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Foreign nationals who enter the Philippines for long-term purposes must have the appropriate visa. The main types of Philippine visas issued for a longer duration include:
- Philippine Work Visa, which is issued to foreigners who will work for a Filipino company
- Philippine Student Visa, which is issued to foreigners who will pursue their studies in a Filipino educational institution
- Philippine Spouse Visa, which is issued to the spouses of Filipino citizens and/or their dependent children.
- Philippine Retirement Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to retire in the Philippines and have the necessary financial requirements to do so.
Philippine long-stay visas are issued for six months to three years, depending on the type of visa you apply for and other determining factors, such as the duration of your work contract.
Applying for a Philippines Long-Stay Visa
You can apply for a Philippines Long-Stay Visa in one of two ways:
- At an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines abroad; or
- At the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines, in which case you have to enter with a regular Tourist Visa and then convert it at the BI into the type of visa you need.
See how to apply for a Philippines Visa at an Embassy or Consulate.
Philippines Work Visa
Foreigners who want to work in the Philippines will have to obtain a Philippines Work Visa. In addition to that, they also need a Work Permit. These two documents are issued by different governing bodies in the Philippines.
How to get a Philippines Work Permit?
There are three main types of Work Permits that the Philippines government issues:
- Alien Employment Permit (AEP), for foreigners who have a long-term work contract with a company in the Philippines.
- Special Work Permit (SWP), for foreigners who will work in a Filipino company or do a short term assignment for up to 6 months.
- Provisional Work Permit (PWP), for foreigners who still haven’t received a Work Visa but want to start working while they wait. This is valid for up to three months and will become void once the Philippines Work Visa is issued.
Your employer has to submit the application for your work permit at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines. They must do this before you start working in their company.
It takes about 2-3 weeks for the DOLE to process an application for a Philippines Work Permit.
How to get a Philippines Work Visa?
Once the application for your Philippines Work Permit is approved, you have to apply for a Philippines Work Visa at the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines. This means that you have to enter the country first with a short-term visa and then change it into a Work Visa in the Philippines.
The Immigration Bureau in the Philippines can take up to three months, so you have to keep extending your Tourist Visa while you wait. Additionally, if you want to start working before your Philippines Work Visa is issued, you have to get a Provisional Work Permit.
What documents do you need for a Philippines Work Visa?
The documents you have to submit when applying for a Philippines Work Visa are:
- A Letter of Request for the Visa addressed to the Embassy/Consulate (by you and your employer)
- Copy of the Employment Contract or another equivalent document stating your salary, position, the duration and the nature of your work at the company in the Philippines.
- Photocopy of your employing company’s latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Copy of your Work Permit, issued by the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines
- Your employer has to obtain a Work Permit in the Philippines before you apply for the Work Visa
- Document showing the number of foreign and Filipino employees working in the company
- A Certificate of Police Clearance issued by the authorities in your country
- Health Certificate, including an X-Ray, issued by an authorized medical practitioner
- Any other documents as requested by the Embassy/Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines
Philippines Student Visa
Foreign students over the age of 18 who want to pursue their higher education in an educational institution accredited by the Bureau of Immigration need a Philippines Student Visa.
How to apply for a Philippines Student Visa?
You can apply for a Philippines Student Visa either in an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines near you. The application process is as follows:
- Get accepted into a Filipino school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration
- Your school applies to the Filipino Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to approve your application for studying in the Philippines
- The Commission on Higher Education notifies the Immigration Bureau on the decision.
- If your application was approved, the Bureau of Immigration forwards the decision to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), who then notifies the Consulate Embassy in which you will apply for your Philippines Student Visa.
You can also enter the Philippines on a Tourist Visa and then convert it into a Student Visa at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines.
What documents do you need when applying for a Student Visa?
When applying for a Philippines Student Visa, you need the following documents:
- Certificate of Acceptance from the school
- A Certificate of Good Moral Character, issued by your school
- A Certificate of Police Clearance issued by the authorities in your country
- Health Certificate, including an X-Ray, issued by an authorized medical practitioner
- Personal History Statement forms (forms you have to submit to the school you apply to, which detail your personal and family data, your physical appearance, educational background, etc)
- A list of any contacts you have in the Philippines
- Previous educational/academic qualifications (diploma or other)
- Your School Transcripts
- Your birth certificate
- Any other documents as requested by the Embassy/Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines
Philippines Spouse Visa
The Philippine Spouse Visa is a permanent residence visa, issued to foreigners who are married to Filipino citizens. However, this type of visa is only available to passport holders of the following countries:
| Algeria | Argentina | Australia | Austria | Belgium | Belize |
| Bolivia | Botswana | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Brazil | Canada | Cape Verde |
| Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica | Croatia | Cuba | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Ecuador | Egypt* | El Salvador | Estonia | Finland |
| Fiji | France | Gabon | Germany | Greece | Guatemala |
| Honduras | Hong Kong | Indonesia | Iraq | Ireland | Iceland |
| Israel | Italy | Japan | South Korea | Latvia | Lesotho |
| Libya* | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Macau | Malaysia | Malta** |
| Marshall Islands | Mexico | Micronesia | Monaco | Montenegro | The Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Nicaragua | Nigeria | Northern Mariana Island | Norway | Oman* |
| Papua New Guinea | Paraguay | Peru | Russia | Saudi Arabia* | Senegal |
| Serbia | Singapore | Slovak Republic | Slovenia | South Africa | Suriname |
| Sweden | Switzerland | Thailand | Trinidad and Tobago | Tunisia | Turkey |
| The United Kingdom | Uruguay | USA | Venezuela |
*Only male applicants who are married to a female Filipino citizen are eligible.
**Only if the couple has been married for at least five years.
How to apply for a Philippines Spouse Visa?
You can apply for a Philippines Spouse Visa either at an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines in your country of residence or enter with a Tourist Visa and convert it into a Spouse Visa at the Immigration Bureau.
What documents do you need when applying for a Spouse Visa?
When you apply for a Spouse Visa for the Philippines, you need the following supporting documents:
- A Letter of Request for the Visa addressed to the Embassy/Consulate (by you and your spouse)
- Passport of your Filipino spouse
- Birth Certificate of your Filipino spouse issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and in Security Paper (SECPA)
- Your Marriage Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and in Security Paper (SECPA)
- If you and your spouse were married abroad: Marriage Certificate duly translated and notarized (if it is not in English) and Apostilled/legalized by the Filipino Embassy
- A Certificate of Police Clearance issued by the authorities in your country
- Health Certificate, including an X-Ray, issued by an authorized medical practitioner
- Proof you and/or your spouse have sufficient financial means to live in the Philippines
- Any other documents as requested by the Embassy/Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines
Philippines Visa requirements for the dependent children of Filipino citizens
- Birth Certificate of the Filipino parent issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and in Security Paper (SECPA)
- Health Certificate, including an X-Ray, issued by an authorized medical practitioner.
- If the child is above 15 years of age: A Certificate of Police Clearance issued by the authorities in the minor’s country of residence.
- Any other documents as requested by the Embassy/Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines
Philippines Retirement Visa
The Philippines Retirement Visa is issued by the by the Bureau of Immigration and the Retirement Program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
Is is a permanent-stay visa issued to foreigners who want to retire in the Philippines. To be eligible, you will have to make a deposit in a bank approved by the Philippine Retirement Authority. The amount you have to deposit depends on your age and whether you have a pension; if you are a former Filipino citizen aged at least 35, the deposit can be as little as US$1,500. However, normally, you would need to make a deposit of US$10,000.
You can have dependents with you, but the financial requirements will be higher for each dependent.
How to apply for a Philippines Retirement Visa?
You have to apply for a Retirement Visa at the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines. This means you need a Tourist Visa to enter the country and submit the application.
