Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

I want to live in the Philippines

Balikbayan Visa, Philippine Citizenship, Resident Visa, Tourist Visa / by

I got an e-mail this morning from Joseph.  Joseph wants to live in the Philippines, and wonders about citizenship issues.

JosephHere is what Joseph had to say:

Hi Bob,

I am tired of life in America and I want to relocate to the Philippines.  Can you tell me how to become a citizen of the Philippines so that I can live there?

Well, Joseph, thank you for writing.  There are a couple things we need to discuss.

Firstly, you do not need to be a citizen of the Philippines to live here.  In fact, at this point of your life you cannot qualify for Philippine Citizenship.  You need to move here and live here for a while before you can even consider citizenship.

How can you live here?  Go over and take a look at our Sister Site, Your Philippine Visa.  You can stay here on a Resident Visa, a Balikbayan Visa or a Tourist Visa.  If you are married to a Filipino, or former Philippine Citizen you can qualify for any of those visas.  If you are not married to somebody from the Philippines, you can qualify only for a tourist visa which will allow you to stay here up to 16 months at a time.

If you do want to become a Philippine Citizen, you must meet the requirements for naturalization.  The most important in your case is that you must live here 10 years before you can apply, or if you are married to a Filipina you can apply after living here for 5  years.  There are other requirements too, but just remember you must live here for a while before you may apply for Citizenship.

Good luck to you Joseph.  I hope your new life in the Philippines is a good one.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. hi bob! i’m sorry to say that foreigners do not qualifyfor a balikbayan visa and bb or tourist cnnot lead to citizenship. only permanent residents who live,and work here for 10years, own property, and speak filipino. i thought you do not own property, work, or speak filipino bob? ho do u qualify? keep upthe great work!

    • Hello Lyn – I am sorry, but you are not quite correct. If a foreigner enters the Philippines with his spouse who is a Philippine Citizen or former Philippine Citizen, he will be issued a Balikbayan Visa. I have plenty of Balikbayan Visas stamped in my passport to prove that.

      I am indeed qualified to be a Philippine Citizen, if I apply. I have been living in the Philippines for 12 years on a Resident Visa (13g). My wife and I own property on Samal Island. I speak Cebuano fluently, which also qualifies (it is not only Filipino which qualifies).

      Take care.

      • hi bob. as a philippine language of course cebuano is acceptable(i didnt know u were fluent! )
        if your condo is fully paid off now and only in your name you are ok. also,i thought u do not have a job? thanks again bob. btwwe are offereing visa services that are cheap and not fixers do u accept partnerships on your website. thx!

        • No worries, Lyn, I have already consulted an attorney, and I am fully qualified to be a citizen of the Philippines. By the way, don’t have a condo. My wife and I own some land on Samal Island.

          • hi. thanks again. if u r not a citizen, how do u own land? the laws are forever changing. sometmes foreigners know thngs we dont know! thanks again!

            • The ownership is under my wife’s name, she is a citizen. As we are a couple, my attorney assures me that there is no problem. Thanks for your concern, but I really have already gotten legal advice and do not need further assistance.

        • Hi just to add that bob is right , I am married to a Philippines lady 5 years we are both now British and I entered the Philippines together on April last year and I was issued right away, “with no hassle on the spot”, a Balikbayan Visa for one year , renewable I live in Bangkok now and know I can return to the Philippines at will, as my wife is Filipino.

  2. Bob, you’re right about the qualifications to become eligible for Philippine citizenship. I wish you well for all the decisions you’ll make in the future.

  3. sir i am indian passport holder ;- i have fiance in Philippine so i want marry and settle there so which visa i apply to come there and after which visa i apply for permanent citizenship , what is procedure step by step*?

    • Sir I am a Indian. I have a fiance in the pilipain how i can marry her Wich visa i want to apply please tell me sir .and I want to work Thare

  4. hi this is srikanth.
    iam an engineer.iam looking forward to relocate to phillipines.
    iam a valid indian citizen(passport holder).
    my dream is to settledown in phillipines.
    iam trying hard to get a job in phillipines.even i do have few friends in manila.
    they are saying that they will find a gril for me to marry in phillipines.
    what would be the best way to relocte to phillipines.

    regards,
    srikanth

    • Hello srikanth,

      Probably the easiest thing you could do is to get married here and then apply for a 13(a) resident visa, and with that you can live here for the rest of your life.

      If you are interested in living in the Philippines, but you need a source of income, getting a job here is generally not the way to go. Firstly, most companies are not looking to hire foreigners. Secondly, you probably won’t want to work for the kind of wages offered here, usually only a few dollars per day.

      To help out people like you, I have written a book called “49 Ways to earn a living in the Philippines” and I cover ideas of all sorts on how you can earn a good living while living in the Philippines. I have been earning my living here since 2000, and I earn more money now than when I lived in the States. So, I know that I can help you do that too!

      To check out the book, go to:
      http://books.auctiontopia.com/books/49-ways-to-make-a-living-in-the-philippines/

      As a special offer to you, I am going to offer you $10 off the book, but the offer is good for only the next 24 hours. During checkout, just enter the coupon code – 10discountToday – and the book will be $10 off the regular price. But, remember, the discount expires after 24 hours.

      Check it out today, I am sure that this is what you are looking for, if you want to live in the Philippines!

      Good luck to you, my friend.

      • Surprised me that you can become citizen of Philippines….according to BI…only people can become citizen are “Asians” or if you can proof blood connection with Philippines???????

        After 10 yrs of permanent residency…you go back to square one…tourist.

        Philippines has turned into an ecological disaster…..garbage every where, forest are now to 5% only as well as coral-reefs.

        Business…well if you doing well sooner or later someone will knock on your door…demanding….share….you WHO?%$#@*

        Prices here are going un and food quality produce here it’s marginal…so if you are on special diet…watch-out…here the truth don’t exist…everything and anything cost money…specially if you are a outsider…good luck

  5. hi , iv been here for three mouths now ,and of corase know what i expected. filipina gf ,and familly very nice , but you know w planed to marry but gf became reluctant, so i post pone the wedding till later date , she became very happy about that you think its because theres no devorise in the P.I.but say if i go ahead with marriage and get residents visa if we split up will i still keep my statuso or will have to start imagration thing again ?i really love it here but present living status not what i had in mined for retirment???

    • Hello Donald, you will keep your status, unless your wife withdraws her sponsorship for you. Even if you are still married and happy, living together, if she withdraws her sponsorship for your resident visa, you will lose it.

      • hi bob , thanks for the information, i like this site . i’ve been reading other web site on philippines , but fined to many diffrent opions , or if you aren’t talking about something that will boost there income ,than hard to get striat anserws thanks again

  6. hi bob,
    me and my husband are planning to live in the philippines for good,im a filipino and my husband is american.what are the process for him to stay/live in the philippines?what are the things we need to do as soon as we arrive in the philippines?ive read alot of sites about living in philippines but still confuse on what to do.why does he need a round trip ticket if were planning in staying for good in philippines?i hope u can help me with all this confusions.

    thnx alot,
    mitch

    • Hi Mitch – Since you are a Philippine Citizen, your husband would qualify for a 13(a) Resident Visa. You should contact that Philippine Embassy or the Consulate that serves the area where you live, they will provide you with an application for the 13(a) visa. With this visa your husband can live permanently in the Philippines. I would recommend that you do this before coming to the Philippines, rather than after you arrive.

