This article has been updated for changes in policy for 2017. The updates appear at the bottom of the article.
When you decide to live in the Philippines, you need to get some sort of visa that will allow you to live here. In my opinion, for those who qualify, a Resident Visa is the best way to go!
So, you ask… how do you qualify? Actually, it’s quite simple. If your spouse is a Philippine Citizen, or a former Citizen of the Philippines, you can qualify. You will need to fill out an application, take some medical tests, get police clearances and such, then send it all in to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area. Generally, it takes only a week or two for your visa to be approved, and then you have six months to enter the Philippines, and live here for good! No need to leave the country from time to time, no need to go to the Immigration office ever 2 months, etc.
In addition to applying for the visa in your home country, you can also apply after you arrive in the Philippines, but I would strongly recommend that you do the application before coming to the Philippines. Doing it here involves a lot of hassles, extra paperwork, takes months to process, and will probably require some extra money on this end. Take my advice… do it at home!
When you apply for your resident visa, if your spouse is a Philippine Citizen you will be applying for a 13(a) visa. If your spouse is a former Citizen you will be applying for a 13(g) visa. With either of these visas you are also allowed to work in the Philippines!
The only requirement is that once per year (in January/February) you are required to check-in at the Bureau of Immigration office.
2017 Updates
No Longer Living Together?
As I mentioned earlier in this article, your ability to get a Resident Visa (13 Series) is based on being Married to a Philippine Citizen (13A) or a former Philippine Citizen (13G). Over the past few years, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has started cracking down on this. In the past, even if you had an annulment or divorce, they did not revoke your 13 Series Resident Visa. But, for the past few years, more and more, the BI has started revoking resident visas for those who are no longer married. Furthermore, it has even come to the point that if you are still married, but separated, no longer living together, your Resident Visa will be revoked! If the BI finds out that you are no longer together with your spouse, they are revoking 100% of those resident visas.
So, how will they find out? Well, they are asking this question now. When you go to do your annual report (you must go to the Bureau of Immigration every year – in January or February – to report and pay a “head tax” of P310. Much of the time, when you do your annual report now, or have other business with the BI, they will ask you if you are still married and living with your wife.
Guam Divorce
Something that happens fairly commonly here is that expats will go to Guam and file a divorce case. It is very easy and quick to establish residence in Guam if you are American, so if you go there for a week or 10 days, you can come back home to the Philippines with a divorce in progress, and it can be completed very quickly. The BI officials at the airport know about this, and it is very common now that if they see a 13 Series Visa holder returning from Guam they will ask if you are getting a divorce in Guam, and if you are, they will revoke your Resident Visa. You can still enter on a tourist visa, but your 13 Series Resident Visa will go bye-bye.
So, this is the new state of Resident Visas in the Philippines. Be forewarned.
Bob,
Doesn't the 13 series visa require a person to check with the Immigration Office to get permission to leave the country?
Dan
Bob,
From what I gather, since I’m a U.S. citz and my spouse is a naturalized pinay, we just need the 13(g) visa in order to reside in the Philippines without having to depart the country yearly and just check in with immigration once a year. Can we still leave the Philippines like to visit the U.S. without having to get another 13(g) visa? Thanks.
Dan
Yes, you are correct, a 13g is what you need to get.
Yes, you can leave the Philippines to go abroad and do not need to get a new visa.
hi Bob. i am a permanent resident in the philippines 13A with an ACR . all what you have said is correct but i still have a question which i didnt get a chance to inquire about it yet.
i left the philippines for vacation for the 1st time after obtaining my permanent resident and in the airport they charged me around 100$ calling it immigration fees. what do you know about that knowing that the lady there is saying that whenever i leave i have to pay the same amount. have you ever encountered that.? tnx
Off the top of my head,there are three fees that you should have been charged in the airport:
1. ECC Fee, which is around P500.
2. Terminal fee, I am not sure how much that is these days, it changes from time to time.
3. Travel Tax, which is P2,560 or close to that amount.
You should have been issued a receipt, which would list in detail every charge.
I’ve lived here since 2010 and yes you still have to pay the exit fee at the airport every time you leave. You are allowed to come and go as often and as long as you want. I have also been able to get a senior citizen card that saves you 20%. I use my wife’s Phil-Health card. There are a lot of benefits if you know what you are doing.
I am sorry my friend, but it is it illegal for you to use or even possess that senior discount card that is reserved only for people who are citizens of the Philippines and live in the Philippines. Be very careful, because you can automatically be deported if you are caught with that.
I use my Philippines driver license
You can use anything you like, but it is illegal for a foreigner to get a Senior Discount. In most cases it won’t cause you a problem, it won’t be reported. But if it is, that is a deportable offense.
Good luck to you.
Hello Bob i am a filipina living here in belgium i only have a f card holder (5 years holder).
I want to return to philippines and stay there like 6 months is it possible to return in belgium without getting new visa?
My son also is born here in belgium he will not have any problem staying in the philippines an returning in belgium if ever were allowed to stay and not loose our or my visa?
Thank you in advance.
I am sorry, basically you are asking me about the laws in Belgium, and I know nothing about that. Good luck to you.
Once you are married and have your NSO marriage certificate you can apply.
Hello Bob.
I am a Filipina, living here in Germany. We plan to retire in the Philippines, so for now we are planning our future while we are capable of working.
My question is, if my husband will apply for ACR card as a resident, can he also apply for SSS? Or such other security stuffs which we can have benefits if we get old?
Having other sources is better than just relying on our future retirements. All gets expensive and we want to get independent and not ask for allowances from our kids if we get old. You know even up until now, Filipinos still have that mentality. We still give help to my family/ parents in there. Not a problem though, but we don’t want to be like that. We don’t want to burden our kids and be just independent and secure in the future.
Thanks so much.
Lordz
How about to those country that are not belong to 13a/13g list, what is our option?
I am filipina and married with Nepalese in Nepal but we already have record of marriage at NSO what kind of visa do you think he can apply if he wants to stay in Philippines?
Read the comments. I have covered this at least 100 times in the comments.
If I may add: If a 13A visa holder departs the Philippines and does not return prior to the new year or within 60 days of that new year to “report” to immigration, on return they must “report” to BOI within three days. Even with the advent of technological advances, business requires me to leave for extended periods.
Hi bob,I am Filipina I’m married since last year,my husband planning to stay here in the Philippine for permanent residence.but I don’t know exactly how much the exact price ? Please I need your hepl
The cost of a resident visa varies widely. Depends on where he applies, other factors too. If he budgets $500 for the whole thing, he should be fine.
Doesn’t the permanent resident Visa require a $10,000 deposit into Citibank for an approved Philippine Bank?
No, it does not. I believe you are confusing a 13 series resident visa with an SRRV (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa) which does have deposit requirements, although not with Citibank, nor is it always $10k.
The SRRV Visa for Military is available to Australians n US citizens, amount to deposit is USD1,500 plus USD35-00 every 3 yearsfor yr white card. YOU ARE EXEMPT FROM ALL ENTRY AND EXIT COSTS. A Classic SRRV is for anyone else and requires USD 10,000 deposited, which may be used to buy a Condo or pay for a long term lease. I have had my Aussie Air Force SRRV now for 4 years, have just renewed it for 3 years, cost US$35-00 and it is great. Rob Haydon Angeles City, Pampanga.
Thank you, Rob. Just one clarification. The SRRV is not only available to US and Aussie vets. It is available to citizens of many, many countries around the world. Also, There are 4 “flavors” of SRRV, so the classic is not “for everybody else” it is for most though.
hello Bob 🙂 my British husband wants to live here in the Philippines.
i have read that there are plenty of requirements in applying Residence visa. i just want to ask you if these are really needed in applying such residence visa.
-Notarized letter of application by the Filipino spouse
-Accomplished and Notarized General Application Form
-Filipino spouse birth cert authenticated by the NSO
-Authenticated copy of marriage cert by the NSO
-Immigration Clearance Certificate
-Copy of foreigners passport showing the date of arrival
-Certification of Savings Bank Account with the minimum of 10000 US dollar on it to prove that can financially support the family.
-pay about 10k for application and 10k for approval
and it takes several weeks or even months before finally receive the Resident Visa. But the first application it said will be granted for only one year and after that another application again and will be good already for ten years.. i just wonder that it is the opposite of what you said that it is very simple to apply for a resident visa. just want to know more and i hope it will be easy for my husband to apply for it 🙂
Hello Irish,
Most of the information you have is correct, but the following are not correct:
1. I have never heard of an “Immigration Clearance Certificate” and do not believe there is any such requirement.
2. There is a need to prove finanial ability to support yourself, but there is no requirement that it must be $10k in the bank.
3. If the visa is applied for outside the Philippines it is permanent, not for a 1 year probationary period. If you apply in the Philippines it is probationary for 1 year.
That’s correct you have to ask permission to travel out of the Philippines whilst a 13A residents visa is been processed which is a big wait up to 3 months they have massive backlogs in Manila Immigration offices( if you apply in Cebu it still goes to Manila) not a couple of weeks I’m afraid and if you went home alone and not come back in with your wife on a balik bayan visa you are issued with a tourist visa and have to renew that until your 13A is ready. You pay up front for your 13A application which is around 9000 pesos and still pay for the tourist visas you must keep your stay legitimate yes you pay twice in effect no getting around that one then the 13A its a probationary one year the 13A gets converted to a full residents visa after this period.
The 13A is worth the hassle as you can access bank loans for building a house which the 13A qualifies you if you can make the repayment budget if you don’t pay they’ll take your land off you. Then the 13A saves renewing visas but you must report once a year in January for annual reporting at minimum cost. You don’t need a 13A to get a bank loan for a SUV or car just proof of pension and 3 months in the local bank. To track your 13A go to Immigration Philippines and read the outcomes for that month and be warned its a very slow process and if you try phoning nine times out of ten you will not get through and get no answers you desire so be patient bank on 3 months from when they say it may be done.
Hi dan I am married to a Philippine lady and we have a baby girl there I want to live in the Philippines can i get my police cleace her in Mexican or can I do everything in the Philippines what do i need to do
Hi Dan – that used to be the case, but it is no longer like that. This year, all foreign immigrants living here were required to obtain what is called an "ACR-iCard". It is a little yellow card with a computer chip built in. Now, when you are going to leave the country, at the airport they just scan your ACR iCard and you are on your way. No more need to go to the Immigration Office before leaving the country.
Yes, but you need to pay almost 3000 pesos for everytime you leave the country! I was shocked and can still not understand why the country treats its foreign residents this way.
Yes, that is correct. The original commenter did not ask about exit taxes, though, only permission to leave the country.
hello Bob my name is Bill and I was married to a Filipino woman who passed away 3 years ago March 2012. we were buying land there and I finished making all payments. a real estate agent in the Philippines told me that I would be the legal owner because I am now the beneficiary. I plan to return to the Philippines in the next few months after i sell my house in USA. I would like to retire there. am I able to apply for a permanent visa before I leave the states? or because my wife passed away I must go to the Philippines and apply my visa? am I able to get a permanent visa or do I need to get married again? any advice you have for me will be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Bill, I am sorry to hear of the death of your wife.
