Visa Services

Bureau of Immigration Philippines

We are proud of the fact that we offer our clients the best possible service at all times while maintaining our reputation for always securing our client’s Visa approvals. We have dedicated the past decade we have been in business to ensure we can always give our clients the best possible chance of securing their Visa approval.

Why choose a Visa Expert to assist you?

Philippines immigration system was designed to allow you, the individual, to apply yourself but you have to ask…why are there so many companies out there offering services like Xternal Co?
The simple answer is that the current immigration system can be complicated, contradictory and on occasion downright misleading. Rest assured that we experience the very same frustrations that our clients face when dealing with the process of securing a Visa, but the fundamental difference between us is knowledge and decade worth of experience. Visa approvals are what we live and breathe daily, so we don’t get caught out, like many people applying on their own, by frequent internal policy changes or not knowing the latest reasons given when refusing a Visa application.

We offer Assistance In Processing:

  • 13a Immigrant Visa by Marriage
  • PRV Permanent Resident Visa
  • 13g Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizen
  • 13e Returning Resident
  • 13 Quota Visa
  • Non Immigrant Visa
  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
  • Temporary Visitor Visa (9a)
  • Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor (9D)
  • Student Visa (9F)
  • Pre Arrange Visa 9G Working VISA
  • SVEG Special Visa

Special Non-Immigrant (47(a)(2))

Foreign nationals are Eligible to Apply for 47(a)(2) Visas who are coming to the Philippines for a temporary period only. This visa is usually given to foreign employees of enterprises registered with economic zones, such as Export/Special Economic Processing Zones, Philippine Economic zone Authority (PEZA), Board of Investments (BOI), or Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB).

Special Non-Immigrant (47(a)(2) is valid for one (1) year and requires the sponsorship by the employer. Foreign national employees may not exceed 5% of the total work force employed by the sponsoring company. Holders of this visa are exempted from ACR I-card requirement

BOI

  • BOI (Board of Investments) Application Form;
    • Duly signed undertaking in the form of Board Resolution;
    • An Understudy Information Sheet, Designation of Understudy, and Understudy Training Program (if applicable);
    • Authenticated passport with valid visa;
    • A Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the application of the Special Non-Immigrant Visa (for elective officers);
    • Affidavit of Support from BOI registered company;
    • Company organizational chart; and
    • Resume and bio-data of the foreigner applying for the visa.

PEZA

  • Letter of Request to PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) on company’s behalf;
    • Authenticated passport with valid visa;
    • A Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the application of the Special Non-Immigrant Visa (for elective officers);
    • Current service contract;
    • Resume and bio-data of the foreigner applying for the visa.

DOJ

  • DOJ (Department of Justice) application form;
    • Certificate of BOI/PEZA Registration and the terms and conditions;
    • Authenticated passport with valid visa;
    • A Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the application of the Special Non-Immigrant Visa (for elective officers);
    • Current Service Contract (for non-elected positions); and
    • Affidavit of Support from BOI/PEZA registered company.

Xternal Co Service for Special Non-Immigrant (47(a)(2) Visa includes:

  1. Tax Identification Number (TIN) application
  2. Alien Employment Permit (AEP) application
  3. Special Non-Immigrant 47a2 Application with PEZA / BOI/ DOJ

Tourist Visa (Pleasure or Business) — 9(a) Visa

Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines for a short period of time, whether for tourism, business or medical purposes will be issued the 9(a) or Temporary Visitor’s Visa, a non-immigrant visa. They can enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 30 days. 9(a) visa holders are allowed to have an initial period of stay of 59 days in the Philippines. If they intend to stay longer than this period, they may apply for extension of authorized period of stay at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila.

Bureau of Immigration Registration Requirements:

  • Bureau of Immigration Registration, or office of the municipal or city treasurer in areas outside Manila;
  • Passport with valid entry visa

Procedure:

Foreign national must only proceed to the Bureau of Immigration for processing.

Tourist Visa Extension

Foreign nationals staying in the Philippines for longer than 30 days will need to organize a visa extension. Essentially, visas will need to be extended every 2 months. The maximum length of time allowed to extend a visa is for 16 months. Extensions of stay after 16 months, up to 24 months, need the approval of the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division. Extension of stay after 24 months need the approval of the Commissioner.

