PHILIPPINES - VISA & IMMIGRATION
SRRV visa | Special Resident Retirees visa
The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a non-immigrant visa that offers foreign nationals a permanent and flexible pathway to retirement in the Philippines.
Issued by the Bureau of Immigration and endorsed by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), the SRRV is designed for retirees aged 50 and above, including former Filipino citizens. This visa provides permanent residency, indefinite stay, and multiple-entry privileges—as long as your qualifying investment or time deposit remains active.
Unlike short-term tourist visas or employment-based permits, the SRRV visa Philippines offers true freedom: the ability to reside year-round, travel in and out without limitation, and even pursue business or employment opportunities (subject to additional permits).
Whether you’re seeking a low-cost, high-comfort retirement destination or a warm, welcoming environment for your next chapter, the SRRV allows you to retire in the Philippines with peace of mind.
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Benefits | SRRV VIsa
As an SRRV holder, you enjoy:
- Permanent residency with multiple-entry and indefinite stay
- Exemption from Bureau of Immigration’s Annual Reporting and the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) Identity Card
- Exemption from Bureau of Immigration Exit / Re-entry Permits
- Exemption from Travel Tax
- Exemption from Customs duties and taxes for one-time importation of household goods and personal effects (up to USD 7,000)
- Exemption from Tax on pensions and annuities
- Exemption from separate work/student visa or permit
- Subscription to the PRA Newsletter
- Discounts and privileges from PRA-accredited Merchant Partners
- Assistance with transactions in other government agencies
- Access to PhilHealth Insurance at a special rate
Who Can Apply? | SRRV VIsa
Principal Applicant
- Foreign nationals or former Filipino citizens
- Must be 40 years old and above
Dependents
- Spouse (legally married to the principal retiree)
- Children (unmarried and below 21 years old, legitimate or legally adopted)
Options | SRRV VIsa
1. SRRV Classic
For retirees who wish to use their visa deposit for investment purposes allowed under the SRRV program.
- Pensioners: Must show proof of lifetime pension of at least USD 800/month (single) or USD 1,000/month (with dependents).
- Non-pensioners: Required visa deposit applies.
2. SRRV Courtesy – Foreign Nationals
For retirees in special categories such as retired diplomats, officers of international organizations recognized by the DFA, retired military officers with Philippine government ties, and high achievers in business, arts, sports, culture, or philanthropy.
- 50 years old and above: Pensioner USD 15,000 / Non-pensioner USD 30,000
- 40–49 years old: Pensioner USD 25,000 / Non-pensioner USD 50,000
3. SRRV Courtesy – Former Filipinos
For Filipino retirees who have become naturalized citizens of another country but have not re-acquired Filipino citizenship.
- 50 years old and above: USD 1,500
- 40–49 years old: USD 3,000
Principal Applicants Requirements| Special Resident Reteree's Visa
Applying for the SRRV requires careful preparation of both financial proof and personal documentation. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
For Principal Applicants
Essential Documents:
- Original passport with valid tourist visa (must remain valid for at least 1 month during processing; extend if necessary)
- Completed PRA Application Form
- Medical certificate issued within six months prior to submission
- Police clearance from your country of origin or residence (issued within the last six months)
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate (BICC)
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance if you've stayed in the Philippines for more than 90 days before application
- Eight recent 2x2 inch photographs with white background, taken within the last three months
Financial Documents:
- Bank certificate or inward remittance proof of visa deposit via PRA-accredited banks
- Proof of pension (for pensioner categories)
Fees:
- PRA Processing Fee: USD $1,500 (or peso equivalent)
- PRA Annual Fee: USD $360 for principal plus two dependents; additional USD $100 per dependent for foreign nationals or USD $50 for former Filipinos
Dependent Applicants Requirements| Special Resident Reteree's Visa
For Dependent Applicants
Each dependent requires an original passport with valid tourist visa, completed PRA application form, medical certificate issued within the last six months, and police clearance (plus NBI clearance if applicable) for spouses and children 18 years and older.
