Visa Pathways for Living Long-Term in the Philippines
The Philippines offers a range of visa pathways for living long-term, reflecting the country’s long-standing openness to retirees, remote workers, students, and skilled professionals from overseas. Many expats begin with short-term entry options and later transition into more stable arrangements as their plans evolve, making it possible to stay legally for months or years with the right visa strategy.
Understand visa lengths, extensions, and key rules for long-stay visitors to the Philippines.
The Philippine visa system is structured around distinct visa routes, each designed for a specific purpose and stage of long-term living. These pathways support a wide range of situations — from retirement and family life, to formal education, vocational training, and lawful employment or business activity within the country.
Explore the SRRV, a long-term visa designed for retirees seeking permanent residency and flexible entry to the Philippines.
This guide introduces the main visa categories used by expats and long-term visitors, organised by purpose to make the available pathways easier to understand. The sections that follow outline how these categories fit together and where each type of visa is typically used in long-term planning.
Table of Contents
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1. Lifestyle & Long-Stay Visas
3. Work, Business & Vocational Visas
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These three hubs form the core of the site, guiding you through long-term living in the Philippines, exploring its diving destinations, and understanding the society that connects it all. Each hub brings together practical guides and firsthand insight to help you build a clear, grounded view of life in the Philippines.
Lifestyle & Long-Stay Visas
For most expats, long-term living in the Philippines begins with one of three common routes. Many arrive on a 9(a) Tourist Visa and extend their stay while planning next steps. Retirees often move to the SRRV for stable, long-term residency, while those married to Filipino citizens may qualify for the 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa. Together, these options represent the most practical pathways for establishing long-term residence without formal employment.
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| Visa Type | Category | Description | Work / Business Allowed | Resident ID Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9(a) Tourist Visa | Temporary Visitor | The most common entry route for expats. Initially granted for short stays, with extensions available up to 36 months for many nationalities. | No. Employment and business activity are not permitted. | Conditional. ACR I-Card required once extensions exceed 59 days. |
| SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa) | Retirement | A long-term residency visa for retirees meeting age and financial requirements, allowing indefinite stay with multiple-entry privileges. | No employment permitted. Business ownership may be allowed under specific conditions. | Yes. SRRV ID issued by the PRA (serves as resident identification). |
| 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa | Marriage / Family | Residency visa for foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens, typically starting with probationary status. | Yes, with conditions. Subject to registration and applicable permits. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued. |
| Balikbayan Privilege | Returning Filipino / Family | One-year visa-free stay for former Filipino citizens and qualifying foreign family members entering with a Filipino national. | No. Work and business activity are not permitted. | No resident ID issued. |
| Quota Immigrant Visa (13) | Permanent Residency (Limited) | A permanent residency visa subject to strict annual quotas and limited availability. | Yes, with conditions. Subject to standard registration and permit requirements. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued. |
Education & Study Visas
Education visas apply to foreign nationals enrolled in recognised schools, universities, or training programs in the Philippines. These pathways cover both long-term academic study and shorter courses, but are strictly limited to education and do not permit employment or business activity. Requirements vary depending on the duration and nature of the program.
What Expats Need to Know About Public, Private and International Options
| Visa Type | Category | Description | Work / Business Allowed | Resident ID Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9(f) Student Visa | Formal Education | Issued to foreign nationals enrolled in recognised Philippine schools, colleges, or universities. Commonly used for degree programs and long-term academic study. | No. Employment and business activity are not permitted while holding a student visa. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued for the duration of stay. |
| Special Study Permit (SSP) | Short-Term Study | Required for short courses or training programs, including language schools and non-degree studies. Often used alongside a tourist visa. | No. Work and business activity are not permitted. | No. ACR I-Card is not issued for SSP holders. |
| Exchange Student Visa | Academic Exchange | Granted to students participating in recognised exchange programs between foreign and Philippine educational institutions. | No. Employment and business activity are not permitted. | Yes. ACR I-Card typically issued for the authorised stay. |
| Training Visa (Non-Degree) | Vocational / Practical Training | Used for structured training or internship-style programs that do not lead to a formal academic qualification. | No. Paid employment is not permitted under training or study visas. | Conditional. Depends on duration and immigration classification. |
Work, Business & Vocational Visas
Work and business visas apply to foreign nationals engaged in employment, project-based roles, or regulated investment activities in the Philippines. These pathways typically require employer sponsorship, government approval, and ongoing compliance, and may be used for both short-term assignments and longer-term professional or commercial activity.
Find out how to move your money safely and cost-effectively to the Philippines — and which international transfer options work best.
| Visa Type | Category | Description | Resident ID Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa | Employment | Issued to foreign nationals employed by a Philippine-based company. Requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and employer sponsorship. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued. |
| 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa | Special Projects / Government | Granted to foreign nationals working on approved projects under government or special agreements, often for infrastructure or technical roles. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued. |
| Special Work Permit (SWP) | Short-Term Employment | Used for short-term or temporary work assignments, often alongside a tourist visa. Typically valid for limited periods only. | No. ACR I-Card is not issued for SWP holders. |
| PEZA / Ecozone Visa | Economic Zone Employment | Issued to foreign employees working within Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) or other registered ecozones. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued. |
| Investor Visa (e.g. SIRV) | Investment / Business | Residency visa for foreign nationals making qualifying investments in the Philippines, subject to minimum capital and regulatory approval. | Yes. ACR I-Card issued. |
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Frequently Asked Questions – Visa Pathways in the Philippines
Can you live long-term in the Philippines on a tourist visa?
Yes, many expats begin on a tourist visa and extend their stay over time. For many nationalities, extensions can allow stays of up to 36 months. However, tourist visas do not permit work or business activity and are usually a temporary solution rather than a permanent pathway.
What is the most common long-term visa for retirees?
The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is the most widely used option for retirees. It allows indefinite stay, multiple entry, and removes the need for regular visa extensions, provided age and financial requirements are met.
Does marrying a Filipino citizen grant permanent residency?
Marriage to a Filipino citizen may make you eligible for a 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa. This usually begins with a probationary period and can lead to permanent resident status, subject to ongoing eligibility and compliance.
Can students work while studying in the Philippines?
No. Student visas and study permits are strictly for education purposes. Employment or business activity is not permitted while holding an education-related visa, regardless of course length or institution.
What is an ACR I-Card?
An ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card) is an official identification card issued to many foreign nationals staying long-term in the Philippines. It confirms legal resident status and is commonly required for immigration transactions, banking, and other administrative processes. Some visa categories, such as the SRRV, issue an equivalent resident ID instead.
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