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The Daily Insight

Who are considered Balikbayans?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Feb 09, 2026

The following are considered Balikbayans:

  • A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year.
  • A Filipino overseas worker.

How much does it cost to get a Filipina wife?

It can range anywhere between $800 (for a really basic wedding) and $5,000 (for a more extravagant one with an upper class Filipina). To help you make a better decision, here are some of the things you need to take into consideration when marrying a Filipina woman.

Can non Filipino citizens go to the Philippines?

Foreign citizens are not currently allowed to enter the Philippines. However, this does not apply to nationals of the Philippines on repatriation flights or travelers with a diplomatic passport and 9 (E) visa.

Who are eligible under balikbayan program?

By legal definition, a balikbayan is: a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of last departure; a Filipino overseas worker; or. a former Filipino citizen with foreign passport and members of his/her family.

How can I marry a Filipina and live in the Philippines?

Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 13 (a) you are eligible for permanent residency in the Philippines. This visa is issued to an alien on the basis of his valid marriage to a Philippine citizen.

How does common law marriage work in the Philippines?

Common-law marriage in the Philippines is governed by Article 147 of the Family Code, which reads: “When a man and a woman who are capacitated to marry each other, live exclusively with each other as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage or under a void marriage, their wages and salaries shall be owned by them in equal shares and …

How to find out if your spouse is a PhilHealth member?

If your wife or husband is previously a Philhealth member, ask her/him to write a letter or statement that she/he is no longer an active Philhealth member, including the estimated last time she/he paid her/his Phihealth premium and the reason she/he is no longer active. – Bring a copy of your marriage certificate. 2. Children .

Who are qualified PhilHealth dependents in the Philippines?

– Health Philippines Net Qualified Philhealth dependents include unmarried and unemployed children aged 21 years and below. Qualified Philhealth dependents include unmarried and unemployed children aged 21 years and below.