Question & AnswerQ&A (DOT)
A 'balikbayan' refers to (a) a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for at least one year from the date of last departure, (b) a Filipino overseas worker, or (c) a former Filipino citizen and his or her family who have been naturalized in a foreign country and return to the Philippines.
The term 'family' includes the spouse and children of the balikbayan who are not balikbayans in their own right but travel with the balikbayan to the Philippines.
They must present a passport and any of the following: POEA approved contract of employment, certificate or contract of employment by the foreign employer, certificate of employment by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate, Contract Worker stamp on the passport, Seaman's Service Record Book, or an OFW Electronic Identification Card (E-Card).
Balikbayans are entitled to a duty and tax-free maximum purchase of goods amounting to US$1,500 or its equivalent in Philippine Peso and other acceptable foreign currencies for general purchases, plus an additional US$2,000 for livelihood tools at government-run duty-free shops.
Purchases must be made within 15 calendar days from the date of arrival; however, during the Christmas Season (Nov 15 to Jan 15), this period is extended to 30 calendar days.
The privilege is generally non-transferable and must be exercised personally by the balikbayan, except that an OFW may endorse the kabuhayan shopping privilege in writing to immediate family members within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity under certain conditions.
The privilege may only be availed of once a year by a balikbayan.
They are granted visa-free entry to the Philippines for a maximum stay of one year, except for restricted nationals, subject to fees and Bureau of Immigration rules.
DFP issues balikbayan shopping cards after confirming balikbayan status, stamps passports with an identifying mark, monitors purchase limits through the shopping card system, and enforces limits on purchases, including duty and tax-free privileges.
Livelihood tools include instruments used by hand or machine necessary to a person's trade, vocation or profession like hand tools, power tools, precision tools, farm tools, tools for dressmaking, shoe repair, beauty parlors, barber shops, and computers with accessories, as determined by OWWA.
Eligible balikbayans, including OFWs and non-OFW balikbayans, may avail of an additional duty and tax-free purchase amounting to US$2,000 exclusively for livelihood tools. In cases where the OFW returns abroad, immediate family members may claim the livelihood tools purchased.
Yes, DOLE through OWWA, TESDA, and other government agencies provide entrepreneurial training, livelihood skills programs, and marketing assistance to balikbayans and their immediate family members who avail the kabuhayan shopping privilege.
Family members traveling with the balikbayan should present their passport and any of the following: birth certificate (for children), marriage certificate (for spouse), or adoption papers (for legally adopted children).
Balikbayan shopping cards are issued and monitored by Duty Free Philippines with verification by the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration. Passports are stamped with a balikbayan mark, and purchase details are recorded on shopping cards to track limits on value and quantity.
The provisions are declared separable, so the invalidity of any provision does not affect the validity of the other provisions.