My expat friend is thinking about retiring in the Philippines, maybe Siargao or Boracay. I keep hearing foreigners can’t own land. Is there any legal workaround or investment option to own or live beachfront long-term?
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Oct 27, 2025 11:14 am
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Oct 27, 2025 11:18 am
Foreigners can’t own land outright in the Philippines. The Constitution restricts land ownership to Filipino citizens or corporations with at least 60% Filipino ownership. However, you can:
- Buy a condo unit (you can own 100% if foreigners own less than 40% of the building).
- Lease land for up to 50 years (renewable for 25).
- Marry a Filipino spouse who can legally own property.
For long-term living in Siargao or Boracay, leasing or buying a condo is the most secure and legal route.
Avoid “dummy” ownership deals—those can get voided by the government.
