⌛ An American working in Dumaguete

Since I am an American citizen as is my wife and daughter, we were wondering what hoops we would have to jump through to open a business, such as a nice chiropractic - health center - gym.

1. What kind of visa - work permit, etc. do I need, and where do I get it?
2. How long can I stay in the country before I have to get it renewed?
3. Any special considerations or ideas to make the process easier?
4. Just any help in general is appreciated.

Thanks again,
2 blackbelts

 

Is your wife still a Philippino citizen?

If so you'll be able to get a 13a permanent residency visa which will allow you to work here. The new Robinsons mall could use a good American chiropractor, just like Dr. Pardis's clinic at Ayala in Cebu.

 

An American....

I do not have a Fillapina wife. Both of us are born and raised American, as is my duaghter.

We have plans on opening a very nice chiropractic, multi health care, gym and rehab center. My friend from Hawaii who is also coming over, wants to open in Cebu, but since I am moving to Dumaguete, I would prefer to open there.

Any thoughts, ideas, or help on foreigners working is appreciated.

The best,
Dr. G
2 blackbelts

 

brilliant idea Dr.G!! multi health care, gym and rehab center....awesome!!!maybe you can ask U.S ret.col. James Hughes, a columnist in a local daily, he might have some tips for you. good luck to you and your family.

 

There's enough hoops involved to just forget the business idea. Unless earning maybe P100-P200 per patient visit sounds like a winner. To start with you'd need a Filipino partner owning ?% of it-at least on paper.

You won't make any money at it. Health insurance (if anyone has it) won't cover chiro work. There's not that much money in Dgte, certainly not for something they can get done cheap at the local hospital. Most foreigners are too old or too drunk to want a health center.

Want to make a small fortune in the Philippines? Start with a big one..! is the often heard adage. Take heed, I've heard 99% horror stories about having any business in Dgte/PI.

When you get to Dgte, hang around Dunkin Donuts around 7am, YNot bar and Coco Amigos off and on getting as much input from as many foreigners as possible.

I know you're going to hear the same warning over and over again: Do NOT start a business in PI.


How are you building a house without having a Filipino wife? I know there's ways of getting it done, but it can be dangerous.


I met "Kojak" as James Hughes is otherwise known as. He's got BIG plans for Zamboanguita where he lives..

He's a retired Col?? Sure, everybody is aren't they?

..Last I heard he was a Captain..

 

An American working ...

Thanks to Viper, Marty, and Goth for their input. It sure is appreciated.

As far as building our house goes, we are using a local builder who owns the lot, as well as doing the construction. He keeps us posted weekly with photos of the progress. We understand that for now we cannot own the land, even though we can own the building on top of it. We had a local judge review all of the lease and contract documents, and received copies of every registration, opinion, and filing. If the law changes for foreign ownership, we shouldn't have any problems.

Viper could be right about the health center, as I just don't know if there is enough money in Dum. to support it along with the gym and rehab center.

I know the chiropractors in Manilla and Cebu, and their business is absolutely through the roof. I had a cardiologist email me about joining his group practice in Manilla, but that's the last place I want to be.

We are checking with both the American and Phillippine embassies on what we need to do. So far, we were told we had to do a SRRV visa. Then just pay 1000 peso to get a local business license.

Anyway, based on feedback and comments about Dumaguete, it looks like Dr. Caruso and I may end up opening in Cebu instead.

Again, all comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks for the feedback
2 blackbelts
Dr. g

 

2 BB & Dr. G,
You can't go wrong with this man. I have known him for 20 years.

Mikhail L. Maxino
Attorney & Counselor at Law
4TH Floor
Plaza Maria Luisa Hotel
Legaspi Cor Sta. Catalina Sts.
Dumaguete City, 6200
Philippines

+6335 422 1536

Jim

 

2 BB,
I sent you a Private Message. Did you get it?

Jim

 

An American...

Hey Jim, got your email and replied. Thanx for the help

Dr g
2 bb

 

Hello 2blackbelts... are you still here in Dumaguete or somewhere else? i am looking for a chiropractor here in Dumaguete, i hope you are still here.
thanks