In order to extend a visa, foreign nationals need to visit the office of the Bureau of Immigration before their visa expires. Anytime from a week before to the day before is acceptable.

Alien Employment Permit (AEP)

An Alien Employment Permit is a document issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which authorizes a foreign national to work in the Philippines. The AEP is a pre-requisite for a number of Philippine work and employment visas.

Who are the foreign nationals required to apply for an AEP?

  • All foreign nationals who aim to involve in gainful employment in the Philippines;
  • Foreign professionals who are allowed to exercise their profession in the Philippines under reciprocity and other international agreements and in consultancy services pursuant to Section 7(j) of the PRC Modernization Act of 2000.
  • Holders of Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV), Special Retirees Resident Visa (SRRV), Treaty Traders Visa (9d) or Special Non-Immigrant Visa (47(a)2) for as long as they occupy any executive, advisory, supervisory, or technical position in any establishment.

Who are exempted from securing AEP?

  1. Members of the diplomatic services and foreign government officials accredited by the Philippine government;
  2. Officers and staff of international organizations of which the Philippine government is a cooperating member, and their legitimate spouses desiring to work in the Philippines;
  3. Foreign nationals elected as members of the Governing Board who do not occupy any other position, but have only voting rights in the corporation;
  4. All foreign nationals granted exemption by special laws and all other laws that may be promulgated by the Congress;
  5. Owners and representatives of foreign principals, whose companies are accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), who come to the Philippines for a limited period solely for the purpose of interviewing Filipino applicants for employment abroad;
  6. Foreign nationals who come to the Philippines to teach, present and/or conduct research studies in universities and colleges as visiting, exchange or adjunct professors under formal agreements between the universities or colleges in the Philippines and foreign universities or colleges; or between the Philippine government and foreign government; provided that the exemption is on a reciprocal basis; and
  7. Resident foreign nationals and temporary or probationary resident visa holders employed or seeking employment in the Philippines.

What are the requirements in the filing of application for AEP?
– Duly accomplished Application Form;

– Photocopy of Passport, with visa or Certificate of Recognition for refugees;

– Contract of Employment/ Appointment or Board Secretary’s Certificate of Election;

– Photocopy of Mayor’s Permit to operate business or in case of locators in economic zones, Certification from the PEZA or the Ecozone Authority that the company is located and operating within the ecozone;

– Photocopy of current AEP (if for renewal)

Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card

The Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card is a microchip-based credit card-sized identification card that has biometric features that can hold certain data and be updated electronically. Tourists who extend their stay past 59 days have to obtain an ACR card as do students and employees with a pre-arranged employee visa. All registered foreigners and their dependents living in the Philippines with an immigrant visa are required to get an ACR card.

The advantage of this ACR-I card is that you can open a bank account, register a car or a motorbike or even get a driver license without being a permanent resident.

Since July 16, 2015 new ACR-I cards in different colors are issued. Long stay tourists (more than 59 days) get a white ACR-I card.

The card contains personal information, a photo, your status and date of entry to the Philippines, visa type, fingerprints among other things.

This card serves as a Re-entry Permit (RP), Emigration Clearance Certificate and Special Return Certificate (SRP) of the holder upon payment of required fees. This will serve as the immigrant’s certificate of residence in the Philippines. This is commonly applicable to all foreigners residing in manila who wants to retire or stay in the Philippines.

The different categories of the ACR I-Card

  1. Permanent Resident
    13 Quota RA 7919, 13(a) EO 324, 13(b) PD 730, 13(c) MCL-07-021, 13(d) MCL-08-003, 13(e) Permanent, 13(g)
    b. Native Born
    c. Special Non-Immigrant
    47(a)(2) non exempt EO 758, 47(b) PD 1623, RA 8756 SVEG, PD 1034
    d. Worker
    9(g) Commercial Missionary
    9(g) Missionary
    e. Probationary Resident
    13(a) probationary, Temporary Resident Visa, MCL-07-021 probationary
    f. Voluntary Registrant
    Balikbayan All Economic Zone Visas, Tourist less than 59 days SIRV, 47(a)(2) exempt SRRV
    g. Tourist
    Temporary Visitors who will stay/have stayed for more than 59 days SWP, SSP
    h. Student
    Sec 9(f)
    i. Treaty Trader
    Sec 9(d)
    j. Gratis
    RA 7837 (Veterans)
    C.A. 613, 47 (b)