      If you get the 13(a) Visa, he does not need an ongoing airline ticket. If he enters on a tourist visa then he must have an ongoing ticket. If he does not get the 13(a) visa, you should request a Balikbayan Visa upon entry to avoid the need for an ongoing ticket.

      Good luck to you.

      • maraming salamat bob:-)im glad i found your this site..we are planning to live in mindanao too,cagayan de oro city in particular..

        thank u very much..god bless

  7. Hi Bob,

    From the time I was an infant I have been coming to the Philippines every year. When I hit college I attended college here where I met my current fiance. We have been together for 7 years now and were officially engaged this past January 2013. With this current trip, I have been here for almost 2 years now always updating and extending my tourist visa. I believe 2 years is the maximum now. Our plan is to get married as soon as we can but time is running short before my 2 years is up. I will be applying for Marriage to a Filipina where I will be on probation for 1 year at which time I can apply for Permanent Resident. Here is my thought since time is running short and I don’t think we can get married right away. Can my fiancee and I leave to a nearby country and come back wherein I can obtain a Balikbayan Visa being we are engaged already or does that only count if we are already married. I really don’t want to have to leave the country at all if possible as we have our 3 month old son as well as I don’t want to pay for a ticket from the States. Do you have any suggestions? Would me going to college here back in the 90’s be of any help to me? I’m open to anything where I would not have to leave at all.

    Thanks in advance Bob! Enjoy your evening!

    Very respectfully,

    Neil Navales

  8. Hi mate

    I have a question

    I want to go to the Philippines to get married to my gf. I plan on staying 2 years there. And I don’t know what type of visa etc I would apply for. If I do go to the Philippines intending to stay longer than 21 days would I be able to only take a one way flight or does it have to be to return too.

    My gf has rice mill machines and land and a few businesses there. Will this help for a long term stay?? I would like to work with her in these businesses as I have funded them and this is our shared idea. What would I do to get a visa to allow this. (I am a UK citizen)

    My gf is married to a foreigner who vowed that he would never divorce her. The have been separated for many years now. I know I wouldn’t be able to marry her like this unless and annulment takes place. But she is a Muslim now so is she able to get a divorce that?

    • Hello Geromybob – Actually, you can stay up to 2 years on a tourist visa, if you get permission from the BI Commissioner. You will be able to extend your tourist visa for a minimum of 16 months, and 24 months if you obtain permission.

      As for taking a one way flight, that is not possible on a tourist visa. There are cheap ways to get around this, though. I have an eBook that will explain this all to you, and show you ways that you can avoid needing the extra ticket for as little as a cost of $20. You can check out the eBook here.

      Be very careful in getting involved with a married woman in the Philippines. It could land you in prison.

    • Hello

      Just 2 comments 1-If she converted to Islam ( Really )she can’t marry you if you are not Muslim !
      2-Those Kind of very hurting problems and awkward living situations shows why Islam gave the permission to divorce (although it is the most hated Halal -allowed-practice in Islam ,and divorce between Muslims still lower than other believers of religions and regulations that doesn’t allow divorce .

  9. Hi Bob! Thanks for all the info you put into your website! I appreciate it. It helps me a lot in understanding our choices. I am a Filipino married to a U.S citizen and we’re planning to live there when he retires. You mentioned about 13(a) Permanent resident Visa he can apply for, which will let him stay in the Philippines but he will not be able to buy a property on his name, my first question is, would he atleast be able to own guns? Now about the Naturalization process, of him losing his U.S Citizenship, isnt there any possibility of applying for a dual citizenship, having both American and Filipino Citizenship? I will be waiting for your answer whenever you feel like answering. 🙂 Thank you so much Bob! :))

    • Hi LJ – No, he cannot legally own guns.

      He is eligible for Dual Citizenship (USA and Philippines) only if he was born as a Philippine Citizen. If he has never been a Philippine citizen, he is not eligible to be a dual citizen. He would have to give up his US citizenship in order to be a Philippine Citizen.

      • Thank you for the reply! 🙂 I have read in some articles that The US does not perceive the renouncing as being a clear intent to abandon US Citizenship.

        That the only way you can lose it is to: 1)Be found guilty for treason, 2)Serving in a military army that is an enemy of the US and 3) verbally stating your intention before a US Counselor. is there any truth to this? Thank you and have a good day! 🙂

        • Yes, LJ, I am familiar with US law ans policy regarding renouncing citizenship. I am also familiar with Philippine law. Philippine law requires you to renounce your former citizenship. It does not say to “kind of” renounce, or to renounce in a way that “doesn’t count.” Is it really a good idea to become a citizen of a different country and your first act, obtaining citizenship, is done in an illegal way? Personally, I think not. If your husband thinks that is the right thing to do, that is his decision.

  10. Hi, I am a high school graduated from USA and I want to know if I could live in Philippine with my finance, she’s a Philippine citizen. We just meet not long ago, then we are planning to meet there in the next few months. I’m not so sure what to do, because I don’t speak the language there and I don’t really have that much money to support my finance if I gonna live there with her. I need some help how to live there as a foreigner.

    • Hi Richard,

      Thanks for writing.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://howtomovetothephilippines.com/landing/ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  12. Hi Bob

    After reading your advise on this site i was much better informed about what to do as far as myself and my gf will do next we love each other so much ,and cant wait to be together ,so this is just a thank you for your help ,
    ps will be intouch and would like to buy some books from you

    Regards Neil

  13. hi bob
    hi bob can u help me my bf want to stay here in philippines but we dont no how were not yet married and we cant do it becoz im still married with my exhusband??

    • Hello Angel – About the only choice your BF has is to stay here on a tourist visa and keep renewing it. He will have to leave the country every 16 months as well, under that type of visa.

      I would strongly advise both you and your bf to be cautious about this. Your husband can bring charges against both you and your bf, and you could both end up in jail, if your husband wishes to press charges for adultery.

  14. I am a Norwegian citizen now, but I was born here in the Philippines with Filipino parents. And I am married to a Filipino as well. I`ve been staying here for almost a year with the BB visa. It may sound stupid, but Im clueless as to what visa I can apply for? I cant apply for a dual citizen since Norwegian law doesn’t accept dual citizen. Does anyone know how and what visa I can qualify for? I would be forever thankful……

    • I would say that if you want to keep your Norwegian citizenship, then the best visa for you to go for would be either Balikbayan Visa or SRRV.

