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Last updated: June 2026
The Philippines is one of the most popular destinations for British retirees in Southeast Asia, affordable cost of living, English widely spoken, a warm year-round climate, and a significant expat community in Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete. It is also a destination with two customs details that most removal guides gloss over: the 90-day window in which your goods must arrive after you do, and the requirement that your visa or residency status be confirmed before your container docks at Manila. Get both of these right and the customs process is straightforward. Miss either of them and it becomes significantly more complicated.
Sea freight is the standard method for UK-to-Philippines household moves. Routing is via transshipment ports in Singapore, Port Klang (Malaysia), or Hong Kong before arriving at Manila’s Port of Manila or Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
Groupage (shared container, LCL): Your goods share a container with other customers’ shipments. Transit time: 8–12 weeks port-to-port, depending on transshipment routing.
Full container load (FCL): A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your move. Transit time: 6–8 weeks port-to-port. Your goods are sealed for the entire journey with no additional handling.
Cost ranges:
After port arrival, customs clearance typically adds 1–2 weeks. Deliveries to Cebu, Davao, or other regional cities require domestic forwarding from Manila, adding a further 1–3 weeks. Allow 8–12 weeks from collection to delivery as your planning timeline for Manila deliveries.
The Philippines Bureau of Customs (BOC) clears household goods under the Transfer of Residence duty-free allowance, subject to conditions that are straightforward once you understand them.
To qualify for duty-free import:
The visa timing dependency:
This is the detail that catches most people. If your SRRV, 13A, or other residency document is still being processed when your container arrives at Manila port, customs clearance cannot proceed smoothly under the duty-free allowance. Your move manager plans the shipment dispatch date to ensure your visa is confirmed before the container docks.
Balikbayan box, does not apply to UK nationals:
Balikbayan box services are marketed widely for Philippines-bound shipments. This tax-exempt allowance applies specifically to Filipino nationals returning home and their immediate family members. As a UK national relocating to the Philippines, your shipment is processed as a standard personal effects importation under the residence transfer allowance, not as a balikbayan box. A provider who tells you otherwise is not applying the correct customs category to your shipment.
Most UK household goods destined for Metro Manila arrive at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the Port of Manila. Your in-country partner manages port receipt, Bureau of Customs submission, and delivery to your address.
Manila delivery: Building management offices in Metro Manila condominiums regulate large deliveries and typically require advance scheduling. Time-of-day restrictions are common, and some buildings restrict deliveries to weekday business hours. Confirm with your building management office before your delivery date.
Cebu and regional deliveries: Goods arrive in Manila and are transferred to a domestic forwarder for onward movement to Cebu, Davao, or other destinations. Allow 1–3 weeks for domestic forwarding after Manila clearance.
Older buildings: Lifts in older residential buildings in Makati, BGC, and central Cebu are often smaller than standard UK lifts. Check lift dimensions with your building management if you have large furniture items, some may require staircase access.
We always recommend speaking directly to the relevant embassy for the most accurate and up to date moving advice:
Metro Manila: The Philippines’ capital region and economic hub. The main expat areas are Makati (financial district), Bonifacio Global City (BGC, newer mixed-use development), Ortigas, and Alabang in the south. English is widely spoken and signage is in English throughout.
Cebu City: The Philippines’ second city and a popular alternative to Manila for its smaller scale, lower cost of living, and beach proximity. A significant expat and retiree community. International airport with good regional connections.
Dumaguete: Small city in Negros Oriental, popular with retirees for its relaxed pace, low cost of living, and English-speaking population. Less infrastructure than Manila or Cebu but well-served by expat services and healthcare.
Practical note: The Philippines has a dual-voltage electrical system (220V, 60Hz) in most areas. UK appliances (230V, 50Hz) generally work, though frequency-sensitive devices (clocks, some motors) may be affected. A plug adaptor is needed for UK plugs.
SRRV, Special Resident Retiree’s Visa:
Available from age 50. Grants indefinite residency in exchange for a qualifying bank deposit, currently from US$10,000 for those aged 60 and over without a pension, up to US$20,000 for those aged 50–59 without a pension. SRRV holders qualify for the duty-free household goods import allowance. Processing takes 2–4 months through the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
13A, Spousal Visa:
For UK nationals married to Filipino citizens. Grants permanent residence and employment rights. Processed at the Philippine Embassy in London. Initial approval is for one year, converting to permanent after a Bureau of Immigration endorsement.
9G, Employment Visa:
For those relocating for work. Your employer obtains an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) before the visa application is made.
Visa-free extension:
UK nationals can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, extendable through the Bureau of Immigration while longer-term applications are in process.
If you’re moving to the Philippines, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.
We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.
The Philippines drives on the right, vehicles are left-hand drive. UK cars are right-hand drive, which means they are generally not permitted for regular road use in the Philippines. This is the primary reason most people do not ship their UK vehicle.
Import duty:
Motor vehicles are subject to substantial import duties, typically 5–30% depending on engine size and type, plus 12% VAT and excise tax. The combination of right-hand drive incompatibility and import duties makes shipping a UK vehicle impractical for most people.
SRRV holder concession:
Some SRRV variants include provision for importing one motor vehicle with duty concessions. Confirm current entitlements with the Philippine Retirement Authority at the time of application.
Practical advice:
The vast majority of people relocating to the Philippines sell their UK vehicle before departure and purchase locally. The Filipino vehicle market is well-supplied, with competitive prices on both new and used vehicles.
The Philippines has a manageable pet import process for dogs and cats from the UK.
Requirements:
Quarantine:
No mandatory quarantine period for dogs and cats from the UK if all documentation is complete and vaccinations are current.
Other animals:
Birds, rabbits, and other species are subject to separate and more complex requirements. Contact the Bureau of Animal Industry directly for the rules applicable to your animal.
6–8 weeks FCL to Manila, 8–12 weeks groupage. Cebu and regional deliveries add 1–3 weeks for domestic forwarding. Allow 8–12 weeks from collection to delivery as your planning timeline.
Yes. Your residency document must be in place before your shipment docks in Manila for duty-free customs clearance to proceed smoothly. Your move manager times the dispatch date to ensure this.
No. As a UK national relocating to the Philippines, the balikbayan box tax exemption does not apply. Your shipment is processed under the standard Transfer of Residence duty-free allowance.
Yes, with a BAI import permit, current vaccinations, a health certificate endorsed by APHA, and a microchip. No mandatory quarantine if documentation is complete.
Groupage from £2,500–£4,500 for a 1-bedroom volume; FCL from £4,500–£8,500 depending on container size and destination.
Your move manager can walk through the customs timing requirements and documentation checklist before you book your shipment. The Philippines customs process is straightforward when the visa timing and arrival window are planned correctly, and that planning starts at the survey.
Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.
“We were nervous about relocating to the Philippines, especially with the distance involved, but the team made the whole process feel manageable. They were always available to answer questions and kept us updated throughout. It was reassuring to know everything was in safe hands.”
“One thing that really stood out was the communication. From the initial quote through to delivery in the Philippines, we always knew what was happening and what to expect next. The move went smoothly, and all our belongings arrived exactly as they left.”
“We’ve moved internationally before and know how complicated it can be, but this was by far our best experience. The planning, packing and coordination were excellent, and the team handled every challenge professionally. Our move to the Philippines was far easier than we ever anticipated.”