The corresponding color assignment of each category

Visa CategoryAssigned Color
Permanent ResidentLight Yellow
Native-BornBronze
Special Non-ImmigrantDark Purple
WorkerBlue
Probationary ResidentLight Purple
Voluntary RegistrantRed
TouristWhite
StudentAqua Blue
Treaty TraderGray
GratisGreen

9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

The 9(g) or Pre-Arranged Employee Visa Commercial is the most common type of work visa availed by Foreign nationals who will be employed in the Philippines with executive, technical, managerial, or highly confidential position in a company for at least one year. They can apply for a 9G visa, under Sec. 9(g) of the Philippine Immigration Act.

This visa allows the holder multiple entries and exits into and out of the country while employed by a company registered or licensed to do business and existing under Philippine laws.  With the 9g visa, the foreigner is entitled to legitimately work and stay in the country for a duration permitted by the Bureau of Immigration, which should correspond with his employment contract.

A pre-requisite to this visa is the Alien Employment Permit (AEP), issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The entire visa processing (including the AEP) generally takes 2 – 3 months to process. The AEP alone takes 2 – 3 weeks to process in the Labor Department upon submission of complete requirements.  While waiting for the approval of the 9g visa, the applicant who needs to stay in the country even with an AEP, should continuously update his immigration status by extending his tourist visa.

If the foreign employee is required to work immediately even while the visa is in process, a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) is required. The PWP is a document, which authorizes the foreigner to start working even while his AEP or 9g visa is still in process. It can be filed as soon as the AEP application is filed and can be obtained after 2 weeks.

Requirements:

  • Letter of request from the petitioning company;
  • Accomplished and duly notarized application form (Form MCL-07-01);
  • Alien Employment Permit (AEP);
  • Clearance certificate issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI);
  • Any other documents which will assist in the evaluation process;
  • Authenticated copy of the passport showing current valid visa; and
  • Certified true copies of the Marriage Contract, Birth Certificates (authenticated at Philippine Embassy if issued abroad), if to be accompanied by spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old. 

Procedure:

  • Obtaining an AEP from the DOLE, and establish that no individual located within the Philippines is willing and able to perform the position and service for which the foreigner is being hired;
  • Submit a letter to the BI stating the admission of the alien will be beneficial to the public interest; and
  • During the approval process, the proposed foreigner may apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP) which is issued for a period of 3 months while the 9G visa is being released.

Xternal Co Service for 9g Visa includes:

  1. Tax Identification Number (TIN) application with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
  2. Alien Employment Permit (AEP) application with the Department of Labor and Employment
  3. 9(g) Visa Application with the Bureau of Immigration
  4. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) Visa Application with the Bureau of Immigration

Special Working Permit

The Special Work Permit (SWP) is a work permit for short term assignments/employment of up to 6 months. Foreign nationals who legally enters the Philippines on a temporary or tourist visa and aims to get involved in a professional task or profitable operation but not considered for purely employment in the Philippines, can apply for a special work permit (SWP).

A locally registered company must be willing to serve as the Petitioner. The initial application for SWP is good for 3 months and extendible for another 3 months. During the duration of the SWP validity, the status of the foreign national remains as tourist. Thus, tourist visa extension must be done if necessary.

The approval of the SWP normally takes between 2 – 3 weeks. Once issued, the Bureau of Immigration will grant an Official SWP order of approval which will serve as the work permit.

SWPs are usually issued, but limited, to:

  • Professional athletes visiting and competing only for a limited period;
  • Foreign nationals who perform emergency or exceptional temporary services, but did not secure a pre-arranged employment visa; and
  • Artists, musicians, and other performers.
Requirements:
  • Letter of request from the Petitioning Company.
  • Notarized copy of applicant’s passport with valid visa.
  • An Affidavit of Support of the Petitioning Company.
  • Authenticated true copy of employment contract specifying exact fiscal compensation to be earne
Procedure:
  • Secure the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) from the Bureau of Immigration;
  • Submit the documents for pre-screening for processing;
  • Secure the Order of Payment Slip (OPS);
  • Pay the required fees;
  • Submit a copy of Official Receipt; and
  • Claim the approved SWP upon presentation of photocopy of receipts.

