Every way into Philippines.

The 9(a) Temporary Visitor's Visa is the standard short-stay visa for foreign nationals entering the Philippines for tourism, leisure, recreation, religious purposes or to visit family and friends. Nationals of many countries enter visa-free for 30 days (7-59 days depending on nationality and reciprocity); visa-required nationals apply through the eVisaPH online portal or a Philippine consulate before travel. The visa is typically issued for an initial 59-day stay and can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration in-country up to a cumulative maximum of about 16 months for visa-required nationals (up to 36 months for some visa-free nationals). Consular fees vary by post (commonly around USD 30 single-entry / USD 60 multiple-entry). This visa confers no work or study rights and does not lead to residence; long-term stays require conversion to an appropriate non-immigrant or immigrant visa.

Government fee

$30

Processing time

10 days

Max stay

59 days

Validity

90 days

The business-visitor sub-category of the 9(a) Temporary Visitor's Visa is for foreign nationals visiting the Philippines temporarily for scientific, commercial, industrial, professional or business purposes - such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, training, workshops or seminars - who will not receive compensation from a Philippine entity for services rendered in-country. Applicants generally need an invitation letter from a Philippine government or private entity, or an endorsement from a recognised Chamber of Commerce in the home country. Visa-required nationals apply through eVisaPH or a Philippine consulate; many nationalities may enter visa-free for short business trips. The visa carries no right to take up local employment; productive work for a Philippine employer requires a 9(g) work visa or a Special Work Permit.

Government fee

$30

Processing time

10 days

Max stay

59 days

Validity

90 days

The 9(f) Student Visa is for foreign nationals aged 18 and over enrolling in a course higher than secondary school at a Philippine university, college or seminary that is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and authorised by the Bureau of Immigration to admit international students. Applicants must first secure admission and a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the institution, then apply at a Philippine embassy/consulate or convert status in-country at the BI. The visa is valid for one (1) year and renewable annually for the duration of the study programme. BI conversion costs total roughly PHP 9,720 plus a USD 50 ACR I-Card fee; annual extensions cost about PHP 4,020 plus the I-Card fee. Holders must register and obtain an ACR I-Card after arrival. Younger students or those in short non-degree courses use a Special Study Permit instead. The student visa does not grant work rights and does not by itself lead to permanent residence.

• Study: Full-time enrolment at the accredited host institution only.

Government fee

₱9,720

Processing time

30 days

Validity

365 days

The Special Study Permit (SSP) allows foreign nationals on a valid 9(a) temporary-visitor status to enrol in short courses, language programmes (such as ESL/English-language study), vocational or non-degree training without converting to a full 9(f) student visa. It is also used for minors below the 9(f) age threshold and for tertiary students pending issuance of a student visa. The SSP is issued by the Bureau of Immigration, is valid for six (6) months and is renewable for the duration of the course. The applicant must keep their underlying visitor visa valid throughout. Total BI fees are roughly PHP 10,000 including the permit and certificate. The SSP confers no work rights and does not lead to permanent residence; it is purely an authorisation to study while on visitor status.

• Study: Permits short courses, language or non-degree training while on visitor status.

Government fee

₱10,000

Processing time

15 days

Max stay

180 days

Validity

180 days

The Digital Nomad Visa was authorised by Executive Order No. 86, signed 24 April 2025 (effective 5 May 2025), and is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs through Philippine Foreign Service Posts. It is for foreign nationals aged 18+ who work remotely using digital technology for employers or clients outside the Philippines. Applicants must show foreign-sourced income, a clean criminal record and valid health insurance covering the stay, and must be nationals of a country that grants reciprocal digital-nomad privileges to Filipinos and where the Philippines maintains a Foreign Service Post. The visa permits a stay of up to one (1) year, renewable once for an equal period, with multiple-entry privileges. Holders may not take up local employment - working for a Philippine employer or client is grounds for revocation. The EO directed the DFA, with DOJ, DOT, BI and BIR, to issue implementing guidelines (including the confirmed income threshold and fees) within 30 days; applicants should confirm the current threshold and procedures with the DFA, as some operational details remain implementation-dependent.

• Work: Remote work for foreign employers/clients only; local Philippine employment is prohibited.

Max stay

365 days

Validity

365 days

The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is the principal work visa for foreign nationals employed by a Philippine company in a lawful occupation for wages or other compensation. It is employer-sponsored and is preceded by an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). There are commercial (business corporations) and non-commercial (missionary, social, rehabilitation) categories. The visa is granted for an initial period of 1, 2 or 3 years matching the employment contract and AEP, and is renewable in increments of up to 3 years; total validity may not exceed the period of the AEP. Bureau of Immigration conversion fees run roughly PHP 10,130-25,710 for the principal depending on duration and corporation tier, plus an ACR I-Card fee (about USD 50-150). End-to-end processing including the AEP commonly takes 2-3 months. Holders may include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 as dependents; 9(g) holders do not gain permanent residence automatically but may later pursue immigrant routes such as the 13-series visas.