  15. I’d like to move to the Philippines. I have a good job but not with a global company that will allow me a chance at transferring. I am manager at a trucking terminal and taught special education for 5 years. With experience and education in fields that would not justify hiring a foreigner, what are my odds of finding a job and moving with a work visa? I spent 5 months in Mexico several years ago to learn Spanish. I loved it and hate I return to my same-ole, same-ole routine here. I had trouble finding a real job because I wasn’t a Mexican citizen. I’m 40 and not wealthy so I have to know I had a job before I could think of quitting my current one. Any advise would be gratefully appreciated.

    • Hi Gayner,

      Thanks for writing.

      Finding a job will be quite difficult, but that does not mean that you cannot earn a living. I am an American who moved to the Philippines at the age of 38 and have been living here for 13 years now. I have no job, but have actually found that is is quite easy to earn money here, and in my books which I detail below, I tell you how to do that.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://howtomovetothephilippines.com/landing/ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  16. hi Bob..glad to found your site…i am from Malaysia and planned to move in phil..my husband is from cagayan de oro.but my story is a bit complicated..frankly speaking, my husband were born in phil and he got his phil birth certificate but he grew up in Malaysia..Due to hard life there had here..around 2001 his parent move back to phil and left him behind without any malaysian legal paper..now, we married but can’t register our contract marriage as he don’t have any paper except his phil birth certificate that we just receive fro his parents. We had a 6month son and don’t have birth certificate yet because of my husband paper’s problem..can you suggest me what is our next step so that we can move there immediately..thanks

    • Hi Chris – Wow, that sounds like a tough situation. I wish I can help, but I don’t know anything at all about Malaysian law, so I don’t know what to tell you. Good luck.

  17. HI BOB
    I AM FROM THE UK AND I HAVE A FILOPINO LADY WHO I AM ON THE VERGE OF MARRYING
    I HAVE TO GO TO THE UK TO PICK UP A POLICE CLEARANCE FORM AND A REGISTRATION FORM THEN I HOPE TO MARRY I AM TOLD I HAVE TO BE IN THE PHILLIPINES FOR21 DAYS BEFORE WE CAN MAKE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ALL I HAVE TO DO IS PROVIDE THOSE 2 ITEM AND MY WIFE HAS TO PRODUCE HER HUSBANDS DEATH CERTIFICATE I HAVE AN ENGLISH PENSION TO SUPPORT MYSELF AND MY WIFE AND SHE HAS A POLICE PENSION SO MONEY WONT BE A PPROBLEM

  18. Hi bob, my friend (malaysians) would like to know if he (catholic) can register his marriage under civil registry to his malaysian muslim gf in Philippines as this inter faith marriage is not allowed in Malaysia? If yes, can u pls tell him the process.. it will be of great help…. thx in advance. ..

  19. Hi,

    i am an indian and i have a filipina gf and we love each other a lot. we have decided to get married and make a happy family in philippines and i want to know the procedure to get married to a filipina. Can i get married on tourist visa?? how would i get the citizenship of philippines??

  20. Hi Bob, and all your visitors! The simple way to stay is through PRA philippine retirement authority. pra.gov.ph For time deposit in your name of $20k or 50 you get rhe visa.their program had changed since i got it, bur the money can be used to buy a condo. Advantage, no reporting to bi and no departure tax ,no need to get married and valid if you are not! Works for me. Btw, you can qualify to get citizenship after 5 Years if you work as techer. Greets jes

    • Hi Jes – Thanks for sharing. I personally believe that a 13 series resident visa is a far better way to go. We all have our preferences, though, and if the SRRV is better for you, all I can say is enjoy.

  21. Hi bob,
    im kiran & im an indian i have a girlfriend in philippines i love her & she loves me a lot we hav decided to marry & i wanna stay in philippines for the rest of my life….. what type of visa is required & what are ur suggestions???? please im really serious about this matter….. if i have a tourist visa how long can i stay there??? please help 🙁

  22. Hi Bob,

    Thanks for all the timely information concerning moving to the Philippines. I’m definitely considering ordering your 31 E-Book Special Package, it looks awesome !! My question pertains to my filipina girl friend, who I have been chatting with on Skype for one year now. She is still married, although her husband left her four years ago to move in with a woman he got pregnant. Since an annulment would be very costly and time-consuming, we were considering living together when I visit her this year. Presently I live in the United States. I guess I would be able to continuously renew a tourist Visa, or apply for a SRRV Visa. I noticed you said in previous comments that the woman’s husband can file adultery charges against us and I was wondering if that applies since he is already living with another woman. Also, if my girl friend applies for separation papers would that nullify any adultery allegations? thanks in advance !! Mike

    • Hi Mike – Be very, very careful. Living with a married woman here is illegal for both you and her. If the husband files a case you will both end up in jail. It does not matter if he left her or how many years it has been, if they are still married, you are breaking the law by entering into a relationship with her. Separation papers does not annul the marriage, and are irrelevant, you will still end up in jail if he complains about you living with her.

      If you decide to live here, yes, you can do a Tourist Visa or an SRRV. Recent changes in the law now allow you to stay up to 3 years on a tourist visa Read about it here.

      • Hi Bob,

        Thank you for your speedy reply, and link for recent changes there. If I understand you correctly it would be difficult for the husband to file adultery charges as long as my filipina gf and I not living together. It would be okay to date, and she could sometimes sleep over but if she has her own residence then her and I should be safe from adultery charges? Thanks in advance, Mike

        • Sorry,  but I never said any such thing.

          All I can say at this point is that you are playing with fire.  It is up to you to decide if that is a game you wish to play.

          • Thanks Bob,
            I appreciate your candor !! I guess she would have to get an annulment to prevent a charge of adultery. And, from what I understand annulments are very expensive, and time-consuming there. You have saved me from potential disaster, and hopefully anyone else in my situation who reads this column too !!

  23. Hi Bob,

    After some further research I discovered Philippine House Bill 5734 (Act Defining the Crime of Sexual Infidelity) was approved and enacted into law on April 23, 2012. It’s my understanding, under this House Bill the offended party (husband) can no longer file adultery charges against the alleged offender(s) if the former is also guilty of sexual infidelity or had abandoned the guilty spouse without just cause for more than one year. This might be something foreigners may want to check into before living with a filipina woman in the Philippines. thanks again, Mike

    • Hi Mike – It sounds like you have not spent much, if any, time in the Philippines before. Maybe you don’t understand how things work here. The laws, as written on paper may not work the way they say on paper.

      The advice I have given you previously is 100% spot on, regardless of what the words on paper say.

      All I can say to you is good luck, I hope you don’t experience the difficulties that others have.

    • Hello Luther,

      Thanks for writing.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  25. Hi there, I’m a soon to be 21 year old English male, and I would love to live in the Philippines for a period of a few years probably working if I could help it, can you offer any advice on steps I could take visa’s, the sort of work I may have to resort to and just any tips for a beginner traveller?

    • Hi Nathan – Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your comment. This site is more about getting Philippine Citizenship. It doesn’t sound like that is what you are aiming to do. My recommendation would be to visit two of my other sites and read up.

