How to Become a Permanent Resident in the Philippines

How to Become a Permanent Resident in the Philippines

It isn’t difficult to understand why so many people want to make the Philippines their new home. After all, it’s very affordable, it has a desirable climate, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.

Those who want to reside in the Philippines legally have a few options. A lot of foreigners who live here do so using a tourist visa. However, tourist visas come with a lot of limitations, and renewing them every two months is a bit of an inconvenience. 

Another option is a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). The problem with these visas is that they require a somewhat significant financial commitment.

Then there is the permanent resident visa. This type of visa allows foreigners to reside in the Philippines for as long as they wish. So, what is a Permanent Resident Visa? How do you get one? What are the pros and cons? This guide will answer all of those questions and more.

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What is a Permanent Resident Visa?

Permanent Resident Visas (PRV) are issued by the Bureau of Immigration. Those who have one of these visas are legally permitted to live in the Philippines as long as they wish and enjoy privileges not available to tourist visas and other types of visa.

Of course, applicants must meet certain conditions to get one. We will examine those conditions in a moment.

Advantages of a Permanent Resident Visa in the Philippines

The permanent resident visa comes with a bevy of benefits and these include:

  • No more regular trips to the immigration office to renew your tourist visa.
  • A Philippine PR visa never expires and doesn’t need to be renewed.
  • You only need to renew your ACR-I card every 5 years.
  • No requirement to buy a return ticket when entering the Philippines.
  • It’s easier to secure bank loans, get insurance, and put utilities in your name.
  • You can stay in the Philippines as long as you want.
  • You can work in the Philippines without a work visa.
  • Unlimited entry and exit privileges
  • You can legally own property including land.

Limitations of a Permanent Resident Visa in the Philippines

Even though a PRV comes with a wide range of benefits, it also comes with a few restrictions and limitations such as:

  • PRV holders cannot vote or hold public office.
  • Some professions including medicine and law require Filipino citizenship or a special license.
  • PRV can be revoked if the visa holder breaks the law.
  • PRV holders cannot access certain government services such as social welfare programs.

Requirements

One of the most significant things to know about Philippine permanent resident visas is that they are only offered to citizens of the 82 countries that also offer permanent residency to Filipinos. These countries are:

AlgeriaEl SalvadorLithuaniaSaudi Arabia
ArgentinaEstoniaLuxembourgSenegal
AustraliaFijiMacauSerbia
AustriaFinlandMalaysiaSingapore
BelgiumFranceMaltaSlovak Republic
BelizeGabonMarshall IslandsSlovenia
BoliviaGermanyMexicoSouth Africa
BotswanaGreeceMicronesiaSpain
Bosnia & HerzegovinaGuatemalaMonacoSuriname
BrazilHondurasMontenegroSweden
CanadaHong KongNew ZealandSwitzerland
Cape VerdeIcelandNicaraguaThailand
ChileIndonesiaNigeriaNetherlands
ColombiaIraqNorthern Mariana IslandTrinidad & Tobago
Costa RicaIrelandNorwayTunisia
CroatiaIsraelOmanTurkey
CubaItalyPapua New GuineaUnited Kingdom
Czech RepublicJapanParaguayUruguay
DenmarkLatviaPeruUnited States
EcuadorLesothoRussiaVenezuela
EgyptLibya  
   

Those who aren’t citizens of one of the above-mentioned countries are not eligible for a Permanent Residency Visa. Instead, they can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. In reality, there are very few differences between the two types.

Assuming you are a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, you need to fulfill a few requirements before you can obtain a permanent resident visa in the Philippines. While these requirements may vary depending on what type of visa you are applying for, the following typically apply.

Must Be Married to a Filipino Citizen

The Bureau of Immigration does not set a minimum time frame on how long you must be married before you can apply for a PRV. In other words, you may apply as soon as you get married. However, it is recommended that couples be married for at least a year before applying for a PRV in the Philippines. This is typically seen as a reasonable period of time to establish a genuine relationship.

Current NBI Clearance

NBI clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation. An NBI clearance is used to verify identity and certify that an individual has undergone a criminal background check. 

