Hi Mae,

You are correct, the passport needs to be submitted with the additional requirements. However, if you have an urgent travel situation, you can make a request to the PRA to pull your passport out.

If you would like additional help or would like a SRR Visa Consultation, let me know.

Cheers,

Marco

Hi Marco, I have a question, I'm 57y and don't have a pension yet, but I have enough financial means, would a bank statement suffice for SRRV instead of a monthly pension certificate?

Hi Andre,

It depends on which SRRV version you are trying to qualify for. Some versions, like the SRRV Expanded Courtesy, require a guaranteed monthly income (social security, company pension, government pension, etc.). Showing a large bank balance or significant financial means doesn't qualify.

However, the SRRV classic has two versions:

$10,000 deposit if you collect a monthly pension or social security of $800+ per month or more

$20,000 deposit with no pension requirement

If you have additional questions, set up a time for a personalized visa consultation and we can help streamline your application.

Cheers,

Marco

Hi Marco, I have a question. I’m over 50 and am considering the SRRV Smile program. If, after some time, I decide to return to my home country will I be able to take my $20,000 with me or will it have to remain in the Philippines?

Hi David,

If you choose to leave the SRRV Program, you'll receive your retirement visa deposit back. The amount of time it takes for the PRA to return the deposit varies depending on their backlog. While the documented Standard Operating Procedure is 15 to 20 business days, it's not unusual to wait a few months. But you will get it back.

If you would like additional help with your SRRV application, drop me a line.

Cheers,

Marco

Hi Marco
Thanks for your e-mail reply. As requested here our question:
We are a married couple (Canadian and German, 51 and 60 years old).
We want to retire in the Philippines and also buy a house with the SRRV visa classic.
How is the situation with the deposit?
Do we have to pay 2 times the $US 20.000 or only one time?
As we read we can use the deposit for investing in our real estate.
Will it be the total amount of two times $US 20.000 or do we need to keep an amount as deposit?
Hope for your help and thank you so much.
Jenny

Hi Jenny,

US Dollar Deposit Requirements for the SRRV CLASSIC are- With Pension: $10,000; Without Pension: $20,000

The deposit covers the primary applicant plus 2 dependents (legal spouse or minor children).

In your case a single deposit covers you and your husband.

Thanks Marco, I have one more question.

I’ll apply for the SRRV but my partner is a dual citizen so he won’t need SRRV. We plan to renovate and then move into a house he inherited that is in Manila.
My question is regarding the tax free importation of our household goods. We plan to move all of our furniture and household goods from our current 2 bedroom home to Manila. Under the SRRV, I would be able to bring up to $7000 USD Value tax free. But, according to several of the moving companies I spoke to, my partner as a dual citizen is able to import all of his household goods duty free. I’ve tried to confirm that but so far I haven’t been able to so I’m wondering if you could confirm if dual citizen is exempt from import tax on his household goods or not. Thank you and appreciate your assistance.

Hi Marco, I am very keen to move to Davao on an SRRV Classic visa.

There seems to be a provision in the USD 20,000 deposit that says I can use these funds for a long term lease of a house and lot? I need to know is this is the case and if I can use the deposit to pay for that lease rent? I am not looking to buy a property there, can't afford it.

Hi Inder, For the SRRV classic, you can use the deposit for a long-term lease of the lot and house, provided the lease term is a minimum of 25 years and has a $20,000 USD lease value. If you would like someone to handle hassles, bureaucracy, and paperwork on your behalf, we can assist with your SRRV application.

Hi David,
Sorry for the delayed response. I needed to check with my Import and Moving Specialist to ensure I provided the correct information.

Dual citizens are still responsible for duties and taxes (insert quip about death and taxes), but they get a 350,000 PHP exemption.

A long list of requirements and documentation is required to get the exemption. If any conditions are missed, the shipment is subject to full duties and taxes.

Would you like me to email you the requirements? Additionally, I have an International Moving partner in Makati who has been moving corporate execs and Embassy personnel for over a decade. I have them set to help if you would rather someone else handle the bureaucracy and hassles. Let me know if you want help.

Hello Marco, Im a foriegner and I am leaving the US this Thursday. I have an apartment that I will be staying. I plan to retire early and that Im only 53 years of age. I believe there are requirements like the SRRV and I have about 70 thousand dollars total with investments. I will be staying in Abucay, Bataan and it is a yearly lease where Im staying. Also should I leave my bank account open in the US because I will be using a bank in the PI. Will I be able to apply in Bataan ?

Hi Manuel, from your questions, I think you are mixing up a few requirements, so I don't want to answer without clearing understanding your questions. Here are a few things to clarify:

1. There is no requirment to have XXX USD in a US Bank. There is a requirement to have $10,000 or $20,000 depending on pension/social security income in a specific PRA-acceddited Philippine bank as a deposit for your SRRV.
2. The visa deposit money can be used to purchase a condo or for the long-term leave of a house and lot, but not for a yearly rental.
3. Keeping a US Bank open will depending on what you are trying to accomplish and how you want to receive money in the Philippines

I hope that helps, but if you still have questions, drop us a line and we can help answer all your Philippines visa questions.

How much is 13a visa philippines

Hi Philip, the fee depends on

1. Are you applying for the 13a in the Philippines or at a Consulate in your home country?
2. Are you applying yourself or do you need a visa specialist to assist with your application

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