Today we got a comment and question from John.
Here is what John had to say:
Hi Bob. Is it possible to apply for a resident visa through a Philippine Embassy in a country other than your country of origin whilst working abroad. Also if working outside the Philippines with a resident permit, would I be liable for tax on my earnings. And one more, is it possible to have property registered in my name if I had a resident permit. I am married to a Filipina.
And here is Bob’s response to John:
Hi John, wow, you are full of questions! That’s OK, I am happy to answer for you!
Applying for a Resident Visa (13 series) should be possible from wherever you are living. I am thinking of one thing that may be a problem for you, though. You need to have police clearances from the police in every location where you have lived over the past five years. So, if you lived in the USA, in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or whatever, you would need police clearances from each of those places.
Regarding taxes, under Philippine Law, as an ex-pat foreigner, you are not liable for income taxes on any income that is from a foreign source. So, for example, if you get your money from the USA, or from The UK, you do not have to pay Philippine taxes on it. Even if you are living in the Philippines when the money is paid to you, you have no tax liability as long as the money comes from a foreign (non Philippine) source.
Regarding property ownership. Sorry, but no matter what you do, what kind of visa you have or whatever, you can not own property in the Philippines. There is no exception to this. Your wife, as a Philippine Citizen (or former Philippine Citizen) may own property in her name.
Good luck to you, John! Come back and visit again!