What documents do you need when applying for a Retirement Visa?
The documents needed for a Philippines Retirement Visa are:
- A Certificate of Police Clearance issued by the authorities in your country
- Health Certificate, including an X-Ray, issued by an authorized medical practitioner
- Proof of deposit in a bank approved by the Philippine Retirement Authority:
- If you have a pension (over the age of 50): A deposit of US$10,000 and a monthly pension of US$800.00
- If you do not have a pension (aged 35-49): A deposit of US$50,000
- If you do not have a pension (over the age of 50): A deposit of US$20,000
- If you are a former Filipino citizen over the age of 35: A deposit of US$1,500
- If your spouse if joining you: Marriage Certificate, legalized by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in your country
- If your dependents are joining you: Birth Certificate, legalized by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in your country
- Any other documents as requested by the Embassy/Consulate or the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines.
Note: All applicants must have a standard set of documents when applying for a Philippines visa in addition to the visa-specific documents detailed above.
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FAQs
What are the different types of Filipino visa? ›
Travelers who go to the Philippines as foreign citizens can get one of the following types of visas to legally enter the country: Tourism, Electronic Travel Authorization, Non-Immigrant, Quota Immigrant, Service, and Long-Term visas for leisure, tourism, and extended stays longer than 90 days.
What are the 4 types of visas? ›Which type of visa do you need? Probably 1 of the 4 main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work. U.S. citizens can visit 143 countries and territories without a pre-approved visa.
What are the visa requirements for Philippines? ›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.
Most foreign nationals are given a 30-day period to stay in the country upon arrival, but that initial stay can be as few as 7 days and as many as 59 days, depending on the visitor's country of origin. This initial stay can be extended to a maximum stay of 16 months.
Can a US citizen live permanently in the Philippines? ›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.
Which is the easiest visa to get? ›- Lithuania. Lithuania is one of the easiest European countries to get a visa. ...
- Estonia. Estonia is next on the list of the easiest countries to get a visa in Europe. ...
- Finland. ...
- Iceland. ...
- Slovakia. ...
- Latvia. ...
- Czech Republic.
| Visa type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A | Foreign government officials and diplomats |
| A1, G-1, NATO1-6 | Visa renewals |
| A-2, NATO1-6 | Military personnel of a foreign country stationed in the U.S. |
| B-1 | Amateur and professional athletes who are competing for prize money Business visitors Nannies or domestic employees |
To extend your permit you must visit an office of the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines and submit an application for an extension at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
How long can a US permanent resident stay in the Philippines? ›Generally, you can stay outside the U.S. for up to one year. If you have been issued a Re-Entry Permit, which applicants must apply for while in the U.S., you can stay outside the United States as long as your Re-Entry Permit has not expired.
What are the requirements to travel to the Philippines from USA? ›- Passport valid for at least six (6) months at the time of entry.
- Valid visa, if applicable (for those who are not entitled to a visa-free entry in the Philippines, as well as those with immigrant or non-immigrant status)
- For temporary visitors: valid onward/return ticket.
How long can a US citizen Balikbayan stay in the Philippines? ›
Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office.
Do US citizens need a visa for Philippines? ›No (for tourist travel under 30 days).
Can a US citizen stay in the Philippines for more than a year? ›The maximum stay for a US citizen without a permanent residence visa is for 3-years. However, US citizens have visa options to stay in the Philippines permanently. Americans married to Filipinos can apply for a 13a, while US citizens over 50 can apply for the SRRV retirement visa.
Can a US citizen retire in the Philippines? ›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.
How much bank balance is required for Philippines visa? ›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.
How long can you stay in the Philippines with a US visa? ›You will be issued a three-month Single-Entry Visa and a six-month or one-year Multiple-Entry Visa. Visitors are permitted to stay for a maximum of 59 days per visa (meaning if you have a Multiple-Entry visa, you will need to exit and re-enter the Philippines after 59 days in the country).
