Executive Nomad HQ Report
Last Updated
December 31, 2024
Next revision: Q1 2025
Cost Index
42
vs 100 US baseline
Quality Score
7.4/10
Nomad satisfaction
US Timezone
0%
No practical overlap
APAC Timezone
100%
Full alignment
Internet Grade
Overall Rating
Strategic Analysis | Q4 2024
Cebu delivers the Philippines' best balance of island lifestyle, English fluency, and remote work infrastructure at costs 15% below Manila. The city's IT Park and Cebu Business Park districts have emerged as regional BPO hubs, creating infrastructure that serves remote executives well. Weekend access to world-class diving and beaches provides exceptional work-life balance options.
Infrastructure has matured significantly: Cebu IT Park offers fiber connectivity matching Manila business districts, coworking options have expanded 3x since 2020, and the international airport provides direct connections to major Asian hubs. The same SRRV visa pathway available in Manila applies, offering permanent residency from age 35 with $20K deposit.
Key consideration: Infrastructure quality drops sharply outside IT Park and Business Park zones. Unlike Manila's multiple walkable business districts, Cebu's premium infrastructure is concentrated in a single corridor. Our recommendation: secure accommodation within or adjacent to IT Park, verify fiber availability before committing, and use the first 90 days to explore Mactan island as an alternative base if beach proximity outweighs urban convenience.
Cost of Living
Monthly$1,200
Avg Internet
Speed80 Mbps
Coworking
Daily$10
20+ spaces in metro area
Visa Complexity
SRRVPermanent residency, $20K deposit (age 35+)
Safety Index
202462 /100
Nomad Community
Growing3K+
Business hours overlap (9AM-6PM local)
US West Coast
PST (UTC-8) | 16 hour difference
0%
No overlap
PST business hours fall during Cebu night
US East Coast
EST (UTC-5) | 13 hour difference
0%
No practical overlap
EST business hours end as Cebu morning begins
London, UK
GMT (UTC+0) | 8 hour difference
12%
1 hour overlap
Overlap: 4PM-5PM Cebu = 8AM-9AM GMT
Singapore
SGT (UTC+8) | Same timezone
100%
Full alignment
Complete business hours alignment
Mumbai, India
IST (UTC+5:30) | 2 hour 30 minute difference
69%
5.5+ hours overlap
Good alignment for India outsourcing and tech teams
Sydney, Australia
AEDT (UTC+11) | 3 hour difference
63%
5+ hours overlap
Good alignment for APAC regional coverage
| Category | Rating | Assessment | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coworking Spaces Density & quality | B+ | 20+ spaces including ASPACE, KMC, The Company. Quality concentrated in IT Park and Cebu Business Park. | Expanding |
| Work-Friendly Cafes WiFi & laptop policy | B+ | Good options in business districts. Bo's Coffee, The Civet Coffee, Abaca Baking Company offer reliable environments. | Growing |
| Internet Reliability Uptime & consistency | B+ | 96% uptime in IT Park, variable elsewhere. Globe and Converge provide fiber in business zones. | Improving |
| Housing Availability Rental market access | A | Good condo supply in business districts. Beach options on Mactan. Consider Lamudi, local Facebook groups. | Stable |
For US-based remote workers establishing Philippine residency in Cebu, the SRRV visa provides permanent status without work permit requirements for remote employment with foreign companies. Cebu's lower profile means less scrutiny than Manila, but compliance remains important.
Recommended Solution:
Engage an Employer of Record (EOR) service such as Deel or Remote.com to ensure compliant employment in the Philippines. EOR services handle local compliance while you maintain your existing employment relationship.
Note: This is general guidance. Consult with a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
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