      1. For Visa Issues, read this site: Your Philippine Visa
      2. For general information about living in the Philippines – Live in the Philippines

  26. An american citizen who want to become a filipino must be a joke? Iam an european and i never heard about anybody who wants to change their citizenship into filipino?

    Why, you want to save the money for visa, ore you want to own land i your one name?

    This is stupidity and i am glad that you have to live in the Philippines a few year before you can become a citizen. Then you hopefully are more mature and have other perspectives in your life.

  27. hi my husband (us citizen) and I (fil have a resident visa here in US) Weve been married for 7 years in the philippines and were planning to move there when he file a disability.My questions are:
    Can he retire there when he file disability?
    Do i need to apply usa citizenship and dual citizenship?
    Can we own properties and bussiness there if he file a disability?
    What we should do? i appreciate your responds to all questions thank u so much!

    • As far as I know, he should have no problem living here after filing disability.

      He cannot own properties or a business here, as he is not a citizen. You could own then in your name.

      Good luck to both of you.

  28. hi bob

    i want to ask you im a former filipino citizen but currently im living here in u.k now im a british citizen now and im planning to go back to philippines ,my question can i stay in the for a long period let say about 10 yrs ,without coming back to uk am i gonna lose my british citizenship or not ?tnx please reply

    • As a former Philippine Citizen, the longest you could stay in the Philippines is 4 years. You would be able to do that by entering on a Balikbayan Visa, which is good for 1 year, then at the end of the year you convert to a tourist visa, which can be extended up to 3 additional years. Lots of fees to pay for visa extensions and such.

      What you should do is obvious… why not apply for Dual Citizenship. When you do that you can stay as long as you want… even forever.

      You will never lose your British Citizenship no matter how long you stay away. Even if you never return again, you will still remain a British Citizen.

      • ah ok bob you mean its better to apply dual citizenship ,i thought i have to come back before every 2 years here in uk to maintain my citizenship ,thank you for confirming that to me ,i live in davao city and you are living in samal island ,and its nice to hear that you are enjoying your living in philippines mate 🙂

        • Hi Daniel – Actually, I don’t live on Samal, never have. You might have me confused with somebody else. I live in Davao City. My wife and I do own some land on Samal, but we don’t live there. 🙂 Take care.

  29. Hi Bob …. i am from the uk i intend to marry my fiancee between the end of AUG to early SEPT .. WE own 2 plots of land which are not that big but one plot is where we have a piggery and the other is where we stay ,,,, i was retired through ill health , now i had a lump sum which has almost gone now but the piggery can bring us an income off around 250,000 in philippine currancy or more a year what are my chances of staying in the philippines for the rest of my days my fiancee is also 16wks pregnant … but when Typhoon Glenda hit it destroyed most of the piggery so the money we had saved went back into the repairs

    • I think it is still likely that you can live in the Philippines. Once you are married you are eligible to apply for a 13a visa. There are financial requirements too, but they are not so major. If you can generate an income of P250k from the piggery you should be able to meet the financial tests.

      • Cheers Bob …. just wish they would sort out the power supply over there most parts are still without power since Glenda hit …. and there is a 3rd Typhoon to hit the eastern side which could be moving in friday onwards.. ..any ways thanx again for your help …all the best and stay safe

  30. I am married to a Philippina for 4 years now. We moved from the US here last Oct 1.

    Do I have to go to Manila to upgrade my status before Oct 1?

    I was told that they have changed the law here now so you do not have to report to Immigration in
    Manila for 3 years instead of one year. Is that true? Thanks. Mike.

  31. From Texas…September 5th 2014..arrival at Phil tentative plans…first moving to Phil to retire.. marry asap..and to live…what visa do I need to apply for in this process and how soon should I apply for marriage application…all other papers are correct and in order…proof income $1207 a month. pension…also I do not want to lose my USA citizenship….any steps in order for heads up you can pass on to me…Thanks

    D.Ward _Texan

    • Hello D.,

      You didn’t really mention if you already have a bride here or if you are going to be looking for one. But, how soon you should apply for the marriage license is just a personal choice. After you marry you can then apply for your 13a resident visa. About the only thing that you didn’t mention, which you will need in order to get the resident visa is a police clearance report from the FBI. Really, about your only choice when you are coming, since you are yet to marry, is to just accept the tourist visa waiver that is issued at the airport upon your arrival, that can be extended for up to 3 years stay.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  32. dear bob,
    its nice to find your site.
    i have a US citizen bf who i havent seen in person but we were in a relationship for few years now through skype and emails. he is planning to finally go here in the phils once he reached retirement age and marry me and stay here for good. will he be allowed to stay longer here as it may take a while for the wedding processes or he might have to leave and go back again as he wants that if he goes here he wont be going back to US anymore but wont give up his citizenship. thanks.

  33. Dear Bob
    I just want to ask about my fiance problem..what visa he can get if he will come over here in Philippines..he is indian passport holding.what all he need documents he to come over here?? And we want to get marry as soon. What advise or suggestions u can give to us.thanks a lot. Hope i can get a reply from u to help us.

    • I am sorry, Maria, as I have pointed out many times on this site, I am not well versed on visa requirements for non visa waiver eligible countries. That would include India.

  34. Hi Bob.thanks for ur replying..
    Any suggestion so my fiance can come over here in the Philippines??
    Thanks and more power.

  35. Hi Bob,

    I would like to seeking your advised, I’am married to Indian national and he only comes in Philippines via a tourist visa, can you advise us where we must apply this ARC (Alien Resident Card) should it be here in Philippine Embassy Manila or he must apply in his country, because he ask once in Mumbai Philippine Embassy and they say it should be here.
    Do you have idea, We have legal document as married issued by NSO Philippines , and now I will deliver our first child by Dec 19 few weeks left and he will arrive too and plan to apply a Visa for husband is that ARC? Any suggestion or advise.
    Thank you Bob and more power

    • Hi Sharon – I would love to help you out with this, however, the visa policies for Indian citizens are very different than for us Americans. I know almost zero about Philippine visas and other policies for Indians. I am very sorry.

  36. Hi Bob, I am also an American, and been coming in going to the USA and the Philippines for 5 years or more now, I learned to speak Bisaya Cebuano and Tagalog too fluently.
    Kahinang lan ba gyud ang ARC nga kuhaon sa BI para sa ato nga Amerikano? and saan naman yan makuha at mag kano ang bayad? kailangan ba yan ARC card taon-taon? I don’t have that kind of card yet, and if it is a necessity for us to have…..then I will apply for it soonest!Where pls.?
    Thank you so much, daghang salamat kaayo sa imong maayong programa para maka tulong ka sa mga tulad natin at sa mga Pinoys! hehehe, i hope you understool all I said Bob? it is just fun to learn another foreignd languages too like you did, Right Mate?

  37. Hi Bob,

    Im a British citizen, my mum was born in the Philippines and my dad is British but is no longer with us sadly. My mum only has a British passport now and no longer has a Philippino passport. I want to apply for a Philippino passport and hope to live there in the future. Can I apply for a Philippino passport??