Firstly. I am afraid that the real estate agent has misinformed you. The Philippine constitution expressly will not allow you to own property in the country.
Secondly, more bad news. Because of the death of your spouse, you no longer qualify for a resident visa. You have to either remarry or look into getting an SRRV retirement visa instead.
he can own the property automatically if his wife died after they get married..
No, he can’t.
Hi Bob I am reside in the Philippines since 2012,my first visa was student visa,but now I’m bout to get marry to a Filipina citizenship, what can I do in order for me to have Philippines citizenship? Is that possible? If I will marry her will I still have 9(f) or what sir?
After marriage, you have to live in the Philippines 5 years and then you can apply. After applying it will take 7 to 10 years.
If you want to learn how to do it and what all is involved, we can set up a consultation, just let me know.
not true. I own 12 properties with my wife and if she dies I legally own my house. I have already checked on this.
I said nothing about owning properties, you mentioned the senior discount card and that is what I was talking about. It is illegal under current Philippine law for you to have or possess that. Good luck to you.
My Philippiine wife died 8 months ago and I was told that I could get a 13A once my daughter turns 30 in 2 and a half years is that true?
You can get a 13A if you marry another Filipina. But, your child, regardless of her age, would have no impact on whether or not you can get a 13A.
Regarding the SRRV, it seems to be the wsy to go. If you are ex-military they waive most of the $10k deposit/investment requirement. There is no annual check-in with Immigration. But you do need to renew annually with Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). $10 renewal fee and the renewal can be done entirely by email. Supposedly no extra exit fees, and no pre-travel clearances required, but I have not tested that yet.
I’ve done one renewal, and the PRA office in Cebu has been very easy to work with.
I agree.
You mentioned ex-military. I’m prior US Navy. Do I qualify for the discount? If so, where and how do I apply. Is the discount good for the 13a also?
Hi bob.. Can I ask something if my fiance marry me in Philippines. Is he can stay longer together with me in Philippines without any visa?I’m filipina and he is British citizen. Please help me to know what to do. Thank you very much.
Your boyfriend can enter the Philippines under the Visa Waiver program, and he can stay in the Philippines for up to 36 months with no visa, as long as he extends at the appropriate times and pays for his extensions. After you marry, he can get a 13a resident visa and live here permanently.
Hi Bob, what is the mean of visa Waiver program?
Bob,
Some years ago I had a 13a visa and surrendered it when I returned to the states. I understand that I am not eligiable for another but a 13e might be an option. I have been unable to get any information from the local Philippine Consulate, as I understand this is something that has to be applied for in country, and am wondering it you have any information on this type (13e non-quota immigrant) visa?
Thanks, Alan
Hi Alan – I am sorry to say that I am not familiar with the requirements or benefits of a 13e. If you are still married to a Filipina you should be eligible to re-obtain a 13a though.
Hi bob,I marriage the Pilipino man but his citizen card is not come yet.can I go to Philippine that my pe
rmanent residence
Is not yet .can I help me if what a good idia to go in Philippine
Hi Bob,
What kind of visa do you have? I don't know in the states, but here in Canada I think )I still have to verify it) we should not leave the country more than six month if you don't want to loose some benefits. I have a friend who live in Belgium and will verify with him. Regarding the doctors and medicine, how do you qualify them…the services and evrything is it good? still enjoy this site thank you again
Hi Patrice – I have a 13(g) Resident Visa. It allows me to stay here permenantly without need to leave on yearly trips like a tourist visa would require. I find that living on the 13(g) to be the way to go in my case. So far I've been here for over 6 years and have never left the Philippines. So, making regular trips out just for visa purposes would be inconvenient for me.
The thing you are talking about with having to be in Canada part of the time to keep certain benefits is not something that is a problem in the USA. For us, it doesn't matter how long you are gone, you lose nothing. I am not in that position anyway, as I don't get anything in the way of benefits from the government anyway. I do know Canadians who live here, but I don't know what they do about the supposed 6 month requirement.
Regarding health care, I will be posting a new post about that in the next few days, so keep an eye on the blog!
That’s not quite totally correct if you’re gone from the US longer than 30 days and you are on SSI sssid benefits you lose your benefits
What you say applies to some types of SSI benefits, but not others, Randy.
True Bob. I am a retired American living in the Philippines. I get direct deposit to BDO dollar account from the SSI in the United States. I just transfer it into my peso account at BDO. I currently have my ACR-1 (tourist) card and I am applying for my permanent resident card because I am married to a Filipina. Philippine Immigration in Tacloban said it is about p10,000 before all said and done. It will save some where in the neighborhood of p2000. + – every 2 months for visa renewals.
What you are doing is a federal crime.
I too am on SSI, and it is a Federal Crime to move out of the STATE that gives it to you. On REGULAR SOCIAL SECURITY you can move anyplace in the world on that (as long as you continue to be an American citizen) but SSI does NOT WORK like that! But, the worst that can happen to you, since you are in the Philippines already, is that they cut your money to zilch 0 and you have no money perhaps. They can’t hardly arrest you.
Hi Bob. Is it possible to apply for a resident visa through a Philippine Embassy in a country other than your country of origin whilst working abroad. Also if working outside the Philippines with a resident permit, would I be liable for tax on my earnings. And one more, is it possible to have property registered in my name if I had a resident permit. I am married to a Filipina.
Hi John – wow, you are full of questions! That's OK, I am happy to answer for you!
Applying for a Resident Visa (13 series) should be possible from wherever you are living. I am thinking of one thing that may be a problem for you, though. You need to have police clearances from the police in every location where you have lived over the past five years. So, if you lived in the USA, in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or whatever, you would need police clearances from each of those places.
Regarding taxes – under Philippine Law, as an ex-pat foreigner, you are not liable for income taxes on any income that is from a foreign source. So, for example, if you get your money from the USA, or from The UK, you do not have to pay Philippine taxes on it. Even if you are living in the Philippines when the money is paid to you, you have no tax liability as long as the money comes from a foreign (non Philippine) source.
Regarding property ownership. Sorry, but no matter what you do, what kind of visa you have or whatever, you can not own property in the Philippines. There is no exception to this. Your wife, as a Philippine Citizen (or former Philippine Citizen) may own property in her name.
Good luck to you, John! Come back and visit again!
Hi Bob & Jhon,
Im a filipina with dual citizen, my husband is french. I made a permanent visa for him in Philippines last january this year. He got it just for a month of processing because i have a friend in the imigration, but i paid 500 euro to my friend which was just normal compare to others. The permanent visa is just for one year we call it provicionary permanent visa, the philippines consulate here in france tell me that it is just normal to have one year provicion to know if i am still married with him. So next year 2012 one month before the expiry of his i-card provicion for one year, i need to process his permanent visa so that he can go & come in philippines alone or with me, but another process means another 500euro. The good things of this permanent visa are he can work in philippines like a filipino, owne a land (yes this is new) because we buy a lot in bicol region & on the way the construction on the house, can open a bank account, own a business & many more opportunities.
This is for you jhon if you buy a property in philippines you & your wife is the owner, the tittle of the land is indicate the name of the couple. In case of divorce or seperation 40% for you 60% for wife filipina according to the law in the philippines
Good luck to both of you & more power!
Hello “name” (I do ask that you use real names on this site, and I am sure that your name is not “name”).
I will tell you what I think is going to happen. You will move here, and within 6 months or a year, you and your husband will get disenchanted, and you will start complaining about the corruption in the Philippines. You will bitch and moan about so much corruption, and you might leave because of it
You know what, though? You are part of the corruption by making an illegal payment for your husband’s visa. You are as corrupt as any official here in the Philippines, because you are illegally paying money. Frankly, to me it is sickening.
I am not trying to belittle you in any way, just stating the facts.
Oh, another thing. Although you used a fake name, you linked to your website, so you can be easily identified and prosecuted.
Good luck to you, name. I think you will need it.
Hello Bob, i’m wondering why you call me (name) in fact that i write my real name or maybe i was confuse in my keyboard to type. Anyway im so sorry for that.
I want to clarify to you that i am a victim of their system (processing the i card). Before i lunch for the permanent visa of my husband i made a research, even i ask in philippines consulate her in Paris if a can process it here in France. But they told me that i can do only the request of permanet visa in Philippines. So i deepen my research for the price of this I card & i was shock of the prize they are asking for the processing one of my friend in costa palmera he is japanees he paid in immigration 250k pesos. So after a month iaccept the cost 30k pesos now is 600 euro. The bouquet is when we come back in France again Imade a request in philippine embassy if i can process again the final permanent visa here they told me only in philippines i can process. So I need to go again in immigration, but before that i ask in philippines embassy what is the opportunity of my husband to have this Icard? They tell me that he can own a lot through conjugal property, he can work, he can open an account, etc. etc. So i went in Philippines last january, feb, march 14 he had his icard but the corruption in immigration i confirm that still going on. This corruption made me mad of their system. This time im in France, i work , philippines is hell for me thier system. What can i do, i just spend a lot of money, but what can i do Bob. Philippines is my country, even i hate their system but i need to come. Good luck & more power.
Laarni
Hello Nhie – The reason I called you “name” is because that is what you put for your name on the last comment, that’s all. The cost that you mentioned of P250k is not the real cost. Somebody is playing games with that.
and i card cost only in philipines only 2500 pesos im married with filipino and for resident visa cost only nothing so what u talking abouth to pay it come on be normal greethings chris from belgium i live here in philipines
yes you are right,it cost only P 2,500.00 the ACRI card and I year validity
Hi bob can you please advise me I am a British citizen livening in cape town south Africa .i want to come and stay permanently in the phillipines and open a bar business what do I need to do ?I see you seem to have all the right intelligent answers .
Regards john roberts
Hi John – Thanks for stopping by my site and thank you for your comment.
If you are thinking of moving here and opening a bar, my very best advice to you would be to forget about it. The bar business is a tough business. It seems that every foreigner out there wants to move to the Philippines and open a bar. I would guess that around 95% or higher fail when they try, and end up losing their shirt. It has to be the #1 business idea for foreigners, though, who want to move here.
If I am not mistaken, LiP writer, Paul Thompson used to own a bar when he lived in Puerto Rico, and I believe that I have seen him write that it is not a good idea. I have never been in the bar business, but these are my impressions about the business. You might leave this question on one of Paul’s articles and get a more first hand answer, since he has been in the business before and I have not.
Hi Bob. How are you doing? I’m a Filipina and married a foreigner but we’re planning to move back permanently. I’m just wondering if you know how long it will take to get a working permit or if the visa itself will allow him to work there. I’m trying to contact our govt agency but just wanted to ask you as well since you’ve been through the process, I guess.
Will appreciate your response.
Have a good day!
It depends what type of visa he will get. If he gets a resident visa, that includes the ability to work.
Hello Bob,
We are in Guam. I went through the Philippine Consulate here on Guam and did the Physicals, Clearances, etc. The wife and kids are all dual citizens US and Philippines). I have 13a Visa that is good for 1 year.
I was told to take my large sealed envelope to Manila before the year is up. The Consulate here didn’t have any further information to give me.
Not really sure what the next step is, or who to call to make an appointment.
Can you give any insight as to what comes next/
Thank you,
Paul DavisManila.
