Philippines
Yes, it is possible to obtain residence in the Philippines. The country offers several types of residency options depending on your situation and nationality. Below is an overview of the main pathways for obtaining residence in the Philippines:
Country information
Population: 114.900 Mill hab Aprox.
Capital: Manila.
Official Language: Tagalog and English.
Income percapita: $12.200 Dólares PPA.
Temporary Resident Visa:
A temporary resident visa is typically granted to foreigners who wish to stay in the Philippines for an extended period but do not have immediate plans to apply for permanent residency. The most common types of temporary visas include:
a. Tourist Visa (9A)
Duration: A standard tourist visa is typically valid for 30 days. It can be extended multiple times (up to 36 months in total for most nationals).
Who is it for?: Foreign nationals who want to visit or stay temporarily in the Philippines.
Extension: You can apply for an extension of your tourist visa in the Philippines, but it does not grant you permanent residency.
b. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
Who is it for?: This visa is specifically for foreigners who are 35 years of age or older and wish to retire in the Philippines. It is a popular visa for retirees from around the world.
Requirements:
The applicant must be at least 35 years old.
Applicants need to show proof of financial capacity, including a $10,000 deposit (which can be invested in the country) for retirees under 50 years old and a $20,000 deposit for those 50 years or older.
Applicants must provide a clean criminal record.
Privileges:
Permanent residency in the Philippines.
Multiple entry privileges.
Exemption from certain taxes (depending on the type of investment or income).
c. Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
Who is it for?: This visa is available for foreign nationals who invest in the Philippines. The investment is usually in a business or a real estate project that contributes to the country’s economy.
Investment Requirement:
The foreigner must invest a minimum of $75,000 in a Philippine business or other qualifying investments.
Privileges:
The SIRV allows for a long-term stay in the Philippines without the need for constant renewals.
Multiple-entry privileges.
Foreign investors holding this visa may also receive some tax exemptions.
Permanent Resident Visa:
Permanent resident visas are typically granted to foreign nationals who have established a longer-term residency in the Philippines or have certain qualifications such as family connections, investments, or exceptional contributions to the country.
a. Quota Immigrant Visa
Who is it for?: The Quota Immigrant Visa is available to foreign nationals from countries with a low number of immigrants in the Philippines. This visa is typically offered to people with special skills, qualifications, or humanitarian reasons.
Requirements:
You must be nominated by a Filipino citizen or a legal entity in the Philippines.
You must demonstrate good moral character and economic stability.
You will need to prove you can support yourself financially.
Duration: It is a permanent visa, but you need to comply with the annual reporting requirements to maintain your status.
b. Special Resident Visa for Former Filipinos
Who is it for?: Former Filipino citizens who have renounced their citizenship but wish to return to the Philippines can apply for this type of visa.
Requirements:
Proof of previous Filipino citizenship (e.g., Philippine birth certificate, previous Philippine passport).
The foreigner must submit proof of income or an existing pension.
Privileges: This type of visa is considered a permanent residency visa and does not require renewal every year.
Permanent Resident Visa for Spouses of Filipino Citizens:
Foreign nationals who are married to Filipino citizens can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa under the provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act.
Requirements:
Marriage: You must be married to a Filipino citizen.
Proof of marriage: A valid marriage certificate and evidence of a genuine relationship.
Financial means: Proof that you can financially support yourself and your dependents.
Privileges: Once granted, you will have the right to live, work, and study in the Philippines without having to renew your visa regularly. You will also have the ability to apply for a Philippine Permanent Resident Certificate.
Long-Term Visa for Special Categories:
In addition to the options mentioned, there are other special long-term visas for foreigners, such as:
a. Students Visa
If you plan to study in the Philippines, you can apply for a student visa. The duration of the visa depends on your course of study.
Requirements:
Enrollment in an accredited educational institution in the Philippines.
Proof of financial support during your studies.
Proof of good moral character.
b. Work Visa
If you have a job offer from a Philippine employer, you may be eligible for a work visa. The 9(g) visa is the most common work visa for foreign workers in the Philippines.
Requirements:
An employment contract with a Philippine-based company.
The employer must prove that no qualified Filipino citizen is available to fill the position.
Pathway to Citizenship:
Obtaining permanent residency in the Philippines can potentially lead to citizenship, although it’s a lengthy and complex process. Foreign nationals who have been permanent residents for a significant amount of time (usually 10 years) may be eligible to apply for naturalization, subject to meeting specific residency, language, and moral character requirements.
Benefits of Residency in the Philippines:
Stay in the country indefinitely: Depending on the visa type, you can live and work in the Philippines for extended periods without needing to renew your visa regularly.
Work and study: Some residency options allow you to work and study in the Philippines without restrictions.
Access to public services: Residents are entitled to certain social benefits, although not all services are the same as those provided to Filipino citizens.
Conclusion:
Yes, it is possible to obtain residency in the Philippines, and the country offers a range of options, including temporary and permanent residency visas. Some of the most common residency options are:
Tourist visa (9A) for short stays.
Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) for retirees.
Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) for investors.
Quota Immigrant Visa for skilled individuals or those with special qualifications.
Permanent Resident Visa for Spouses of Filipino Citizens.
Special Resident Visa for Former Filipinos.
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