To obtain an NBI clearance, an applicant must submit an application form and undergo biometric data capture. The application form can be filled out online at the NBI’s website or at a designated NBI clearance center. 

Doesn’t Have any Dangerous Disease

Applicants must obtain a medical certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine to prove that they are not afflicted with any “loathsome, contagious, or dangerous disease”. While the Bureau of Quarantine website does not offer a complete list of which diseases apply, such diseases include temporary illnesses like chickenpox and dengue to more permanent afflictions like HIV and leprosy. 

Financial Capability

Applicants don’t have to be millionaires, but they do have to prove that they have the financial capability to support themselves. There is no minimum threshold to the amount of money you need to have to apply for a PRV. Instead, this is left to the discretion of the BI. The best ways to prove your financial capabilities include:

  • Bank statement: Submitting a bank statement is one of the most common ways to prove financial capability. This statement should show the applicant’s average balance over the last six months or more, as well as any major transactions, such as deposits or withdrawals.
  • Employment contract or business permit: Applicants can provide an employment contract or a business permit to prove that they have a stable source of income in the Philippines.
  • Investment or property documents: Documents such as property titles, land ownership certificates, or investment certificates can show that the applicant has invested in the Philippines.
  • Income tax return: Submitting a copy of the most recent income tax return can prove the applicant’s financial stability.
  • Affidavit of Support: An Affidavit of Support is a legal document that is signed by a Filipino citizen or permanent resident who agrees to financially support the applicant during their stay in the Philippines.

Must Prove That You are Legally in the Philippines

Applicants need to prove that they entered and remained in the Philippines legally. This simply entails providing your passport or a copy of it to show when you last entered the country and that your visa requirements are up-to-date. 

As a point of interest, those who have never been to the Philippines can apply for a PRV as long as they meet all of the other criteria. You may apply at the Philippine Consulate or Embassy in your home country.

Permanent Resident Visa Options

There are a couple of different categories of permanent resident visas in the Philippines. 

Quota Visa

One is referred to as a “Quota Visa”. In a nutshell, the Philippines can grant permanent residency to foreigners who possess exceptional skills or are willing to invest substantial amounts of money. 

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What is considered an exceptional skill and what is a substantial investment? Well, this is entirely left to the discretion of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. As such, it can vary from case to case. You can think along the lines of something that will contribute to the national economy or be of national interest. 

The thing is, they only issue a maximum of 50 quota visas per nationality each year. This could pose a problem for the average Joe to obtain a quota visa.

Non-quota Visa

The second type is called a “non-quota visa”. Unlike quota visas, the Bureau of Immigration doesn’t set a limit to the number of non-quota visas they can issue. They don’t require a big financial commitment either. All you need to do is fulfill the requirements listed above. There are seven kinds of non-quota permanent residency visas which are:

  • 13(a): A spouse or dependent child of a Filipino citizen
  • 13(b): Children of a Filipino citizen or permanent resident who are born on a temporary trip abroad
  • 13(c): Children of permanent residents who are born after permanent residency is granted
  • 13(d): Filipino women who gave up Filipino citizenship due to marriage to a foreign spouse in a foreign country
  • 13(e): Permanent residents who return to the Philippines following a temporary visit to a foreign country
  • 13(f): Spouses and dependent children (under 21) of an alien who entered the Philippines prior to being approved for a PRV
  • 13(g): Filipinos who naturalized in a foreign country and wish to return to the Philippines permanently

Even though there are seven types of non-quota PRV in the Philippines, we will soon focus on the 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa because it is the most commonly issued type.

Application Steps

Let’s assume that you are legally married to a Filipino spouse and you have all the necessary documentation listed above. You can now commence the process of getting your 13(a) permanent resident visa. This is actually done in two phases. First, successful applicants will be issued a probationary visa which is good for one year. After that, you need to apply to convert your probationary visa into a PRV.

You can get the application form online or by visiting your nearest BI office.