• Work: Employment is restricted to the sponsoring employer and position covered by the AEP.
• Residency: No automatic PR; holders may later apply for an immigrant (13-series) visa subject to eligibility.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.

Government fee

₱10,130

Processing time

75 days

Validity

1,095 days

The 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa is issued under Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act, which allows the admission of foreign nationals on terms prescribed by the President or the Department of Justice. It is widely used for foreign supervisors, specialists, consultants, contractors and personal staff employed by enterprises registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Board of Investments and other special economic zones, as well as personnel of certain government-linked projects. It is employer-sponsored and company-specific, typically valid for the duration of the contract or one (1) year, whichever is shorter, and renewable. Holders are generally exempt from the ACR I-Card requirement, and the foreign-employee headcount of the host enterprise is usually capped (commonly under 5% of the workforce). The visa does not lead directly to permanent residence; it is a streamlined work route for investment-promoted entities rather than the standard 9(g) channel.

• Work: Work limited to the sponsoring registered enterprise and approved role.
• Family: Dependents may generally be included under the same special-visa scheme.

Processing time

30 days

Validity

365 days

The Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) is the Philippines' investor residence programme, administered by the Board of Investments (BOI) and issued by the Bureau of Immigration upon BOI endorsement. Any foreign national aged 21 or older of good health and character may qualify by remitting at least USD 75,000 into the Philippines and investing it in eligible economic activities - typically shares of stock in existing, new or proposed Philippine corporations engaged in areas listed in the Investment Priorities Plan, or in publicly listed companies. The capital is first remitted through an accredited depository bank (Development Bank of the Philippines), and a probationary SIRV is issued for six (6) months, within 180 days of which the investment must be made and reported. Once confirmed, the SIRV entitles the holder to reside in the Philippines for an indefinite period with multiple-entry privileges, for as long as the qualifying investment is maintained. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.

• Study: Resident status allows enrolment; dependents may study.
• Residency: Confers indefinite residence while the qualifying investment is maintained.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.

Min. investment

$75,000

The 9(d) Treaty Trader / Treaty Investor Visa is available only to nationals of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the Philippines - currently the United States, Japan and Germany. A treaty trader enters to carry on substantial trade (principally between the Philippines and the treaty country), while a treaty investor enters to develop and direct an enterprise in which they have invested, or are actively investing, a substantial amount of capital. Substantial investment is generally taken as at least USD 120,000 (about PHP 6.7 million) in a non-nationalised business. The visa is normally issued for 1-2 years and is renewable as long as the qualifying trade or investment continues. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents. BI conversion fees are roughly PHP 9,620 (1 year) to PHP 13,650 (2 years) for the principal, plus an ACR I-Card fee. The visa does not itself confer permanent residence.

• Work: Work limited to developing/directing the treaty enterprise or conducting the treaty trade.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.

Government fee

₱9,620

Processing time

60 days

Validity

730 days

Min. investment

₱120,000

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and issued by the Bureau of Immigration. The Classic option suits foreign retirees who keep a refundable time deposit and may convert it into qualifying investments. Under the revised guidelines effective 1 September 2025, applicants aged 50 and above deposit USD 15,000 if they hold a qualifying monthly pension (at least USD 800/month single, USD 1,000/month with dependents) or USD 30,000 if non-pensioners; applicants aged 40-49 deposit USD 25,000 (pensioner) or USD 50,000 (non-pensioner). The deposit is remitted to a PRA-accredited bank in the retiree's name, fully refundable on cancellation, and (for the higher non-pension deposit) may be converted into a condominium, long-term lease or other PRA-approved investment. The PRA charges a USD 1,500 processing fee plus a USD 360 annual fee (covering principal and two dependents). The SRRV grants indefinite, multiple-entry permanent residence with benefits such as exemption from certain exit/re-entry permits and PhilHealth coverage; a spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included.

• Study: Resident status permits study; dependents may enrol.
• Residency: Grants indefinite permanent residence from issuance while the deposit/investment is maintained.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 included; additional dependents require extra deposit/fees.

