Are you a Filipino wanting to move abroad? We see who you are: an energetic person confused about your final destinations — there are so many options! How do I know which is the one? To help you, we listed the five best countries for Filipinos to immigrate to. Let's find an answer to the question of where to migrate from the Philippines.
Filipino migrants in Europe
Italy
Germany
Spain
The United Kingdom
How to get from the Philippines to Europe
Filipino migrants in Europe
We wondered which country has the most Filipino immigrants and found an answer. According to the Commission of Filipinos Overseas Research, The USA is ranked first among countries with the most Filipino migrants.
But what about Europe? Italy, Germany, and Spain are among the top 10 destinations of overseas Filipino workers. More than 70,000 Filipino expats live in these countries. The UK is also on the list of the countries with the most Filipino migrants. Most of the local Filipino expats are working: popular jobs for Filipino migrants in Europe include nursing, engineering, and teaching. You can read more about them in our article.
Things are starting to get clear — Europe is increasingly becoming an attractive option, with several countries offering pathways to residency, work, and an improved quality of life. Now, we should explore the best countries for Filipinos to immigrate to in more detail. When you move to one of these destinations, remember to take care of your family and send them money back to the Philippines with fast and secure Profee transfers.
Italy
Starting with Italy, ranked fifth in the top 10 destinations of overseas Filipino workers.
If you ask where to migrate from the Philippines but still feel at home, we would answer — Italy. Italy is home to one of Europe's largest Filipino communities, especially in Rome and Milan. Many Filipinos find work in the healthcare and service sectors, and Italy's family reunification program is attractive to those wanting to bring family members along. If your family decided to stay in the Philippines, send them support with fast Profee transfers from Italian cards to GCash.
With a history of Filipino migrants in Italy, it has become one of the best countries for Filipinos to immigrate. The welcoming attitude toward Filipino workers and the opportunities for long-term residency make Italy the best country to work for Filipino expats, especially for those interested in caregiving, nursing, and hospitality jobs.
Tips for Filipinos moving to Italy
Learn some Italian: Basic Italian is beneficial and will help you connect with locals. Many language schools in Italy offer affordable courses. It is essential to consider the language when deciding where to migrate from the Philippines. If you like the language and are ready to learn it, welcome!
Take advantage of local Filipino networks: Filipino associations in Italy are very active and provide a support system for newcomers.
Explore remote work opportunities: Italy is an excellent base for those interested in working remotely in various fields, including creative and technical professions. Italian digital nomad visa makes it the easiest country to migrate from the Philippines.
Germany
Germany is a top choice for Filipinos seeking jobs in Europe, especially in engineering, healthcare, and IT. For skilled workers, Germany is the best country to work for Filipino expats due to its high salary potential and comprehensive benefits. German companies actively recruit Filipino healthcare workers, which has led Germany to become one of the countries with the most Filipino immigrants in Europe.
Germany's Job Seeker Visa allows skilled workers from non-EU countries, including the Philippines, to enter and seek employment for up to six months. Given the high demand for skilled workers and the relatively simple visa application process, this visa has made Germany the easiest country for professionals to migrate from the Philippines. Germany also has a family reunification program for those aiming to bring their families, making it easier for Filipino migrants to settle.
Tips for Filipinos moving to Germany
Learn the language: While many Germans speak English, especially in cities, having a basic understanding of German is a huge advantage, particularly for healthcare jobs.
Prepare for bureaucracy: Germany is known for its organised (sometimes overwhelming) paperwork. Make sure all documents are in order and keep track of any requirements. This makes Germany not the easiest country to migrate from the Philippines, but you can handle it.
Get familiar with local culture: Germans value punctuality and straightforwardness. Adjusting to the local work culture can make a big difference in professional relationships.
Spain
Historically, Spain has attracted a significant number of Filipino immigrants. In fact, Spain is one of the countries with the most Filipino migrants in Europe. It offers diverse visa options, from work permits to a Non-Lucrative residence Visa for retirees or those with a steady income.
For Filipinos interested in family reunification or with Spanish ancestry, Spain is also the easiest country to migrate from the Philippines, primarily since the Spanish government supports family reunification programs. Spain also has the benefit of a low-cost lifestyle, making it one of the best countries to immigrate for Filipinos who want to stretch their budget while enjoying a good quality of life.
Tips for Filipinos moving to Spain
Check out the Non-Lucrative Visa: If you have savings or a steady income source outside Spain, you can apply for a non-lucrative visa, which allows you to live (but not work) in the country.
Stay connected with Filipino Associations: Spanish cities, especially Madrid and Barcelona, have strong Filipino communities with support networks for newcomers. When going from the Philippines to Europe, check the Association's Internet contacts to avoid feeling lost.
Learn the language: Spanish is relatively easy for Filipinos to learn, as some Spanish vocabulary is already familiar.
The United Kingdom
Which country has the most Filipino immigrants in Europe? The United Kingdom! It has long been a popular destination for people going from the Philippines to Europe because of its accessible work visas and high demand for skilled professionals, especially in healthcare. The UK's Health and Care Worker Visa program has streamlined the process for Filipino nurses and doctors, making living and working in Britain easier than ever.
Filipinos in the UK benefit from its multicultural society, large Filipino communities, and English-speaking environment. Although the cost of living can be high, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to save some money. One of them is sending funds back home with Profee — we have unmatched exchange rates from pounds to pesos, so you won’t spend a fortune on the transfer.
By the end of the day, the UK remains one of the best countries for Filipinos to immigrate to due to its career opportunities, high salaries, and a clear pathway to residency.
Tips for Filipinos moving to the United Kingdom
Explore different visa options: Besides the Health and Care Worker Visa, other visas for skilled workers and students may suit different career paths.
Consider cities outside London: London is exciting but expensive. Explore cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, which offer affordable living and many job opportunities.
Understand local etiquette: The British are known for politeness and indirect communication. Adapting to local etiquette can make social and professional interactions smoother. You should always get familiar with local habits before deciding where to migrate from the Philippines.
How to get from the Philippines to Europe
When you have decided where to migrate from the Philippines, prepare a solid plan for moving abroad. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Research visa options: Depending on your destination country, you might need a tourist visa, work visa, or long-term residency visa. Check the embassy website of your chosen country for detailed requirements.
Prepare documents: Commonly required documents include passports, proof of funds, job offer letters, and other verification documents. Double-check the list, as each country's requirements may vary.
Book a flight: Direct flights from the Philippines to Europe are rare, so you may need to take a connecting flight. Manila and Cebu have flights to major hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, and London. Booking early can help you get a reasonable fare.
Organise accommodation: Before arriving, it's wise to have temporary accommodation, such as an Airbnb or a hotel — research housing options, especially if you plan to rent long-term.
Settle local requirements: Depending on the country's regulations, once you arrive, you may need to register with local authorities, open a bank account, and sign up for health insurance.
Support your family back home by sending them funds with fast and secure Profee transfers.
