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Philippines · Retire or live on savings

Philippines SRRV Classic

Income needed: $800+ a month

Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) Classic

Checked against official sources on Change log

Key facts

SRRV Classic is a retire or live on savings route for Philippines. Applicants need income of $800+ a month. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

Money needed
$800+ a month
Government fees
$1,500 · +2 more
Processing
10 working days

Cost, time and long term

To apply: 3 government fees listed below; income to show $800+/mo; decision: 10 working days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

Government fees$1,500 · +2 more
  • $1,500PRA processing fee for the principal applicant.
  • $300Application fee for each joining dependant.
  • $360 a yearAnnual PRA fee for the principal and two dependants; USD 100 more for each dependant beyond two.
Shown, not spent$15k · +6 more
  • $15,000Pensioner aged 50 and over; deposit covers the principal and up to two dependants.
  • $25,000Pensioner aged 40 to 49.
  • $30,000Non-pensioner aged 50 and over.
  • $50,000Non-pensioner aged 40 to 49.
  • $800 a monthProof of lifetime pension required of a single Classic pensioner.
  • $1,000 a monthProof of lifetime pension required of a Classic pensioner with dependants.
  • $15,000Additional visa deposit for each dependant beyond two.
RenewalRenewable

The stay is indefinite while the PRA membership, deposit or approved investment and annual fee stay in place.

Philippine Retirement Authority

CitizenshipGeneral rule: 10 years of residence

Naturalization needs continuous residence in the Philippines of at least 10 years, reduced to 5 years for some petitioners, such as those who held government office or established a new industry or useful invention.

Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines

Processing10 working days

The Philippine Retirement Authority's published turn-around time for processing an SRRV application is 10 working days.

Philippine Retirement Authority

Presence rulesStay rule

Holders are exempt from Bureau of Immigration annual reporting, exit and re-entry permits.

Philippine Retirement AuthorityBureau of Immigration, Philippines

Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

  • Only from age 40

What you'll need

Who can apply1

  • The principal applicant is aged 40 or over and is a foreign national or a former Filipino citizen.

What you must show10

  • Pensioner aged 50 and over: a deposit of USD 15,000 covering the principal and up to two dependants.
  • Pensioner aged 40 to 49: a deposit of USD 25,000.
  • Non-pensioner aged 50 and over: a deposit of USD 30,000.
  • Non-pensioner aged 40 to 49: a deposit of USD 50,000.
  • Each dependant beyond two needs an additional visa deposit of USD 15,000.
  • A single Classic pensioner proves a lifetime pension of USD 800 a month.
  • A Classic pensioner with dependants proves a lifetime pension of USD 1,000 a month.
  • The PRA processing fee is USD 1,500 for the principal applicant.
  • The application fee is USD 300 for each joining dependant.
  • The annual PRA fee is USD 360 for the principal and two dependants, plus USD 100 for each dependant beyond two.

Documents4

  • Documents: passport with a tourist visa valid at least one month during processing, and the PRA form.
  • Documents: medical certificate and police clearance issued within 6 months, plus a Bureau of Immigration clearance certificate.
  • Documents: 8 photos and proof of inward remittance to a PRA-accredited bank.
  • NBI clearance applies if the applicant stayed more than 90 days in the Philippines.

After you arrive5

  • The deposit may be converted into an active investment with PRA approval.
  • The investment is a condominium unit, or a residential property leased for at least 25 years, valued at USD 50,000 or the visa deposit amount.
  • If the investment is withdrawn, sold or the lease ends, another allowable investment or a redeposit is needed.
  • Holders are exempt from Bureau of Immigration annual reporting, the ACR I-Card, exit and re-entry permits, and separate work or student visas.
  • Gainful employment requires a DOLE Alien Employment Permit.

What happens at day 180

How Philippines decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

Tax residence
  • More than 180 days in a calendar yearA non-resident alien who stays in the Philippines for an aggregate of more than 180 days during a calendar year is deemed to be doing business in the Philippines and is taxed at the graduated rates instead of the flat 25%.
Foreign-source income

Territorial (non-residents)

Regime tied to this route

Exemption from tax on pensions and annuities and from customs duties on one-time household importation up to USD 7,000 · Tax relief

The Philippine Retirement Authority lists SRRV holders as exempt from tax on pensions and annuities, from customs duties and taxes on one-time importation of household goods and personal effects up to USD 7,000, and from travel tax.