Provisional Work Permit

Foreign nationals who are on temporary visitor visas who desires to begin work, and whose employment visa application, either a 9g or 9d, is in progress can apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

A PWP is normally valid for three (3) months from the date of issuance or until the 9g visa is issued, whichever comes first. Foreign nationals who mean to start employment while their Alien Employment Permit is pending for approval from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) must also secure the PWP to be allowed to work in the country. This work permit is extendible until a work visa has been approved.

Processing of PWP takes around seven working days when complete documents have been submitted to the Bureau of Immigration.

Requirements

  • Employment Contract
  • Photocopy of Passport with valid visa
  • Alien Employment Permit
  • Letter request from petitioning company
  • ITR of the company

9(d) Treaty Trader’s Visa

The Philippines has a treaty trader / investor admission agreement with Germany, Japan, and the United States. According to Sec. 9D of the Philippine Immigration Act, a foreign investor is entitled to enter the Philippines as a treaty trader if he is a national of these countries. The term “treaty trader” is meant to include any treaty investor or a foreign national employed by a treaty investor in a supervisory or executive position. The employee wishing to apply for a 9D visa must be of the same nationality as the majority shareholder of the sponsoring firm.

Apart from the requirements, the foreign investor must prove that: he or his employer’s purpose is to engage in substantial trade between the Philippines and their particular country; or to develop or direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested, or are in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital. Substantial trade refers to a non-nationalized business in which the investment is at least US$120,000.00 as well as the equally important factor of the volume of business conducted.

Requirements:
  • Letter of request from the petitioning company;
  • Accomplished and duly notarized application form (Form MCL-07-01);
  • Alien Employment Permit (AEP);
  • Clearance certificate issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI);
  • Any other documents which will assist in the evaluation process;
  • Authenticated copy of the passport showing current valid visa; and
  • Certified true copies of the Marriage Contract, Birth Certificates (authenticated at Philippine Embassy if issued abroad), if to be accompanied by spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old. 
Procedure:
  1. Obtaining an AEP from the DOLE, and establish that no individual located within the Philippines is willing and able to perform the position and service for which the foreigner is being hired;
  2. Submit a letter to the BI stating the admission of the alien will be beneficial to the public interest; and
  3. During the approval process, the proposed foreigner may apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP) which is issued for a period of 3 months while the visa is being released.

13(a) Immigrant Visa or Marriage Visa

The 13(a) Non-Quota Visa is issued to foreign nationals who have contracted a valid marriage, recognized by Philippine laws, with a Filipino citizen.  The petitioner of the visa must be the Filipino spouse. While waiting for the visa approval, the Applicant must stay in the Philippines under a tourist visa and extend the status as applicable.

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 required documents.  If application is approved, the Applicant will initially be given 1-year probationary status after which, the same will be re-evaluated to determine if the Applicant is qualified for conversion to permanent resident status. The 13(a) visa holders are exempt from securing an alien employment permit.

While the 13(a) visa is being processed, a Special Work Permit (SWP) is advisable if employed. SWPs are valid for 3 months and renewable for another 3 months. Continuous physical presence in the Philippines is recommended during the visa processing period to avoid the need for re-validation.

Required documents:

  • A notarized letter of application from Filipino spouse.
  • A notarized general application form (yes, it should be filled in).
  • An authenticated birth certificate of Filipino spouse.
  • A copy of foreign spouse’s passport showing current visa (date of arrival must be visible).
  • A clearance certificate issued by the department of immigration.
  • A barangay certificate attesting to the fact that you and your spouse live together as husband and wife.
  • Police clearance from your own country if you have been in the Philippines less than 6 months. A clearance certificate from the NBI will also be required if you have been here more than 6 months. Source.
  • The appropriate fees, totaling around 20,000 pesos.

Xternal Co Service for 13(A) Non-Quota Visa includes:

  1. 13(a) Probationary/Permanent Visa application with the Bureau of Immigration
  2. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  3. Medical Clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine
  4. 13(a) ACR I-Card with the Bureau of Immigration

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is given to foreign nationals whose country does not have an existing reciprocity agreement in the Philippines but have a valid marriage, recognized by Philippine laws, with a Filipino citizen.

