How much is a Philippine Permanent Resident Visa:The cost of a Philippine Permanent Resident Visa can vary, but the typical range is between $150 to $300 USD for the application fee, plus additional charges.
Types of Permanent Resident Visas in the Philippines
| Type of Visa | Estimated Cost | Eligibility Criteria | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quota Visas | Around $1,000 – $2,000 USD | Restricted to nationals of specific countries; need to have lived in the Philippines for at least 1 year. | Limited number of visas issued annually. |
| Non-Quota Visas | $500 – $1,000 USD | Typically for spouses and dependents of Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens. | No limit on the number of visas issued; easier to qualify for. |
| Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) | $1,400 USD (application) + $1,500 USD (deposit for retirees below 50) or $10,000 USD (deposit for retirees 50 and above) | Must be at least 35 years old; financial requirements vary based on age and pension status. | Allows for multiple entries and long-term stay; benefits for retirees. |
Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Resident Visas
The eligibility criteria for Permanent Resident Visas in the Philippines vary based on the type of visa you’re applying for. Here, we’ll cover the requirements for spouses and dependents, retirees, and investors.
For Spouses and Dependents
- Must be legally married to a Filipino citizen or a foreigner with existing Philippine Permanent Resident status.
- Must have no criminal record, verified through a police clearance certificate.
- Must pass a medical examination to prove good health.
- Financial capability to support oneself and any dependents.
- For dependents, must be under 21 years of age and unmarried.
Read more about the eligibility criteria on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website.
For Retirees
- Must be at least 35 years old.
- Must have no criminal record, as proven through a police clearance certificate.
- Must pass a medical examination to confirm good health.
- Financial capability demonstrated through either a pension or a significant one-time deposit in a Philippine bank.
For Investors
- Must have a business or investment in the Philippines with a minimum value defined by the government.
- Must have no criminal record, verified through a police clearance certificate.
- Must pass a medical examination to confirm good health.
- Proof of financial capacity to maintain the business or investment.
Costs and Fees
Understanding the costs and fees associated with obtaining a Philippine Permanent Resident Visa is crucial for planning your move. Below are the various costs you need to consider.
Application Fee
- The initial application fee typically ranges from $150 to $300 USD.
- This fee covers the processing of your application and is usually non-refundable.
- Payment options may include credit card, bank transfer, or cash payments at designated locations.
Read more about the general immigration application process on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Wikipedia page.
Medical Examination Fee
- Medical examinations are generally required for all types of Permanent Resident Visas.
- The cost can vary widely depending on the medical facility, but generally expect to pay around $100 to $200 USD.
- The medical examination includes a general check-up, chest X-ray, and may include other tests depending on individual circumstances.
ACR I-Card Fee
- The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is a mandatory requirement for all foreign nationals staying more than 59 days in the Philippines.
- The fee for an ACR I-Card is approximately $50 USD.
- The card serves as a re-entry permit and also aids in the identification and monitoring of foreign nationals.
Other Miscellaneous Costs
- Translation services for documents not in English or Filipino: Around $20 to $40 USD per document.
- Notarization fees: Vary by location, but generally around $10 to $20 USD.
- Courier fees for mailing documents: Around $30 to $50 USD.
Required Documentation
Having the right set of documents is crucial when applying for a Permanent Resident Visa in the Philippines. Below are the general guidelines for the required documents, based on the type of applicant.
List of Documents for Spouses and Dependents
- Completed visa application form
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Marriage certificate for spouses
- Birth certificates for dependents
- Proof of relationship to the Permanent Resident sponsor
- Financial statements proving financial capability
- Medical examination report
- Police clearance certificate
Learn more about marriage certificates in the Philippines on the Philippine Statistics Authority Wikipedia page.
List of Documents for Retirees
- Completed visa application form
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Proof of age (Birth Certificate or equivalent)
- Proof of financial capability (Bank statements, Pension slips)
- Medical examination report
- Police clearance certificate from home country
List of Documents for Investors
- Completed visa application form
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Proof of investment or business in the Philippines
- Financial statements and business registration papers
- Medical examination report
- Police clearance certificate
Application Process
The journey to obtaining a Philippine Permanent Resident Visa comprises various stages, from filing an application to finally receiving the decision. Here, we break down these key phases for a better understanding of the entire process.
Filing an Application
- Begin by collecting all the required documentation tailored to your specific type of visa application (spouses and dependents, retirees, or investors).
- Fill out the visa application form meticulously, ensuring all details are accurate.
- Submit the form and attached documents either in person at the Bureau of Immigration or at the nearest Philippine Consulate.
- Pay the application fee, which can vary depending on the type of visa and other circumstances.
Scheduling an Interview
- After successfully submitting your application, you will receive a notification to schedule an interview.
- Interviews typically take place at the Bureau of Immigration, but some cases might be processed at a local consulate.
- Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and the supporting documents. Also, have additional documents handy for any clarifications.
- Attend the interview punctually, dressed appropriately.
Receiving a Decision
- After the interview, your application will undergo further review for final approval.
- You will receive a communication about the decision via email or post.
- If approved, you may need to pay an additional fee for the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card).
- Once everything is cleared, you will be granted your Permanent Resident Visa, allowing you to reside in the Philippines long-term.
Time Frame for Approval
When planning your move to the Philippines, it’s important to have a clear idea about the time frame involved in securing a Permanent Resident Visa. Although the exact duration can vary based on individual cases and the volume of applications, here is a general breakdown of the expected time frames for each step.
Initial Review Period
- After submitting your application and all required documents, the Bureau of Immigration generally takes 2 to 4 weeks for the initial review.
- During this phase, the bureau checks the completeness of the documentation, ensures the information’s accuracy, and confirms that all fees have been paid.
Interview and Additional Checks
- If your application passes the initial review, you will be notified to schedule an interview. This could be set anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks after the initial notification.
- Post-interview, there might be additional checks, such as a more detailed background check. This process could take another 2 to 6 weeks depending on the depth of the checks.
The Consular interviews Wikipedia page provides more details on what to expect during this stage.
Issuance of the Permanent Resident Visa
- Once all checks are complete and if your application is approved, the process to issue your Permanent Resident Visa begins. This can typically take 1 to 2 weeks.
- After receiving the visa, you will have to pay for and obtain the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), which might add another week to the process.