Philippines residence in 2026 — permits, work & family

The Philippines offers multiple residence pathways for workers, families, retirees and investors. Residence status provides legal stability, access to local services and a platform for long-term settlement. This guide covers permits, work visas, family-based routes and renewals. Residence is only the beginning — explore your route to citizenship and avoid timing mistakes in our companion article on Philippines citizenship.

Key terms

Residence permit: authorisation to stay in the Philippines beyond standard visitor visas.

Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card): identity card issued to foreigners holding long-term visas or residence permits.

9g Pre-Arranged Employment Visa: main work-based visa allowing residence for foreign employees.

Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV): residence route for retirees meeting deposit or pension requirements.

Bureau of Immigration (BI): government agency processing visas and residence permits.

Permanent Resident Visa (PRV): long-term status available under marriage or treaty arrangements.

Residence types

• Work-based residence (9g Employment Visa): Foreigners employed by Philippine companies can obtain a 9g visa. Employers must prove compliance with labour rules and sponsorship is mandatory. Validity usually matches the contract and can be extended, with the ACR I-Card confirming legal stay. Termination of employment cancels eligibility, so continuity of contracts is critical.
• Investor & entrepreneur routes: Investors may qualify under the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) by investing a defined amount in government-approved enterprises. Entrepreneurs who establish businesses and create employment can also strengthen eligibility. Due diligence on fund origin is strict, and active business operations are expected, not passive holdings.
• Family reunification: Foreign spouses and minor children of Filipino citizens may qualify for residence under Section 13a Marriage Visa or equivalent dependent categories. Authorities require proof of genuine marriage, cohabitation and financial support. Parents of Filipino children may also qualify under specific provisions. This route often leads to permanent resident visas.
• Study residence: Students accepted at accredited Philippine universities may obtain student visas that include residence rights. Renewals depend on continued enrolment and academic performance. Work rights are limited and require separate permits.
• Financially independent (SRRV Retiree Visa): Popular among foreigners aged 35+ who deposit a qualifying sum in a Philippine bank or demonstrate pension income. SRRV holders enjoy multiple-entry rights and indefinite stay as long as conditions are met. Categories vary by age, deposit and pension level, making it a flexible retirement option.
• Researchers / cultural exchange: Foreigners involved in academic, scientific or cultural projects can apply for special visas linked to institutional invitations. Duration usually matches project timelines with options to extend.
• Humanitarian / medical: Case-specific permits may be granted for medical treatment or humanitarian protection. Documentation must prove the necessity and availability of treatment in the Philippines.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Select your route: determine if your basis is work, family, retirement, investment, study or humanitarian.
2. Secure entry: arrive initially on an appropriate entry visa (tourist, 9a temporary visitor) before converting to residence.
3. Compile evidence: contracts, marriage certificates, enrolment letters, bank deposit slips, police clearances and proof of accommodation.
4. File application: submit to the Bureau of Immigration with required forms and pay fees. An ACR I-Card application is mandatory for long-term stays.
5. Attend checks: biometric registration, interviews and additional vetting as needed.
6. Receive card: collect your ACR I-Card confirming residence rights; verify all data for future renewals.

Documents

Required sets typically include: valid passport, police clearances, medical certificate, proof of income or deposit, marriage/birth certificates for family cases, and contracts for work. All foreign records must be notarised and translated into English. Need certified translations or apostille wording? Use our legal & business translation support to meet local filing requirements.

Costs

Costs include government fees for visas (9g, 13a, SRRV, SIRV), ACR I-Card issuance, translations and notarisation, and medical checks. Lawyer or agent support may add to the budget. While costs vary, SRRV and family-based visas are often considered cost-effective. See detailed guides in the Residency & Citizenship section and avoid common filing errors.

Renewals

Most residence visas require periodic renewal. 9g visas usually renew yearly with employer sponsorship. 13a visas begin as probationary and later convert to permanent. SRRV is indefinite but requires maintaining deposit/pension conditions. Failure to renew ACR I-Cards invalidates status and can lead to penalties.

Integration

Authorities assess not only documents but also real integration:

• Stable address registration and reporting of changes to the Bureau of Immigration.
• Tax compliance, especially for workers and business owners.
• Health insurance coverage and financial self-sufficiency.
• Respect for Philippine cultural norms and local community involvement.

What changed in 2026

In 2026, the Philippines introduced digital filing options for SRRV and 13a visas, biometric updates for ACR I-Cards, and clearer income thresholds for retirees. Stricter due diligence now applies to SIRV investor cases, requiring source-of-funds documentation.

Did you know?

The Philippines allows foreign retirees under the SRRV to import household goods duty-free as part of settlement benefits.

Common mistakes

• Confusing tourist visa extensions with residence — they are separate processes.
• Failing to maintain required bank deposits under the SRRV program.
• Submitting untranslated or unnotarised foreign civil records.
• Assuming marriage to a Filipino automatically grants residence without applying for 13a.
• Overlooking ACR I-Card renewal deadlines.
• Believing property purchase alone guarantees residence — it does not.
• Arriving on the wrong entry visa, delaying conversion to residence.
• Missing tax compliance during work-based residence.
• Investors providing insufficient proof of active business operations.
• Applying for student visas without accredited institution acceptance.

FAQ

Expert opinion

The Philippines provides diverse residence options, but success depends on matching the right visa with your real circumstances and maintaining compliance. Proactive document preparation and translation cut delays and avoid refusals.

— Lorenzo, Residency Specialist, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Ready to plan your stay in the Philippines? Contact VelesClub Int. and receive a free consultation. Visit our Residency & Citizenship section for checklists and guides. See how your residence can transition to citizenship in the companion article.