Preparing for the Application Process

The first step toward getting your PRV is filling out the Consolidated General Application Form. You should know that you can also apply for a PRV in a foreign country by visiting the Philippine Consulate or Embassy. No matter which route you take, you will be asked to provide the following:

  • Original marriage certificate plus a copy
  • Applicant’s original birth certificate plus one copy
  • Filipino spouse’s original birth certificate plus one copy
  • Passport with current visa
  • 2 copies of the applicant’s passport
  • 2 copies of Filipino spouse’s passport
  • Valid NBI clearance
  • 4 cm X 4 cm colored photo taken with white background
  • Bank statements and any other documentation to prove financial capability

You may also have to submit additional documents depending on your nationality. This may seem a bit overwhelming. Especially if you don’t currently have one or more of the necessary documents. Unfortunately, there’s no way around it. If you are even just thinking of applying for a PRV, you should be sure to get the required documentation as soon as possible. 

You don’t have to attend an in-person interview if you are applying for your 13(a) PRV in the Philippines. However, you and your spouse will be required to attend an interview if you are applying at a Philippine Consulate/Embassy in a foreign country.

Complete the Checklist

Start by visiting the Bureau of Immigration’s website where you can select the type of visa you’d like to apply for. We will use the 13(a) visa in this case. You will find a link to a checklist of things that you will need to provide. We listed these items in the above “Requirements” section. You will not be able to submit the application if you are missing any of the necessary documents.

Fill out the Application Form

Now that you have every item on the checklist, you can go to the “Application” link to bring up the Consolidated General Application Form. You will be asked to provide several details including:

  • Personal details and contact information
  • Passport and current visa information
  • Residential address in the Philippines
  • Spousal information
  • Children’s information (if applicable)
  • Alien Certificate of Registration Identity (ACR I-Card) details
  • Character reference: A character reference can be provided by a person who is familiar with the applicant’s character and can attest to their trustworthiness. References can be issued by:
    • A current or former employer who has knowledge of the applicant’s character and habits.
    • A professional colleague or business associate who has worked with the applicant and can vouch for their character.
    • A community leader or religious figure who knows the applicant and can speak for their character and integrity.
    • A personal friend or family member who has witnessed the applicant’s behavior and can provide a reference based on their personal knowledge.

The person providing the character reference must be reputable. They should be willing to speak honestly and truthfully.

Those who have children can click on the “Additional Information on Applicant’s Children” link. This form merely requires the full names and birth dates of each eligible child.

Submit the Application

Now that you have filled out all of the necessary forms, you can submit them in person to the BI’s main office in Manila. Alternatively, you can submit them to a frontline worker at one of the other Bureau of Immigration offices that provide this service. You will then pay the fees which are:

  • Applicant – ₱8,620 (around US$160)
  • Spouse – ₱8,620 (around US$160)
  • Fee for ACR-I Card – ₱2,100 (around US$50)

Be reminded that these fees must be paid in cash. You will not be able to use a credit card, personal check, or any other payment method. Don’t leave the office without getting your Order of Payment Slip and Official Receipt. Your official receipt will tell you where to go for your initial hearing and biometrics capturing for your ACR I-Card.

Wait for Approval

While it can take as little as a few weeks to receive approval in some cases, you should anticipate a wait of at least 1 to 2 months. You can find out if your application has been approved by checking in at the Bureau of Immigration’s website. You can go to the immigration office for updates if you wish, but that can be quite inconvenient.

Implement Probationary Visa

So, you’ve waited patiently for approval and it has finally arrived. You can now head to the immigration office to implement your probationary visa. Don’t forget to bring your passport! It’s also a good idea to bring all of your paperwork just to be safe. The staff will issue the probationary visa and you are good to go.

Amend the Probationary Visa to a 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa

The probationary visa is good throughout your 1-year probationary period. Provided you are still married to your Filipino spouse and you’ve continued to be an upstanding citizen, you can then amend your probationary visa to a 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa. 

Be aware that you will be required to pay the same fees as you did when you applied for your probationary visa.

This process is exactly the same as it was when you applied for the probationary visa. To do this, bring your passport and all documentation you provided the first time to the immigration office. You can then submit your passport, application, and any other supporting documents to a worker to have your visa amended. Don’t leave without a receipt! You can then check in at the BI website to monitor the processing status. 

Once approved, you can head to the immigration office to activate your new 13(a) visa. Now you can enjoy all the benefits of being a fully legal permanent resident in the Philippines.

