Foreign investors looking to establish a presence in the Philippines can enjoy long-term residency through the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV). By investing capital in approved economic activities, eligible applicants gain the right to live indefinitely in the country, benefit from multiple-entry privileges, and participate in the local economy.
Understanding the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) is a special non-immigrant visa offered to foreign nationals who invest at least US$75,000 in eligible business ventures in the Philippines. It allows indefinite residence and multiple entries as long as the investment remains in the country. The program is governed by Executive Order No. 226 (Omnibus Investments Code of 1987) and jointly administered by the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The SIRV supports the government’s objective of attracting foreign capital to boost employment, develop industries, and widen its economic base. Successful applicants can stay in the Philippines indefinitely without converting their visa type, making this an appealing option for multinational investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees seeking regional opportunities.
Who Can Apply for an SIRV
To qualify for an SIRV, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements designed to ensure financial capability, good standing, and overall suitability:
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
- Must be free from contagious diseases or mental disorders.
- Must be capable of investing a minimum of US$75,000, to be remitted legally through accredited banks such as the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) or the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
- Dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) may be included under the principal applicant’s visa.
Meeting these requirements establishes qualification for either a probationary or indefinite SIRV, each with unique conditions.
Eligible Investment Types
The SIRV program limits investment options to ensure funds contribute to productive and sustainable industries. Acceptable investments include:
- Shares of stock in publicly listed companies on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)
- Equity ownership in BOI-registered enterprises
- Investments in the manufacturing and services sectors
- Projects listed under the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), defined by the BOI
Investments in partnerships, real estate, or wholesale trading are not eligible.
Stages of the SIRV Application
The SIRV application process involves two main stages: obtaining a Probationary SIRV and subsequently converting it to an Indefinite SIRV once the investment requirements are met.
- Probationary SIRV
Applicants first apply for a Probationary SIRV, valid for six months. During this period, the applicant must deposit the required investment amount, US$75,000 or its peso equivalent, into a time deposit account at an accredited depository bank, usually for a term of 30-60 days.
This allows investors time to complete due diligence, select an eligible investment vehicle, and secure required clearances.
- Indefinite SIRV
Once the funds are deployed into a qualifying investment, the applicant must submit evidence such as share certificates and bank documents. The BOI then endorses the conversion to an Indefinite SIRV, granting the investor permanent residence and multiple entry privileges for as long as the investment is maintained.
Failure to complete the investment or withdrawal of the funds without reinvestment can lead to cancellation of the visa.
Required Documents for SIRV Application
The documentary requirements for a Probationary SIRV in the Philippines are extensive to ensure compliance with government regulations. Applicants should prepare the following:
- Accomplished and notarized SIRV application form
- Clearance from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)
- Police or NBI clearance from the home country, verified by the Philippine Embassy or the Interpol Division of the NBI
- Medical certificate issued by either the Department of Health, a government hospital, or a licensed institution abroad
- Certification from an authorized bank officer showing inward remittance of at least US$75,000
- Certified True Copy of the Certificate of Peso Time Deposit held in trust
- Valid passport and recent photographs
- Authenticated birth and marriage certificates for dependents
- Payment of the processing fee (approximately US$300 and ₱10,110) to the Bureau of Immigration
All foreign-issued documents must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate before submission.
Step-by-Step Process for SIRV Application
If you need to apply for an SIRV, here are the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Prepare Documents
Before filing, ensure all personal, legal, and financial requirements are met. The funds for investment must be remitted through an accredited Philippine bank. Applicants must also decide which eligible company or sector to invest in, as this will determine whether they can qualify for indefinite residency later.
Step 2: File the Application
Those applying abroad should submit their applications through the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Applicants already in the Philippines may file directly with the Board of Investments (BOI) or the One-Stop SIRV Center in Manila.
Step 3: Obtain a Probationary SIRV
Upon approval, the applicant receives a Probationary SIRV valid for 180 days. During this period, the investor must allocate the deposited funds into a qualified enterprise or stock investment, providing proof of completion to the BOI.
Step 4: Convert to an Indefinite SIRV
At least 30 days before expiration, submit your conversion request with supporting investment documents. Personal presence is required during this step. If approved, you will be granted an Indefinite SIRV, allowing permanent residence and multiple re-entry privileges.
Step 5: Maintain Investment Compliance
Indefinite SIRV holders must maintain their investments and comply with BOI reporting requirements. Any divestment must be reinvested in approved ventures within a prescribed timeline to keep the visa valid.
Benefits of Holding an SIRV
Holders of an SIRV enjoy several privileges and competitive advantages over other visa types:
- Indefinite stay in the Philippines without the need to renew annually
- Multiple-entry privileges, with no re-application required after travel
- Access to investment sectors under BOI-approved industries
- Inclusion of dependents, allowing family relocation under one visa
- Tax and business incentives under the Omnibus Investments Code
- Eligibility for eventual permanent residency, upon compliance with BOI guidelines
These benefits make the SIRV a highly attractive route for wealthy foreign investors seeking long-term residence and economic participation in the country.
Common Challenges During the Application
While the SIRV offers valuable long-term benefits, the process is complex. Common challenges include:
- Difficulty authenticating foreign documents with the Philippine authorities
- Delays in bank remittances and deposit certification
- Incorrect or missing documentary requirements
- Misinterpretation of eligible investment categories
- Timing mistakes during the probationary period leading to lapses or cancellation
These challenges highlight the importance of professional SIRV application assistance, ensuring complete documentation, timely submission, and coordination with both the BOI and BI offices.
Why Professional SIRV Assistance Matters
Navigating the SIRV process requires understanding both immigration law and investment regulations. Professional consultation helps:
- Identify eligible investment vehicles and avoid disqualified sectors
- Ensure complete, correctly authenticated documentation
- Handle bank coordination for fund remittance and peso time deposit validation
- Manage deadlines for probationary-to-indefinite conversion
- Prevent penalties, delays, and visa cancellations
Working with experts experienced in foreign investment visas ensures compliance, reduces administrative burden, and saves time for investors focusing on Philippine ventures.
Final Insights
Securing a Special Investor’s Resident Visa is more than an immigration process. By maintaining proper documentation, meeting investment thresholds, and adhering to BOI and BI requirements, foreign investors can obtain indefinite residency in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies.
Professional SIRV application assistance ensures accuracy, efficiency, and full compliance throughout the process. Whether you are an entrepreneur expanding regionally or a retiree investing long-term, this visa unlocks boundless opportunities in the Philippines.
Need Assistance With Your SIRV Application?
Work Visa Philippines provides specialized assistance for obtaining your SIRV accurately and confidently. Our team coordinates with the Department of Trade and Industry, the BOI, and the Bureau of Immigration to streamline the entire process, ensuring your investment meets all legal and regulatory standards. Contact our team today to begin your SIRV application and enjoy a seamless path to long-term residency in the Philippines:
- Contact Us Here
- Fill Out the Form Below
- Call us at +63 (02) 8540-9623