Hi Paul – When you arrive in the Philippines, you will give the envelope to the customs/immigration officer that checks you after you get off the plane. They will send you to the Immigration Bureau, and also to the Bureau of Quarantine to complete the entry requirements for your 13a. There will be some additional fees to pay and such. It’s all easy, nothing complicated. Your visa will likely be permanent, not 1 year. Those that are issued abroad are generally made permanent immediately, so that will be good news for you!
Good luck.
Thank you for the information. The folks at the local consulate here did not have the information as to what happens next. There is one other question I have – where does the ACR I-card or IRC come into play?
Thank you,
Paul
During your time when you go take care of everything at the Bureau of Immigration you will apply for an ACR-I Card. It will be ready for you in a short time.
Oh, one other thing, name. Your information about land ownership is 100% incorrect. A foreigner is not allowed to own land here, it is forbidden by the constitution.
The constitution prohibits the foreign ownership of land. However, there are certain exception to this rule. As an example the Law on Succession provides for such exception, the condominium act also provide another, as well as the Corporation Code. But, Bob is correct in saying that generally, on his own, cannot own real property as in the ‘physical’ land. On the other hand, under the Family Code of the Philippines if a couple is married after the effectivity of the Code and no pre-nuptial agreement is entered into, the property regime that will apply to the property relation of husband and wife is the Absolute Community of Property… this means that the spouses are co-owners of all properties which the spouses separately owned at the time of the marriage and all properties they acquired during the subsistence of marriage. This serves as the best law which excepts foreigners from the constitutional prohibition. However, the title will state that the Filipino spouse who is married owns the property. The Land Registration authority requires a joint affidavit of civil status when one of the spouses is not a filipino.
I would like to counsel everybody here that for every situation there is a different treatment and different rule applies. However, I commend Bob for always sticking to the law on his opinions. I agree with Bob that Ms. Laarni has been duped by paying a large amount. For the amount she paid, I an immigration consultant with a lawyer for a partner in the consultancy, could have done her application for a more reasonable amount. Although you can do this applications by yourself, unscrupulous filipinos might prey upon you. How? By making you run around through the laws, as discussed above Philippine laws are very intricate. This is the reason why there are lawyers and consultants. Please be careful with people posing to be consultants though, including me, because some tend to be no more than fixers. A fixer will take you as a client no matter what stage of the application yours is in. As for me and my partner, we only engage a client who takes us from the very onset. We assist our client from the preparation of the requirements, hearing, and implementation of visas and claiming of the ACR card. We also have contacts in different government agencies who help us review first if all the requirements we have collated are already satisfactory. They do not fix a blatantly illegal application for us and we also do not fix things.
Again, I commend you Bob for commenting only on what you know and in always keeping with the law. I admire this community you have created because this helps us fighting corruption, at least in the immigration service, while improving and professionalizing the industry.
If ever you need help with immigration and labor matters and you are open to engaging us, e-mail me at [email protected].
I hope I could have some chat with you Bob for exchange of ideas opinion and knowledge. Piece of advice to you though Bob, dont spend time replying to the likes of Laarni, she is clearly just proceeding from “practicality” and not in legal logic.
Hi Garard,
Thank you for your kind words, and your advice. Welcome to my website!
What the attorney will do is state on the land Title your Filipinas wife’s name first married to then your full name so your not left out fully and feel part of the package and may help legally further down the line.
That's great Bob. Thanks very much, if I ever meet you there I will buy you a few pints of beer.
John
John – looking forward to seeing you in Davao! 😉
How can I get visas for my adault children ages 23 and 20 so they can live in the philippines with me and my wife who is born philipina. My wifes plans are to gain duel citz. I am going to go the 13type visa after she gets her duel
Your comments would be highly valued
Thanks
Hi Mitch – the kids, are they your kids from you Filipina wife, or from a non-Filipina wife? That will make a world of difference. I do not believe that kids over 18 years old would be eligible for a 13 series visa, but if they are your Filipina wife's kids too, they may be eligible for dual citizenship as well.
Thanks for the response.
Yes all kids are from "us" I'm American and she is born Filipina, who became a us natualized citizen so I could get my Clearance to work for the Department of State late 80's – early 90's.
This is both our only marrige 25years last xmas.
Oldest was born at the old naval base in '84, became a US citz at birth now 22, next was Hawaii, now 19, next was born in the Middle East while I working for the Navy.
Staying together is my only goal
More INFO is and will be greatly appriciated……
R,
Mitch
Hi Mitch – OK, I think that you can do it! Be sure to go and read this post about gaining dual citizenship:
http://liveinthephilippines.com/blog/?p=73
Toward the bottom of the post, there is a link where you can download the guidelines for obtaining dual citizenship. Once your wife obtains dual citizenship, the kids should be covered too (they will have to file an application, I think). Double check all of this with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the USA to be sure that it is still current.
Good luck to you!
Its a lot easier to go fo a dirty week end in hong kong once a year and get a balikbayan visa its free at the airport and lasts for a year …. no hassles no fees
Hi Alf – For somebody who is going to live here full time, I feel that a 13 series visa is the best. It is very low cost, and allows permanent stay. The cost of one trip out of the country will pay the visa, and the yearly costs are only P310. No hassles for it either.
hi i beleive i have the 13a visa…i didnt register this year i just got it last year. i just went on holiday and about to go back they scanned my acr and i paid fees at imigration thats it though. will there be any problem when i come home at immigration. if there will be is there anything i can do at the philippine embassy here in my country where it was issued
Hi nic – If you have a 13(a), it would seem that you would know about it. But, then again, if you have an ACR card, then you probably do have one! Interesting.
With a 13 series visa you are required to go and check in every January or February. You must pay a P310 fee for your check-in. You say that you paid fees at immigration, is it possible that your annual P310 was included at that time? If so, you are fine.
If the check-in was not done during your exit, you should still be OK, they will just charge you a penalty (nothing major) on your re-entry.
I have an American passport and recently married a Filipina woman in the ohillipnes on Feb 2 2018 and she is getting her passport and we want to have her come to usa and work 3,4 months and live there ,,,does she need a visa for here and can I get a resident visa from phillipines embassy in USA, what will it cost if you know and where do I start
If your wife is Filipina and wants to go to the USA, she will absolutely need a visa! It will be difficult to get too and take a long time.
For information on getting a resident visa, check my book, How to Move to the Philippines Manual.
http://expatisland.com/product/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-manual/
ah ok i didnt know about regestering every year but hopefully i can still renter…as for my 13a visa in my passport it says expires may 18th so what would i do about that do i renew it or do i need to get a new one they didnt make it too clear thanks for the quick response
Hi nic – I suspect that you have some other kind of Visa, not a 13a. 13 series visas don't expire, they are for permanent residence. Did you file police reports, have medical checkups and such before being issued the visa? Those are required for 13 series visas.
Aloha,
What a great website you have. This is a bookmark site! The Philippine consul jast gave me my sealed packet 13a for me to hand over to an immagration officer when i arrive to the Philippines next month. After i turn it over what is the process? i will be in Manila for a week can i complete processing and ba valid 13a guy? Thanks again for all you do!
Thanks for writing! Basically, when you arrive in Manila, you will then need to visit the Bureau of Immigration office in Intramuros to complete your paperwork. Don't be surprised, it may take 2 or 3 days to complete everything, unless the efficiency of the office has increased in the years since I did it. You will also be required to make a visit to the Bureau of Quarantine as well. You will probably have a few hundred dollars worth of fees to pay, and some paperwork to complete. It's nothing hard, just takes time and patience!
Bob said
"With either of these visas [13(a),13(g)] you are also allowed to work in the Philippines!"
I didn't know that. When I come to retire there, I want to be able to open a ESL tutoring school to teach English to the Koreans and maybe get into the Scuba diving business.
You will also need to secure a work permit from the labor department… and register with the bureau of internal revenue
Hi Kevin – Yes, indeed. Having a 13 series visa includes the right to work here. With your resident visa in hand you have no worries!
So I could open a small business?
Hi Kevin – Technically, yes, you could open a small business. There is only one problem… you can't legally own it! So, if you are married to a Philippine citizen, you could put the business in her name, and then you could work in the business.
There are some intricacies in this Bob… i hope you advise him to consult a lawyer.
Of course, it is always best to consult an attorney for any legal question.
Thanks for the reply Bob. My wife is Filipina and that's one possibility we're looking into. My wife could open the business and I'll work in the business. We're going back next summer for seven or eight weeks to visit family on Mindanao and then up to Cebu to check it out.
Hi Kevin – During your trip to Mindanao, should you end up around Davao, please let me know. I would enjoy meeting you!
Hi I’m aroline im filipina i am married he is romanian since last year my husband want to stay more in my country this month he want to come to stay more with me can you help us what we do if he allowed to stay in philippines without visa ? Because he come here but he stay only 30 days i dont want to accept anymore if he stay again only 30 days pls help us what we do thank you
Hi Aroline,
Sure! Just read the article above, it explains about getting a resident visa. Since you are married, he is eligible to get a permanent resident visa, and then he can stay in the Philippines for as long as he wants.
Thanks for the invite. We usually go through Davao International on our way to Digos. It would be nice to meet you too. We could all stop for lunch, or breakfast someplace.
Bob I'm living in the philippines I'm married to a filipina and we have a new born son. The bad news is i have oversyated my tourist visa and have run out of money. i've no way to get back home where i have a great job to go back to to help my family. and no one in the states to help me get back there. Basicly i'm curious to know what will happen if i go to the US embassy in manila and ask them to help me get back home. I dont want to get jailed. do they help americans get back to the states and we just pay them back? We have a japanese neighbor here who did that, he went to the japanese embassy and since he was married to a pinay and had kids they where easy on him payed his way back and he just payed it back when he got back to japan. i know i should have gotten the 13(a) visa and i will as soon as i can figure out how to get back to the states! please reply ASAP i need anyones help. i'm afraid to go to the authrities now. but i may just have to face the music and go i cant let my son suffer.
Hi Alan – Wow, I am sorry to hear of your problems. I do believe that you can get help from the US Embassy. I have heard that they will buy you a ticket home if it is needed. I believe, though that you will be required to pay back the ticket price when you are able. Also, i don't know about your fees for overstaying. Do you think you can come up with enough money to pay for that? Another thing I fear is that it is possible that you will be blacklisted and not allowed to come back, depending on how serious your over-stay is. I would recommend that you go to the US Embassy, not to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration with your problem.
Good luck to you! If possible, let us know how it all turns out.
Well i did get some good news, i have a friend who works in immigration she said they usually dont black list people who have families here but they are strict with them about getting the proper visa next time. they black list people who open illegal business or tourists who just ignore the law. my overstay is not even a year it will hit a year in july. i have a friend in the states who will wire me the money for the fee's then i'll head to the embassy. i'll be sure to let you know how it goes. thanks a lot for your help and i love your site keep up the good work. it's really chunk of golden knowlage all foreigners should read before moving here.
Hi Alan – that is indeed good news! I am happy that things look like they will work out, and I look forward to hearing about the outcome! Good luck to you.