All tax rules for Philippines Tax records checked

Official site

What you need to arrange

  • Accommodation

    If the investment is withdrawn, sold or the lease ends, another allowable investment or a redeposit is needed

  • Police certificate and civil documents

    Documents: medical certificate and police clearance issued within 6 months, plus a Bureau of Immigration clearance certificate

  • Money to show

    This route asks for savings of $15k.

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

Full official text

Special non-immigrant visa under the Philippine Retirement Authority programme for retirees aged 40 and over, based on a visa deposit that may be converted into an eligible property investment; indefinite stay while conditions are kept. 1 2 3 4 5 6

What you must show and pay

  • Savings of $15,000 · Pensioner aged 50 and over; deposit covers the principal and up to two dependants. 1
  • Savings of $25,000 · Pensioner aged 40 to 49. 1
  • Savings of $30,000 · Non-pensioner aged 50 and over. 1
  • Savings of $50,000 · Non-pensioner aged 40 to 49. 1
  • Savings of $15,000 · Additional visa deposit for each dependant beyond two. 1
  • Income of at least $800 a month · Proof of lifetime pension required of a single Classic pensioner. 1
  • Income of at least $1,000 a month · Proof of lifetime pension required of a Classic pensioner with dependants. 1
  • A fee of $1,500 · PRA processing fee for the principal applicant. 1
  • A fee of $300 · Application fee for each joining dependant. 1
  • A fee of $360 a year · Annual PRA fee for the principal and two dependants; USD 100 more for each dependant beyond two. 1

Requirements

  • The principal applicant is aged 40 or over and is a foreign national or a former Filipino citizen. 1
  • Pensioner aged 50 and over: a deposit of USD 15,000 covering the principal and up to two dependants. 1
  • Pensioner aged 40 to 49: a deposit of USD 25,000. 1
  • Non-pensioner aged 50 and over: a deposit of USD 30,000. 1
  • Non-pensioner aged 40 to 49: a deposit of USD 50,000. 1
  • Each dependant beyond two needs an additional visa deposit of USD 15,000. 1
  • A single Classic pensioner proves a lifetime pension of USD 800 a month. 1
  • A Classic pensioner with dependants proves a lifetime pension of USD 1,000 a month. 1
  • The PRA processing fee is USD 1,500 for the principal applicant. 1
  • The application fee is USD 300 for each joining dependant. 1
  • The annual PRA fee is USD 360 for the principal and two dependants, plus USD 100 for each dependant beyond two. 1
  • Documents: passport with a tourist visa valid at least one month during processing, and the PRA form. 1
  • Documents: medical certificate and police clearance issued within 6 months, plus a Bureau of Immigration clearance certificate. 1
  • Documents: 8 photos and proof of inward remittance to a PRA-accredited bank. 1
  • NBI clearance applies if the applicant stayed more than 90 days in the Philippines. 1
  • The deposit may be converted into an active investment with PRA approval. 3
  • The investment is a condominium unit, or a residential property leased for at least 25 years, valued at USD 50,000 or the visa deposit amount. 3
  • If the investment is withdrawn, sold or the lease ends, another allowable investment or a redeposit is needed. 3
  • Holders are exempt from Bureau of Immigration annual reporting, the ACR I-Card, exit and re-entry permits, and separate work or student visas. 1 4 5
  • Gainful employment requires a DOLE Alien Employment Permit. 1 4 5

Stay

  • Indefinite multiple-entry stay while the PRA membership, deposit or approved investment and annual fee remain in place.
  • Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Nationality

Open to foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens aged 40 and over; Indian nationals need a DFA endorsement letter, and applicants from PRA-identified countries submit extra identity documents.

Work

Gainful employment requires an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment before work starts.

Family

Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (legitimate or legally adopted); the deposit covers the principal and up to two dependants. Your spouse or partner needs their own work permit to work in the Philippines.