This visa allows the Applicant to stay in the Philippines for five (5) years if the conditions of the visa are maintained, i.e. a valid marriage with a Filipino citizen, among others. The visa can then be extended as needed.

According to the Immigration Administrative Order No. SBM-2014-006, the passports of applicants are required to be surrendered to the Bureau while the application is ongoing and will be returned to the applicant via courier service delivery upon proper disposition of the same. Any request for pull-out of a required document (e.g. passport, birth/marriage certificate) while the application is still ongoing will be considered an act of abandonment of the current application. Moreover, the application shall be dismissed and all payments made with reference to the application shall not be subject to refund.

The process generally takes 1 – 2 months from complete submission of the required documents. TRV holders are exempt from securing an alien employment permit should they wish to be employed in the Philippines. However, while the TRV is being processed, a Special Work Permit (SWP) is advisable if locally employed. SWPs are valid for 3 months and renewable for another 3 months.

Continuous physical presence in the Philippines is recommended during the visa processing period to avoid the need for re-validation.

Xternal Co Service for Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) includes:

  1. TRV application with the Bureau of Immigration
  2. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  3. Medical clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine
  4. TRV ACR I-Card with the Bureau of Immigration

Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)

The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) a special visa issued to a qualified non-immigrant foreigner. This entitles the holder to reside in the Philippines, permitting multiple entry privileges, so long as his investments, as well as the other assets, remain in the Philippines. The SVEG is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon endorsement of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Foreign nationals who are granted SVEG shall have multiple entry privileges and is exempted from payment of exit clearance certificate and special return certificate. He shall be issued a one (1) year probationary SVEG which could be amended to indefinite stay.

SVEG may be extended to the legal spouse of the qualified foreign national as well as their dependent unmarried children below eighteen (18) years of age, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted. The special non-immigrant status of children of SVEG holders shall cease upon reaching the age of eighteen (18), in which case, they are required to downgrade their visas to temporary visitor’s visa.

Subject to the restrictions imposed by the Constitution and existing laws, the SVEG shall be issued to a foreign national who shall employ at least ten (10) Filipinos in an entity, firm, partnership or corporation on a long-term basis in the Philippines.

SVEG conditions:

  1. The foreigner shall actually, directly, or exclusively engage in a viable and sustainable business investment/enterprise in the Philippines, performs management acts, or has the authority to hire, promote, endorse, and dismiss employees;
  2. He demonstrates a genuine intent to indefinitely remain in the Philippines;
  3. He is not a risk to national Philippine security; and
  4. The foreigner’s commercial business investment or enterprise must provide actual employment to at least 10 Full-Time/Regular Filipino workers in accordance with Philippine labor laws and other applicable special laws.

These requirements must be continually satisfied every year by the foreigner, for him/her to continue to be a holder of the SVEG.

SVEG Application Process

  1. Upon payment of regulatory fees, the Commissioner of Immigration shall receive and resolve SVEG applications within 15 days from the date of filing.
  2. Upon favorable review, the Commissioner of Immigration shall issue a Notice of Approval directing the foreigner-applicant to report for registration and documentation at the Bureau of Immigration. An Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card and an Identification Certification (IC) shall be issued upon payment of appropriate fees.
  3. If the application is denied, the Commission shall issue a Notice of Disapproval informing the foreigner-applicant of the denial of his application. The applicant may move to reconsider within 15 days from receipt of such disapproval.
  4. The Commissioner of Immigration shall monitor the continued compliance by the foreigners of the requirements of the SVEG.

Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Republic of the Philippines under the Retirement Program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to foreigners and overseas Filipinos which entitles the holder to reside permanently or indefinitely in the Philippines, permitting multiple entry privileges, so long as the requirements of the visa remain in the Philippines.

Any foreigner, who is at least thirty-five (35) years of age, is eligible to apply for an SRRV provided he meets at least one of the SRRV programs’ requirements.

