Philippines SRRV Visa Update and Requirements- All Your Questions Answered (2023)
The Philippines SRRV has been one of the best retirement visas for Southeast Asia. Has the Philippines suspended the SRRV program? Are foreigners allowed into the Philippines now? Get the latest information and all your questions answered on the Philippines Special Resident Retiree Visa program.
Question 1 :
I own my company and have monthly income ongoing whether I work or not, but it’s not a pension. I have workers that run the day to day business and our company is doing well, I always get income each month well above $800.00 US dollars the srrv required monthly income minimum.
Would that qualify for the lower $10,000 deposit? Or does it specifically need to be a pension type of monthly income to allow a $10,000 deposit for a classic SRRV?
Do I qualify for the lower $10,000 deposit? or because it’s not actual pension, it’s an owners ongoing monthly salary, is it’s still $20,000.00.
Question 2 :
If in the future if I ever cancel this SRRV visa, is it easily refunded back to me? How hard is it to get that deposit back later if you cancel the SRRV visa in a year or two? Is it required to keep it the srrv for a certain number of years or can you cancel it at any time in future and get your deposit back later ? Example: If I marry a Filipina, she moves to usa, the visa may no longer be needed like before.
Thank You ..
Hi Rick,
Thanks for taking the time to write. For question 1, regrettably, the income limit is a documented pension (government or private) or social security. Business income, even if it's passive, doesn't count. Neither does savings for some silly bureaucratic reason. You could show a $1M in your bank account, and the PRA would still ask to see an $800 per month pension.
For Question 2, there is no minimum time to cancel or even downgrade (if you get married and decide to do a 13A spousal visa, for example) your SRRV. However, your visa must have at least two months of validity left (you renew the SRRV annually). If you have less than two months left on your SRRV, you need to pay a pro-rate portion of the annual fee before canceling
Getting the deposit back is usually never a problem, but it does take time. How much time depends on how backup the PRA is. Technically, the PRA's documented Standard Operating Procedure is 15 to 20 business days, but waiting several months is not uncommon.
Any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Cheers,
Marco
I'm over 50, US citizen. If I apply for a new SRRV Visa will I be able to travel there? Or are they only letting in people with existing SRRV's? Also do you have to be vaccinated in order to travel there on a SRRV?
Hi DM,
Yes. I met with the PRA last week to address this specific topic.
If you complete an SRRV application, submit your original documents to the PRA, and pay the visa fee, then the PRA will petition to get you an Entry Exemption Document (EED) to allow entry into the Philippines.
I have a new partner in the Philippines accredited with the Philippines Retirement Association to assist expat retirees with the visa process. Reply to this comment, and I can help get the process started.
Thanks Marco,
I'm very interested in starting the process. Any assistance you lend would be great.
Thank you!
I sent you an email. Check your SPAM if you don't see something from Marco in your inbox.
Hi Marco, I have a small property in the Philippines worth about 1.5 million pesos. Can this be used as the security instead of a $10,000 bank deposit? Thanks. Simon
Hi Simon,
I know you are allowed to use the visa deposit for either a long-term lease of a house and lot or a condominium. I also know the visa deposit can also be used to purchase a condominium, but I don't believe the SRRV deposit can be used to buy an existing house in the Philippines. Why the PRA specifically differentiates between a home where you lease the land, and a condo where you don't own the land is out of my content expertise. If you like, I can put you in touch with a local visa specialist who will assist with your unique situation. Leave me a message here if you want me to put you in touch.
Cheers,
Marco
Many thanks for your reply Marco, I would be most grateful if you could provide links to agents who might be able to help me. Simon Pringle
i am not understanding how proceed getting started with srrv in US b4 arriving phl and what i need to do and need i then to am retired military waiting to enter as tourist and then proceed to get SRRV with my girlfriend
Hi Kim,
You cannot currently enter the Philippines with a tourist visa. Since you are not married and unless you have a pre-arranged job with a local company, then your only option to enter the Philippines and reunite with your girlfriend is the SRRV with Entry Exception Document (EED).
Normally you would need to be physically in the Philippines to apply for the SRRV, but due to the pandemic, the Philippines Retirement Association (PRA) added a workaround. You can start the application process in the US before leaving the country. Once you meet the full SRRV requirements and send your documents and fees to the PRA, the PRA will petition for an EED allowing you to enter the Philippines. You will be required to complete the remaining steps of the visa process once you arrive.
The EED is a bit complex and requires coordination from three different Philippine Government agencies. If you want to avoid the headaches of dealing with the Philippine government from the US, I have a local visa specialist who can help.
Any questions, let me know.
Cheers,
Marco
okay please assist me with what help information that u say
pls assist me to begin EED
i need assistance with EED
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