    • Did your mother fill out a report of birth abroad and file it with the Philippine Embassy at the time of your birth? If she did, then you should have a certificate of Philippine citizenship. If she did not fill it out, then you have probably lost the opportunity of getting Philippine citizenship/passport. If she did not do it, you can still try, but it is unlikely that you will succeed.

      • thanks Bob for replying! Im just waiting for my mum to get back to me but I have a feeling she didn’t file my birth at the time. Im 29 years old now so Iv got a feeling I won’t be getting a Philippino passport any time soon 🙁

        My sister was born in the Philippines and still has her birth certificate but has a British passport, will she be able to apply for a Philippino passport?

        • Being born in the Philippines does not entitle one to Philippine citizenship. But, given that your mother is Filipino, and combined with the fact that your sister was born in the Philippines, she should be able to claim Philippine citizenship and get a passport.

          You can still try too. Sometimes they will allow a late filing of the report.

  38. Hey bob,
    Very helpful article and comments. Actually im one from those who wanna relocate to pinas. My wife is pinoy and she is currently working in abroad. And now a days im in my home country pakistan. Recently we planned to live in pinas. Actually i tried to write to the embassy here in pakistan but sadly no reply from them but sooner i will visit them personally. What are the documents they required from me and my wife for 13a? As i search lots of websites got some information from them but still some confussions are there. So if u can briefly explain me the details of documents.

    Sorry i read only few of your comments. But sooner i will read the rest.

    Regards,
    Ahmad

  39. Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    Hey bob,
    Very helpful article and comments. Actually im one from those who wanna relocate to pinas. My wife is pinoy and she is currently working in abroad. And now a days im in my home country pakistan. Recently we planned to live in pinas. Actually i tried to write to the embassy here in pakistan but sadly no reply from them but sooner i will visit them personally. What are the documents they required from me and my wife for 13a? As i search lots of websites got some information from them but still some confussions are there. So if u can briefly explain me the details of documents.

    Sorry i read only few of your comments. But sooner i will read the rest.

    Regards,
    Ahmad

    • Hi Ahmad – I am sorry, the visa rules are different for Pakistan than they are for my country, USA. I do not know the proper procedures or requirements for those from Pakistan. Good luck to you, though.

  40. Hi Bob I am planning on moving to Cebu Philippines and marring. we have been talking for two years via Skype and fb. I was wondering what the requirements to inter the country and what visa I will need. I have all to documents to marry just have to register them with the proper agencies. my other question is what I have to do after we are married to stay there on a permanent status. I am retired on 100% disability with social security , va. and privet industry retirement is there a minimum income requirement.

    • Hi Bill,

      Thanks for writing.

      When you come to the Philippines, since you will not yet be married, the only visa that you will really qualify for is a tourist visa, which will be issued at the airport upon your arrival.

      After you marry, you can then apply for a 13a Resident visa, which will give you the ability to stay here permanently. The cost of the permanent visa will vary depending on a number of factors, and also when you do it, but figure you will probably spend $300 or $400 to get it done.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move. I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth. There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines. http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though. The books are $4.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set. Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all. You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $39. I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

  41. Hey bob.. Can i ask you a favor?? Can i help in foreigners who wants to settle down here in davao? I can get them good quality condo units.. Thanks and more power!

    • Sure, ronnoe, anybody can do that! Just maybe put up a webpage offering such services, and promote your page. I am sure that you will get some responses from people who need assistance! Good luck to you!

  42. My son is in philippine not paid any visa fee,s married ther to a women,does he need to pay these before he returns to the uk

  44. Hi Bob…how you doing mate. I really need your advise.. My case is quite complicated. Im holding Philippines passport and now stay in the Uk. I was married to Italian Citizen and got married in the Philippines in 2009. Our marriage dididn’t last long and in 2014 I got my divorce. This January 2015 I got married to Indian national here in the Uk but I believe my marital status in Philippines is still married. We are planning to move to Philippines for good this year. What kind of visa should I apply for my Indian wife to move to the Philippines?

    Please help.

    Thanks
    Ben

    • Hi Ben – Before I can answer your question.. I need to know one thing. When you became divorced from your Italian wife, who filed for the divorce? You or your wife? That makes a big difference in your case.

      • Hi Bob thank you for reply.

        I became divorce to my Italian wife last September 2014 here in Uk. I filed the Divorce with her cooperation. Court in Uk posted important documents in Italy and she signed it. She didn’t want to process in Italy because of expenses. .. is it make difference if Im the one who file divorce?

        Thank you,
        Ben

        • I am sorry, Ben, but I have bad news for you. You are a Philippine citizen. The Philippines does not allow divorce. Because you filed the divorce case, the Philippines will never recognize that you are divorced. If your wife had filed the divorce, since she is a foreigner, the Philippines would have recognized you as divorced. At this point there is nothing you can do to ever be recognized as divorced by the Philippine government.

          Currently, in the eyes of the Philippine government you are married to two different women, which is illegal.

          • Thank you Bob.

            I have more questions?

            How about my ex Italian wife can she remarry again to Philippines?

            Im going back to the Philippines for good next month. How can I bring my Indian wife to Philippines If Philippines will not recognise my divorce in uk?

            Please help…

            • Yes, your ex wife from Italy is free to marry in the Philippines. The divorce is recognized for her, since she is a foreigner. It is not recognized for you, since you are Filipino. If you had let her file for the divorce, it would have been recognized for both of you.

              I am sorry, I know of no way your new wife can legally come to the Philippines as your wife. You should probably consult an attorney on that, I am not qualified to answer.

  45. Hi Bob,

    I would like to ask which works best for my US guyto come live with me here in phil,tourist visa or apply for retirement/disability?

    Thanks bob!

    • Hi Marie – it is difficult to answer this, because I don’t know anything about your boyfriend. Applying for retirement or disability are not related at all to getting a tourist visa. He has to have a visa to live here whether he is retired or not or even if he is disabled. Since he is not a Philippine Citizen he must have a visa. Since you are not married, about the only visa he qualifies for right now is a Tourist visa,. He can get that without applying, just by entering the country he will be issued a 30 day tourist visa waiver when he arrives at the airport.

  47. Hello, I haven’t yet been to the Phillippines but I’m planning on travling there soon. I’m aware that foreigners are not allowed to buy land there. However, I was curious if it would be possible to by land or live on one of the uninhabited islands there? Of the 7000+ islands only 2000 are inhabited. This may seem like a dumb question but thought I’d ask anyway. Thanks.

    • Hi Bill – Anything in life is possible. It is possible you may be selected for a flight to Mars… but I don’t think it is going to happen. See what I mean? I also don’t think you will be living on one of the uninhabited islands… how will you get food, water, medical care, that sort of thing?

