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Requires a confirmed job offer with a Philippines-registered employer; employer applies for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE before visa issuance. Tied to the sponsoring employer.
Administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA); requires a USD 10,000-50,000 time deposit depending on age (lowest for 50+ with pension). Grants multiple-entry, indefinite stay with no work rights.
Requires a minimum investment of USD 75,000 in a Philippines corporation engaged in a preferred area of investment; issued by the Board of Investments (BOI) and valid as long as the investment is maintained.
Initial 30-day visa-free entry (for most nationalities) extendable every 1-2 months at the Bureau of Immigration for a fee (~PHP 3,000/extension); maximum cumulative stay of 3 years before an exit is required.
The Philippines is a popular expat destination with the Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV), which is one of Asia's best retirement visa programs. The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa covers work assignments, and the 9(a) Tourist Visa can be extended for up to 3 years in-country, making it popular for digital nomads. The SIRV (Special Investor Resident Visa) and ACR I-Card are required for long-term residents.
Foreign workers require an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), plus a 9(g) visa sponsored by their employer. DOLE must certify that no qualified Filipino is available for the position. Special Economic Zone employees have a simplified process. Working without an AEP can result in deportation. Self-employment as a foreigner is severely restricted except through registered foreign corporations.
Spouses and children of visa holders can obtain derivative visas tied to the primary holder status. The process requires certified copies of marriage and birth certificates. Non-Filipino spouses of Philippine citizens may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (13a), which grants open work authorization and is one of the most streamlined family visa processes in Southeast Asia.
The Philippines taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 35%. Non-residents (staying less than 180 days) are taxed on Philippine-sourced income only. SRRV holders are generally not taxed on foreign-sourced income. The Philippines has tax treaties with about 43 countries. VAT is 12% on most goods and services.
The Philippines has PhilHealth, a public health insurance program available to legally employed residents. However, most expats rely on private health insurance due to variability in public hospital quality. Private hospitals in Manila and Cebu (such as Makati Medical Center and St. Luke Medical Center) are internationally accredited. International insurance with medical evacuation is recommended outside major cities.
Opening a bank account requires an ACR I-Card (for long-term visa holders) or valid visa plus passport. Major banks include BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and Security Bank. The Philippines has a large remittance economy so international transfers are well-supported. GCash mobile wallet is widely used for daily transactions. Banking can be slow bureaucratically but English is the language of business.
The Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV) requires an investment of $75,000 USD in certain approved investment areas and is valid for the duration of the investment. The PEZA Investor Visa applies to those investing in Philippine Economic Zone Authority-registered enterprises. The Retirement Authority (PRA) manages the SRRV, which starts at $10,000 USD deposit for those aged 50+ with pension income.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV) | $75k+ | ✓ Yes | No |
| Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) | $10k+ | ✓ Yes | No |