Philippines Extends Land Leases for Foreign Investors to 99 Years
Foreigners looking to invest in Philippine real estate just got a major boost.
One of the most frequent questions about the country’s property market is: “Can foreigners buy real estate in the Philippines?”
The answer is still yes — but with limits. Foreign nationals can directly purchase condominium units but are prohibited from owning land outright. Until now, the main workaround was long-term leasing.
The Big Change: 99-Year Land Leases
A new law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extends the maximum lease term for foreign investors from 50 years (plus a 25-year extension) to a full 99 years.
This move offers:
- Greater certainty for long-term projects
- Stability for multi-decade investments such as factories, estates, and industrial parks
- A more competitive environment for attracting offshore capital
In the law’s own words:
“It is the policy of the State to ensure the reliability of investors’ lease contracts to provide a stable environment for foreign investments.”
How the Philippines Compares in Southeast Asia
Foreign land leasing across Southeast Asia has traditionally been limited. With the 99-year lease policy, the Philippines now leads the region in offering security for foreign investors.
Why It Matters
Under the old rules, uncertainty around land rights discouraged big-ticket, long-term investments. The new law eliminates much of that risk, creating:
- A predictable environment for commercial and industrial ventures
- New opportunities for expansion in Southeast Asia
- A clear signal that the Philippines is serious about attracting and protecting foreign capital
Pairing FIV with the 99-Year Lease
Through the Freeport Area of Bataan Investor Visa (FIV), foreign investors can secure full residential rights in just five business days. Benefits include:
- Easy access to private banking
- 0% tax on foreign-sourced income
- Freedom to work, invest, and build businesses
Combining FIV with the new 99-year lease policy gives investors both legal residency and long-term security to build projects that last.
Learn More
Discover how you can gain residency in the Philippines through real estate investment.
Contact us at inquiries@metropolisglobal.com to learn more about your options today.
Visit www.philippinesfiv.com for more details, or book a call here to speak with our Team.
