Frequent Questions - our answer

Question: Why did you settle in Alcoy, 92 km south of Cebu City? Aren't there beautiful places elsewhere?

Of course one may argue about preferences and personal taste excessively - or not at all. The advantages of the island Cebu (International Airport, excellent medical and educational facilities) I already mentioned. The climate is constant about 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. The scenery is marvelous, lonely beaches, islands like fairy tales. Charms and natural friendliness of the people simply make me feel happy. Urban Cebu City offers great shopping opportunities within two hours drive, but I do not consider the urban area a place for permanent living.
Spending more than three months looking for the right area for my own future home I know many beautiful places in Cebu. In summary Alcoy is ideal, because the distance between the National Road and also the native buildings to the seashore is far enough to live undisturbed in idyllic environment directly by the sea. Not like other places where direct access to the sea is disturbed by buildings, steep coast, mangroves or fishponds.
It is also good to know, that there are no typhoons south of Cebu City, protected by the geographical position of the surrounding islands!

Question: Is a foreigner allowed to own real estate in the Philippines?

Although plans are discussed since several years, to allow foreign ownership of real estate, right now it is only legal for Philippine citizens. The only exception are „Condominiums“, which we do not offer because of several serious disadvantages (lot of bureaucratic requirements, high additional costs etc.). We offer our customers a leasing contract with the legally allowable maximum duration (25 years, prolongation option for another 25 years). This contract includes the right to transfer the property anytime to any third party, to sell or to register on the own name, as far as legally allowed. There will be no additional charges from our side.

Question: All day long only sun and sea? Are there other ways to keep busy? What about TV and phone?

There are no limits to your initiatives. Fruit and vegetable farming, poultry, chess tournament, house animals, boating, just to mention a few examples. Phone can be installed on short notice, also to be used for Internet, since November 2005 also the very fast broadband data transfer. Satellite TV is available offering digital quality, in Cebu City also cable.

Question: What are the rules for permanent visa?

Foreigners married to Philippine citizens may apply for permanent residence certificate. Else it is possible to apply for permanent retirement visa (PRA): a deposit of 20 000.- US$ (50 years of age) for the time of six months is required. Finally, the usual way, smooth extension of a visitors visa for 2 months repeatedly. We will gladly assist you in procuring. All these procedures can be done in Cebu City, it is not necessary to visit Manila.

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