In the Philippines, the concept of "common-law marriage" does not exist in the same way it does in Western jurisdictions. There is no period of time after which a couple is automatically considered "legally married" by the mere fact of cohabitation. Instead, the law categorizes these relationships as unions without marriage, primarily governed by the Family Code of the Philippines.

To "keep" a live-in arrangement legally stable involves understanding property rights, the status of children, and—if a foreign partner is involved—immigration constraints.

1. Property Relations Under the Family Code

The legal status of assets acquired during cohabitation depends on whether there are legal impediments to the couple marrying.

Article 147: For Couples Capacitated to Marry

This applies to a man and a woman who are both legally free to marry each other (e.g., both are single, of age, and not closely related) but choose to live together.

Co-ownership: Properties acquired through their joint efforts, work, or industry are owned by them in equal shares.
The "Care and Maintenance" Rule: Even if one partner did not contribute financially, their efforts in managing the household and caring for the family are considered a contribution to the "joint industry."
Presumption of Equality: In the absence of proof to the contrary, their contributions and shares are presumed equal.
Disposal of Property: Neither partner can sell or encumber any property owned in common without the consent of the other until the cohabitation ends.

Article 148: For Couples with Legal Impediments

This applies to couples where one or both are still legally married to others (adulterous or bigamous relationships) or are otherwise barred from marrying.

Actual Contribution Only: Unlike Article 147, there is no presumption of equality. Only the property acquired through actual joint contribution of money, property, or industry shall be owned in common.
Proof of Contribution: If a partner cannot prove they put money or effort into buying a specific property, it belongs solely to the partner who paid for it.
Forfeiture: If one partner is already married, their share in the co-ownership may be forfeited in favor of their legal spouse or their common children.

2. Status and Rights of Children

Children born to live-in partners are classified as illegitimate under Philippine law, which carries specific legal implications:

Parental Authority: The mother holds sole parental authority over illegitimate children.
Surname: Under Republic Act No. 9255, illegitimate children may use the father's surname if the father formally recognizes the child through the birth certificate or a "Private Handwritten Instrument."
Succession (Inheritance): Illegitimate children are legal heirs but generally receive only half of the legitime (mandatory inheritance) of a legitimate child.
Support: Both parents are legally obligated to provide support, regardless of the child's status.

3. Domestic Violence Protections (RA 9262)

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262) explicitly covers live-in relationships. The law protects women and their children from physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse committed by a partner with whom the woman "shares or shared a common household."

A live-in partner can be subject to a Protection Order (TPO or PPO), which may involve being legally barred from the residence, regardless of who owns the property.

4. Keeping a Foreign Partner Legally

If the live-in partner is a foreign national, there is no specific "Partner Visa" or "Fiancé Visa" for cohabitation in the Philippines. To stay legally, the foreign partner must utilize one of the following:

9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa: This requires regular extensions at the Bureau of Immigration.
9(g) Working Visa: If the partner finds local employment.
Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV): For those over 50 (or younger under specific programs) who can deposit the required funds.
Remote Work: While the "Digital Nomad Visa" has been discussed in legislation, foreign partners often stay on tourist visas while working remotely for companies outside the Philippines.

Note: The 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa is strictly reserved for those legally married to a Philippine citizen. Cohabitation does not qualify a foreigner for residency.

5. Summary Table: Property Comparison

Feature	Art. 147 (No Impediment)	Art. 148 (With Impediment)
Presumption of Equality	Yes (50/50)	No (Based on actual contribution)
Household Care as Work	Recognized as a contribution	Not recognized as financial contribution
Disposal of Property	Requires mutual consent	Can be sold by the owner-contributor
Common Assets	Wages and salaries are shared	Wages and salaries are individual

6. Practical Legal Safeguards

Because the law does not provide the same automatic protections as marriage (such as SSS/GSIS survivorship benefits or automatic health insurance coverage), live-in partners often use civil contracts to bridge the gap:

Joint Bank Accounts: For shared expenses.
Co-ownership Agreements: Formally registering land titles in both names as "co-owners."
Special Power of Attorney (SPA): To allow a partner to make medical or financial decisions in case of emergency.
Wills and Testaments: Since live-in partners are not "compulsory heirs," one must write a will to leave property to their partner (subject to the "free portion" of the estate).