Hello Bob,
I just want to greet you, for a very nice and helpful website you have.I was just reading all the questions of the problems of the senders here,and read your answers, and I’m touch because you we’re not a Filipino
But you know a lot, about the legality of the foreigners who want to live in the Philippines .as my husband is a Japanese, I’m quite interested about how to process the visa, but we’re planning to move here after my
husband retired from work.more or less I have an idea of processing.
Thank you!
Hi Zenyuehara, thank you for reading my site! It is my pleasure to help you if I can.
For your husband, since he is married to you, he can qualify for a resident visa to live here permanently. If you are still a Philippine Citizen, then your husband would be qualified to receive a 13a Visa. If you are no longer a Philippine citizen and became a Japanese citizen, then your husband can get a 13g visa. For either of these visas, you should contact the Philippine Embassy in Japan to apply. Once you follow their instructions and your husband gets either visa, he can legally stay here in the Philippines for as long as he wishes to stay.
Good luck to you!
hi bob. my name is rendell lee carter i would like to ask you a question, i am a US citizen and i am applying for a permanent resident in the philippines, they already process it, i am not sure if when can i get my ACR-i card , i am processing it in cebu, . Can i get my ACR-i card or my permanent resident papers , when i go to cebu for my annual report? or i can get that anytime? because i live in leyte and cebu immigration is far away from where i live,
If they have already processed your Visa, you should be able to pick up the paperwork at any time. If they have told you that you need to go for an annual report, that should mean that everything has been processed and approved already. Perhaps you could email the Bureau of immigration office, or call them, before making that long trip.
hi, i'm not sure if you're the right person to ask about this, but you seem to be pretty familiar with the i-card subject and i don't know where to start (government officials are not always the best people to talk to)
first of all, i'm a third generation chinese who was born and grew up in the philippines. my family gave up my filipino citizenship for me when i was 16 and i came to taiwan. that was 10 years ago. thing is, taiwan doesn't allow citizenship for "non-taiwanese" so now i'm an alien here and an alien in the philippines.
what exactly does the i-card do for me? i go back to the phils only once a year but my parents are worried that i'll have no place to go if i lost my staying privileges here (as if i'm not nothing enough already).
another question: from what i understand i have no nationality. can i go ahead and pick a country and get a nationality that way?
thanks in advance!
Hi Jenny – Well! You are certainly in an interesting situation! I can't say that I know for sure what the law would be in your case. What I would recommend is that you go to the Philippine Embassy in Taipai and claim your "dual citizanship". Once you do that, at least you will have Philippine citizenship again.
Good luck to you!
thanks for the tip. is it difficult to apply for dual citizenship?
Hi Jenny – It's actually quite easy! And, it will be easier to do there than back here in the Philippines.
hi, my husband is an American and we are here in Davao City… we are still working on his 13 a visa and waiting for his birth certificate to be authenticated by the Philippine embassy in the US.. Mr. Bob, do you know how much is the payment for the papers to be notarized here in the Philippines? Is it true that each paper will cost 50 pesos ? thank you
If it is the birth certificate that you want notarized dont do it here in the Philippines have it authenticated at a consulate nearest the place where it was obtained. Notarization prioces depend on the kind of documents needed to be notarized…. Fly by night notaries do it for 100 pesos per document (not per page) but with these types you can be sure that you wont see your document recorded in their notarial register. Go to a reputable notary public with a law office.
I currently have a lawyer working on my resident visa for me. The time for my leaving the country is approaching, the one year deadline for turist visas. I was told that if I can show I have someone working on my visa I won't have to leave the country and don't have to worry about any extensions. Any truth to this??
My filipina wife just flew to the Philippines, she was a filipine citizen, but is now a US Citizen. I am retired military intending on living there with wife and I have a one way ticket to the philippines for the first part of July and I have no VISA at all. What will happen upon my arrival into the Philippines. Any info would be helpful, thx.
Hi Janet – Honestly, I don't know the cost of notary in the Philippines. I have had the service performed a number of times, but never paid much attention to the cost, I guess. I think a charge of P50 per notarization is probably about right. It seems reasonable.
Hi Robert – I don't know the answer to your question. Check with the Bureau of Immigration, they should be able to give a straightforward answer on that. I believe I have heard from another person who was in the application process that he did not have to leave the country. That was a few years ago, though. Also, what about your attorney? He should be able to give you an answer to that question too.
Hi Joe B – Upon your arrival in Manila, you will be issued a Visa that is good for 21 days. When you have been here for nearly 21 days you can go to the Bureau of Immigration and renew it for another 59 days. You can repeat that process until you have been here for 1 year. If you can arrange that you and your wife can enter the country together, you will be eligible for a 1 year balikbayan visa upon your entry.
do we need to have a lawyer to work on my husbands resident visa?
Hi Janet – No, you should not need a lawyer. I do recommend that your husband applies for his resident visa in his home country, though, not in the Philippines. When I applied, it was just a matter of filling out the form, getting some medical tests and police clearances, and sending it in. It took only a week or so to finish. I never hired a lawyer.
So how do i get a police clearances???? Is it some thing from the police station saying i can leave the country???? And do i need my wife there to get it??
I am not married but still wish to be a phillipine resident. Plan on buying a house and living there. I will fill out the documents here in the U.S. will I still be able to live there if not married?
Hi Manuel – if you are not married to a Philippine citizen it will be more difficult for you to get a resident visa. You will then have to get a "quota" visa, which means that only a certain number of people (who fall under the quota) are able to get those each year. Once the quote is filled, no more are issued until the next year. Check with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest you to see the status of Quota Resident visas. You can still come here and stay, though. You can do it on a regular tourist visa, which you will need to keep renewing. Once per year you will have to leave the country, maybe just a quick trip to Thailand or Taiwan and come right back again. Good luck.
Hi Bob,just been looking at the SRRV visa and for any Brits reading this I think its a bargain due to the weakness of the dollar.(Well for an oldie like me lol.) 1. With Pension
50 years old and above – US$10,000.00 deposit plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000.00 for couple
2. Without Pension
1. 35 – 49 years old – US$ 50,000.00 deposit
2. 50 years old and above – US$ 20,000.00 deposit
Hi John – Thanks for leaving your comment! I personally have never been a fan of the SRRV. A few years ago there was some scandal revolving around the SRRV program and some people were out their investments. Maybe things have been cleaned up now, I can't say for sure. I recommend that you investigate thoroughly before making a final choice, though.
Hi Bob,
In one of your recent responses you write:
"Regarding taxes – under Philippine Law, as an ex-pat foreigner, you are not liable for income taxes on any income that is from a foreign source. So, for example, if you get your money from the USA, or from The UK, you do not have to pay Philippine taxes on it. Even if you are living in the Philippines when the money is paid to you, you have no tax liability as long as the money comes from a foreign (non Philippine) source."
Can you please provide your source for this information as my Philippine accountants (CPAs) are not in agreement. If you are correct I would like to prove them otherwise, as this would obviously be beneficial to me.
Hi John – Take a look here, in the last sentence of the Paragraph 1 under A. Individual taxpayers.
Also, you can look here in the last paragraph it clearly states that only Philippine sourced income is taxed (for non-Philippine Citizens).
I hope this helps!
Hi Bob,
Just as everyone here has said you seem to be pretty knowledgeable about how visa filing happens in the Philippines. I am working with a company in Makati and not as an expat so the attorney that they want me to use is charging P30,000+ to renew my visa. I checked the prices and it looks like it would be one third of that to do it on my own. I just dont know how to start. According to his proposal this is what needs to be done.
-File and application with PEZA and DOJ
-File for renewal with DOLE
and this sounds easy enough but I was just wondering if there is anything special that I am supposed to do because it seems outrageous for the fees alone to only be near P8000 and the atty fees are P25,000. The visa that I am renewing is the 47(a)2 Visa or PEZA Visa and the Alien Employment Permit. I hope this made sense thanks for your time 🙂
Hi Lyd – I really believe that you can handle this on your own. I personally am not knowledgeable regarding a 47(a) visa, but I don't think it should be hard to take care of on your own. I recommend that you visit the Bureau of Immigration and speak with an officer there. Ask what you should do, and if what he says sounds complicated, you can always call in the attorney!
Good luck to you!
Thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂 I think that I will try it just seems absurd to shell out that much money for something that I can do on my own. Thanks for your time!
Good luck with this, Lyd! I am sure you will do fine.
I have been here for almost six months, and married my wife on May 4th. All this time I have just been renewing my visa every two months. I had no idea I would have to leave at some point or be in violation of the law. Now that not good because I don't have the cash to leave and come back. It seems to be considered a given that all us foreigners can come and go with ease. Hmmmm, I sure as heck can't afford that. Heck I am trying to figure out how to make a living here. Not everyone is a businessmen, and I look for work to know avail all the time. When I do find it, they wont give me a work permit. I think I better find out about this other visa. I Need a job if anyone can help, not looking for riches. My rent is cheap (7,000 pesos), and my wife makes pretty good money for a Filipina. We are in Manila.
Hi Edward – not sure if you realize, but you can take a trip to Thailand or some other nearly place and come back very cheap. Maybe $100 or so!
hi bob!
my boyfriend and i planned to get married and then live permanently here in the Phils. He is still in the US.. you mentioned its better to apply for visa there then here. Can he apply there for a visa even if we are not yet married?
Hi Star – your boyfriend will not be able to apply for a resident visa until after your marriage.
Hello everyone,
I am living here in the states right now. I am a former filipino citizen & been naturalized american citizen a while back. I have a big interest on working in the U.S. Embassy with any jobs available. What is the best way on getting the visa, residency or work permit, and how long does it take? I am planning to apply there in the Philippines for visa, but it was mentioned here that it is more advisable to apply where I am coming from. My plan to go home will be early october of this year, is it too late to apply now for a visa?
Thank you and a very good site by the way!
Cheers,
Resty
Thanks Bob for a great response. The only thing that bothers me regarding the dual citizenship will be getting any security clearance. I know having 2 will be very difficult compares to just even 1 as american. I have thought about re-gaining my Philippine Citizenship, but changed my mind. Because I know in the end, I will have a hard time getting a job at the U.S. Embassy. Anymore options that you can advise me? I am keeping an eye with the 13(g) visa, how is the process? I am planning to do it there in the Philippines, but I wasnt sure if I will do it here in the states.
Thanks again,
Resty
hello bob,i just joined this site and i think you doing a great job,that said i have a question about the 13 series visa, if i get one here in the usa(i am married to a pinay) will i still need round trip ticket when we fly to the phils? also will my new baby need return trip too? we are planning to move to phils. in about 6 months or so.my wifes family lives in iligan city ,and we are planning on living there also. thanks ahead, david ,graceh and kyle(due feb 6 08)
Hi david – Thanks for stopping by my site!
Yes, I do think that you should get the 13a while still in the States, that is much easier than doing it here in the Philippines. Next question – is your wife still a Philippine Citizen? If she has been naturalized as a US Citizen, then she will also need some type of Visa to live here, or she will need to acquire dual citizenship.
If your wife retains her Philippine citizenship, your baby will automatically be a dual citizen, and can stay in the Philippines as long as he/she wants.
