I have already invested about $60,000 in a house for my wife and her family. Would I still need to put $10,000 in the bank?

Hi Jim,

Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, yes. Since technically foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines, the PRA restricts the SRRV Deposit investment to

1. Purchasing a condominium, or
2. Long-term lease of house and lot

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,

Marco

Hi!

I am a Japanese National and wanted to obtain this SRRV to live in the PH...

Do i need to be in Philippines in order to get the SRRV or I can apply here at PH Embassy Japan ?

Please Advice.

Thank you and Best Regards.

Hi MMJ,

Now that the borders are open, SRRV applications can only be completed once you are in the Philippines. The good news is Japan is on the list of countries that can enter visa-free in the Philippines. Once you arrive in country, you can complete the SRRV application and requirements.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-policy#countries

However, I highly recommend getting your documents together in Japan, as it is easier to get required government documents (police checks and marriage licenses as an example) apostilled and notarized in your home country.

I have Visa Specialists available if you would like to ask any additional questions or understand the most efficient way to process your visa.

Click here to chat with a Visa Specialist

Cheers and let me know if you have any questions.

Marco

Hi, Marco!
I love your website!!!! It has been a great help in planning my future and travel plans. So, I have some questions for you regarding the SRRV Courtesy Visa.
1) The Visa is for over 35 year old former Filipino Citizens, right? Who are currently a Citizen of another country? I don't need to have been a diplomat or something, in addition to that?
2) The only official item I need to take care of in the US before going to PI is to get an FBI check and get it authenticated at the Philippine Consulate here. Everything else, I get done in the Philippines - Health check (recommended there), payment, bank deposit, in person application process in Makati. (Of course, I will also have all my paperwork in order). Did I understand that correctly? Do you already make the bank deposit before going in for the Makati appt or after they instruct you to.
3) The Courtesy Visa allows you to work legally in the Philippines?

Thank you for answering my questions!

Hi John,

I'm glad you found the information helpful. To clarify, the PRA is now limiting the SRRV program to people over 50 years old and up.

However, if you are a Former Filipino, you can qualify for Balikbayan privilege and even get dual citizenship. I ended up getting my dual citizenship. The craziness of borders closing over the last two years has shown having multiple passports is extremely valuable.

If you have any other questions, I can schedule you for a one-on-one consultation with a Visa Specialist who can craft a personalized action plan for you. Click that link for details.

Cheers,

Marco

Hello, i plan on marrying a Filipino in Cagayon De Oro, and living there as permanent resident...I am 55....Are you correct when you say she can add me as a dependent, and i would not have to deposit $20,000

Hi Jeff,

You might have misread the article. Having your wife add you as a dependent to lower the deposit is if your wife is a former Filipino citizen applying for the SRRV.

Another option for you would be the 13a Marriage Visa, but the 13a and the SRRV are different visas. Each visa type has pros and cons.

If you would like to better understand your visa options and get a personalized immigration plan, we offer a one hour consultation with a accredited visa specialists.

Cheers,

Marco

So many of us have high incomes, and want to retire in the Philippines, but we unfortunately do not trust the banking system and we will not leave large sums of money in the banks of any foreign countries. We could have brought very large incomes to your country, which is good for your people and general economy, but we cannot trust any foreign banks with large deposits (too many of us have lost our money around the world), so many of us will not come to stay in the Pi for that one reason. That is very sad. We will go instead to countries who are happy to have out large incomes, without gambling that we lose our bank deposits. Some will say we never have to worry about our deposits in Philippines banks. Unfortunately that is not true at all.

Hi Scott,

Thanks for your input. Why do you need to move all your money outside of your home country?

While I don't have any poor experiences with Philippine banks, nor do I know of any locals or expats who lost access to their money in a Philippine bank, I still keep the bulk of my savings in the US for ease of use. I simply use a US ATM card to access cash, while I keep a local BDO account for minor transactions.

Cheers,

Marco

What is an SSRV acceptable long term lease amount and term?

Hi David,

To qualify for the SRRV classic, the long-term lease of the land (lot) and house must be a minimum of 25 years and $50,000 USD lease value.

If you would like a Visa Specialist to ease the hassle of your SRRV application, please feel free to reach out.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation

Cheers,

Marco

Hi,
Can I declare our monthly income from the business managed by my wife, which I also finance, so I can pay the $10,000 for the required deposit for the SSRV classic?

Hi Aria,

Regrettably no. The monthly income must be guaranteed, regular, and consistent; income along the lines of a corporate pension or social security income.

What document is referenced by "state police clearance" in the SRRV requirements? As a California resident, does the criminal background check from the California Department of Justice suffice and would there be some sort of notarization required?