Can a US citizen open a bank account in the Philippines? ›Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in the Philippines but the type of account you can open will depend on your status as a foreigner. If you have been living in the country for more than 180 days, you're classified as a resident alien.
Can a US citizen own a house in the Philippines? ›Foreigners are prohibited from owning land in the Philippines, but can legally own a residence. The Philippine Condominium Act allows foreigners to own condo units, as long as 60% of the building is owned by Filipinos. If you want to buy a house, consider a long-term lease agreement with a Filipino landowner.
Does Philippines allow dual citizenship with us? ›As a dual citizen, it is not mandatory to apply for a Philippine passport. You may use your US passport when travelling to the Philippines. You simply have to present your dual documents to the Philippine Immigration Officer as proof of Philippine citizenship, per the Bureau of Immigration's Operation Order No.
Which visa is easy to get from USA? ›For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code § 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
Which country visa is very difficult? ›
Saudi Arabia
One of the reasons why this country has a strict visa policy in place is because of yearly Muslim pilgrims who visit the country to complete the Hajj.
Emergency Visa for India (Urgent Indian Visa) can be applied on this https://www.indiavisa-online.org for any immediate and urgent need. This can be death in the family, illness of self or of a close relative or presence required in the court.
What is the world's best passport? ›No. 1 most powerful passport in the world: Japan
As of 2023, Japanese passport holders can visit 193 of 227 destinations visa-free, which is 85% of the world, according to data from the International Air Transport Association compiled by Henley & Partners.
Though the Henley index is widely cited, other reports — including last year's Global Citizen Solutions' Global Passport Index — named the U.S. passport the "world's most powerful," based on its ranking of investment, quality of life and enhanced mobility indices in 2022.
What is the number 1 passport in the world? ›This year sees Japan crowned number one for the fifth consecutive year, with Japanese citizens now able to visit 193 destinations out of 227 countries visa-free. South Korean and Singaporean passports are tied for second place with a visa-free score of 192.
How many different types of visas are there? ›There are two main categories of U.S. visas: Nonimmigrant visas – For travel to the United States on a temporary basis. Learn more. Immigrant visas – For travel to live permanently in the United States.
What is the most common type of visa? ›...
US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)
| Visa | Purpose of stay |
|---|---|
| B-1 Visa (Business Visitor) | For business travelers who stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days |
| B-2 Visa (Tourist) | For tourists who want to stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days |
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Schengen visas (type C) can only be applied for through our external service provider TLScontact.
How can I stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days? ›If the intended stay in the Philippines is beyond 30 days, an application for a temporary visa must be filed at the Consulate. There are nationals of other countries who are classified as Restricted Nationals by the Philippine Government.
How many times can I extend my stay in the Philippines? ›Tourists may now avail of visa extensions for a maximum of six months under a single transaction with the BI. The LSVVE allows temporary visitors to prolong their stay in the Philippines without the need to frequently visit the Bureau of Immigration to process their documents.
How much does it cost to extend stay in Philippines? ›
Visa On Arrival Extension Fees After 6 Months
Fine for Overstaying – 500 PHP per month past visa validity date. Additional costs for a motion for reconsideration for overstaying visa validity date– 500 PHP + 10 PHP for the LRF.
The ACR I-card costs USD 50.00 plus a fee of PHP 500.00. There are many types of visas for Residency in the Philippines for Foreigners and returning residents. The process is all common; however, the requirements and fees are different for each type.
Can I lose my US citizenship if I live abroad? ›No Longer Can One Lose U.S. Citizenship By Living in Another Country. At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for "abandoning" their U.S. residence.
Are green card holders living abroad eligible for Social Security benefits? ›You don't need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Social Security retirement benefit. It doesn't matter whether you are a U.S. citizen or not.
How long can a dual citizen stay in the Philippines? ›You can stay in the Philippines indefinitely provided that upon your arrival in the Philippines you present before the Philippine Immigration Officer your valid US/Foreign passport and your Dual Citizenship Documents. EXCEPTION: when you travel with your Foreign Husband/Wife/Child.