Regarding airline tickets – if you have your 13 series visa that entitles you to stay here indefinitely, so you do not need a return ticket. In this case, the airline people will probably be uninformed and will argue that you do need the return ticket, but just remain solid, and they will end up giving in to you, and letting you fly without one. I was lucky in my case, the airline did not give me any hassles at all about it.
Good luck with the coming baby, and your move to the Philippines.
thanks for the reply Bob ,yes my wife is still phil. citizen, and i didnt know about the child being auto citizen in phil,thats great. graceh just recieved her permament status, on dec 17 so she has a ways to go to become citizen.i am hoping after a vacation in the phils, will help to convince her of the need to get american citizenship.again salamat, cheers david
Hi david – I think I made a slight mistake. Actually your baby will not "automatically" get dual citizenship, but almost. You should simply notify the Philippine Embassy or Consulate of the birth and indicate that the mother is a Philippine Citizen. Then, the dual Citizenship will be automatic. Sorry for any confusion on that!
Hi Bob
In regards to getting a resident visa and being able to stay for ever, i have a filipina gf and we live in bangkok,not my home country, i am from uk,and very rarely go to the uk,twice in last 8 yrs,anyway, we are going to be married when we arrive in the philippines in april or may this year,what do you suggest i do about getting the resident visa in the philippines after we marry,what info do i need for the consulate,?and can i expect a long drawn out affair to get this visa,?
i have to thank you also for this amazing web site you have, you seem to know your stuff and you make a lot of people very happy,i am one of those people, thankyou for your services and when we do finnally meet,Myself and rita,would like to take you and your wife out for dinner,
Hi steve – best thing you could do is to come to Davao on a tourist visa (it can be renewed for up to 2 years), get married, and then go back to the UK to apply for your resident visa here. It is more difficult to get that visa while you are in-country, but can be done quite easily at the Philippine Embassy in London.
Good luck on the move! I also look forward to meeting you!
hi bob! this is a really helpful site you have! would you know what kind of visa my husband has, he is actually a japanese and all he has is this passport? the immigration just stamps on his passport "balikbayan". i am his wife, a filipina. isn't he entitled to a better status rather than just a "balikbayan"?
Hi mowglih – Balkbayan means that he has a Balikbayan Visa, that is one of the best visas he can get, unless he applies to be a resident. With a balikbayan visa he can stay in the country for up to one year without any further requirements.
thanks for the answer Bob. if he has that kind of visa, the balikbayan visa, why is the people in immigration telling me that my husband is overstaying? what is the penalty for overstaying? he just arrived this april and on his passport, it is written "balikbayan". but i must admit that when my japanese husband came to the philippines last april, i was not with him. but nevertheless, they still wrote on his passport balikbayan. is this possible or is this illegal?thanks a lot for the anticipated answer Bob.
Hi mowglih – If he really got a balikbayan visa, that is good for a one year stay. I would go in to the Bureau of Immigration office and ask them to inspect his passport and find out exactly what he was issued. If you were not with your husband on his entry, it is doubtful that he received a balikbayan visa. Also, for a balikbayan visa, it won't be "written" in his passport, but rather stamped there. Best to go to the BoI office and get a ruling on that.
thanks for that quick reply Bob. just as i suspected!!! a lot of times, his passport has been either stamped or written as balikbayan even if we were not married yet. this is a frame-up then, so that they can extort money from my husband. we intentionally lost his passport so that there will be no traces of illegal entry. if that were the case, would the immigration still have another way of tracing those illegal "writings" on my husband's passport? would it be shown in the bureau's computer as to what kind of entry or visa my husband had when he came to the philippines?thanks again Bob, you're really a big help!
Hi mowglih – I am not really sure about all of that regarding the passport. I would just try to go to the Bureau of Immigration and see if you can get it all settled. Good luck to you and your husband!
Hi Bob, if I understand it correctly you say your not married, I actually have a question about moving there and trying to lease land long term if I can't buy and stay on a 13 series visa,or the visa I heard you mention about the quota type of visa for permanent residency, this is all new to me and am starting my research, are all provinces under the same laws? Are you renting, own or lease property, your help would be much appreciated thanks again Larry
Hi Larry – I am married… my wife writes on this site too (Feyma). We've been married for 18 years now.
Yes, all Provinces are under the same national laws when it comes to land ownership.
Personally, I rent my house, although we own some property on Samal Island where we intend to build a house and live there in the future.
thanks for the reply Bob, is there leasing? and which visa should I get to live there? thanks again for your help
Hi Larry – Yes, you can lease or rent a house, no problems there.
As far as your visa choice – it's really up to you, and a number of factors need to be considered. How often do you intend to go abroad? If you will be going out of the country more than once every two years, living here on a tourist visa is easy and ok to do. If you want to stay long term (I believe you are not married to a Philippine citizen or former citizen) then you should check into a Quota Permanent Resident Visa, I'd say.
No I am not married, I think once I get there I wouldn't be leaving the country anymore than that and probably not that much, I was going to look in to the quota permanent residence visa, thanks so much for all your help, I know most of these questions I could have answered from checking out the website but I am on the road and have no time to spend on the computer, just little bits here and there, thanks again Larry
Hi Larry – Happy to be of assistance. Just keep in mind – if you do a tourist visa, you MUST leave the Philippines after 2 years, you have no choice.
Hi Bob, Have been doing research and am getting an idea about the philippines, My mother is staying at a board and care facility run by a philipino, very smart guy and has been very helpful with questions I have had. I have read the blog and I see your point on moving around to what might be right for me, in my situation I know I want to live near apo island, I am a diver and have done research on diving in the philippines. I have focused on beach properties around duaguete City, Nick the Board and Care owner where my mother is staying has property near there, he has told me he would help me any way he could, his family lives there, I have know him for almost two years and feel comfortable in accepting his help. Him and his staff have givin my mother better care than I could ever hoped for, if I was to accept some help from him, what would be appropriate to recipricate or show gratitude in some way, what would you do, he has given me opportunities to get help with most everything I need, As a westerner we feel we always owe a debt for everything somebody helps us with, I feel overwelmed at his generousity, however it seems as though it would save me so many pit falls to except, also what is the best way to connect with the philipinas that don't have financial agendas? are there any situations where they don't want children? I am 54 and and not ready to have my own grandchildren, It maybe more of an expense than I can handle, I am sure birth control is not widely accepted. But at 54 my libido has slowed down enough for me to be no more than flattered by the attention, however I would like to meet a philipina who has a desire to be in a monogamous relationship. thanks for your help, Larry
Hi Larry – when I moved here, I knew that I wanted to live in General Santos city, there was no question in my mind. Two years later, I was very happy to move to Davao. Now, I don't think I would ever go back there to live, although I enjoy visiting. So what I'm trying to point out is that plans to change. There is diving available all over the Philippines, the country consisting of 7107 islands after all.
As far showing your appreciation for his help, just some kind of token gift to him would be appropriate. Nothing too expensive, but nice and thoughtful.
Hello Bob!I am a Filipina citizen and legally married a foreigner in his country 2 months ago.After that, I went back here in the Philippines as I was on a tourist visa.He will be visiting the Philippines next month.My questions are:
1. He wants to work here in the Philippines after he gets a visa.Which one is easier to get a temporary residence visa or a permanent residence visa?What are the limitations of both?
2.Is it easier to fix that visa here in the Philippines(he will only stay here on tourist visa for 14 days) or in his country?
3.Which is better a non-quota or a quota immigrant visa by marriage?
Thank you and God bless! 🙂
Hi bunny – To be honest, I have never heard of a "temporary residence visa" – I don't know what that is. As far as I know, no such thing exists.
It is much easier to just get a resident visa while he is still in his home country.
There is not any working difference between quota and non-quota visas. Once you have it, the effect is the same. Since he is married to you, no doubt just get the non-quota since he is entitled to that.
hi! bob. i want to know if you have any idea on how to apply for resident visa for my 2 years old daughter, me and my husband is living here at indonesia as i am a former filipino citezen and now became a indonesian citizen coz i have to follow my husband. I want to left my daughter in my mum as we are too busy at work. My first child is in the philippines and he is filipino citizen coz that time, me and my husband is still not yet married then later on we married here at indonesia and have my 2nd child daughter here at indonesia. Hope that you could help me to have some some info on how to work her resident visa there at philippines.
Thank you and God bless!
Hi mary- My recommendation would be for you to go to the Philippine embassy or consulate nearest you, and apply to become a dual citizenship. You can keep your Indonesian citizenship, and also re-acquire your Philippine citizenship. When you re-acquire your Philippine citizenship, any kids you have will also become dual citizenship. Once you accomplish this, you won't have to worry about a resident visa.
Hi Bob,
iam an indian citizen married fillipina, iam planning to come phillipines on permenant basis,please advice once i come there what all i have to do,my wife is doing some small business there and i want to join her,means want to expend it, but iam worried may i wont be able to get pemenant residency,please advice asap,thanks and regards
Thanks Bob,
For replying, infact i am visiting philiipines with tourist visa, if its not too much to ask i just want to know what all documents i require for 13a immigration visa, as i read they ask for medical, financial security etc . though my wife is phillipines citizen does i have to provide seperate account for my financial status,moreever do i need to pay some fees for it. and does it take long time to get immigration vias,kindly advice
hi, im a filipino but now got a german citizen, so im actually a balikbayan here and have a 1 year valid to stay in the philippines. During my stay i have decided to go to school for 2 years, but my problem is i cant get any student visa so i have to extend for every 2 months and its getting more expensive after my 1 year stay here. Is there any other way where maybe i could save some money and time?
Hi Bob! I am living with a woman commonlaw in Canada. We r both Canadian born. I want to separate from her, marry my soon to b divorced Manillia born girl who also lives in Canada. She is dual Canadian and filipina. How do I marry her and apply for viza. I want myself and potential in future new bride to live in Phils permanentely. Wish to visit family in Canada frequentely. What do I do? Thanks again Bob. Ps can we buy property together in phils and legally run a business together as husband and wife? Also would I have to liquidate and sell all my canadian assets before leaving for phils? Thank u again!
Dea Mr. Bob – please help – my father is from Mainland China and he is 90 years old – he is living in the Philippines since 1937 – he came to the Philippines by boat – we have just got him ACR card this month Jan 2009 – but now we want to get him a passport thru the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines – but they require him to get a letter from China to certify that he was born there – we do'nt know what to do as he lost contact with his relative in China – please help us – thank you very much – Josie
Hi Bob,
I'm holding a 13G visa here in the Philippines and a fresh graduate from college. I was planning to apply for work here in the Philippines. I'd like to know if I need to secure an Alien Employment Registration Certificate from DOLE before I can work? If yes, would you know the requirements for the application and how long it takes to apply for one?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Bob, I spoke my mind but I guess I must have offended you or something, please forgive me if I have, I had posted a comment yesterday and see it was removed, All I did was share my experience, if you don't mind I would like to know what happened, thanks Larry
I need to spend 12 months in Manila for a IT assignment. Can I get a long term visa without a local employer?
Hi Bob,Im from the U.S. and will marry a filipina soon,i then would like to live with her in the philippines,but in my past i have been in trouble with the law in the U.S. Will this cause a problem for me to get a visa to be able to live in the philippines with my new wife ? i have heard the term police clearances ? Thanks !
