SIRV, SRRV, or Nomad Visa? Philippines Residency Options

July 15, 2025

With its vibrant economy, tropical climate, and strategic location in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has become an attractive destination for investors, retirees, and digital nomads seeking residency options. Among the various visa pathways, the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), and the newly introduced Nomad Visa stand out as prominent choices for 2025. Each visa caters to distinct groups with unique requirements, benefits, and processes, making it critical for prospective applicants to understand their options. This article provides a detailed comparison of the SIRV, SRRV, and Nomad Visa, focusing on eligibility, investment requirements, application processes, and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your residency goals in the Philippines.

SIRV Visa Philippines: Investment-Driven Residency

The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) is designed for foreign nationals aiming to establish a long-term presence in the Philippines through significant investments. Issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon endorsement by the Board of Investments (BOI), the SIRV offers indefinite residency with multiple entry privileges, making it ideal for business-oriented individuals. Below is a detailed list of key aspects of the SIRV visa in the Philippines:

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have no convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, be free from contagious diseases, and have no history of institutionalization for mental disorders. They must also demonstrate the financial capacity to invest at least $75,000 in approved sectors.
Investment Requirements: The SIRV requires a minimum investment of $75,000 in eligible enterprises, such as publicly listed companies, firms in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), or manufacturing and services sectors. Investments in wholesale trading, condominium units, or partnerships are not permitted.
Application Process: The SIRV application process 2025 begins with submitting documents, including a notarized application form, police and medical clearances, and proof of inward remittance of $75,000 to an accredited bank like the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) or Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). A probationary SIRV, valid for six months, is issued, during which the investment must be converted into an eligible enterprise. Upon compliance, an indefinite SIRV is granted.
Benefits: SIRV visa benefits include indefinite residency, multiple-entry privileges, exemption from BI’s exit and re-entry clearances, and spouses and unmarried children under 21 as dependents under the same investment amount. Holders can also import household goods and personal effects tax and duty-free for first-time settlers.
Maintenance: The SIRV remains valid once the $75,000 investment is maintained, with periodic reporting to the BOI to confirm compliance.

The SIRV Philippines requirements make it a compelling option for investors seeking to tap into the country’s growing economy while securing long-term residency.

SRRV: A Retirement-Focused Visa Option

The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) caters primarily to retirees and former Filipino citizens seeking permanent residency in the Philippines. Administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), the SRRV is known for its lower financial thresholds and flexibility, appealing to those prioritizing ease and affordability. Here are the key features of the SRRV:

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be at least 35, with specific programs requiring ages 50 and above. They must have no criminal record, be free from contagious diseases, and meet deposit requirements based on their chosen SRRV program (e.g., SRRV Smile, Classic, or Expanded Courtesy).
Investment/Deposit Requirements: The SRRV requires a deposit ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the program and the applicant’s age or status (e.g., former diplomats may deposit as little as $1,500). Unlike the SIRV, part of the deposit can be invested in real estate, such as condominium units or long-term leases.
Application Process: Applicants submit documents, including a valid passport, medical and police clearances, and proof of deposit, to the PRA. The process can be completed at the Philippine embassies or the PRA office in Manila, and approval is typically granted within weeks. Annual reporting to the PRA is required to maintain the visa.
Benefits: SRRV holders enjoy indefinite residency, multiple-entry privileges, and exemptions from specific BI requirements. They can also access discounts on healthcare, accommodations, and other services through PRA partnerships.
Maintenance: The visa remains valid as long as the deposit is maintained, with the option to convert part into approved investments. Non-compliance or criminal activity may lead to visa revocation.

The SRRV’s lower financial threshold and retiree-friendly design make it a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in the Philippines’ tropical setting.

Nomad Visa: Flexibility for Remote Workers

Introduced to attract digital nomads and remote workers, the Nomad Visa is a relatively new addition to the Philippines’ visa landscape, tailored for professionals leveraging technology to work remotely while enjoying the country’s low cost of living and scenic attractions. Below are the key elements of the Nomad Visa:

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, employed or self-employed outside the Philippines, and able to demonstrate a stable income (typically $24,000 annually, though exact figures for 2025 are pending finalization). They must have no criminal record and valid health insurance covering their stay.
Investment/Deposit Requirements: Unlike the SIRV or SRRV, the Nomad Visa does not require a specific investment or deposit, making it more accessible for those without significant capital. Applicants must show proof of income and remote work arrangements.
Application Process: The application involves submitting proof of income, a valid passport, health insurance, and a remote work contract or business registration to the BI or designated government offices. Processing times are expected to be streamlined, with approvals projected within 4–6 weeks for 2025.
Benefits: The Nomad Visa allows stays of up to one year, renewable annually, with multiple-entry privileges. Holders can live and work remotely in the Philippines without local tax obligations on foreign-sourced income, making it ideal for digital nomads.
Maintenance: Renewal requires updated proof of income and compliance with visa conditions. Failure to meet income thresholds or engaging in local employment may result in visa cancellation.

The Nomad Visa’s flexibility and lack of investment requirements make it an attractive option for younger professionals seeking temporary residency.

SIRV vs SRRV vs Nomad Visa Explained: Key Differences

Choosing between the SIRV, SRRV, and Nomad Visa depends on your goals, financial capacity, and lifestyle preferences. This section outlines the critical differences to guide your decision:

Purpose and Target Audience: The SIRV targets investors aiming to establish businesses or invest in the Philippine economy, requiring a $75,000 investment. The SRRV is designed for retirees or former Filipinos seeking permanent residency with lower financial commitments ($10,000–$50,000). The Nomad Visa caters to digital nomads and remote workers with no investment requirement but a focus on stable foreign income.
Financial Commitment: The SIRV’s $75,000 investment is the highest, tied to specific sectors like manufacturing or publicly listed companies. The SRRV’s deposit is lower and partially convertible to real estate, while the Nomad Visa requires only proof of income, typically $24,000 annually.
Residency Duration: SIRV and SRRV offer indefinite residency, contingent on maintaining investments or deposits. The Nomad Visa provides temporary residency, renewable annually, with no path to permanent status.
Application Complexity: The SIRV involves a detailed process with BOI endorsement and investment conversion within six months. The SRRV has a more straightforward application through the PRA, while the Nomad Visa’s process is straightforward but requires consistent income documentation.
Family Inclusion: The SIRV and SRRV allow spouses and unmarried children under 21 to be dependents under the same financial commitment. The Nomad Visa may permit dependents, but details for 2025 are still being finalized, potentially requiring additional income proof.
Work Permissions: The SIRV does not automatically grant work rights; an Alien Employment Permit is needed for local employment. The SRRV also restricts local work, while the Nomad Visa explicitly prohibits local employment, focusing on remote work.

This SIRV vs SRRV comparison highlights the trade-offs between investment, residency permanence, and flexibility, with the Nomad Visa offering a unique, low-barrier option for temporary stays.

SIRV Application Process 2025: Navigating the Complexity

The SIRV application process 2025 is intricate, requiring careful attention to documentation and compliance with BOI and BI regulations. Given its complexity, seeking professional assistance from a trusted provider like Triple i Consulting is vital to avoid errors that could delay or jeopardize approval. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Eligibility Check: Confirm you meet SIRV eligibility criteria, including age (21+), clean criminal and health records, and the ability to invest $75,000 in approved sectors.
Step 2: Document Preparation: Gather required documents, such as a notarized BOI Form SIRV-001A, police clearance from your home country or NBI’s Interpol Division, medical certificate, passport valid for six months, and proof of inward remittance of $75,000 to DBP or LBP.
Step 3: Application Submission: Submit documents to the BOI’s One-Stop SIRV Center in Manila or a Philippine embassy/consulate abroad. The BOI evaluates and endorses the application to the BI.
Step 4: Probationary Visa Issuance: Upon approval, a probationary SIRV, valid for six months, is issued, allowing multiple entries. The $75,000 deposit must be converted into an eligible investment during this period.
Step 5: Investment Conversion: Within 180 days, invest the $75,000 in a BOI-approved enterprise (e.g., manufacturing or IPP-listed companies). Submit proof, such as stock certificates or corporate documents, to the BOI.
Step 6: Indefinite SIRV Approval: After verifying the investment, the BI issues an indefinite SIRV, valid as long as the investment is maintained. Annual reporting to the BOI is required.

Securing BOI endorsement, meeting investment deadlines, and ensuring compliance are complex tasks that underscore the importance of professional guidance. Triple i Consulting, the first ISO 9001:2008 firm in the Philippines for business registration services, offers expert support to streamline this process and ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Final Insights

The SIRV, SRRV, and Nomad Visa offer distinct pathways to residency in the Philippines, catering to investors, retirees, and digital nomads. The SIRV, with its $75,000 investment requirement, suits those aiming to engage in the Philippine economy while securing indefinite residency. The SRRV provides an affordable, retiree-friendly option with flexible deposit requirements, while the Nomad Visa appeals to remote workers seeking temporary stays without significant financial commitments. By carefully evaluating your goals, financial capacity, and lifestyle, you can select the visa that best aligns with your aspirations. For investors, the SIRV’s benefits, such as multiple-entry privileges and family inclusion, make it a compelling choice, provided the investment is maintained. Triple i Consulting stands ready to guide you through these options, ensuring a seamless application process tailored to your needs.

Is Assistance Available?

Navigating the complexities of the SIRV, SRRV, or Nomad Visa can be daunting, but help is at hand. Triple i Consulting, a trusted leader in visas and business registration services, offers expert guidance to simplify your application and ensure compliance with Philippine regulations. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experts: