | PSA online or Serbilis centres | 3-5 working days | PHP 155 |
| PSA Marriage Certificate | PSA online | 3-5 working days | PHP 155 |
| DFA Authentication (Red Ribbon) | DFA Aseana, regional offices | 1-3 working days | PHP 100 per document |
| Apostille | DFA | 1-3 working days | PHP 100 per document |
| Medical examination | DOH-accredited clinics | 1-3 days | PHP 2,000-5,000 |
| Police clearance | Local police station | Same day | PHP 100-200 |
| BIR Tax Clearance | BIR regional office | 3-5 working days | Free |
| School transcripts (if applicable) | Your university | 1-2 weeks | Varies |
Apostille vs Red Ribbon: For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, DFA issues an apostille. For non-member countries, DFA authentication (red ribbon) is used. Check your destination country's requirements.
Shipping Your Belongings
Options
- Balikbayan box (LBC, ForEx, JRS): Cheapest for household items. PHP 3,000-8,000 per box. Delivery: 4-8 weeks by sea. Available for most countries.
- Air cargo: Faster (1-2 weeks) but more expensive. PHP 500-1,500 per kg. Good for urgent items, documents, and electronics.
- Full container (FCL): For large moves (entire household). 20ft container: PHP 80,000-200,000 depending on destination. Book 4-6 weeks ahead.
- International movers: Crown Relocations, Asian Tigers, Santa Fe Relocation. Door-to-door service including packing, customs clearance, and delivery. Most expensive but hassle-free.
What NOT to Ship
- Perishable food (customs will confiscate)
- Medications without prescription
- Counterfeit goods (seized + fines)
- Plants and soil (biosecurity rules in most countries)
- Large amounts of cash (declare if over USD 10,000 equivalent)
Financial Preparation
- Open a bank account in your destination country — Some banks allow you to open accounts remotely before arrival (HSBC, Standard Chartered). Otherwise, do it within the first week.
- Keep your Philippine bank accounts — Useful for remittances, property payments, and emergency funds. BDO, BPI, and Metrobank offer diaspora services.
- Set up remittance channels — Wise (TransferWise), Remitly, GCash International, Western Union. Compare rates and fees.
- Maintain SSS contributions — You can continue SSS as a voluntary member abroad. Pays out pension, sickness, maternity, and disability benefits.
- Maintain Pag-IBIG contributions — Allows you to save and access housing loans when you return.
- PhilHealth — Continue as a voluntary/overseas member for healthcare coverage when visiting the Philippines.
- Emergency fund — Have at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved before departure.
Settling In Abroad — First Month Checklist
- Register with the Philippine Embassy — Important for emergencies, voting, and consular services. Most embassies allow online registration.
- Get a local SIM card and phone plan
- Open a bank account (if not done remotely)
- Register for healthcare — NHS (UK), Medicare (Australia), provincial health (Canada), or employer health plan
- Apply for local ID/residence permit — Social Security Number (USA), National Insurance Number (UK), SIN (Canada), TFN (Australia)
- Find accommodation — Temporary first (Airbnb, serviced apartment), then permanent rental
- Join the Filipino community — Filipino associations, churches, Facebook groups for your city
- Set up utilities and internet
- Learn local transport — Get an Oyster card (London), Opal card (Sydney), Presto (Toronto), etc.
Related Pages
Smart Move
Before leaving, get certified copies of all your Philippine documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, diplomas). It is much harder and more expensive to obtain these from abroad.