Hi Bob, I am new to this site and hope that you will be able to give me some helpful advice here. I am a UK citizen and plan to marry my filipina fiancee in the Philippines very soon. I would like to reside in the Philippines once we are married and i have been looking at the list of requirements to apply for the residency visa.
One of the requirements is to obtain a Police clearance certificate. Unfortunately I have several covictions from the distant past and in 1974 was given a 9 month prison sentence for marijuana offences. I have enquired to the Uk Police authority and they tell me that they do not have such a thing as a Clearance Certificate and that in every case they would just supply the history of every person, including any convictions no matter how long ago the offence was committed. I am very concerned that this might affect my chances of becoming a resident – or even worse perhaps..
You mention that it is easier to apply for the residency visa from one's home country but in my situation do you think that it might be better for me to remain in the philippines on a tourist visa for a while and apply for the residency visa from the philippines?
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thankyou
Hi Bob!
I am living in Tibungco in Davao City with my filipino husband and my sweet little puppy. My husband gave me my Chihuahua as a gift the day I got all my paper work done for my 13A ACR-ICard on January 16, 2008.
I am a permanent residence of the philippines I have my 13A card ACR-ICard. It is a little yellow card with a computer chip built in.
My question is my Canadian Passport is up for renewal in December 2011. I want to know how I renew it. I want to have it in case of having to go back to Canada in the future.
I have been living here in the Philippines for more than a year. I can honestly say that I am still having a very difficult time adjusting to seeing the proverty. Also, I am the only white person whom lives in the village. But, I really do love the climate and all the fresh vegetables and fruits, the seafood. The fiestias and the people.
Also, now that I have my 13A ACR-ICard which is up for renewal in August 2013. Does it allow me to have a Philippine Passport?
I find that your web site is excellent.
Bob, you said you have lived there in Davao for more than 6 years, how long does it truly take to adjust to this way of life? I sure would love to meet you and your lovely wife. Could we arrange to meet in Davao at Victoria Mall one day soon or you can come to my home? If you and your wife agree to this than I shall give you my husband cell #.
Thank you in advance for looking into my questions Bob. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yvette Morin – Abad
Hi Yvette – In order to renew your passport, you should contact the Canadian Embassy in Manila and they can fill you in on their procedures. You may need to travel to Manila to complete the process.
Having a 13a visa and an ACR I-card does not entitle you to a Philippine Passport. You must become a Philippine Citizen in order to obtain a Philippine Passport. Once you have lived in the Philippines for 5 years (if you have never left the country), you could apply to become a citizen, but only if you meet the requirements. The most difficult of the requirements is that you must be able to speak and write one of the Philippine languages.
Adjusting to living here is not easy, as you point out. It took me, I would say, 3 to 4 years to living here. It took Feyma, my wife, about 5 years to adjust to living here again after 10 years in the USA. You will adjust, but it is not easy, and you have to give it time.
Yvette, I would be very happy to meet you. Victoria Plaza would be a great place to meet, as it is not far from our house. You can contact me by calling or texting me, my cell number is (0915) 216-0300. Alternatively, you can e-mail me using the "Contact Us" link at the top of every page of this website.
Hi Bob,
i and my husband are living in Europe, but we are thinking about moveing to Philippines for few years to live, but i am not sure if there are such kind of visa if you want to live there. My husband is not from philippines, so what kind of visa we would need if we would like to move to Philippines?
Thank you in advance!
Victoria
Hi Victoria – You didn't give me enough information… you say your husband is not from the Philippines… what about you? Are you Filipino? If so, no problem moving, you can get a 13(a) Visa. If you are not Filipino, then you and your husband, since you only want to be here for a few years, could just live here on a tourist visa. After 16 months you would have to take a trip out of the country for a day or two.
Hey bob i just got on your website and it seems like you know a lot about living in the philippines, well i have a huge question i'm only 17 and turn 18 in 2010 after high school i wanted to go and play basketball in the philippines all of my family lives there but i was wondering can i still keep my u.s. citizenship while being able to have a resident visa in the philippines? i'm really curious i have a lot of questions because most websites say that if your married well i'm not yet and i need to know if someone my age can get in or will i have to drop my u.s. citizenship
Hi Matt – OK… I will try to answer, but you did not give enough information for me to give a straight answer. When you say that "all of your family" lives in the Philippines, does that mean that you are a Filipino American? Or your family is not Filipino, but they just moved here? Are your parents Filipino? Was either your mother or your dad a Filipino citizen at the time of your birth? If one of your parents was a Philippine citizen when you were born, then you can claim dual citizenship – American and Filipino. If one of your parents was a former Philippine Citizen you can also claim dual citizenship. If your parents are non-Filipinos, then you are going to have problems trying to work here (play basketball, I assume as a job). It is nearly impossible to get rid of US Citizenship, and it sounds like you don't want to do that anyway. If you get back to me and tell me about the citizenship and former citizenship of your parents, I can give you a straightforward answer to your question.
Good luck.
Hi bob, My question is about past criminal charge I have two 3rd degree felony from 1994. They were non violent. I did 5 years probation with no other problems. Do you feel this will disqualify me for a residence visa? I am to be married in Cebu in September and wish to live there with my wife.
Hi S Ruilova – Well, I don't know for sure, but I think you'll be OK.
Bob, thank you for the quick reply on my question. I found my heart feel in love with my beautiful fiancee and this beautiful Philippines. Cebu is where we are going to live and I find the culture and the love Of our God rewarding. May God Bless you and your family. And your nieces baby is gwapa. Salamat SJ Ruilova
Bob,
Currently looking for the best visa options and could do with your
advice, Im a UK passport holder living in Main land China.
I wish to relocate to the Philippines, I have a long term
Philippine girl friend 5 years plus and we also have a 2 year old son with both Philippine & Uk passports what visa can i have?
Best regards Lloyd
Hi Lloyd – I just finished putting together a new Immigration Guide for coming to live in the Philippines. The guide is fresh, brand new, and totally up to date. I will let you know what Visas you qualify for if you want to live here.
You can order the guide book by clicking on this link.
Hi, Bob. I want to move to the philippines next year and marry a girl there, but i have a violent felony conviction over 20 years old here in the USA that i committed when i was 18.
I know there will be difficulties obtaining an immigration visa for residence, but what about the Temporary Resident Visa? Would that be easier to get with the record I have or do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
Hi albatros – I am not sure where you got any information on a "Temporary Resident Visa" but there is not such thing that I am aware of, and I know about Philippine Visas! I've never heard of such a thing. There is a Conditional Resident Visa, but the requirements are the same as the regular Resident Visa. I am not sure that a felony 20 years ago would affect you. Your Police clearance only has to go back 5 years, so my guess would be that the old conviction probably would not be an issue. You should check with the Philippine Embassy, Consulate or Bureau of Immigration for a ruling on that, though.
hi please tell me how much does this 13a or 13b resident visa cost thanks SEAN
Hi, Bob, this is a new query on an old post… I am American, resident in Taiwan, and married to a Filipina from Agusan del Sur. We intend to buy farmland in the province and eventually reside there permanently but visit a few months a year; on our last trip we discovered I can't even open a bank account without a green card. My question is, would there be any complications in getting a Pinoy green card while still keeping my Taiwan residency, and have the laws about property ownership changed? For instance, what if we are successful farmers and she dies before I do?
Thanks a bunch,
Jay A. Shumway
Hi Jay – When you say a "green card" I am assuming you mean an ACR card? Actually, you can even get one of those if you are on a tourist visa. It should be no problem. You can only do it in Manila at the BoI office in Intramuros, though.
Is the ACR the same as the ICR?
No, those are two different items.
Hi Bob,
I have an american friend who wants to live here. Problems is, he does not want to marry here. He's 45 years old and has very meager income. Is there a way for him to stay here rather than spend a lot of money renewing his tourist visa? I really hope there is a way because he is such a nice and decent guy.
Hi Carla – There are three ways he can do it:
1. Marry a Philippine Citizen, then apply for a 13(a) Resident Visa.
2. Come on a tourist visa and renew every 59 days.
3. Obtain an SRRV Visa, but he will be required to invest $20,000 in the Philippines to get that Visa.
Good luck to your friend.
Hi chris nunn – If you get married here then you need to invest ZERO, because you then qualify for a long term resident visa. If you want to get a SRRV to live here, then you need to invest different amounts, depending on your age. But, $20k is the maximum. It used to be $50k, but was reduced a few years ago. If you are 50+, then the investment is only $10k. If you choose to do the visa that requires investment (SRRV), the investment will be "tied up" for as long as you choose to live here.
hello bob my question is can i get a resident visa if i have a finance in philippines but not married yet or is it better if we get married first
Hi dennis – To get married here, you will need to visit your embassy in Manila (not sure what nationality you are), and get an Affidavit for Marriage (it has slightly different names, depending on what country you are from). After you get that, go apply for a marriage license, get married and you are done. Good luck!
Hi Bob,
We will be moving to Manila next year from New Zealand im a Kiwi married to a Filipino,We got married in Manila 6 years ago and now have 4 children(1 set of twins),I have reseached about all types of visa etc and are not really convinced about the SRRV visa.We will be funding ourselves and the education of our children from investments in NZ We will have approx $100k us to live on .I don,t intend to work, have a business etc.My reseach also questions the tax laws,ie estate and gift duties, capital gains taxs, and other I don,t know about.What is your thoughts on what we are doing?
Regards Warren
Hi Warren – Since you are married to a Filipino, I see no reason why you should even consider an SRRV Visa. You are entitled to a 13(a) or (g) Resident visa and don't have to invest the money.
When you say taxes… are you talking about Philippine taxes? If you are a foreigner (which you are!), and the source of your income is from outside the Philippines, there is no Philippine tax due on the income.
Hello Mr. MArtin and thanks for the good work.
I am a Nigerian and resides in the philippine on residence visa just approved.
I have two questions:
1.Please where can i travel without a visa around here in Asia.
2.With my just approved residence here as a worker,can i apply for any visa here for a visit to other countries as i am a resource person i do deliver papers?
Thanking you while waiting for your response.
hi bob,
im leah a pilipina woman,
i just want to ask if im going to marry a nigerian man what is the requirement if ever we will going to marry in philippines and what is the requirement for fiancee to get a married certificate and could it possible my husband to be can have resident visa?????
Hi leah – I am sorry, I don’t know what the requirements are for a Nigerian. He should have no problem with a resident visa once you are married, though.
Dear Mindanao Bob,
I should be very grateful of your advice. I am a 56 year old Englishman who currently has two small pensions of about 20,000 pesos per month. When I am 65 I will have four pensions of about 60,000 pesos per month. Would 20,000 pesos per month be enough for me to live in the Philippines right now (and could I get a visa to stay forever/long time)?
Hi Keith – Personally, I could not live on 20k per month. We are all different, though, and perhaps you would be comfortable at that level.
I am at present building a house north of Cebu in a small fishing port.
I have been going out with my girlfriend for over 6 years and we get on fine ,I moved her and her family from manila a short time ago to live down in cebu because of the floods plus got a small sari sari store built as well as a trycycle so now all the family has work.