How to Skip the 13(a) Visa Probationary Period

Did you know that you can skip the probationary period? Not only does this speed up the process, but it also saves you money as you only have to pay the application fees once instead of twice. The catch is that you and your Filipino spouse have to apply in person for your 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The process is the same as described above except you go straight to the permanent visa phase.

Cost of Obtaining a Permanent Resident Visa

Permanent resident visas in the Philippines is relatively cheap even if you factor in having to pay fees for both the probationary and permanent visas. It costs the principal applicant just ₱8,620 (around US$160) to apply for the probationary permit. It costs the same for a dependent spouse and about the same for each dependent child. 

So, if you are the only one applying, then you are looking at about ₱17,240 (around US$315) in application fees to cover both the probationary and permanent visas. Of course, there are a few other fees involved. You need to consider the ₱2,100 (around US$50) fee for the ACR I-Card as well as the small NBI clearance fee of about ₱155 (around US$3). You may also have to pay other small fees if you don’t have the required documents such as your original birth certificate or marriage certificate.

Now, it will be more expensive if there are dependent children involved. Each one will cost about the same amount as it would for you alone. In other words, about ₱20,000 (around US$170) per child. As such, the cost of getting your 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa ranges from ₱20,000 (around US$170) and up. Don’t forget that you can cut those application fees in half by applying at the Philippine Embassy in your home country. Doing this eliminates the probationary period and the fees that go with it.

What Is an ACR I-Card?

Every foreigner who remains in the country for more than 59 days is required to have an ACR-I Card. It doesn’t matter if you are here on a tourist visa or a permanent residency visa. An ACR-I Card is an identification card that uses microchip technology to store your personal details and biometrics.

If you are extending your tourist visa beyond 59 days, the Bureau of Immigration will require you to get the card. You’ll pay for it in advance when you settle your tourist visa extension fees. You will be given a receipt and instructions on where to provide your biometrics. 

When you get to that location, the BI will photograph you, take your fingerprints, and do a quick and painless eye scan. It only takes a couple of minutes. 

You can expect to wait about two weeks for your ACR-I Card to be ready for pick-up.

If you are applying for a Permanent Resident Visa in the Philippines, then there’s a good chance that you have been in the country for a while and already have an ACR I-Card. 

If you are living in the Philippines under a tourist visa or a temporary resident visa, you need to renew your ACR I-Card every year. Once you get your 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa, you only have to get it renewed once every five years. It’s just one of the many perks of having a PRV.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Permanent Resident Visa in the Philippines?

In most cases, it takes 1 to 2 months for the Bureau of Immigration to process your PRV. However, this process can take a lot longer if you need to track down replacement documents. You can’t submit the visa application if you are missing anything. 

It’s also worth noting that documents from some countries may require translating. Several Filipino companies including Lexcode and Orange Translations provide this service. With that said, we recommend asking someone at the BI office about which translation provider they prefer. 

Can I Do it Myself?

On the surface, the process of obtaining a PRV may seem daunting, but it really isn’t. While you can hire a lawyer or other representative to do it for you, getting a PVR is something that you can do on your own. You can go to the BI’s website and start with the checklist to make sure you have the required information and documentation. If you are missing something, then find it or find an acceptable replacement.

Once you have all the documents, fill out and submit the application along with the associated fees. Then it’s just a matter of waiting for approval. Rinse and repeat in a year when you want to amend your probationary visa to a permanent visa. You can always check with the folks at the immigration office or the BI website if you have any questions.

What Happens if My Application is Rejected?

While the overwhelming majority of properly filed 13(a) Permanent Resident Visas are approved, the occasional one gets rejected. There are a variety of reasons for this. If it’s something as simple as being filed incorrectly or incorrect information, then that should be easy enough to fix.

On the flip side, it could be a more serious issue along the lines of a medical condition or not having the financial ability to support your spouse/family. Maybe you and your spouse are no longer together? Maybe you had a run-in with authorities?

If you have been denied due to something simple and fixable, then you can try to fix the problem yourself or by availing of the services of a knowledgeable representative. You will likely want to seek the advice of a professional if you are rejected due to something more serious. Fortunately, lawyer fees in the Philippines are very affordable.

