The Philippines is one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreigners looking to retire in a tropical, affordable, English-speaking environment. For those seeking a long-term or permanent stay, the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) offers an excellent solution. This visa program, managed by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) under the Bureau of Immigration, allows eligible foreign nationals and former Filipinos to live indefinitely in the country with multiple entry privileges.
What is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)?
The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a special non-immigrant visa that grants qualified foreign retirees the right to reside in the Philippines indefinitely while enjoying various fiscal and immigration privileges. It was established to attract retirees, investors, and former Filipino citizens to settle in the country long-term.
The SRRV is approved through the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), which evaluates applications, verifies deposits, and endorses qualified applicants for visa issuance at the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Unlike regular resident visas, the SRRV does not require frequent renewals, providing retirees peace of mind to enjoy their stay fully.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for the SRRV?
To ensure applicants are financially prepared and in good health, the SRRV program imposes specific eligibility criteria:
- Age Requirement: As of September 1, 2025, the PRA will lower the minimum age requirement from 50 to 40 years old, expanding the program’s accessibility.
- Clean Record: Applicants must have no criminal record or conviction related to moral turpitude.
- Health Condition: Applicants must be physically fit and free of contagious or mental illnesses, certified by a licensed medical practitioner.
- Financial Capacity: The retiree must remit and maintain a time deposit or show proof of a regular monthly pension, depending on the chosen SRRV program.
Dependents, including a legal spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, can also be included under the same application.
SRRV Program Options
The PRA offers several SRRV options designed to suit different retiree profiles, each with its own requirements and benefits.
- SRRV Classic
This is the standard option for foreign retirees aged 50 and above (and now for those aged 40-49 under new 2025 rules) who want to use their time deposit for investment or retirement purposes.
For pensioners aged 50 and above, the required time deposit is US$15,000 with proof of at least US$800 per month in pension for single applicants or US$1,000 for couples.
For non-pensioners, the required time deposit is US$30,000, and it can later be converted into investment opportunities such as condominium units, long-term leases, or club shares.
For younger retirees aged 40 to 49, the deposit requirement will increase slightly to US$25,000 (pensioners) and US$50,000 (non-pensioners) once the 2025 policy update takes effect.
- SRRV Courtesy
Designed for former military personnel, diplomats, and individuals who served international organizations (e.g., UN, ADB, JICA), or foreign nationals recognized for achievements in business, arts, sports, or philanthropy.
The deposit is significantly lower, US$1,500 for ages 50+ and US$3,000 to 6,000 for ages 40-49, depending on whether the retiree is a pensioner or non-pensioner.
- SRRV Human Touch
This is for retirees aged 50 and above who require medical care in the Philippines. Applicants must show a minimum monthly pension of US$1,500 and maintain a US$10,000 time deposit, which may be used for medical expenses.
- SRRV Expanded / Flexible (2025 Revision)
Under the expanded SRRV program announced by the PRA, retirees will have more flexible options for converting deposits into qualified investments. This version emphasizes inclusivity for foreign professionals and former Filipinos over 40 who wish to reside and invest long-term in the country.
Documentary Requirements for SRRV Application
To secure an SRRV, applicants must prepare the following key documents:
- Duly completed SRRV Application Form
- Original valid passport with an active entry visa
- Medical Certificate (issued by a licensed Philippine or foreign doctor)
- Police Clearance from the country of origin (apostilled or authenticated)
- NBI Clearance (if residing in the Philippines for more than 30 days)
- Bank Certification confirming the required time deposit amount
- Twelve (12) 2×2 ID photos with white background
- Marriage Certificate (for spouses) and Birth Certificates (for dependents), verified by the Philippine Embassy if obtained abroad
- Proof of Pension for SRRV Classic and Courtesy options
- Application and processing fee payment to the PRA
Applicants must be physically present in the Philippines during the SRRV processing stage.
How to Apply for the SRRV
The SRRV application involves multiple steps managed by the PRA, with average processing times of 20 to 45 working days depending on document completeness and location (Manila, Davao, Cebu, etc.).
