Guide to Residency in Philippines

Obtaining a residency visa in Philippines is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Philippines gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the different types of visas and residency options
  • Visit the official website of the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines at http://www.immigration.gov.ph/ to understand the various visa categories.
  • Identify which visa category fits your situation (e.g., Quota Immigrant Visa, Non-Quota Immigrant Visa, Special Resident Retiree's Visa).
• Prepare the necessary documents
  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the Philippines.
  • Duly accomplished visa application forms.
  • Photographs (passport size).
  • Proof of financial capacity (e.g., bank statements, pension details).
  • Medical and police clearance from your home country.
  • Additional documents depending on the specific visa type (e.g., marriage certificate for spouse visa, business registration for investor visa).
• Apply for the appropriate visa
  • Submit the application and required documents to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country or to the Bureau of Immigration if you are already in the Philippines.
  • Pay the necessary visa application fees.
  • Attend an interview if required.
  • Wait for the visa application to be processed.
• Enter the Philippines
  • Once your visa is approved, travel to the Philippines.
  • Present your visa to the immigration officer upon arrival.
• Apply for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card)
  • Visit the Bureau of Immigration office to apply for an ACR I-Card within the first 59 days of your stay.
  • Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents, such as your passport and visa.
  • Pay the ACR I-Card fee.
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Go to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) website at https://www.bir.gov.ph/ to learn about the TIN application process.
  • Fill out the BIR Form 1902 and submit it to the nearest BIR office.
  • Provide the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa, and ACR I-Card.
  • Wait for your TIN to be issued.
• Comply with the annual report requirement
  • Report in person to the Bureau of Immigration or through an authorized representative within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
  • Pay the annual report fee.
• Renew your visa as required
  • Check the expiration date of your visa and apply for renewal before it expires.
  • Submit the renewal application along with the required documents and fees to the Bureau of Immigration.
• Consider applying for permanent residency
  • After meeting the required period of stay and other conditions, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
  • Consult with the Bureau of Immigration for the specific requirements and process for permanent residency application.

Please note that the process and requirements for obtaining residency status in the Philippines can change, so it is important to consult the latest information from the Bureau of Immigration and other relevant authorities.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Philippines?

"Most passports are given a three month visa on arrival and one can arrange longer stays through the many visa agents found in most hotels," commented one expat living in Angeles City, Philippines.

"A residency permit can be obtained through a yearly quota system or if you are married to a local person- on the basis of the marriage. Foreign visitors upon their arrival in the Philippines are granted a free tourist visa for 30 days, which may be extended to 59 days through the immigration. Before the expiry of the 59 days visa the foreign visitor may extend his/her visa to 60 or 180 days more. The tourist visa maybe further extended up to 3 years," mentioned one expat living in Philippines.

"Visiting the Philippines generally requires a visa for travel. Depending on the type of visa and the duration of the stay, requirements may vary. To apply for a visa, travelers visiting other countries in the region, such as Singapore or Malaysia, may apply for a 'Visa On Arrival' through the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. Those who need to stay a longer period may apply for a Tourist Visa at a Philippine Consular Office near their residence. The application usually requires a valid passport, two photos, a filled-out Visa application form, and any applicable fees. For those wishing to reside in the Philippines, obtaining a visa requires more extensive requirements. To be eligible for a residency visa, the applicant must be sponsored by a resident of the Philippines, a branch or subdivision of a Philippine company, or an embassy. The applicant must also apply for a Resident Immigrant Visa at a Philippine Embassy with the necessary documents such as a valid passport, medical exam, letter of request from the sponsor, birth and marriage certificates, and police clearance. The visa application also requires a paid processing fee," said an expat in Philippines.