- Original Passport with a valid Tourist Visa
- Accomplished PRA Application Form
- Original Medical Certificate (issued within the last six months)
- Original Police Clearance (and NBI Clearance if applicable) for spouse and children 18 years old and above
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate (BICC)
- Apostilled/Authenticated Proof of Relationship (Marriage Certificate for spouse, Birth Certificate for child)
- Eight (8) recent photographs, 2x2 inches, white background
Relationship Proof:
- Apostilled or authenticated marriage certificate for spouse
- Apostilled or authenticated birth certificate for children
Fees:
- USD $300 per dependent
Critical Document Requirements
All documents issued outside the Philippines must be in English (or officially translated into English) and apostilled by the competent authority in your country, or authenticated by a Philippine Embassy or Consular Office.
For American applicants, this typically means obtaining an apostille from your state’s Secretary of State office for documents like birth and marriage certificates, then having them authenticated by the Philippine Consulate or Embassy if required.
SRRV Application Process: Step-by-Step Timeline
Understanding the SRRV application timeline helps you plan your move effectively. The typical processing time for SRRV approval is approximately one month, though this can vary based on document completeness and PRA workload.
Step 1: Document Preparation (2–4 Weeks Before Arrival)
Before traveling to the Philippines, gather and apostille all required documents in your home country. This includes police clearances, birth/marriage certificates, and medical examinations. Having these ready before arrival significantly accelerates the process.
Step 2: Arrival & Visa Extension (Week 1)
Enter the Philippines on a tourist visa. If your tourist visa has less than one month validity remaining, extend it immediately at the Bureau of Immigration to ensure it remains valid throughout your SRRV processing.
Step 3: Medical Certificate & Philippine Clearances (Week 1–2)
Complete your Philippine medical examination with a PRA-accredited clinic and secure your Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate (BICC). If you’ve been in the Philippines for more than 90 days, obtain your NBI clearance as well.
Step 4: Deposit & PRA Submission (Week 2–3)
Transfer your SRRV deposit to a PRA-accredited bank and obtain the bank certificate or inward remittance certificate. Submit your complete application package to the Philippine Retirement Authority along with all fees.
Step 5: Processing & Approval (Week 3–5)
The PRA reviews your application, verifies documents, and processes background checks. Once approved, you’ll receive your SRRV certificate and can begin enjoying permanent residency benefits.
Step 6: Post-Approval (Ongoing)
After SRRV approval, you can convert your deposit into approved investments like condominium purchases (for SRRV Classic holders). Remember to maintain your deposit or investment to keep your visa status active.
ASIA RELOCATION PHILIPPINES
Visa & Immigration Services
Why Choose Asia Relocation Philippines for Your SRRV Application
Asia Relocation philippines’s immigration specialists ensure a smooth SRRV application process—from preparing documentation to coordinating with the Philippine Retirement Authority and accredited banks. With years of experience assisting expats and retirees, we provide clear guidance and hassle-free processing.
Retiring abroad is a life-changing decision—and with the right support, it can also be simple and rewarding.
Our full-service assistance includes:
Document Preparation & Apostille Check – ensuring smooth PRA compliance
Bank Liaison & Deposit Certification – with accredited institutions
Medical, NBI & Immigration Clearance – scheduled with trusted local providers
Family & Dependent Processing – simultaneous applications for couples or children
Post-Approval Support – help with real estate, investment options, or settling in
From North America to Europe and beyond, we’ve helped hundreds of retirees secure their SRRV visa efficiently and stress-free. With in-depth knowledge of PRA requirements and local procedures, we ensure that each step is handled with care and professionalism.
📩 Ready to start your new life under the sun?
Let us guide your retirement journey and make the Philippines feel like home from day one.
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SRRV Visa Application
Common Questions & Concerns
Can I withdraw my SRRV deposit later?
Yes, but withdrawing your deposit cancels your SRRV status. If you convert your deposit to an approved investment (like a condo), you must maintain that investment or return the equivalent amount to the PRA deposit account to keep your visa active.
What happens if I want to work in the Philippines?
You’ll need to secure an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE.
Asia Relocation Philippines can assist with this process as part of our comprehensive visa and immigration services for the Philippines.
Can I include my adult children?
Only unmarried children under 21 qualify as dependents. Adult children over 21 must apply for their own appropriate visa category.
Do I need to stay in the Philippines year-round?
No. Your SRRV grants you complete freedom to travel in and out of the Philippines as often as you like. Many SRRV holders split time between countries or travel extensively throughout Asia.
What if Philippine immigration rules change?
Once granted, your SRRV status is generally protected from regulatory changes affecting new applicants. However, it’s wise to maintain compliance with reporting requirements and keep your deposit active.
We have written an article, translated in French about this visa that updates if needed.