🇵🇠Southeast Asia Visa
Visas for Philippines
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Visa overview
The Philippines does not offer a dedicated digital-nomad visa. Its flagship long-stay option is the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority, which grants indefinite residency in exchange for a refundable deposit and, for some tiers, a pension. The SRRV is one of Asia's best-known retirement pathways. Remote workers should distinguish tourist status from authorized work/residence status — the SRRV does not by itself authorize local employment.
Who it may suit
Retirees and financially independent long-stayers aged 35+ who can place the required deposit and want indefinite residency in an English-friendly, culturally accessible country. Less suited to nomads who need an explicit remote-work permit.
Eligibility
Open to applicants aged 35 and above. SRRV Classic: ages 35–49 require a $50,000 deposit; ages 50+ with a pension of $800/mo ($1,000 couples) require a $10,000 deposit; ages 50+ without a pension require a $20,000 deposit. Courtesy and other tiers have lower thresholds. A $15,000 deposit applies per additional dependent beyond two.
Required documents
1) Passport valid 6+ months. 2) Proof of age (35+). 3) The required deposit at a Philippine bank. 4) Pension proof where applicable. 5) Police/medical clearances and PRA application forms. 6) Dependent documents if applicable.
Income requirements
Pension of $800/mo ($1,000 couples) for 50+ pensioner; deposit-based otherwise
Stay length
Indefinite residency while the deposit is maintained.
Extensions
Not applicable — the SRRV is maintained rather than extended, as long as the deposit and conditions hold.
Remote work rules
The SRRV does not authorize local employment in the Philippines. Remote work for foreign employers and clients is generally tolerated, but any local job requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). Verify current rules with the Bureau of Immigration.
Local employment rules
Local employment requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
Tax residency warning
Spending 180+ days can make you a Philippine tax resident on worldwide income. The US-Philippines tax treaty helps avoid double taxation. This is not tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional.
Application process
1) Choose your SRRV tier based on age and pension. 2) Open the deposit at a Philippine bank. 3) Apply through the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). 4) Submit clearances and documents. 5) Receive the SRRV for indefinite residency. Use the PRA portal, not third-party agents charging extra fees.
This information is not immigration advice.
Educational use only: Verify with official agencies & qualified professionals. Not legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice.