Common Visa Types in The Philippines

August 12, 2021

The Philippines, with its vibrant economy, strategic location, and welcoming immigration policies, attracts foreign nationals for tourism, work, investment, and retirement, each requiring specific types of visas for the Philippines to ensure legal entry and stay. Republic Act No. 562, as amended, governs the country’s visa framework, administered by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), offering diverse visa categories tailored to various purposes. This article provides a detailed guide to the most common types of visa in the Philippines, including the Temporary Visitor’s Visa (9A), Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G), Permanent Resident Visa (13A), Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), and Special Work Permit (SWP). Designed for foreign nationals and businesses, it outlines eligibility, requirements, and compliance steps, emphasizing the expertise of Triple i Consulting to navigate the complex immigration landscape as of May 14, 2025.

Overview of the Temporary Visitor’s Visa (9A)

The Temporary Visitor’s Visa (9A) is the primary entry point for foreign nationals visiting the Philippines for short-term purposes, such as tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment. This visa caters to citizens of 151 countries eligible for visa-free entry, reflecting the Philippines’ open tourism policy. Below are the key aspects of the 9A visa.

Eligibility and Duration: Nationals from 151 countries, including the US, Canada, and EU members, can enter visa-free for 30 days, while others (e.g., India, China) require a pre-issued 9A visa for 7–59 days, depending on nationality.
Application Process: Visa-free entrants register via the e-Travel system within 72 hours before arrival. Pre-issued visas are obtained at Philippine embassies, requiring a passport (valid for six months), application form, and proof of purpose (e.g., hotel bookings, invitation letters).
Extensions: The initial stay can be extended in 59-day increments up to 36 months via the BI, with fees ranging from PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000 per extension, depending on nationality and duration.
Restrictions: The 9A visa prohibits employment or long-term residency, requiring conversion to other visas (e.g., 9G) for work or extended stays.
Compliance Requirements: Overstaying incurs fines (PHP 500–1,000 per month) and potential blocklisting, necessitating timely extensions or departure.

Requirements for the Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G)

The Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) enables foreign nationals to work legally in the Philippines under a local employer or registered entity. Administered by the BI and coordinated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), it ensures compliance with labor regulations. Below are the essential requirements for the 9G visa.

Employer Sponsorship: A Philippine-registered company (SEC/DTI-registered) must petition the BI, providing proof of business legitimacy (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Mayor’s Permit).
Alien Employment Permit (AEP): Issued by DOLE, the AEP requires proof that no Filipino is qualified for the role, with fees of PHP 8,000–12,000 and a validity of 1–3 years.
Document Checklist: Includes BI Form CGAF-001, passport (valid for six months), authenticated birth/marriage certificates for dependents, company Tax Identification Number (TIN), and AEP.
Processing Time and Fees: Applications take 2–3 months due to BI verification, with fees ranging from PHP 7,000 to PHP 19,000, depending on commercial or non-commercial status.
Validity and Renewal: The 9G visa is valid for 1–3 years, aligned with the AEP, and renewable with updated documents and proof of continued employment.

Eligibility for the Permanent Resident Visa (13A)

The Permanent Resident Visa (13A) grants indefinite stay to foreign spouses or unmarried children (under 21) of Filipino citizens, fostering family unity. Managed by the BI, annual reporting is required to maintain status. Below are the eligibility criteria and requirements for the 13A visa.

Eligible Applicants: Foreign spouses (legally married) or unmarried children under 21 of Filipino citizens, including widows/widowers of deceased Filipinos.
Core Documents: Include a PSA-authenticated marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificate (for children), NBI clearance, medical certificate (no contagious diseases), and passport copy.
Application Process: Filed at the BI, starting with a one-year probationary visa, convertible to permanent status upon compliance, with processing times of 3–6 months.
Fees and Costs: Application fees range from PHP 8,000 to PHP 10,000, with additional costs for notarization and authentication (PHP 1,000–3,000).
Benefits and Obligations: Grants indefinite stay, work rights, and property ownership but requires annual BI reporting (PHP 310) and compliance with immigration laws.

