Philippine Visa
Guide for Expats
Whether you're retiring, marrying a Filipino, or working remotely — find the right visa with costs, requirements, and step-by-step application guides.
Choose by your reason for staying
Start with your purpose and eligibility, then check the current official checklist. A visa that permits a visit does not automatically permit employment. Fees and document requirements depend on the route and your circumstances.
| Your situation | Route to explore | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Visit or explore before moving | Tourist entry / 9(a) | Check your nationality, permitted stay, onward travel requirements, and whether your entry type can be extended. Electronic visas have separate restrictions. DFA entry policy |
| Retire long term | SRRV | Check PRA’s age, pension, deposit, and document rules. Confirm the applicable category before transferring a deposit. PRA requirements |
| Join a Filipino spouse | 13(a) marriage route | Check nationality eligibility, marriage evidence, and the probationary or permanent application appropriate to your situation. BI application services (PDF) |
| Take a job with a Philippine employer | 9(g) employment route | Ask your employer to confirm the petition and employment-permit process before starting work. BOI employment guidance (PDF) |
| Work remotely for clients or employers abroad | Digital Nomad Visa — verify availability | EO 86 authorizes this visa, but we have not verified an open application channel. Ask your Philippine consulate for current implementing instructions; do not assume the tourist e-visa portal accepts it. Executive Order 86 |
For study or another purpose, see the routes below. Once you have a viable route, use the moving guides and before-you-book checklist to organize your next steps.
Decision guide reviewed September 15, 2026. Established routes above have published official procedures; individual eligibility and current processing availability still need checking.
Marriage & Family
For those building a life with a Filipino partner
Remote Work & Digital Nomads
Work from paradise with the right visa
Employment & Business
Working or investing in the Philippine economy
9(g) Work Visa
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Commercial Visa
The standard work visa for foreigners employed by Philippine companies. Requires employer sponsorship and an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE.
Duration
1–3 years (matches employment contract duration)
Cost
PHP 20,000–35,000+ in combined fees (BI fees + DOLE AEP fees)
SIRV Investor Visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Permanent residency through a minimum $75,000 investment in Philippine companies. Processed through the Board of Investments, not the Bureau of Immigration.
Duration
Indefinite (as long as investment is maintained)
Cost
Minimum $75,000 USD investment + application fees
Education
Studying at Philippine universities and institutions
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