  48. I just got my 13a visa from the Philippine Consulate Los Angeles. I am going to the Philippines on March. The consulate gave me a sealed envelop marked to be opened only by immigration officer in the Philippines. I assume I need to take this envelop to the BI in Manila to get my I-Card. Am I correct?
    The info on your site is mostly for people in the Philippines trying to convert their visa to 13a. Do you have info on aliens arriving with the 13a visa on their passport?
    Thank you!

    • When you land at the airport in Manila, present the envelope when you go to the Immigration desk. When you present your passport, give them also the envelope. They will begin your processing there, and will give you further instructions, which will include going to the Immigration Department in Intramuros, and also the Bureau of Quarantine.

  49. Hi bob. I just want to ask what shall we do, I’m an Indian national, born and raised in the Philippines , I was holding a dependent visa since then, but after my visa expires they are not allowing me to apply for that again coz I’m 24 years old now and I think they remove that visa already. I applied for business visa 9g I showed my papers and all proofs but they rejected it. What should I do now? Thanks in advance.

  51. Bob,

    Great website – my (Filipino) wife and I enjoyed reading the posts this morning and the responses.

    Regards

    Sean

  52. So what do I need to just visit the Philippines Manila? From Texas..just for one week do I need to apply for anything here in Texas?
    And exactly what documents do I need to go and come back have never left the usa in my life want to go and see different women and see what Manila has to offer then travel some where next year and every year after for 5 years..so im really lost as to what to do first all I have is my Texas driver license please list steps really sorry but for some reason I chose this site off google out of many and read each reply and noticed you still respond since 2012 please advise pretty much have learned not to mess with a married Filipina woman thanks

    • Hi Jason – I am not completely sure what you are asking. This site is about how to become a citizen of the Philippines. I don’t think that is what you are asking about, though. Do you mean you just want to come and visit the Philippines and how to do that?

      Your first step is that you need to get a US Passport. You cannot travel to another country without a Passport, so get that. After getting your passport, you can then book an airline ticket and fly to the Philippines. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask. But, give a little more explanation next time so I will be able to better answer with the information you are looking for. Good luck to you.

  53. hi Mr. Bob,

    I am a Filipina and I will be getting my US citizenship this March 2015 I am planning to go home in the Philippines and stay there for 10 to 12 months do you think I can get a balikbayan visa ? or just go straight to get dual citizenship? which is better ..I want to take care of my mother she is very old by the way I entered the US as K1 visa .

    Kindly advice me.

    Thank you and have a great day!

    Nenen

    • I would advise you to just get your dual citizenship while you were still there in the states. It’s much easier that way. Then you can avoid any hassles.

  54. Hello Sir BOB..

    I am Asif, 23 years old, Bangladeshi Mariner. My wife Clarissa (19 yo) is a Filipino citizen and we married in December 19, 2014. We have our NSO certified Marriage Contract paper already.

    I already applied for Temprary Residence Permit (TRP) of 1 year duration and got it.

    Now my question is, how long it will take to become a citizen of Philippines? When I can apply for that? I do have House and Lot in Wellington Residence Tanza, Cavite (Block 28 Lot 13 Phase 2) which I bought in my wife Clarissa’s name (I made her the principal buyer) in January 19, 2015.. Ohh one more thing.. Neither my wife (visaya) nor I don’t know how to speak Tagalog.

    Please inform me Sir Bob. Your advice will be highly appreciated.

    Thanks
    Asif

    • Hello Asif – You will have to live permanently in the Philippines for 5 years before you can apply for citizenship. You will need to speak Tagalog or one of the major Philippine languages (not including English) to be able to become a citizen. Keep in mind that you will also be required to relinquish your current citizenship.

      Good luck to you.

      • Thanks alot Sir Bob..

        I got it. So I have to renew this TRP Visa 4 more times.. Sir in these 5 years can I go outside Philippines for vacation, such as in Thailand or Bangladesh? Or I have to stay here in PH conginuously 5 years?

        Also one more question I have. My wife Claris is Pregnant and we having our baby in August. So as a father of my Filipino child, can I get any advantage of achieving Filipino Citizenship? Please inform me.

        Thank You Sir.
        God bless You.

        • You need an immigrant visa 13g as spouse of a Philippine citizen. I believe you have to be a permanent resident, not one with a temporary permit to qualify for citizenship.

  55. Bob
    I wrote youa long while ago about me obtaining a 13a visa. The wife and I are moving back there real soon. I bought your book and it really help me. I just wanted to say that all that you have experience have really been a great help to a lot of people who want to come live in the Philippines.

    Wanted to salute you for doing such a great job. And for providing honest answers for people who need help!!! Man after my own heart. I hope we can meet you in person some day. I am a retired U.S. Marine, and retired civil service plus soon to be 62 which entitiles me for Social Security. So, I have learn from you the importance of having finances in the Philippines. I know the Philippines is no place for a broke EXpats! Thanks again for all your help!!!

    • Morris, thank you so much for your kind words! I am blushing!

      If you are ever in Davao, please give me a shout, it would be a pleasure to get together for a meeting!

  56. Hi Bob,

    Great site, incredibly informative. I’m married to a Filipina and plan on retiring in PI on a 13A visa. I’m interested in buying my own home (house not condo/townhome) when the time comes, am I allowed to do this, i.e. be the legal owner of the property? My concern is that if something were to happen to my wife that the property might be confiscated or given to a family member and I’d be out for the all the money I spent on the home and more or less be out on the streets. Is this a risk you have to live with or is there a way to legally protect yourself? Thanks!

    • Mike – you might not like what I am going to say, but I am going to tell you the truth as I see it. I have lived here for 15 years and have some experience under my belt. In my opinion, buying a house here is one of the biggest mistakes that a person can make when they move here. It is a big mistake in my view. If you have lived here for 5 years or so and know the ropes a bit, then you can start thinking about it.

      You cannot own the place, Mike. Under the Philippine Constitution, only a Philippine citizen can own real property.

      Think hard about it, because I have seen a LOT of foreigners financially ruined by buying a house here, then learning that they don’t like living here.

  57. Bob

    What I am about to say is from the angle of support of local filipino’s doing the times of disaster. I saw a video of you on utube helping the locals doing a disaster. So, instead of you offering help to me, I want to offer my help to you.

    I wanted to offer my assistances in helping you to help them (local filipino’s) once we get there in June 2015. So, anytime there arises a time that I can help doing a disaster for locals please let me know. People may have many different opinions of american expats, but one thing our country has always done is supported the Philippines during there tough times i.e. world war two, mud slides, etc…,
    MIne you I am not saying other countries have not help because they have.

    I am a pastor and that is another reason we are coming there to make whatever difference the lord lays on our heart to make. we cannot save the world, but we can all do our part to help make the locals life some what better. Keep up the great work you are doing in helping exapts and the locals!

    See you in June 2015.

  58. Hi Bob, my boyfriend is living in Florida and wants to stay here with his son for good. What does he need so that they can stay here for good?

