You can choose to invest in the Philippines. As a general rule, anyone regardless of nationality may invest in the country. If you are enrolled in the PRA Retirement Program and hold a SRRV, you will be required to convert your deposit into active investment/s in any or combination of the following:

1. Purchase or acquisition of a condo unit anywhere in the country
2. Long-term lease of house and lot, condominium, or townhouse for a period not shorter than 25 years (renewable for another 25 years)
3. Purchase of golf or country club shares

You will be allowed to make investments outside of the PRA program depending on the business structures of your choice, including sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or branch office, subject to compliance with existing laws and the Foreign Investments Act.

The Philippines will also allow you up to 100% ownership of export enterprises – businesses in which at least 60% of output is exported. For domestic market enterprises, you will be allowed up to 40% for operation of public utilities and educational institutions, up to 30% for advertising, and up to 25% of recruitment companies. Check this document for a full list of foreign ownership investment opportunities.

There’s also the option to find employment opportunities in the Philippines, unlike many other popular retirement destinations like Thailand. If you’re looking to work here, you can find companies who can sponsor your visa or find local employment online before entering the country. However, your options may be limited because of the number of unemployed Filipinos looking for work. An alternative is freelance work for travel companies and magazines, which could both be a job and a hobby.