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-   -   Inheriting property as a foreigner? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/philippines-155/inheriting-property-foreigner-926339/)

Catchafire Jul 9th 2019 8:30 pm
Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
My mum is Filipino and is getting on a bit. And we had "that talk" about what happens after she passes. However she seems to think she can just leave everything to me with any consequences, despite my protestations (I really don't want a pig farm and big white house surrounded by a sea of poverty). Its better she sells it all and live the rest of her life in comfort. But still she insists.......

I don't have Filipino citizenship either and all I can foresee is problems.

Please let me know if I can or can't inherit. And if she does leave it to me, what are my options?

Stokkevn Jul 10th 2019 5:51 pm
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
Originally Posted by Catchafire (Post 12708715)
My mum is Filipino and is getting on a bit. And we had "that talk" about what happens after she passes. However she seems to think she can just leave everything to me with any consequences, despite my protestations (I really don't want a pig farm and big white house surrounded by a sea of poverty). Its better she sells it all and live the rest of her life in comfort. But still she insists.......

I don't have Filipino citizenship either and all I can foresee is problems.

Please let me know if I can or can't inherit. And if she does leave it to me, what are my options?
I read up on this a while ago and yes foreigners can own land that is left to them by a relative. It said that the foreigner can own the land for a reasonable period before selling it. It was not clear as to what "a reasonable period" was.

SushiFan Jul 10th 2019 7:13 pm
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
You might be better of consulting a professional such as a lawyer specialised in these things.
Does your mother have a written will, or something similar which has legal value? Just leaving things without clear instructions is asking for problems, in my opinion.

Catchafire Jul 15th 2019 7:26 pm
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. So, it appears I can.

How to find a lawyer you can trust? By trust, I mean someone that knows what they are doing, won't fleece you and can't be easily influenced by another party.

Gazza-d Jul 16th 2019 4:20 am
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
Originally Posted by SushiFan (Post 12709170)
You might be better of consulting a professional such as a lawyer specialised in these things.
Does your mother have a written will, or something similar which has legal value? Just leaving things without clear instructions is asking for problems, in my opinion.
I seem to remember reading sometime ago that having a will can upset things. Without a will the laws of inheritance apply and as the only next of kin you can inherit as a foreigner but you can't be left property in a will. Something to research.

Englishmum Jul 16th 2019 4:30 am
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
I wonder if it’s worthwhile for you to acquire citizenship of the Philippines? (No idea of the cost of it or if they allow dual nationality but there seem to be plenty of Filipinas living permanently overseas and I’m sure many of them would have acquired citizenship of their country of residence?

Again I’m not sure if it can only be acquired from a Filipina father or if it can be from a Filipina mother too?

I guess it all depends on how much your mother’s property interests in the Philippines would be worth? It might be worthwhile calling the Embassy of the Philippines or looking on their website just to help you decide if it’s worth pursuing or not?

mikemike Jul 16th 2019 4:33 am
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
Yes, you can apply for citizenship after a minimum of 5 years residency . Usually it is 10 years unless exceptional circumstances. Such as the owner of Big Foot in Cebu. You must be fluent in a key dialect.

BEVS Jul 16th 2019 11:37 am
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
Originally Posted by Catchafire (Post 12708715)
My mum is Filipino and is getting on a bit. And we had "that talk" about what happens after she passes. However she seems to think she can just leave everything to me with any consequences, despite my protestations (I really don't want a pig farm and big white house surrounded by a sea of poverty). Its better she sells it all and live the rest of her life in comfort. But still she insists.......

I don't have Filipino citizenship either and all I can foresee is problems.

Please let me know if I can or can't inherit. And if she does leave it to me, what are my options?
Catcha. I hope it all works out and without probs.

David Mashael Jul 16th 2019 10:47 pm
Re: Inheriting property as a foreigner?
 
Originally Posted by Gazza-d (Post 12711100)
I seem to remember reading sometime ago that having a will can upset things. Without a will the laws of inheritance apply and as the only next of kin you can inherit as a foreigner but you can't be left property in a will. Something to research.
That is my understanding also.


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