Step 1: Pre-Evaluation and Requirement Preparation
Applicants start with a pre-evaluation of eligibility and completeness of documentation. The PRA or a licensed immigration consultant confirms the applicant’s chosen program, deposit requirements, and next steps.
Step 2: Deposit and Document Submission
The applicant remits the required deposit through a PRA-accredited bank, such as Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) or Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
The bank then issues a certification, typically within 7 to 10 working days, confirming receipt of the funds.
Step 3: File the Application with the PRA
The applicant submits all documents and pays the required fees. The current SRRV application fee is US$1,500 for the principal and US$300 per dependent, effective until further PRA updates.
Step 4: Verification and Evaluation
All documents are verified for authenticity. The PRA conducts background, medical, and financial assessments before endorsing approval.
Step 5: Approval and Visa Issuance
Upon approval, the Bureau of Immigration issues the SRRV, allowing the holder to live indefinitely in the Philippines without repeated visa renewals or extensions.
Step 6: PRA Membership and Card Issuance
Each retiree receives a PRA membership card, which functions as both an identification card and a replacement for the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I Card).
SRRV Fees and Deposits
Effective July 2025, SRRV application fees are non-refundable. The application fee remains US$1,500 for principal retirees and US$300 per dependent, plus an annual PRA membership fee:
- US$360 for SRRV Classic
- US$100 for SRRV Courtesy (foreigners)
- US$50 for former Filipinos
Time deposit requirements vary by age and program, but typically range from US$10,000 to US$50,000. PRA allows conversion of deposits into real estate investments or long-term leases after one month from visa issuance.
Benefits of Holding an SRRV
The SRRV provides retirees unparalleled flexibility and privileges, including:
- Indefinite stay in the Philippines with multiple entry and exit privileges
- Exemption from the Bureau of Immigration’s ACR-I Card requirement
- Tax exemptions on imported household goods (up to US$7,000 value)
- Exemption from travel and student visa taxes for dependents
- Conversion privilege for deposits into property or club shares
- Eligibility to invest or volunteer in Philippine local communities
These benefits make SRRV one of Asia’s most retiree-friendly visas, combining lifestyle advantages with legal permanence.
Common Issues Applicants Face
Many retirees encounter challenges during SRRV processing due to incomplete submissions or misunderstanding PRA requirements. Frequent issues include:
- Delays in obtaining apostilled or authenticated documents
- Incorrect bank remittances to non-accredited institutions
- Medical or police clearances exceeding validity periods
- Failure to downgrade tourist visas before applying
Such complications can delay approval or even result in application rejections. Having professional SRRV application assistance ensures compliance and a smoother process.
Why Professional SRRV Application Assistance Matters
Handling an SRRV application on your own can be overwhelming, especially with evolving PRA and BI regulations. Seeking expert guidance offers clear advantages:
- Step-by-step assistance in document preparation and submission
- Coordination with PRA and accredited banks for deposit verification
- Clarification of eligibility for different SRRV programs
- Ensured compliance with up-to-date policy changes (such as the 2025 program expansion)
- Guidance for dependents’ inclusion, renewals, and PRA membership
A trusted immigration consultant like Work Visa Philippines removes uncertainty and streamlines what can otherwise be a complex bureaucratic process.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines continues to be a preferred destination for retirees worldwide because of its affordability, hospitality, and tropical charm. The SRRV offers the ultimate long-term residency solution, providing security, financial flexibility, and family inclusivity.
If you are planning to retire in the Philippines, professional SRRV application assistance can help you meet all requirements efficiently and avoid unnecessary complications. With experienced partners guiding your process, you can focus on what truly matters — enjoying your retirement in comfort and peace.
Need Help with Your SRRV Application?
Work Visa Philippines provides full support for SRRV application and compliance. Our team liaises directly with the Philippine Retirement Authority and the Bureau of Immigration to ensure fast, accurate, and worry-free processing, from bank coordination to document authentication. Contact our team of experts to schedule a consultation:
- Contact Us Here
- Fill Out the Form Below
- Call us at +63 (02) 8540-9623