Who can enter Philippines without visa? ›- European Countries.
- Andorra.
- Angola.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Argentina.
- Australia.
- Bahamas.
- Bahrain.
Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to the Philippines? All arrivals to the Philippines must present a negative test no older than 24 hours and proof of vaccination. Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt.
Can a Balikbayan own a house in the Philippines? ›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.
Who qualifies for Balikbayan program? ›Filipino citizens' foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are traveling with them; and. Former Filipino citizens, together with their foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are traveling with them.
Can a former Filipino citizen enter Philippines without visa? ›Former Filipino nationals can travel to the Philippines without a visa for a stay of up to one year. Their immediate family (spouse and children) also benefit from this visa waiver when travelling together.
How can I stay long term in the Philippines? ›
- At an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines abroad; or.
- At the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines, in which case you have to enter with a regular Tourist Visa and then convert it at the BI into the type of visa you need.
How Much Is the Philippines Visa Fee? The visa for the Philippines costs around $37 USD. Depending on how you obtain the visa as a foreign citizen, you may incur processing fees that can range from $20 USD to $60 USD.
How much is a 6 month visa extension in the Philippines? ›| Type of TVE Task | |
|---|---|
| 1-Month Extension after 6 months of stay | 7,340.00 |
| 2-Month Extension after 6 months of stay | 8,640.00 |
| 6-month Extension | 17,400.00 |
| Fine for Late Filing of TVE (for every month of delay) | 1,010.00 |
This visa will allow the Applicant to stay in the Philippines indefinitely provided the conditions of the visa are maintained, i.e. a valid marriage with a Filipino citizen, among others. The process usually takes 2 – 3 months from complete submission of the documentary requirements.
Can American get permanent residency in the Philippines? ›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 is the easiest visa to get from Philippines? ›- China: Any typical working Filipino can easily apply for the visa of China as the country has straight forward requirements for visa application. ...
- Korea: ...
- New Zealand: ...
- Russia:
In the Philippines, the most common types of special visas are special immigrant visas and special non-immigrant work visas.
What is B1 and B2 visa type? ›The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
How long can I get a visa to stay in the Philippines? ›The maximum duration of stay is: Single Entry - 59 days. Multiple Entry - 59 days per entry.
Can a US citizen travel to the Philippines without a visa? ›TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No (for tourist travel under 30 days).
What are the requirements to travel to Philippines from USA? ›
- Passport valid for at least six (6) months at the time of entry.
- Valid visa, if applicable (for those who are not entitled to a visa-free entry in the Philippines, as well as those with immigrant or non-immigrant status)
- For temporary visitors: valid onward/return ticket.
The 13a marriage visa allows foreign spouses of Filipino Nationals to live permanently in the Philippines. The main requirements for the 13a visa are: A Philippine citizen partner. A valid marriage certificate recognized by the Philippines.
How long can former Filipino stay in the Philippines? ›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).
Who is eligible for B1 visa? ›You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to: Consulting with business associates.
What is visa Type B? ›The B is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the U.S. temporarily for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). Nationals of certain countries are also eligible to enter temporarily for business or pleasure under the Visa Waiver Program.
How many years is a B1 B2 visa? ›While B-1 or B-2 visas may be valid up to 10 years, visitors on B-1 or B-2 will only be permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration (maximum 6 months), as granted by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
How much is a 1 year visa to Philippines? ›Visa Fee: $30.00 – Single Entry Visa valid for 90 days. $60.00 – Multiple Entry Visa valid for 6 months. $90.00 – Multiple Entry Visa valid for 1 year.
How long can a person from the Philippines stay in the US? ›You need to get an American B1/B2 visa because it is a mandatory document to enter and visit the US. This visa has many benefits. It is valid for 10 years after issued and allows you to stay a maximum of 180 days Per Entry in the US.