How To Get Retirement Visa In Philippines
How To Get Retirement Visa In Philippines, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a ticket to the Philippines and 1 year of cash for minimum $2500/month.
Don’t you think that you deserve to live a peaceful, relaxed and comfortable retirement life in the Philippines? Don’t you want to improve your lifestyle in your sunset years by relocating to the Philippines on retirement visa? Yes? Then let me introduce you to the E-8 Visa or retirement visa for Filipino citizens. But first of all, what is the E-8 visa in the Philippines?
As our body ages, we tend to slow down and eventually need assistance with some day-to-day activities. This can be troublesome since most of us who are employed are unable to take time off to care for family members who might require such help. However, one country offers a solution to this problem.
The Philippines are perfect for retirees who want to get away from the loud city lifestyle and enjoy the crystal clear beaches and beautiful tropical weather. There are currently more than 64,000 foreign retirees living in the Philippines.
How To Get Retirement Visa In Philippines
Foreign nationals who want to make the Philippines their second home can easily obtain a retirement visa through the Special Residence Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program.
With a Philippines retirement visa, you are eligible to work, study or invest in the Philippines.
Who Can Apply For a Philippines Retirement Visa?
You can apply for a Philippines retirement visa under the SRRV program if:
- You are at least 50 years old and have a pension; or
- You are at least 35 years old and make a deposit of at least $50,000.
- You have no criminal record.
- You can financially support yourself and any joining family members.
Benefits of Philippines Retirement Visa
Retirement in the Philippines comes with many benefits:
- Indefinite stay with multiple-entry and exit privileges.
- Exemption from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration ACR-I Card (Annual Report).
- Exemption from customs duties and taxes for importing household goods and personal effects worth up to $7,000.
- Exemption from Student Visa/Study Permit. Your children can study in the Philippines without a visa.
- Access to the Greet & Assist Program at selected Philippine airports.
- Free subscription to the PRA Newsletter.
- Discount privileges from PRA accredited Merchant Partners.
- Free assistance in transacting with other government agencies.
- Entitlement to PHILHEALTH benefits & privileges.
Deposit for the Philippines Retirement Visa (SRRV)
To receive a Philippines retirement visa, you must make a deposit and meet the monthly income requirements, as follows:
| Applicants aged 50 and above who receive a pension | |
| Deposit | USD 10,000 |
| Pension for a single applicant | USD 800 (monthly) |
| Pension for a couple | USD 1,000 (monthly) |
| If you are bringing more than one child as dependent | Additional deposit of USD 15,000 per child |
| Applicants who do not receive a pension | |
| Deposit for applicants 35 to 49 years old | USD 50,000 |
| Deposit for applicants aged 50 and above | USD 20,000 |
| Deposit for former Filipino citizens (at least 35 years old) | USD 1,500 |
| If you are bringing more than one child as dependent | Additional deposit of USD 15,000 per child |
Can My Family Members Join Me?
Yes, if you obtain an SRRV visa, your family members can accompany you to the Philippines. Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse (legally married to you).
- Your child (biological or adopted), unmarried, and under the age of 21. In case your spouse is not joining you, you can take two children with you, without an additional deposit.
How to Apply For a Retirement Visa in the Philippines?
To retire in the Philippines as an expat, you must register for the SRRV Retirement Program. The procedure for applying for a retirement visa in the Philippines is:
- Schedule an appointment at the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
- Choose the appropriate retirement option.
- Collect the documents required for a retirement visa.
- Submit the application to the PRA.
Schedule an Appointment With the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
The PRA allows only one person per appointment. You are advised to check for available schedules and book an appointment through the PRA official Facebook page.
Choose the Appropriate Retirement Option
Depending on your lifestyle, qualification, and retirement status, the SRRV program (also referred to as the SRRVISA) offers many options that you can choose to apply for:
| SRRV SMILE | For active and healthy retirees who choose to keep their SRR Visa deposit of $20,000 in any of the PRA Accredited Banks. |
| SRRV CLASSIC | For active and healthy retirees who choose to use their SRR Visa deposit into active investment (purchase of condominium unit, long-term house lease, etc.) |
| SRRV HUMAN TOUCH | For retirees in bad health conditions from the age of 50 and above who need medical or clinical care. |
| SRRV COURTESY | For former Filipinos and foreign nationals aged 50 and above who are retired officers of International Organizations recognized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). |
| SRRV EXPANDED COURTESY | For foreign nationals aged 50 and above who are retired Armed Force officers of foreign countries with existing military ties or agreements with the Philippine Government. |
The SRRV Classic and SRRV Courtesy are the most popular choices due to their flexibility and affordable terms.
Collect the Documents Required for a Philippine Retirement Visa
To apply for a Philippines retirement visa, you must collect the following documents:
- An original and valid passport with an updated Temporary Visitor’s Visa.
- Completed PRA Application Form.
- Original and valid medical clearance.
- Original and valid clean criminal records from your home country and an additional NBI clearance (if you have stayed in the Philippines for over 30 days).
- Eight photographs in the 2-inch by 2-inch format.
- An inwardly remitted SRR visa deposit.
- Proof of paid fee.
- Marriage certificate for accompanying dependent spouse.
- Birth certificate for accompanying dependent child.