Keeping Your PRV Active

Maintaining a permanent resident visa is a lot easier and far cheaper than maintaining a tourist visa. Whereas tourists need to renew every two months, permanent residents never have to renew theirs. They only need to complete an online survey on the BI website once per year. And forget the hassle of renewing your ACR I-Card annually. Permanent residents need only do it once every five years.

The key to keeping your PRV active is staying married, being a law-abiding citizen, and adhering to all of the BI’s requirements such as renewing your ACR I-Card every 5 years.

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Canceling Your PRV

Anyone who wants to leave the Philippines for good and cancel their 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa should go to their nearest BI branch. Depending on the planned departure date, staff will downgrade the visa to the appropriate type and also issue an exit visa. You must deal with the visa situation before you can cancel your ACR I-Card.  

Alternatives to a PRV

Here are some visa options you can take if you are not eligible for a PRV.

Temporary Resident Visa

As mentioned earlier, a prerequisite for obtaining a permanent resident visa is being a citizen of one of the 82 countries that offer permanent residency to Filipinos. Don’t fret if you do not meet this condition. You can still apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV). Like the permanent resident visa, the temporary resident visa requires the applicant to be legally married to a Filipino citizen.

The benefits of a temporary resident visa are almost identical to those offered by a PRV. The biggest difference is that a TRV must be renewed every five years while a PRV never has to be renewed. This shouldn’t be a problem provided you remain married to your Filipino spouse and avoid getting into any trouble with authorities.

Special Visas

You will notice that marriage to a Filipino citizen is one of the requirements for obtaining a permanent resident visa in the Philippines. This has probably got you wondering if there are any options for those who aren’t married or don’t want to get married. Well, you’ll be happy to know that there are.

Special Resident Retiree’s Visa

Those who are at least 35 can apply for a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). While SRRVs aren’t permanent resident visas per se, they come with most of the perks including indefinite stay and the ability to purchase a house.

There are four types of SRRVs. If you are at least 35 and can deposit and maintain a balance of US$20,000 (₱1.1 million) at a PRA- accredited bank, then the SRRV Smile is the visa for you. At any rate, none of the four SRRV options require applicants to be married to a Filipino citizen.

Other Special Visas

Besides PRVs, TRVs, and SRRVs, the Philippines offers a few other special visas. These visas are considered “special” because they are issued under special circumstances and mainly pertain to investors and companies. As such, we will just give them a quick mention. If you would like to learn more, you can check out the Bureau of Immigration’s website.  

  • Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
  • Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)
  • Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV)
  • Special Employment Visa for Offshore Banking Unit (SEVOBU)

Now, On To You

The Philippines has a lot to offer which is why so many foreigners now call it home. Living here on a permanent basis is relatively easy and very cheap to achieve. Even though one of the most popular ways to do this is to get married and apply for a 13(a) Permanent Resident Visa, there are a few other popular alternatives that don’t involve marriage.

Even if you don’t come from a country that has a reciprocity agreement with the Philippines, you can still stay indefinitely by applying for a Temporary Resident Visa. A TRV gives you the same benefits as a PRV except for the fact that it must be renewed every five years.

Are you considering making the Philippines your permanent home? If so, get your paperwork and documents in order and fill out the visa application form. It should then be a matter of waiting for the BI to process it. When it’s approved, you can enjoy all of the perks that come with a PRV such as unlimited stay, home ownership, and no more visa runs. Not to mention the world-class beaches and low cost of living.

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Jeff fell in love with the Philippines when he first visited in 2014. So much so that he decided to hit life’s reset switch and relocate from Canada to Cebu City. Since coming here, he has worked as a freelance writer, built a loving family, and lived life to its fullest. When he isn’t busy writing or basking in the sun on a beach, Jeff enjoys staying up late at night to watch his favorite sports which include hockey and NFL football.

2 thoughts on “How to Become a Permanent Resident in the Philippines”

    • Just contact your local immigration office. Bring along your passport and expired ACR-1 card. Then, you may need to pay some fees and they should give you a new card.

      Reply

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