Immigrate to Philippines and apply for Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) (2023)

FAQs

How long does it take to get SRRV visa Philippines? ›

The PRA can process your retiree visa application in as little as 15-days. However, missing documents or an incorrect application form can delay your process indefinitely. The SRR Visa application is filled with paperwork and required documents.

Processing of SRRV application will commence only upon receipt of complete documents and payment of necessary fees. In case tourist visa expires during the process period, the cost of extension will be shouldered by the applicant/s. Minimum processing period is 20 working days.

The SRRV is a lifetime visa and its holders are exempt from Bureau of Immigration requirements. SRRV-holders are also eligible to work, study or invest in the Philippines.

The bank balance required for a Philippines visa is the minimum amount you will need in your bank to be able to apply for a visa. The Philippines embassy has set this amount to be at least $1000.

Basic Requirements

The Medical and Police Clearances are valid up to 6 months from date of issuance. All documents issued outside of the Philippines must be translated in English, if necessary, and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consular Office nearest the applicant's residence.

Application fee – principal applicant: $1,400. Application fee – dependents: $300/dependent. Annual fee – covers 3 family members: $360. Annual fee – additional dependents: $100/dependent.

You are free to apply for a Philippines retirement visa through the SRRV program if: You are at least 35 years old and make a deposit of at least $50,000 in a bank account in the Philippines; or. You are at least 50 years old and have a pension.

If you wish to settle in The Philippines and you are at least 35 years old, you may apply for a Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV). The SRRV is granted by the Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA), and you may reside indefinitely in the Philippines with free entry and exit.

What does a retirement visa for the Philippines cost? A one-time application fee of $1,400 for a single applicant and $300 for each dependent. An annual fee of $360 (up to three family members) and $100 for each additional dependent.

The law states that the retirement pay is equivalent to at least 1/2-month salary for every year of service, a fraction of at least 6 months being considered as one whole year.

What are the requirements for a retirement visa? ›

PHILIPPINE VISA POLICY

No visa required for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days. Traveler must hold valid ticket for return journey to country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines.

US citizens can enter the Philippines Visa on Arrival and stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 59-days. After 59-days, US Citizens can extend their visa by 1, 2, or 6-months at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration office.

Remittance shall be made to your own Dollar Account in the PRA accredited banks in the Philippines such as Bank of Commerce, Banco De Oro (BDO), Philippine National Bank (PNB) & Union Bank, or PRA account in the Development Bank of the Philippines from outside of the Philippines.

The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the forms needed for obtaining a visa can be issued. This proof can come in the form of personal or family bank letters, bank statements, stock statements, company sponsorships, etc.

The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of US$10,000.00 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared to a Customs Officer or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The commercial banking system includes three U.S. foreign-branch banks: Citibank, which operates six full-service Citibank branches in key locations in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu; Bank of America; and JP Morgan Chase.

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No (for tourist travel under 30 days).

The Philippines' BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM allows a one-year visa-free stay for Filipinos working overseas and for former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in certain countries (refer to list of countries below).

SRRV Smile:

This scheme is for those who want to settle down and have a hassle-free retired life. The SRRV Smile visa for early retirees over age 35 is currently suspended though. Above 50 retirees can apply for the Philippines SRRV Smile.

What is the benefits of SRRV? ›

Moreover, the SRRV offers benefits which includes the exemption from the Exit Clearance, Re-Entry and Annual Registration requirements of the Bureau of Immigration, Travel Tax (provided the retiree has not stayed in the Philippines for more than a year from date of last entry) Special Study Permit, importation of ...

While some other countries offer foreigners retirement visas, sometimes known as silver cards, the United States does not have a retirement visa program – and has no current plans of creating one.

The PRA office will check your file and provide you with instructions, including payment details for the annual renewal fee (circa USD360).

The US and Philippines tax treaty provides the following as to private pension: (1) Except as provided in Article 20 (Governmental Functions), pensions and other similar remuneration paid to an individual in consideration of past employment shall be taxable by the Contracting State where the service is rendered.

Most expats in the Philippines live in the Metro Manila area, particularly in Makati City – home to many international corporations and the heart of the country's diplomatic community.

Natural-born Filipinos who have acquired the citizenship of another country through naturalization may retain or re-acquire their Philippine citizenship, making them dual citizens of both the Philippines and the country where they were naturalized.

Dumaguete is the best place to live in the Philippines for expats looking for the quintessential island lifestyle, with enough modern amenities to make expat life convenient.

C.

Returning balikbayan may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period one (1) year for tourism purposes.

The Philippines is a top-rated destination for expatriates. The country has a warm climate, friendly people, welcoming culture, and low living costs make the country an ideal destination for expats.

Generally an alien who is present in the Philippines for at least 2 years is a resident alien. An alien who stays in the Philippines for less than 2 years is considered a non-resident alien.

How much does a retirement visa cost in the Philippines? ›

What does a retirement visa for the Philippines cost? A one-time application fee of $1,400 for a single applicant and $300 for each dependent. An annual fee of $360 (up to three family members) and $100 for each additional dependent.

The commercial banking system includes three U.S. foreign-branch banks: Citibank, which operates six full-service Citibank branches in key locations in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu; Bank of America; and JP Morgan Chase.

Who can open a bank account in the Philippines? Anyone can open a bank account in the Philippines. In the past, non-residents, including those holding a temporary visitor's visa, couldonly open a foreign currency deposit account, or a peso account funded by foreign currency deposits converted to peso.

No. US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines. US citizens can enter the Philippines Visa on Arrival and stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 59-days. After 59-days, US Citizens can extend their visa by 1, 2, or 6-months at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration office.

The 6-month rule counts the total days (consecutive or not) in which you were outside of the U.S. This total must be less than 180 days if you want to avoid scrutiny. But remember, just being outside of the U.S. for less than 180 days in a year doesn't automatically mean the CBP official won't scrutinize your travels.

Dual Citizenship acquired by birth – A child born in the United States on or after 17 January 1973 when either or both parent/s was still a Filipino citizen is considered to be a dual citizen from birth.

Be at least 50 years old. Deposit at least $10,000 into a Philippines bank if you have guaranteed monthly income (covers you and two dependents) Deposit $15,000 for each additional dependent.

Former natural-born Filipinos can own land in the Philippines, subject to limitations prescribed by Philippine Republic Act 8179 (for residence purposes- up to 1000 square meters of urban land or one hectare of rural land) and Batas Pambansa 185 (for business or investment purposes 5000 square meters of urban land or ...

I'm a Balikbayan who has become a naturalized American citizen. Can I acquire Real Property in the Philippines? Yes, a natural born Filipino who has acquired American or any foreign citizenship may still own lands in the Philippines but with limitations in land area.

C.

Returning balikbayan may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period one (1) year for tourism purposes.