The deposit may be converted into an active investment. The total amount of investment must be at least US$50,000 for conversion to be allowed. There are programs which only allow qualified retirees to convert their time deposit into active investments after a holding period of thirty (30) days from the date of SRRV issuance.  He can choose to invest their deposit through the following means:

  • Purchase, acquisition, and ownership of a condominium unit;
  • Long-term lease of house and lot, condominium or townhouse for a period not shorter than twenty (20) years; or
  • Purchase, acquisition, and ownership of golf or country club shares.

The SRRV holder will be exempted from securing an Alien Certificate Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card).  Such general requirement by the BI is replaced with a PRA Membership Identity Card.

Retirement Option and their Required Time Deposit:

The SRRV program of the PRA requires the foreign national to have a certain amount of deposit in any PRA-accredited bank in the Philippines. The amount has to be deposited via inward remittance.

  1. With Pension – 50 years old and above – the required time deposit is US$10,000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000 for couple.
  2. Without Pension
  • 35 to 49 years old – US$50,000.00 time deposit
  • 50 years old and above – US$20,000.00 time deposit
  • Former Filipino Citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of the number of dependents – US$1,500.00)
  • Ambassadors of Foreign Countries who served and retired in the Philippines, current and former staff members of international organizations including ADB (at least 50 years old) – US$1,500.00
  1. A resident retiree can bring with him, without additional deposit, his spouse and child who is unmarried and under 21 years old. The said time deposit however, is subject the same and conditions with that of the principal deposit. This does not apply to former Filipino Citizens.

Can SRRV holder own real property in the Philippines?

No. If he or she is legally married to a Philippine citizen, he or she may construct a residential unit on a parcel of land owned and/or registered in the name of Philippine spouse. Natural-born former Filipinos whose SRRV has been issued may own/acquire a maximum area of 5,000 square meters of urban land and three (3) hectares of agricultural land.

Is the dollar deposit convertible to other currency?

The dollar deposit may be converted into peso after 30 days upon issuance of the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).

Where do I get the approval of the SRRV?

The approval of your application will come from the Bureau of Immigration. The pre-evaluation of the application is made by the Philippine Retirement Authority where applications are filed.

How long is the processing time?

Processing time takes seven to ten working days upon receipt of complete requirements.

Is there an additional deposit for unmarried children if they are following or accompanying me?

Yes. There is an additional deposit of US$15,000.00 or any equivalent acceptable foreign currency for each additional legitimate or legally adopted unmarried child under twenty-one (21) years of age.

What are the benefits with SSRV?

  1. Permanent non-immigrant status with multiple-entry privileges through the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa;
  2. Exemption from customs duties and taxes for the importation of personal effects;
  3. Exemption from Exit Clearance and Re-entry Permits;
  4. Exemption from payment of travel tax provided the retiree has not stayed in the Philippines for more than one year from date of his last entry into the country;
  5. Conversion of the requisite deposit into active investments, including purchase of condominium unit;
  6. Interest on the foreign currency deposit is tax-free and payable to retiree in Philippine Pesos;
  7. Foreign currency time deposit can be converted into Philippine Pesos deposit, but interest is subject to withholding tax;
  8. Pension, annuities remitted to the Philippines are tax-free; and
  9. Guaranteed repatriation of the requisites deposit including invested profits, capital gains and dividends accrued from investments, upon compliance with Bangko Sentral rules and regulations.

Requirements for SRRV

  1. Completed Philippine Retirement Authority application form ;
  2. Valid passport;
  3. DFA Medical Examination Form No. 11 accomplished by a licensed physician from the applicant’s place of origin, including AIDS Test, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate posted there or PRA Medical Certificate (RSSC Form No. 002) accomplished by a licensed physician in the Philippines;
  4. Certification by PRA shortlisted bank of the requisite deposit in the following categories;
  1. With Pension – 50 years old and above – the required time deposit is US$10,000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000 for couple.
  2. Without Pension
  • 35 to 49 years old – US$50,000.00 time deposit
  • 50 years old and above – US$20,000.00 time deposit
  • Former Filipino Citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of the number of dependents – US$1,500.00)
  • Ambassadors of Foreign Countries who served and retired in the Philippines, current and former staff members of international organizations including ADB (at least 50 years old) – US$1,500.00

Dual Citizenship Recognition

According to the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, any natural-born Philippine citizen who has become a naturalized citizen in a foreign country may re-acquire Philippine citizenship and become a dual citizen of both the Philippines and their new country of origin.