Checked 2026-10-12

Official sources

  1. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-12
  2. Processing of SRRV Application, revised September 2025 · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2025-09-01
  3. SRRV deposit conversion, eligible property investment, substitution and redeposit rules · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-10
  4. PRA assistance with Alien Employment Permit and gainful employment requirements · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-10
  5. Board Resolution No. EED-2014-01: SRRV employment requires DOLE-issued AEP · Bureau of Immigration, Philippines · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2014-08-19
  6. Labor Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 442), Title II: Employment of Nonresident Aliens · Supreme Court E-Library · checked 2026-10-12
  7. Commonwealth Act No. 473 (Revised Naturalization Law) · Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines · checked 2026-10-11

SRRV Classic and its alternatives

RouteMoney neededStayWork
SRRV ClassicNeeds income of $800+ a month––
SRRV CourtesyNeeds savings of $6,000––
SRRV Courtesy · Ex-FilipinoFee $1,500––
LTR · Wealthy Pensioner ThailandNeeds income of $80k+ a year5 yr, renewable–
Long-stay visitor (JPY 30M) JapanNeeds savings of ¥30M+ ≈ $189k1 yrLimited

Questions people ask

How much money do I need for the SRRV Classic?

Savings of $15,000. Pensioner aged 50 and over; deposit covers the principal and up to two dependants. Savings of $25,000. Pensioner aged 40 to 49. Savings of $30,000. Non-pensioner aged 50 and over. Savings of $50,000. Non-pensioner aged 40 to 49.

How long can I stay on the SRRV Classic?

Indefinite multiple-entry stay while the PRA membership, deposit or approved investment and annual fee remain in place.

How long does the SRRV Classic take to process?

The Philippine Retirement Authority's published turn-around time for processing an SRRV application is 10 working days.

Can I work on the SRRV Classic?

Gainful employment requires an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment before work starts.

Can I bring my family on the SRRV Classic?

Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (legitimate or legally adopted); the deposit covers the principal and up to two dependants.

Is there a tax break for SRRV Classic holders in Philippines?

Philippines SRRV holders: exemption from tax on pensions and annuities and from customs duties on one-time household importation up to USD 7,000: The Philippine Retirement Authority lists SRRV holders as exempt from tax on pensions and annuities, from customs duties and taxes on one-time importation of household goods and personal effects up to USD 7,000, and from travel tax. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

Tax

Special regime

Philippines SRRV holders: exemption from tax on pensions and annuities and from customs duties on one-time household importation up to USD 7,000

Tax relief

Details
  • On: Pensions and annuities of SRRV holders
  • Limit: $7,000

The Philippine Retirement Authority lists SRRV holders as exempt from tax on pensions and annuities, from customs duties and taxes on one-time importation of household goods and personal effects up to USD 7,000, and from travel tax. Executive Order 1037 section 9 is the legal basis for the customs exemption.

Taxed on

Pensions and annuities of SRRV holders; customs duties and import taxes on a one-time shipment of household goods and personal effects up to USD 7,000; travel tax.

Who it applies to

  • Holder of a Special Resident Retiree's Visa issued under the Philippine Retirement Authority retirement programme (SRRV Classic, SRRV Courtesy and the other options listed on the PRA page).
  • Executive Order 1037 section 9(e): exemption from customs duties and other import taxes, one time only, up to USD 7,000 for household furniture; if transferred to another person within three years of entry, the exempted taxes become payable.

Exclusions

  • Income other than pensions and annuities is taxed under the ordinary resident alien rules.
  • The same section 9 of Executive Order 1037 allows one automotive vehicle to be imported free of import, customs and sales taxes.

Limits

  • $7,000 · Maximum value of household goods and personal effects imported duty and tax free, once only

Tax residence

The PRA exemption is listed as a visa privilege; the source rule for resident aliens is in “Philippines: resident aliens taxed on Philippine-source income only”.

Visas

The exemptions attach to holding an SRRV.

Other taxes

Other taxes such as VAT, real property tax and income tax on Philippine-source income apply as for other resident aliens.

Checked against official sources on Change log

Full page →

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Head to head

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

Ask the AI about this route AI

An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.

How this was checked

Checked on 2026-10-12 against 7 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

  1. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-12
  2. Processing of SRRV Application, revised September 2025 · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-10
  3. SRRV deposit conversion, eligible property investment, substitution and redeposit rules · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-10
  4. PRA assistance with Alien Employment Permit and gainful employment requirements · Philippine Retirement Authority · checked 2026-10-10
  5. Board Resolution No. EED-2014-01: SRRV employment requires DOLE-issued AEP · Bureau of Immigration, Philippines · checked 2026-10-10
  6. Labor Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 442), Title II: Employment of Nonresident Aliens · Supreme Court E-Library · checked 2026-10-12
  7. Commonwealth Act No. 473 (Revised Naturalization Law) · Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.