I met a guy here in Australia who told me not to marry her because the family will then bleed me dry. I understand the family thing and am happy when I retire to the phillipines to live in our house with the family and my girlfriend. that was my plan all along.
but now some thought is creeping into my head as to why this guy would say not to marry her.
I love and respect my girl and her family we are all good friends and they ask for nothing from me in fact they tell me not to spend so much and always do things in a way to save me money.
any comments,I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.
Hi Frank – Of course, there are some Filipino families who will take advantage of you. There are also Australian, American, British and German families who will take advantage of you too. The Philippines does not hold a monopoly on this. If you love the girl, you should consider marrying her. If you don’t, well, you should probably keep looking.
Hi frank,
I understand the advice of this australian guy, he is just concern to you as un expat. But i anilyse that the family of your girl friend is taking care of you ( you’ve got the right one). The family does’nt want abuse you instead they will protect you because you give them a goodlife. I know the needs of filipino people as long as they have their foods & shelters they are satisfied. But then better marry her so that the people not think bad againts the family of your girlfriend. They think that they are just taking advantages of you.
Fallow the advice of your gf family: not spend much money, save money for you for extra needs (medical care example).
You must have a limit in terms of helping her family, because you dont know what will happend next, especially that you are not married. All what you put up are not yours when it comes to the law in philippines.
So marry her then both of you are owner of all your investment even it is small.
Im a filipina married to a french men, we invest in philippines even im still in france. My family is not hasle to my husband, he is helping sometimes if my family is in difficult situation & during the existance of my parents he help them a lot. Now my parents are past away for iternity he is now happy & very proud telling all the people that i made my job, because my parents taste good life during their last few years in this earth.
Hope you enlighted, goodluck & more power, Laarni
hallo bob i am a filipina have a german fiancee … my question is can he apply a resident visa here so he can stay 90days ?me and my fiancee planning married hopefully nxt yr would u giving me advice the requirment? vilma
Hi vilma – Your fiancee does not qualify for a resident visa until you are married, unless he goes with an SRRV. He can stay here for up to 16 months on a tourist visa, though, provided that he extends it at the proper intervals.
Hi Bob, I’m a Indonesian and i have a Filipino boyfriend. We are planning to get marry in Philippine and live there.. Can you tell me what’s the requirements or any documents that i have to prepare in order to get Philippine’s citizenship.. Thanks a lot…
Hi vivi – Obtaining Philippine Citizenship is a long and complicated process. A couple of things you should realize before deciding to become a citizen – firstly, you need to understand that you will be required to relinquish your Indonesian Citizenship before you become a Philippine Citizen. This is required. If you still wish to become a Philippine Citizen, here is what I recommend you do:
1. Get married.
2. Have your husband sponsor you for a 13(a) Resident Visa so you can live here.
3. Start learning to speak one of the major Philippine languages (not including English).
4. You must remain in the country for 5 years without leaving, and then you can begin your application for citizenship. Contact an attorney to do this.
5. It takes a year for your application to be complete.
6. You will need to meet the 5 year requirement of living here, have a Philippine spouse, and know the language. If you meet those requirements and a few others which are less difficult, you can then take the oath of citizenship, and relinquish your Indonesian Citizenship at the same time.
Good luck to you!
Hi Bob,
I’ve been living in the Philippines for approx. 18 months, traveling in and out on a tourist visa as I work abroad. I would like to start some small business ventures there but am unsure of the correct visa I would require to do this. I’m only talking small business, investing a few thousand dollars, not the USD75000 required by a SIRV. For example, a small store, or a taxi, something like that. Can you please advise me?
Many Thanks,
Ewan
Hi Ewan – I need more information to answer your question properly. Do you have a Philippine spouse?
Hi Bob,
My wife is a Philippine Citizen, we both live in the US, we are planning to move in the Philippines for the future.
I have been arrested twice in the past, in 1994 and in 2001, in both cases for domestic battery, both cases have been dismissed by the Court. I don’t have conviction of any kind.
Since a police report is requested to obtain a resident visa in Philippines, do you think I may have problem for my past arrest?
Thank you for your answer.
Leo
Hi Leo – That is a tough one to answer, and I am not really sure. I would think that if you were not convicted there should be no problem.
BTW, you only have to submit police reports from the places you have lived from the past 5 years. Is it possible that you are no longer living in the places where you were arrested? If so, that would wipe your record clean.
hi bob, i am a filipina who got married to a syrian national here in tagum city last july 2010, but we are residing here in davao city. is it possible to apply for a temporary resident visa here in davao? our documents are complete. i have inquired from BID re this one but the people i have spoken with have different answers. one saying its possible as they have done it before, the other one says its not possible and have to go to manila for the application.
please advise.
thanks a lot.
Hi Alyra – To be honest, I don’t know what a “temporary resident visa” is, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that. There is a resident visa, 13a, but it is permanent. The first year is conditional. Do you mean a conditional resident visa? If so, yes, you can apply for that in Davao.
hi bob, thanks for that very quick response. as per http://www.philippine-portal.com/visas/non-quota-temporary-resident-visa-13a.html,
http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=80
my husband’s nationality falls under restricted national, and they say we can apply for this TRV for the moment until he reach 5 yrs stay here (we want to stay here for good), till then he can get dual citizenship. we had extended his visa 3x and will be extending it before we leave.
were off to manila next wk and honestly, i dont like going to manila as its crowded there and too much traffic. even if its means cancelling the ticket as long as i can apply here it would be really a relief, especially i am undergoing medical treatment nowadays.
and also, this 5 yrs, does it mean he cant go out of the country even for a vacation (say 1 month)?
Hi,Alyara,
Could you quickly help ,e as well as i also fall in restricted category and need to apply for the TRV(5 YRS),
Just quickly is this the only requirements They asked
1.Notarized letter of application by the Filipino spouse
2.Accomplished and Notarized General Application Form (BI Form No. MCL-07-01)
3.NSO authenticated copy of the Filipino spouse’s birth certificate
4.NSO authenticated copy of the Marriage Contract (if married in the Philippines); or Philippine Embassy or Consulate authenticated copy of the Marriage Contract (if married abroad)
5.Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate
6.Photocopy of the foreign spouse’s passport showing the date of arrival and authorized period to stay
Anything else besides this,Like ALIEN husbands Birth Certificate attested By Philippine embassy from His Home country,Police clearance certificate From his home country ,was it required,just check po
Regards
Ron
hi bob, thanks for the quick response. as per http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=80
my husband’s nationality falls under restricted one, we were advised to apply for a TRV the 13a visa as per above site. we already extended his visa 3x and was issued an ACR last august, and will be renewing again before we leave. were off to manila next wk, and honestly i dont want to go there as its too much crowded and traffic. if we can only apply here it will be much of a relief to us, especially i am undergoing medical treatment.
BTW, this 5 yrs stay, does it mean he really have to be here straight 5 yrs? can he not go for a vacation, say 1 month?
I’m sorry alyra, I just don’t know anything about that visa. Wish I could help.
Hi Alyara,
Your Husband can Go out of the country and come back again No problems on that,and yes you can apply for it in DAVAO,However you need to go to Manila for iNitial application,I checked on that already with them
My only question is what are the requiremts they asked from your Husbands side
was he asked to get his Birth Certficate From Syria also attested /Authenticated By the Philippines embassy or consulate in syria ,also was he asked to get A Police clearnce certificate from Syria and also get it attested /Authenticated By the Philippines embassy or consulate in Syria
and besides whats your update on the TRV for your husband
Regards,
Ron
My husband is Syrian and i would like to get the updates on resident application regarding the required papers
To keep up with the latest news and information for resident visas, you should read here:
http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
Be sure to read ALL of the comments, as that is where the latest information will be found.
bob,
hi bob,this is anne..i just got married to a u.s citizen and i got my greencard already…Now my husband wants to get his residensy too in the phil…can we apply for 13a visa for him here in u.s??but we are not yet planning to stay to phil?maybe after 2 to 3 years then we will stay in phil…can we still process his 31a visa?or do we both need to stay in phil while his visa is under probinational???
Hi anne – No reason to get a resident visa until he is ready to live here.
Hello Bob,
I’m in the Philippines since 13 months now on a Tourist Visa… I’ve an idea for a small business with tourists, that could give me a living here for about 4-5 months every year…
I’m not married and I do not would like to get married because of a Resident Visa…
There is any opportunity for me to live here in the Philippines an run my little business? Wich way should I follow? As written above my business would not bring plenty of money… is there a cheap solution?
Thanks a lot,
Neno
Hi Neno – You could get an SRRV Visa, but it’s expensive. Also, you have the problem that you cannot legally own a business here since you are a foreigner.
Can an American citizen with a conviction for attempted forgery, in 1997, get a work permit in the Philippines?
Getting a work permit is very difficult, but has nothing to do with having such a conviction. The conviction may or may not affect your ability to enter the country at all, but I don’t believe it will impact a work permit. If you ware wanting to do a job that a Filipino can do… you cannot get a work permit for that.
hi, if a child is born in the UK and the father is English and the mother is Philippines then can the mother take the child to Philippines to live? Even though the childs godmother and 48 year old cousin brough the child up from 3days old and the child is nearly four. Would the cousin have any say on wether the child stays or goes, as the mother can not cope with the child and is under social workers care. so what am asking is can the cousin of the child keep the child in england.
If the mother is a Philippine citizen, she should just file paperwork with the Philippine embassy in London to report the birth of the child, after which the child will also be a Philippine citizen and can live in the Philippines.
Hi Bob – I’m from North Georgia here in the U.S. I was married in the Philippines last December. I plan to live in Cebu with my wife. I have been investigating my visa options and thin the 13 a is the way to go. I found a blog by a British gentleman that made the process seem very complicated. He listed a bunch of documents and fees that were needed. I don’t know it was because he was British. I’m also not sure if he filed in his home country or in the Philippines. I’m not sure if the process is different being that I’m from the U.S. But needless to say homeboy had me more than a little confused. Let’s face it I’m from North GA and we don’t handle a lot of info coming at us all at one time well. I have several questions if you don’t mind.
What document’s do I need?
Do I have to go to a Philippines Embassy or consulate in person or can I mail in the application?
Do I need an official NSO copy of my wife’s Birth Certificate, our marriage contract and certificate?
What are the fees involved?
When and if approved what do I need to do when I get to Cebu?
Thanks for any advise you can offer… Have an awesome day.
Hi Jason – My experience in getting a resident visa in the Philippines was 11+ years ago, so a lot has changed since that time. To get the most up to date accurate information, check this article by John Miele. Be sure to read the comments as well, as there is some good information in there.
Thanks very much Bob… Have a great day.
Thank you for the prompt reply. I am 62 years old and receiving a social security pension o $800.00 dollars. I like to live there; someone told me that for a single person like me, my pension could stretch; I intend to live in Samar. I know a family here who have families there. What you mean show annuity? Is that bank statement from local bank there showing that SS direct deposit there my check? Suppose I meet someone there I could marry what would be the procedure of getting the visa and how much I would pay to stay there permanently? Thanks for help.
Hi David – Your Social Security payment would qualify as an annuity in terms of the visa. But, it would have to be direct deposited into a Philippine Bank instead of an American bank, otherwise it won’t qualify.