The process of re-acquiring or retaining citizenship is relatively straightforward. It involves standing before a Philippine Consular Officer and taking an oath of allegiance to protect and serve the Republic of the Philippines. Upon taking this oath of allegiance, the individual will have the same economic, political and civil rights as any other Philippine citizen. This is for all intents and purposes as natural-born citizenship. The Philippine Oath of Allegiance does not require a person to renounce his allegiance to any other country.

What are the requirements?

Applicant must personally appear and present the following documents:
1. Original and Photocopy of the following documents:

  1.  Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office (NSO)/Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) [apply here ]  (The NSO/PSA Birth Certificate must indicate/show Filipino as your nationality/citizenship)
  2. For those who elected Philippine citizenship: Certified True Copy/Certification issued by a Philippine local civil registrar (LCR) that the statement of electing Philippine citizenship and oath of allegiance to the Philippines is registered with their office.
  3. • Foreign Naturalization Certificate

OR A COMBINATION OF TWO (2) Documents FROM THE PHILIPPINES and ONE (1) Document FROM THE FOREIGN COUNTRY:

In the absence of Item 1 a: Acceptable Philippine Documents  (The Philippine documents must show the same name, date of birth and Filipino as your nationality/citizenship)
• Old Philippine Passport
• Philippine Birth Certificate registered with the Local Civil Registrar of the place of birth
• Philippine Marriage Certificate registered with the Local Civil Registrar of the place of marriage
• ID issued by a Philippine Government Agency with your photo, full name, date of birth and nationality indicated (ex. LTO driver’s license and Postal ID)

In the absence of item 1 c: Acceptable Foreign Document
• Foreign Passport with Notarized Affidavit of Explanation for not submitting Naturalization Certificate

  1. Completed Dual Citizenship Application Form
  2. Three (3) 2X2 COLORED ID Photos with WHITE Background without eyeglasses or colored contact lens taken within six (6) months from application

The Consular Officer reserves the right to request additional documents from the applicant

  • For those applying with derivative dual citizenship:
    For each of the applicant’s child below 18 years old, the applicant shall present the original document and photocopy of the following documents:
  1. a) Child’s Birth certificate;
  2. b) Child’s Foreign passport and
  3. c) Child’s three (3) 2X2 COLORED ID Photos with WHITE Background without eyeglasses or colored contact lens taken within 6 months from application

Note: Only children below 18 years old of age of former natural born Filipinos may qualify for derivative dual citizenship.

A derivative dual citizenship must be distinguished from a dual citizen by birth. A dual citizen by birth is a natural-born Filipino born in the US/foreign country that allows dual citizenship; thus all that person / parents of the person needs to do is Report the Birth.

Any foreign national who will be employed in the Philippines and occupying a technical, executive, managerial or highly confidential position in a company for at least one year, can apply for a pre-arranged employment visa, or commonly referred to as the 9G visa, under Sec. 9(g) of the Philippine Immigration Act.

What are some of the benefits?

Filipinos who have re-acquired their Filipino citizenship under this Act may once again enjoy full civil and political rights under existing laws of the Philippines. Examples of these rights are:

  • Right to vote in Philippine national elections
  • Right to own land and property in the Philippines
  • Right to engage in business or profession as a Filipino

Do I need a Philippine passport to travel to the Philippines?

No, just bring a valid US/Foreign passport and your Dual Citizenship Documents when you go to the Philippines.

How can I get a Philippine passport?

Submit these documents to the passport processor:

(1) Dual Citizenship Documents

(2) Old Philippine Passport or in case of loss, Affidavit of Loss

(3) Completed Passport Application Form and

(4) Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office/Philippine Statistics Authority

(5) Marriage Certificate from the National Statistics Office/ Philippine Statistics Authority for females wishing to use their married surname for the first time.

How long can I 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. You and your foreign husband/wife/child are entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year from arrival in the Philippines, among other privileges, provided you all have round trip/return tickets with the same return flight schedule to the US.

Will my application affect my US Citizenship?

Prospective applicants for dual citizenship under R.A. 9225 are advised to visit and read the contents on dual nationality  by the U.S. Department of State, or to seek legal advice from a U.S. immigration lawyer.

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