Guide

Visa for a Long-Term Stay in the Philippines

Tourist visa extension, 13A, and SRRV at a glance

There are several legal paths to a longer stay in the Philippines. Which one fits depends on age, marital status, and personal plans. The overview below does not replace legal advice but provides a first orientation.

✈ Tourist Visa with Extension (9A)

Most visitors first enter on a visa-free or 30-day tourist status (9A). This can be extended step by step at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) — in practice up to a total of 36 months for nationals not requiring a visa (e.g. from many European countries, the US, Canada, and Australia). After the first 6 months, an ACR-I-Card is typically required, and an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is needed upon departure.

The tourist visa is a flexible bridge but not a full long-term solution — many use it as a transition until another visa category fits.

💍 13A Visa (Spousal Visa)

Anyone married to a Philippine citizen can apply for a 13A resident visa. It does not require repeated renewals and offers a more stable legal status than the tourist visa.

🏘 SRRV – Special Resident Retiree’s Visa

The SRRV from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) is the best-known long-term solution for expats — despite its name, it is not only for retirees. Following a reform in September 2025, new rules apply:

Minimum age is now 40 (previously 50)
Only the SRRV Classic category remains available (SRRV Smile and Human Touch were discontinued)
With a verifiable pension: deposit from $15,000, minimum monthly income of approx. $800 (single) or $1,000 (couple)
Without a pension: higher deposit, depending on age group and individual review
Processing fee currently around $1,500

The SRRV allows for an indefinite stay without recurring renewals, multiple entry, and under certain conditions, tax advantages on foreign pension income.

🏠 Balikbayan Privilege

Former Philippine citizens, as well as accompanying foreign spouses and children, can receive a free one-year visa-free stay upon entry (Balikbayan stamp). The privilege does not renew automatically — another stay category must be arranged before it expires.

Important note: Visa and immigration rules change regularly and are administered by the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine Retirement Authority — not by Genessa Homes. This overview is for initial orientation only and does not replace individual legal advice. Current requirements should always be verified directly with the BI or PRA, or through our local partners.

🤝 Your Local Team

Genessa Nacional is your personal point of contact — a Real Estate Consultant in the Filipino Homes network, one of the largest real estate networks in the Philippines, working nationwide with a focus on Dumaguete, Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, and Sibulan. Behind the scenes, several Philippine lawyers support the review of land titles and contracts — so you are never on your own during the process.

🧠 Bottom Line

There is a suitable legal path for most life situations when it comes to a long-term stay in the Philippines. Our team helps you find the right option early and prepare the necessary steps together with our attorney partners.