Visas & Immigration for Foreigners in the Philippines
An overview of the main visa options available to foreigners wishing to stay long-term in the Philippines. Requirements, fees, and procedures change frequently — always verify with official government sources before applying.
Legal disclaimer — Philippine visa and immigration requirements
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, tax, or financial advice. Philippine laws and government requirements change frequently. This page was last reviewed in March 2026 and may already be outdated. Never make immigration, property, tax, or financial decisions based solely on this page. Consult a licensed Philippine attorney or registered professional before taking any action.
Bureau of Immigration (BI)
immigration.gov.phPrimary authority for all visa applications and extensions. Main office: Intramuros, Manila. Regional offices in major cities.
Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
pra.gov.phAdministers the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV). Separate from BI.
Tourist Visa (9a) — The Starting Point
Citizens of over 150 visa-exempt countries (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and many others) can enter the Philippines without a visa and receive an initial 30-day stamp on arrival. Some nationalities receive 14 or 59 days depending on bilateral agreements. Verify your specific nationality at evisa.gov.ph/page/policy.
Extension timeline (approximate — verify with BI)
- • First extension: 30 days → 59 days (adds 29 days). Fee: approx ₱3,030. Can now be done online via BI eServices.
- • Subsequent extensions: 1-month, 2-month, or 6-month (LSVVE) increments. Fees: approx ₱2,430–₱13,900 depending on duration and visa type
- • Maximum stay (non-restricted nationals): 36 months total before exit required
- • Maximum stay (visa-required nationals): 24 months total
- • Extensions must be done before expiry — overstaying incurs fines of approx ₱500/month plus administrative fees
- • eTravel registration required within 72 hours before all arrivals at etravel.gov.ph
Sources: BI official — Visa Waiver page · DFA/BI eVisa Policy · GuidePH — Extension Guide 2026
SRRV — Special Resident Retiree's Visa
The SRRV is administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and provides an indefinite multiple-entry resident visa for qualifying retirees. It is one of the most popular long-term visa options for foreigners who are not married to Filipino citizens and do not have a Philippine work arrangement.
⚠️ Major program revision — effective September 1, 2025
The PRA overhauled the SRRV under the Expanded SRRV Program effective September 1, 2025. The old categories (Smile, Classic, Human Touch) have been restructured. The minimum age was lowered to 40. Deposit requirements were revised upward. Always verify current requirements directly at pra.gov.ph before proceeding. Source: ACCRALAW, Oct 2025.
SRRV Classic — Updated deposit schedule (effective Sep 1, 2025)
Age 50+ with pension (≥ USD 800/mo solo, USD 1,000/mo with dependents)
USD 15,000 deposit
Age 50+ without pension
USD 30,000 deposit
Age 40–49 with qualifying pension
USD 25,000 deposit
Age 40–49 without pension
USD 50,000 deposit
Source: IMI Daily · ACCRALAW, Oct 2025 · pra.gov.ph (official)
SRRV Courtesy (reduced deposits for qualifying categories)
Former Filipino citizens, retired diplomats, military personnel, and recognized professionals qualify for significantly lower deposits: USD 1,500 (age 50+) or USD 3,000 (age 40–49) with pension; USD 3,000–6,000without pension. Contact PRA directly for eligibility confirmation.
Key SRRV facts
The required deposit is held in a PRA-accredited Philippine bank (DBP, PNB, BDO, UnionBank, and others). It is refundable if you surrender the visa after proper procedures. Under conditions, the deposit can be converted to purchase a PRA-approved condominium or long-term lease investment.
SRRV holders are exempt from BI annual reporting, the ACR I-Card requirement, and exit clearances. Duty-free importation of personal effects up to USD 7,000 is allowed within 90 days of issuance. Working in the Philippines requires a separate Alien Employment Permit (AEP).
13A — Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (Marriage to Filipino Citizen)
Foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens are eligible for the 13A immigrant visa, which grants permanent residency status in the Philippines. This is generally considered the most stable long-term immigration option for those in qualifying marriages.
General requirements (verify with BI)
- • Valid marriage certificate (PSA-authenticated)
- • Proof of Filipino citizenship of spouse
- • Police clearance from country of origin
- • Medical examination results
- • Proof of financial capacity
- • Initial probationary 13A valid for 1 year, then permanent status after renewal
9g — Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
Foreign nationals employed by Philippine-registered companies require a 9g work visa. This visa is typically applied for by the employer (as the petitioner) on behalf of the foreign national. It requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a prerequisite in most cases.
ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration)
Any foreign national staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days is required to obtain an ACR I-Card from the Bureau of Immigration. This is a biometric identification card that serves as your official alien registration document.
General requirements
- • Valid passport with current visa
- • Completed application form (available at BI)
- • Application fee (verify current amount at immigration.gov.ph)
- • Biometric enrollment at BI office
- • Card valid for 1–5 years depending on visa type
Failure to obtain an ACR I-Card within the required period can result in fines. Apply at the nearest BI office with your passport.
Bureau of Immigration Philippines
immigration.gov.phAll visa applications, extensions, ACR I-Cards, and immigration queries. eServices portal: e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Always verify fees and requirements directly with BI before applying.
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