  59. Hi Sir,

    I have a british boyfriend for almost 2 years now ,he visited me 4 times already his 59 years old.
    now he wanted to lived here in the Philippines but we can get married cause we are still both legally married but separated from our partners.
    what can u advised us or any suggestions cause he really wants to lived here permanently.
    Your advice will be highly appreciated.
    God Bless.

    • Hello,

      Thanks for writing!

      He can live here without marrying. All of the details are in my books, details are below.

      If you want to move to the Philippines, there are many things to find out about, and to do in preparation for the move.  I have come up with a series of electronic books that will provide you with all of the information that you will need to make the move easy and smooth.  There are a total of 31 eBooks in the set, you can find out about each title at my website: How to Move to the Philippines.  http://HowToMoveToThePhilippines.com

      I have a special deal that I want to let you know about, though.  The books are $7.99 each, but that can add up if you want the whole set.  Because of that, I have a special package that includes all of the books, 31 titles in all.  You can get the entire package, which I call the PH Pro Package, for just $49.  I can offer you the PH Pro package for a special discount price of $10 off for the next 24 hours though.  When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout:  Move2PH10   Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.

      You can find the PH Pro package here:
      http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/

      I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move.  If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.

      _________________________________
      A message from:
      Bob Martin, aka “Mindanao Bob”
      Copyright ©2013

      Bob’s Latest Books
      Bob’s LiP Web Magazine
      Bob’s Personal Website
      Bob’s Mindanao Magazine
      

  60. i m a indian and i love love a philippines married women she is a muslim. i want to go there and get marry her. what i do and what kind of visa i need. please help me.

  63. Bob,
    I am interested in living in the Philipines, and I have read all your previous comments, so I kinda get the jest of how certain things work and the visa thing. But my question is based on schooling. I am in college to become for anthropology. I was wondering if there was a special visa for this , or should I just go the tourist visa . Because anthropology is the study of cultures and people I didn’t know if I could use that or not. Or maybe for an internship of some sorts.

    • Joey – If you are talking about coming here to continue your college studies you would need to get a student visa, you are not allowed to go to school here on a tourist visa.

      If you are coming to work as an anthropologist (you were not clear), then you will need some kind of work visa. Foreigners are not allowed to work while holding a tourist visa.

      • I would continue school in the states it is an online school, so I don’t think that would be a problem. I still have a ways to go before I graduate , so I wouldn’t be working

        • Hi Joey – a student visa is only for attending a Philippine school. For you, since you would be doing school at a US school online you would not need that.

  64. Also I am on disability/social security and its a fixed income. I know you sell books on how to make money which I’ll probably get when and if I decide to move, but since my monthly income is fixed (around 50000 pesos a month). I want to live in a place that is closes to a town, but safe and clean. I live in Indiana , so i am from the country and I was wondering if you had any suggestions and if I just live moderately, is 50000 pesos enough ?

      • Yea I’ve been talking to a few people here , and they have recommended that city also. I’ll have to go online and study it more I just didn’t a huge culture shock. You are from the states and you kinda know the culture here, thats why i asked and appricate the advice

        • Moving to the Philippines is going to be a HUGE culture shock for you Give yourself 5 years to adjust. Mot Americans who come here cannot make it 5 years and end up moving back before they can adjust. If you can stick it out for 5 years then you will probably make it.

  65. Hi Bob. I am hoping you can answer some questions for me. My Dad just told me today that he plans on moving for a few months to the Philippines. We live in Rockland, Maine (USA). My father is almost 66 years old and lives off of Social Security Retirement benefits each month. Can you give me some info that I can relay to him? Since he is American, what income can he qualify for? Will he need to open a checking account that is in a Filipino Bank? Will he be allowed to live there with no citizenship? Will he be required to hold a job? Please help.

    • Hi Traci – I am sure your father can live a very good life here with his social security income, in fact the amount that the USA pays in social security will put your father in the upper income bracket here, and he can live very comfortably.

      He does not need to be a citizen to live here. I have lived here for 16 years and am not a Philippine citizen. In fact, it is unlikely that your father even qualifies to be a Philippine citizen even that is what he wants, at least for now.

      My advice to your father is to come here and enjoy life.

      • thank you Bob. I just talked with my father and explained to him that I just want to be sure if he moves across the ocean that he will be OK. I don’t want him to get into any trouble because I wont be able to help! I have read all your comments/answers about other concerns and you are a big help. I really appreciate you responding so soon. Best wishes to you!

  66. have a gud day sir ,im jeralyn krueger im asking only if possible to grant my visa if i apply ,..my son is US citizen /never been in US eversince /but he have passport ,and both of us is US pentioner…i apply twice for transit visa to take my child and show his Country , i cant allowed him travel alone because he is minor no one can take care of him in the USA ,..but now my son is 15 yr old i want my son to live and studying there what we will do to grant my visa issue i want my child live with us ,i will taking care of him during his studying in US. and aside from that im worry about his immigration penalties ,..i dont know if my son considered as minor by immigration and his mother didnt grant visa ,thats why my son didnt trave outside the phils for a long time..thanks

    • Based on some of the things you said, I believe that you are a former Philippine citizen, am I right? If so, why don’t you apply for dual citizenship for yourself and your son? If you do that, you will both be citizens of both the USA and the Philippines and won’t have to worry about getting a visa.

      • MY son born here in phils ,and im not live in US eversince ,my husband is american he died yr 2000,but my husband before died he applied for petition ,but the embassy didnt considered that my visa grant even my husband is american,..because they said the petitioner is already died,..but thanks that they consider my son as american even he born here in phils…but the problem is how my son live alone without me ,if he decide to study in United states on sept this yr ,pls advice me how can i get there with my son ,..my son and I receiving pention in SSA and American airlines under my name ,with 30% tax deduction.

        • I am sorry, I misunderstood your previous question. I thought you were trying to get a visa to come to the Philippines.

          This site is not about getting a visa to go to the US, it is about how foreigners can come and live in the Philippines, or get Philippine citizenship.

          I am sorry, I do not know how you could get a visa to go to the USA.

          Good luck to you.

  67. Hi I am franklin santos I live in the US and I am 19 years old I’ll be 20 this year. I have been looking up information on how to become a Philippines citizen. Why, because I have a girlfriend in Davao and we got engage few days behind and I am planning on moving there with her. I am a Honduran citizen which allowed me to go to the Philippines for 30 days no visa after 30 I’m required one. My question is how can I make my visit there longer because we are planning on getting marry when I get there during the 30 days?

    • Hello Franklin – You do not need to become a citizen to do this – in fact, you cannot become a citizen until you have lived here between 5 to 10 years, depending on different factors. Your visa will be for 30 days when you step off the plane. However, that visa can be extended so that you can stay for up to 36 months at a time in the Philippines. When your visa is about to expire just go to the Bureau of Immigration office and apply for an extension. You will do this every 2 months for a total of up to 36 months.

      • Hi bob okay I see. Thank you for the information that made it much better. But as I do the math 36 months would only give me 3 years and as I read you comment that to become a citizen you must minimum live there for 5 years through marriage to qualify. How could I get the last 24 more months would I be able to extend my visa for two more years?

