Entalula Beach on Entalula Island, part of the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. (Wikimedia/Micluna)
Affordable living and housing costs have helped propel the Philippines into the global top 10 retirement destinations, according to the latest Rumavi Global Relocation Index.
On September 11, the country ranked eighth out of 192 countries and territories assessed by the Singapore-based relocation advisory firm. Its affordability scores were particularly strong, reaching 95.1 for general affordability and 91 for housing.
Only three countries in Southeast Asia featured in this year’s top 10. Malaysia claimed the highest position overall, ranking first, while Thailand followed in fourth place. The Philippines completed the regional trio in eighth.
Rumavi described the Philippines as a “particularly strong option” for people planning to retire overseas, with the country’s relatively inexpensive cost of living and housing identified as major advantages.
Foreign retirees also have access to the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), which is designed to facilitate long-term stays in the Philippines. The visa provides holders with multiple-entry privileges and allows them to remain in the country indefinitely.
In addition to residency benefits, SRRV holders can receive discounts and other privileges from businesses affiliated with the Philippine Retirement Authority through its accredited merchant network.
The latest recognition follows another strong result for the country earlier this year. The Expatriate Group placed the Philippines at the top of its Retirement Abroad Index for 2026, awarding it 78 points out of 100. Together, the two rankings underscore the Philippines’ growing appeal to international retirees, particularly those seeking destinations where their retirement savings can stretch further.
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