Philippines Visa & Relocation Complete Guide 2026 | SRRV, 9G Work Visa, 13a & Tourist Extensions

The Philippines is an English-speaking country with a warm climate, affordable cost of living, and well-established Japanese expat communities. Manila, Cebu, and Davao are the most popular bases for foreigners.

Main Visa Types

SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa)

Managed by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). One of the most accessible retirement visas in Asia.

• 50+ with pension: USD 10,000 fixed deposit
• 50+ without pension: USD 20,000 fixed deposit
• Under 50: USD 20,000 fixed deposit
• Application fee: USD 1,400 (primary applicant) + USD 300 per accompanying dependent
• Annual fee: USD 360
• Benefits: Multiple-entry privileges, customs duty exemptions, no employment authorization needed
• Note: PRA processing has been slower since tightened 2024 reviews

9G Visa (Work Visa)

For foreigners employed by Philippine companies.

• Employer must first obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE, then apply to the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
• Validity: 1 year (renewable)
• Application fee: PHP 8,620+ (government fees) + agent fees
• AEP requirement: Position must not be fillable by a qualified Filipino national

13a Visa (Foreign Spouse of a Philippine Citizen)

Immigrant visa for foreign nationals married to Philippine citizens.

• First year: Conditional permanent resident status (with ACR I-Card)
• After 1 year: Apply for conversion to unconditional permanent residency
• Application fee: PHP 8,620+

Tourist Visa (9a) Extension System

The Philippines offers one of the world's most flexible tourist visa extension systems — up to 36 months total.

• Initial visa-free stay: Up to 30 days (Japanese nationals free on arrival)
• Extensions: 1–2 months at a time at the Bureau of Immigration; max 36 months total
• Cost per extension: approx. PHP 3,000–4,000
• Important: No work permitted on tourist/tourist-extension status

SVEP (Special Visa for Employment Generation)

For foreigners working within PEZA or BOI-registered economic zone enterprises.

Tax & Living Notes

Income tax: 0–35% progressive for Philippine-source income. Some foreign-earned income remitted via PHREX may qualify for partial exemption.

ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration): Mandatory for all foreigners staying 59+ days (fee PHP 2,000+).

Healthcare: Private hospitals in Manila (Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's) and Cebu are Japan-friendly and relatively high standard. Quality declines in rural areas.

Living costs: Expat condominiums in Makati/BGC run PHP 30,000–80,000/month.

Cost Summary

Pre-Move Checklist

1. Land ownership restriction: Foreigners cannot own land; condominium units can be purchased within 40% foreign ownership cap
2. SRRV deposit requirement: Funds must remain in a fixed deposit account; can be used toward real estate under certain conditions
3. Tax treaty: Japan–Philippines tax treaty reduces some double taxation
4. Safety and neighborhood choice: Makati, BGC, and Cebu IT Park are generally safe; exercise caution outside major urban areas
5. Digital nomads: No official visa — tourist visa extensions are the de facto option, but work remains prohibited

The Philippines is especially popular among Japanese retirees thanks to the well-structured SRRV program, English as an official language, and the presence of Japanese schools in multiple cities.

---

References

This article is based on the following official sources.

• SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa): Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA) Official Page
• 9(g) Work Visa: Bureau of Immigration (BI) – 9(g) Visa
• General Immigration: Bureau of Immigration Philippines