Investment Opportunities with the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)

The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) incentivizes foreign investment by offering residency to those investing at least USD 75,000 in approved Philippine industries. Coordinated by the Board of Investments (BOI) and BI, it supports economic growth. Below are the key features of the SIRV.

Investment Threshold: A minimum of USD 75,000 in BOI-approved sectors (e.g., manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy), excluding condominiums or land-only investments.
Application Steps: Starts with a 180-day probationary visa, requiring BOI endorsement, proof of investment (e.g., stock certificates, joint venture agreements), and BI clearance.
Document Requirements: Include BI Form V-NI-002, passport, authenticated evidence of investment, NBI clearance, and company SEC registration, with notarized documents.
Processing and Fees: This takes 3–6 months, with fees of PHP 10,000–15,000, plus BOI processing costs (PHP 5,000–10,000), depending on investment size.
Benefits: Grants indefinite stay (with investment retention), multiple-entry privileges, and tax exemptions on specific BOI incentives, renewable annually.

Retirement Benefits of the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), offers residency to retirees aged 35 and older, promoting the Philippines as a retirement destination. It provides flexible deposit options and lifestyle benefits. Below are the SRRV’s key components.

Eligibility and Deposits: Applicants aged 50+ deposit USD 20,000 (individual) or USD 10,000 (pensioners with USD 800+/month); ages 35–49 deposit USD 50,000; former Filipinos deposit USD 1,500.
Application Process: Filed via PRA, requiring a passport, medical certificate, police clearance, and proof of deposit in a PRA-designated bank, with processing times of 1–2 months.
Visa Options: Includes SRRV Smile (basic residency), Classic (investment option), Courtesy (former Filipinos/diplomats), and Expanded (pensioners), each with tailored requirements.
Fees and Costs: Application fees are USD 1,400 (principal) and USD 300 (dependents), with annual PRA fees of USD 360 (individual) or USD 720 (family).
Privileges: Offers multiple entry, work rights (with AEP), and access to PRA benefits (e.g., discounts, relocation assistance), with deposits refundable upon visa cancellation.

Challenges and Solutions for the Special Work Permit (SWP)

The Special Work Permit (SWP) facilitates short-term employment (up to six months) for foreign nationals, such as consultants, performers, or technical experts, without requiring a full 9G visa. It addresses urgent workforce needs while ensuring compliance. Below are the challenges and solutions for obtaining a SWP.

Eligibility and Duration: Available to foreigners with short-term contracts (3–6 months), requiring a local employer’s petition and BI approval, non-extendable beyond six months.
Document Requirements: Include BI Form V-NI-002, passport, employment contract, company SEC/DTI registration, and AEP (if applicable), with authenticated copies.
Processing Delays: BI processing takes 2–4 weeks, with delays due to incomplete submissions or verification, costing PHP 5,000–10,000 in fees.
Compliance Complexity: Employers must justify the need for foreign expertise, and errors in AEP or contract documentation can lead to rejections or fines.
Professional Assistance: The intricate application process, compounded by BI’s strict verification, necessitates expert guidance from Triple i Consulting. As a trusted provider, Triple i Consulting streamlines document preparation, AEP coordination, and BI submissions, ensuring timely approvals and compliance, which is essential given the complexity of aligning with DOLE and BI regulations.

Wrapping Up

The diverse types of visas in the Philippines, from the Temporary Visitor’s Visa (9A) to the Special Work Permit (SWP), cater to the varied needs of foreign nationals seeking to visit, work, invest, or retire in the country, reflecting the Philippines’ commitment to global integration. Navigating these visas requires meticulous attention to BI, DOLE, and PRA regulations, with each category demanding specific documentation, fees, and processing timelines. By comprehensively detailing the requirements and benefits of the 9A, 9G, 13A, SIRV, SRRV, and SWP, this guide empowers foreign nationals to make informed decisions. Partnering with Triple i Consulting, a trusted provider, ensures seamless compliance, allowing individuals and businesses to focus on their goals in the Philippines’ dynamic economy.

Is Assistance Available?

Yes, Triple i Consulting offers expert support to navigate the complexities of visas in the Philippines. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experts: