Visas for the Philippines

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, you’ll be glad to know that citizens from 157 countries can enter without a visa for stays ranging from 14 to 59 days. Most travellers, including those from the US, UK, and much of Europe, can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Nationals from Brazil and Israel enjoy up to 59 days, while Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders have a 14-day allowance.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay and that you have proof of a return ticket. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa or permit at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate.

Temporary visitor visas

If you need more than 30 days in the Philippines, a Temporary Visitor Visa (9A) is an option. This visa covers tourism, business, and medical visits, offering flexibility based on your travel purpose.

The Philippine government is rolling out a new e-Visa system to simplify the 9A visa application. This system has expanded to include applicants from India. Standard requirements include:

A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
A completed visa application form
Proof of your purpose – such as hotel bookings, a business invitation, or medical documents
Confirmed return or onward travel tickets

Some business visitors require an official company letter, and those seeking medical treatment may have to provide an acceptance letter from a Philippine medical institution.

It’s always smart to check with your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for the latest application details and requirements.

Student visas

If you’re planning to study in the Philippines, you’ll need a Student Visa (9F). To qualify, you must be at least 18 and accepted into a college or university accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Financial proof is required – this can be a notarised affidavit of support, bank statements, or a scholarship grant.

Investor’s visas

If you’re looking to invest in the Philippines, the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) allows indefinite residency. To qualify, you must:

Be at least 21 years old
Invest in a government-approved industry
Pass health and background checks

Eligibility guidelines are managed by the Board of Investments. Always confirm requirements before applying.

Useful links

Bureau of Immigration Philippines: Visas

Residence permits for the Philippines

If you hold or are applying for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card, you must complete the Annual Reporting (AR) process within the first 60 days of each calendar year. If they’re unable to appear for AR, exemptions apply for children under 14, seniors aged 60 and above, individuals with mental or physical incapacities, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions. Documentation such as birth certificates or medical certificates must be submitted in advance for approval.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration now offers a virtual Annual Report option, allowing you to fulfil this requirement via an online platform. To do this, you need to register through the BI’s e-services portal, schedule a virtual interview, and present your original ACR I-Card and valid passport. This option is available to all registered foreign nationals present in the Philippines during the AR period, except for those with paper-based ACRs.

Residence permits based on marriage

If you’re married to a Filipino citizen, you can apply for a 13A Non-Quota Immigrant Visa, which grants permanent residency and allows you to engage in business or employment. The application process requires a duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF), a joint letter request from you and your spouse, a marriage certificate recognised under Philippine law, and proof of financial capacity, such as bank statements or an employment contract. The initial visa is probationary for one year before it can be converted to permanent status.

Residence permits based on employment

If you have a job offer in the Philippines, you’ll need a 9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa. This visa is employer-specific and requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labour and Employment.

If you receive a promotion within the same company, your employer must submit a notice of promotion to the BI, apply for a visa extension, and update your ACR I-Card to reflect your new position.

Residence permits based on retirement

Retirees aged 50 and above can apply for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), which offers indefinite residency and multiple-entry privileges. The SRRV now has different categories with specific requirements:

SRRV Human Touch: For retirees who require medical or clinical care. You must deposit a minimum of USD 10,000 into a PRA-approved bank, have a monthly pension of at least USD 1,500, and hold health insurance valid in the Philippines.
SRRV Classic: For active retirees. If you have a pension, you need a USD 10,000 deposit and proof of at least USD 800 per month (USD 1,000 for couples). Without a pension, the deposit requirement is USD 20,000. These deposits can be used for investments, such as purchasing a condominium or leasing property.

Always check the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) website or consult with an immigration expert to ensure you meet the latest eligibility requirements.

Useful links

Work permits for the Philippines

Alien employment permits (AEP)

To work in the Philippines, your employer must prove that no local candidate can perform the role. This is a key requirement for securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP), issued by the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE). The AEP is valid for one to five years and must be applied for alongside an employment visa.

The AEP application requires a passport, employment contract, proof of your employer’s business registration, a recent 2x2 photograph, and a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Employers must provide evidence that no qualified Filipino citizen is available, such as job advertisements and recruitment reports.

Pre-arranged employee visas

If you’re moving to the Philippines for work, you’ll need a Pre-Arranged Employee Visa (9G). This visa is issued after obtaining an AEP and applies to commercial, social, or missionary roles.

Since 2024, promoted 9G visa holders must immediately update their AEP and visa to reflect their new job title. Your employer must submit a notice of promotion, an updated employment contract, and a request for a visa extension within 30 days to comply with the new regulations.

Special work permits

For assignments lasting less than six months, a Special Work Permit (SWP) is ideal. This permit is simpler to secure and tailored for short-term professional engagements. It is initially valid for three months and can be extended for another three months if necessary. You must maintain a valid temporary visitor’s visa throughout your stay.

Provisional work permit

While waiting for your employment visa (9G) to be processed, you must secure a Provisional Work Permit (PWP). This temporary document is valid for three months or until your 9G visa is approved. You can request an extension if the processing time extends beyond the initial three months.

Useful links

Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, so consult your respective embassy or consulate for the latest requirements.

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Visas for the Philippines