Government fee

$1,500

Min. income / month

$800

Min. investment

$15,000

The SRRV Courtesy option offers reduced deposits to specific retiree groups: former Filipino citizens, and foreign nationals who are retired ambassadors, officers/staff of international organisations recognised by the Philippine government, or retired military personnel of foreign governments with diplomatic relations with the Philippines. Under the September 2025 guidelines, former Filipinos deposit USD 1,500 if aged 50+ or USD 3,000 if aged 40-49; eligible privileged foreign nationals deposit USD 1,500 (50+, pensioner) or USD 3,000-6,000 depending on age and pension status. The deposit is remitted to a PRA-accredited bank and is refundable on cancellation. PRA fees are lower for this category (annual fee around USD 50-100). Like the Classic option, the Courtesy SRRV grants indefinite, multiple-entry permanent residence with the standard SRRV benefits, and a spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included. For applicants with more than two dependents, an additional USD 15,000 per dependent applies (except for former Filipinos).

• Study: Resident status permits study.
• Residency: Grants indefinite permanent residence while qualifying deposit is maintained.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 included; extra dependents incur additional deposit (except former Filipinos).

Government fee

$1,500

Min. investment

$1,500

The 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is for foreign nationals validly married to a Filipino citizen (and for their unmarried children under 21). Because it is non-quota, there is no annual cap on the number issued. The visa is first granted on a one-year probationary basis; the holder must apply to convert to permanent (non-quota immigrant) status at least 60-90 days before the probationary period expires, after which permanent residence has no fixed expiry (subject to annual reporting and ACR I-Card renewal). Eligibility requires a marriage recognised under Philippine law, no derogatory records, good physical and mental health, and sufficient means to support the family. Applicants from countries that do not grant equivalent privileges to Filipino spouses (non-reciprocity) may instead be limited to a temporary resident visa. BI fees are about PHP 8,620 for the principal plus a USD 50 ACR I-Card fee; processing typically takes 2-3 months.

• Work: Permanent immigrant status allows employment; an AEP may still be required for some roles.
• Study: Resident status permits study.
• Residency after 1 year
• Family: The Filipino spouse is the petitioner; unmarried children under 21 may be included.

Government fee

₱8,620

Processing time

75 days

Validity

365 days

The 13(g) visa is a non-quota immigrant visa for a natural-born Filipino who was naturalised in a foreign country and now wishes to return to the Philippines as a permanent resident, and for the foreign spouse and unmarried minor children accompanying or following to join them. It restores immigrant (permanent resident) status without using the Section 13 quota. Applicants must prove their former natural-born Filipino citizenship and the family relationship of accompanying dependents. The visa grants permanent residence subject to annual reporting and ACR I-Card; BI fees are around PHP 8,620 for the principal plus the USD 50 I-Card fee. Former Filipinos may alternatively use the lower-cost SRRV Courtesy or, where eligible, reacquire citizenship under the Dual Citizenship Act (RA 9225) instead of an immigrant visa.

• Work: Permanent residents may work, subject to any applicable employment permit.
• Study: Resident status permits study.
• Residency: Restores permanent resident status on approval (non-quota).
• Family: Foreign spouse and unmarried minor children may accompany or follow to join.

Government fee

₱8,620

Processing time

60 days

Validity

365 days

The non-commercial category of the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa covers foreign nationals coming to the Philippines for missionary, religious, social-welfare or rehabilitation work under a sponsoring religious or non-profit organisation. The sponsoring organisation petitions the Bureau of Immigration, and applications endorsed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines / Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (CBCP-PCEC) or an equivalent recognised body are processed under a dedicated fee schedule (about PHP 10,130 without endorsement, PHP 12,860 with endorsement, for the principal, plus a USD 50 ACR I-Card fee). The visa is granted for 1-3 years matching the assignment and is renewable. It permits the religious/charitable work specified but not unrelated commercial employment, and does not by itself lead to permanent residence.

• Work: Limited to the religious/charitable work of the sponsoring organisation.
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.

Government fee

₱10,130

Processing time

75 days

Validity

1,095 days

The Quota Immigrant Visa under Section 13 of the Philippine Immigration Act admits up to fifty (50) immigrants of each nationality (and 50 stateless persons) per calendar year as permanent residents. It is granted under the principle of reciprocity - only to nationals of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Philippines and extend equivalent immigration privileges to Filipinos. The Commissioner of Immigration gives preference to applicants with qualifications, skills or scientific/educational/technical knowledge beneficial to the national interest, and to those with sufficient capital for a viable, sustainable investment in the Philippines. Unused quota numbers expire at year-end. Successful applicants receive permanent resident status (subject to annual reporting and ACR I-Card). BI fees are about PHP 18,830 for the principal plus a USD 50 ACR I-Card fee; processing involves a hearing and can take several months.

• Work: Permanent residents may work; an AEP may still be required for certain employment.
• Study: Resident status permits study.
• Residency: Confers permanent resident status on approval (within the annual 50-per-nationality quota).
• Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.

Government fee

₱18,830

Processing time

180 days

Validity

365 days