        • Come to the Philippines and stay 36 months. Go to Hong Kong for one day
          Return and stay another 36 months. There you have 6 years already, which is more than the required 5 years.

  68. hie bob,

    i am Rickie i am Indian nationality i am married to my philiphine girlfriend in india now we planing to go in philiphine and marry there too and we are planing to put a small business sum of around 450,000 pesos like kind of restaurant business so can i get permament visa in philiphine please guide me bob

  69. Magandang gabi sir… I have garnered a fair amount of info from the questions and answers given here. You seem to have a lot of knowledge about Philippine immigration laws. I wish I knew half as much. My question is this sir. What do you know of American or Canadian citizens living in the Philippines who use their Government pensions as their only source of income . ie: compensation benefits or Old age retirement benefits… I myself am on permanent disability benefits from the compensation board here in Canada due to a truck accident while i was employed. I have been to the Philippines on 2 previous occasions and would like to eventually retire permanently there, if my government will allow me to keep getting these benefits outside of Canada. Any and all info you can give me about this will be greatly appreciated… Salamat Po…

    • I am sorry, but I don’t know if you could keep your benefits or not. That is just something that I do not know about, and it is different depending on the situation. Good luck to you.

      • Thank you for your reply sir. I am awaiting for a reply from the provincial government here also in regards to this query.

  70. Hi Bob!! My bf and I plan to buy a house here. he knows that under Philippine law? foreigners can buy a house and lot here. We aren’t married yet but will do so soon. However, we really want to purchase a house and lot since we will be staying here for good. Is it possible to do so even if we aren’t married yet? Also, what requirements are needed for him to marry me here on his next visit? He only has a few days vacation at work so if possible, will it be possible for us to marry even if his stay is just for a few days, a week at best? Thanks in advance!

    • I am sorry, Ivy, but you are mistaken. Foreigners can NOT buy real estate in the Philippines. If you want to buy a house and lot YOU can, but not him, because he is not a Philippine citizen. He can give you the money, and you can buy it. In my opinion that would be an unwise move, though.

      As for getting married, he needs to go to the US Embassy in Manila and obtain an “affidavit in lieu of Legal Capacity to Marry” and then you can file for a marriage license, just like any other couple. You said he only has a few days vacation… he must be in the Philippines for a minimum of 10 days before the two of you can marry, though.

  71. Hai Bob,

    I have a friend in Pakistan he wants to go here in Philippines to stay here , what the first things to do and whats the requirements to get ,, tnx bob

  72. hello bob
    i am british,i am 54 years old & i am married to a phillipino.we moved here from the uk on november 11 2014 but in march 2015 my wife left me & went back to the uk,i have no way of contacting her,
    my father is 80 years old & has been living in the phillippines for many years,
    my question is,i want to apply for permanent residency in the phillippines,can my father sponser me,
    i think i can apply for ssrv but i dont really want to freeze that sort of money unless i have to & i was hoping that there was another way around this ?

    • Hello Stephen – No, I am sorry your father cannot sponsor you for a Resident Visa. Only a spouse can sponsor you for that.

      Really, based on what you told me, the only option you have for a permanent resident visa will be the SRRV.

  73. hello bob
    thank you for the information,i have another question,
    i have a new phillippino girlfriend,i we went on holiday every year in another asian country with her, how man times can i us the 1 year balikabyan visa

    • You can do it every year forever – if you enter the country with your wife.
      I am betting that since you will be traveling with your girlfriend, your wife won’t be with you when you enter the country. If she is not entering with your you… Sorry, no balikbayan visa for you.

  74. hello
    I have a question for you Sir Bob
    I am married to a filipina and been living in philippines 15 years.. i have permanent residency ..If i divorce her in the states but still live in the philippines and stay single will i lose my permanent residentcy? If i dont divorce her (and she has a bf now) can she take me to philippine courts and get money (we have no kids. thank you for your time. will wait your reply..
    scott

    • Hi James – Just in the past year or so, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has begun enforcing that if you divorce and they find out, they will pull your resident visa from you. So, yes, if you divorce you will likely lose the residence.

      Based on the information given, I see no way that she could get money from you in court. If she files any kind of case, you can also do so. The fact that she has a bf is illegal under the law of the Philippines, and she can go to jail for it. So, if she threatens to file a case against you for some reason, you could put her in jail.

  75. hi,good day mr.bob im a filipina
    i have a good friend from india and he is planning to come in philippines for tourist visa..my question is how long this tourist visa will works in philippines?and is it possible for extension?if he wants to stay more years staying in philppines…

  76. hi im a filipina and i want to know how i get my bf in the philippines we are here in hong kong and my bf is a pakistani and also he is a refugee here what should i do? can i get him in the philippines to be a residence there?

    • I am sorry, the laws are different for Pakistanis than for Westerners like me. I do not know about immigration for Pakistanis, so I cannot answer your question.

  78. hi bob..i am a filipina and have a british bf..we are not married..and he wants to stay in philippines for good..so what visa would he apply if this is the case..thanks in advance

    • Since you are not married he does not qualify for a 13a resident visa. If he is over 35 the only type of resident visa he would be qualified for is an SRRV. If he is under 35, he cannot qualify for a resident visa.

      He can stay up to 36 months on a tourist visa, though.

  79. Hello Bob, how are you, hope your having a blessed day….

    Just want to ask you, i am Syrian, Lebanese and my wife is a Philippine, we are married for 4 years now, but we are living out of the Philippine, my question is , should i be living in Philippine for 5 years to get the passport or married for 5 year out of Philippines can get me the passport ? and talking tegelog must to take the passport ? and also if i apply for 13 a or ACRICard or is there any card or visa that you know will allow me to have property on my name or open an account bank ? i heard that a forigner can own a condo but not a house and lot unless your a citizen or is there a something that we can do to get it ? last question, if i apply for 13a visa, can i go and come to Philippine without applying for a visa for one years or at list go like a multiple visa?

    Thanks and sorry for asking a lot .

    Have a blessed day

    • I am sorry, I know nothing about the process of living in the Philippines for a Syrian or Lebanese citizen. It is not the same as westerners like me. If I give any information it will only be a guess, and because I am not informed on the subject that you asked about, I will respectfully decline to answer.

      Good luck.

  80. just one more Question i was reading about this two visa: What is the difference between a Non-Quota Visa and a Quota Immigrant Visa? I read you can apply for this visa and renew every five years even if your out of the philippine and they said A Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is for a person who has a Filipino spouse.
    A Quota Immigrant Visa is unique for each person who wants to stay in the Philippines.
    A Non-Quota Visa may be invalidated due to a divorce with your Filipino spouse, but a Quota Immigrant Visa has no stipulations with your partner. will the non quota give you same privilege like quota visa to stay 5 years out philippine and can i go and come to philippine without applying to a visa for five years once i apply for non quota or quota visa ?

    Thanks