Many Filipinos dream of moving back home to, once again, start life anew. But, very few have actually succeeded in making the transition from fantasy to reality.

Note that once the decision is made, there are lots of things to consider. No one in their right mind would give up their comfortable life in the first world and move back to the Philippines with no concrete plans. It’s way more than just selling everything, paying off debts and then moving.


Here are a few tips on what you should consider when making your Planning Repatriation Checklist (based only on my family’s requirements and the research we have done):

Steady Source of Income. At least one of you should be gainfully employed. And the money that comes in should support the kind of life you expect to have.

A pre-arranged employment (before the big move) is ideal.

If your partner (a foreigner) is lucky enough to have pre-arranged employment, he/she needs an AEP or an Alien Employment Permit.

“An Alien Employment Permit is a document issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment through the DOLE - Regional Director, who has jurisdiction over the intended place of work of the foreign national, authorizing the foreign national to work in the Philippines.”

However, if your partner has decided to get a Philippine Resident Permit then, he is exempted from this, as per DO 41-03.

AEP details can be found here.

Another option would be to start a business in the Philippines. Do not just start any business. It is always best to make a feasibility study to ensure that you will not go belly-flop after having invested most of your money. Try to do something that you are interested in and/or you know about.

Details on Doing Business in the Philippines can be found here.


Immigration Requirements. This is one of the big headaches which you could expect. To know more about the immigration laws in the Philippines would certainly prevent any untoward expenses.


Requirements:

· General application form duly accomplished and notarized (BI Form No. RBR 98-01)
· Three (3) copies 2x2 ID pictures to be attached to the duly accomplished application form
· Certified true copy of birth certificate of the petitioner (Philippine spouse)
· True copy of marriage contract certified by the Local Civil Registrar
· Affidavit to be executed by the applicant and the alien spouse alleging to their legal capacity to contract marriage and stating any previous marriage and manner by which marriage was dissolved
· Certificate true cop of birth certificate of unmarried children, if any
· Joint affidavit of financial capacity to support, executed by the applicant and alien spouse with supporting documents such as Income Tax Return (ITR), land titles, contract of employment, bank accounts, pensions, and other similar documents
· Medical clearance from the BQIHS
· Photocopy of applicant's passport showing date of arrival and extension of authorized stay

Details on Immigration in the Philippines can be found here.

Your personal life. Make sure that your partner shares your dreams for a new life in the Philippines. Otherwise, no matter how keen you are to make it work, it won’t. Both of you must love the idea.


Plan B. If *knock on wood* it doesn’t work out, what then? No matter how (seemingly) fool proof your plan is, it always is best to have a safety net.

Prepare yourself. Even if you are moving back home, it will not be easy. Your expectations, after having lived in the first world, have differed. You should note down how certain areas in your life will be affected if you move back – whether positively or negatively.

Before you even start arranging anything, you should first examine your current lives and ask yourselves whether moving back to the Philippines will fill the satisfaction gaps that you have in your lives. And, if it does, you should honestly assess your finances and abilities and see whether you have all the “tools” to make it possible.

The point is, you should get a reality check and let it define your motivation for seeking a new life.