If you marry somebody who is either a Philippine Citizen or a former Philippine Citizen you will qualify for a 13 Series Resident Visa, and the amount you will need to pay for that is ZERO! Pretty good deal, huh? 😉
the link for this article is niot working for me any suggestons?
It’s bad. Work your way down from the root: http://philippinedualcitizenship.com/
thanks that worked
Thanks for the heads up, guys. Looks like everything is working now.
hi
Hi Chris
Hi Bob, I appreciate this information so much, thank you! I am a little upset to say that I already applied for a K1 visa, and wish I’d found out this information sooner, then I’d have just gone there to get married, I like their marriage/divorce laws better. 🙂 I am so happy to find out however that when I do get married and she moves here, after saving up a bit I can just move there and stay there, like I wanted to do in the first place. I know she doesn’t really want to come here other than visits with my family which won’t be very often, lol.
I wanted to ask you what you meant by “check in with the Bureau of Immigration.” Does that mean in person, or by the phone, or what specifically does that cover?
Hello Rob – Once per year, either in January or February (your choice) you must appear at the Bureau of Immigration, in person, to check in. It is part of the Visa requirement. You pay P350 head tax and you are good for another year.
Mike, We just moved here this last NOV on a 13a so if you need good contacts for shipping and a broker just send me a email. When I was searching around I got prices from 6k to 15k to ship my stuff. (40 ft container) I took the 6k and it went perfect. I loaded it the way I wanted to and they delivered it just like she said she would. The people that are charging the higher prices will try to convince you that it’s better if they load it so customs won’t give you a hard time. It’s not true if you have a good broker on this end. My broker in Manila has been doing this for years so she knows all the right people to include Dept Finance where she will apply 4 your tax exempt HH goods. Not once was it ever asked how much was my shipment worth. Good Luck BTW once you land in Manila, take a day to get your permanent resident status. It’s easier once you are already in Manila.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Mike, Travis. I am sure he will appreciate it.
Hi Travis, I would definitely like to hookl up with you broker in Manila. Also, what freight company did you use to ship with. I will be relocating from San Antonio, TX to Dinalupihan, Bataan. Door to Door.
Regarding ownership of property. When your wife/you purchase property the title will read as follows; is registered in accordance with the provisions of the Property Registration Decree in the name of ” Your wife’s name here” , of legal age, Filipino, married to “Your name here” , an American citizen..
Indeed, you can have the title worded like that, but it still gives you no protection.
According to both of the attorney’s that did ours about 4 years ago, it was changed like that to help protect the foreigners. There were a number of people getting foreigners to buy the property and then dumping them. Now I have yet to hear of one going to court so I don’t know how it will hold up but the attorney stated that both people have to be available for the transfer of title unless the foreigner is deceased.
Hi Travis – Under Philippine law, there is a way that having the wording like that can help you. If you are a foreigner, and your wife owns land that is titled in the way you suggest… IF you have been in the Philippines for a minimum of 5 years, and you also have a Resident visa (not living here on a tourist visa), and you have had that resident visa for a minimum of 5 years… should your wife pass away, you can inherit the property. There are no other protections, though. For example, if you divorce, the land still belongs to your wife, even if the title is written that way. If your wife passes after 3 years or 4 years, anything less than 5 years, you cannot inherit the land. If you have been here for 7 or 8 years, but do not have a resident visa, then the land will not be yours, even if the title reads like that. Sad but true.
Take care!
hi there,
I am married to a filiupina so have no problemwith a visa, but my son who was born in the philippines who we adopted and took to the uk where he is now a uk citizen. What would be the position for him if we all wanted to stay in the philippines.
Hello Jim – Your adopted child should qualify for a resident visa through your wife’s Philippine citizenship.
Sorry I should have type ” 3months to 6months ” instead of the word “long time” on the 3rd option.
Is there some reasons his tourist visa will not be approved for 3 to 6months stay? He dont have any criminal record and with regards to his financial thats im not sure how much he have in the bank. But you think 3k dollars in the bank is ok? He already have a return ticket.
Flight schedule
oct 22,2011 arrival
Departure is January 11
thanks again
Anne
Hi Anne – I know of no reason why his visa application would be denied. Regarding the money in his bank account… the decision is up to Philippine authorities, not up to me, but I see no reason why that would not suffice.
Good luck.
I hear citibank is the way to go they have branches all over the U.S and here in the Manilla area. It is nice to be able to walk right into your bank and do business or get a lost/stolen visa or debit card replaced. Good Luck
Semper Fi
Thanks so much for clarifying! I was getting a headache trying to figure out which day and period ended where, so your answer makes things much simpler for me. I’ll be printing it out and posting it at my new digs once I get to Cebu. I hope it opens the way for others in my situation to see that staying IS workable. Thanks again! -H.
Glad to be of help, Henry! Enjoy your stay in the Philippines!
Thanks so much for clarifying! I was getting a headache trying to figure out which day and period ended where, so your answer makes things much simpler for me. I’ll be printing it out and posting it at my new digs once I get to Cebu. I hope it opens the way for others in my situation to see that staying IS workable. Thanks again! -H.
Glad to be of help, Henry! Enjoy your stay in the Philippines!
very informative….thanks Bob!
You are very welcome, Coi.
hey bob i to am in Mindanao i have been here since 2008 and i love it here and i am married to a wounder full Filipino woman i don’t think you can find a better life then in the Philippines.
If somebody marries a natural born Filipina, that does not allow them to apply for citizenship. There are many other requirements, and they are not based on marriage.
Hi Nathaniel – Any time you want to contact me you can send me an email by going here.
Thank you, Coi.
Hello David – Indeed, it is a great life here. I have been here since 2000, and loving it!
Yes, you will most likely not be able to get citizenship. My dad is a legal permanent resident through marriage to my mom, but he cannot attain citizenship. So, it would be a no to citizenship, yes to residence. So you can do it through marriage if you want residence.
An American FB friend once said that under the Philippine Law…you can’t be a Filipino citizen by just marrying a Filipina (not sure) . However try to inquire legaly. Or was it you Bob Martin who said it?
The only way for a foreigner to become a Philippine Citizen is by going through the process of Naturalization. And, if you become a Naturalized citizen, you must renounce your other citizenship as part of the process.
I would be willing sometimes
I am considering it, Ronin. It’s a very person decision, don’t you think?
Actually that is not totally correct. If you are a US citizen and you gain citizenship in another country you notify the US in writing that you have done so without the intention of giving up your US citizenship.
Thanks for the quick reply Bob. I am in the Philippines. Do you have any idea where should I go first? (DFA, NSO, BI) You think I still need to obtain the NSO certified one or just go ahead and submit the supporting documents?
Hello Habiba – I am sorry, but if the Philippines and Syria don’t have immigration reciprocity in place, there is no other choice other than to just renew annually, as you said is possible. Really, P8,620 is a pretty small price to pay for the renewal, only around P720 per month!
Good luck.
It is, I still have family I’d like to see here. BUT, it goes both ways they could come to me and its better there then here. There something about PI thats so refreshing and so better. But the anchor is if I had to come back to make some money or get healthcare
Actually, what I said is perfectly correct. What you suggest is legal under US law, yes. It is not, however, legal under Philippine law. The law of the Philippines says that you MUST renounce your citizenship. It does not say that you must use some trick to make it look like you renounced your citizenship when you really didn’t.
Firstly, I see no need why you would need to go to the BI. You already have a letter from them stating that you are a Philippine Citizen.
If I were in your shoes, I would go to the DFA with your documents and apply for a passport. If they decide they want an NSO birth certificate, they will tell you. In fact, they will tell you any documents that you are lacking.
I understand what you are thinking, Ronin. For me.. I have been very happy with the health care here, and I also make more money here than I ever made in the States…. so those are not really considerations.
No Bob. Renouncing is not the same as giving up. Renouncing is just a ceremony. The Philippines does not require you to give up your US citizenship! lollolol
Why would you say that, Bob?
Coz I think the problem is I dont have the other documents like the Oath of Allegiance and
Order of Approval, as what they are asking for Applicants who availed of Dual Citizenship or Election of Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225 but I think I fall under this because I did not lost my filipino citizenship. As far as I know I still am a natural born filipino thru blood. I’ll check with DFA to see what I really need. I had a problem when I went back here in the Philippines I did not notice that the lady stamped my passport with a 21 day entry. I think she did not look at the paper from the BI that I showed her.
Hi Victor – I am thinking you are talking about the 5 year stay before applying for citizenship? If that is what you are asking, then no, you don’t have to start again. If you just take a short vacation/holiday that does not reset your clock. If you left for a long time, it would have that affect, but I don’t know if there is a set time limit on how long you can be gone for.
Hello Thomas – Because your mother is a Philippine Citizen, you did not gain dual citizenship as a foreigner. Since your mother is a Philippine Citizen, the Philippine Citizenship is your birthright. No matter where you were born, you are a natural born Philippine Citizen, as Philippine Citizenship is passed through blood, not where you were born.
Thank you for the info. It helps a lot.
I didn’t realize you were in Davao until I signed up for the email.
This where we are at the moment.
Have a great day.
Mary
Hi Bob. I am currently speaking to a woman who lives in the Philippines. I live in the east coast, usa. Do you have a facebook or email that I can contact you by if things progress between her and I? You sound very informative about nationalization etc.
Its currently my belief that the best course of action for our future is for her to come to the states and become a us citizen…. idk. Thank you.
I subscribed to your news letter btw.
Should your wife pass you will be allowed to keep your resident visa.
You make your money in the states, but if the US economy continues its course it will collaspe theres no way to get out of it. Then your income stream will have to change so being a local might help you
Hi Tom,
I think you need to study up a little bit on what words mean.
According to the United States State Department, here is what it means to “renounce your citizenship”:
A. THE IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY ACT
Note that it says “LOSS of nationality”. If you renounce, you are giving up your citizenship, Tom.
Now, you are also completely incorrect when you say that the Philippines does not require you to give up your US Citizenship, Tom. On the website of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration here is what it says:
Notice it says “former nationality”. In other words, you can no longer have another nationality upon naturalization. You are Filipino and only Filipino. They do not allow foreigners to retain their former citizenship.
Now, Tom, you really should be careful about throwing around inaccurate information, and be honest with people.
Actually, that’s not fully correct… I make much of my income from the States, but also from Europe, Australia, etc. Kind of gives a bit of diversification.
That’s good so you would be okay and the peso might go up. My friend Frank said there was lots of talk about the dollar sliding 30% to the peso. He came back to go to rehab for a scooter accident there. I guess the scooter was better then him so he’s using medicaid here. If theres nothing here for you why not. You have the 8 yrs residence like they want. I’m sure you could get a visa to go back here. I see more and more people at the unemployment office I had to go in for an extension and 4-5 people came in to file. This is a small office and the lady told me the 1 person who does UI see’s about 17 per day and they just laid off 11 people. Things are bad when even the post office is thinking of going to 3 days a week
Yeah, things are looking bad there. No doubt on that. I meet all of the requirements for citizenship here. It takes a year to complete the process. I have a friend who is doing it right now.
Well its not something you have to do. Theres many things to consider good and bad. I’m sure you can make a list. But if your happy, don’t really plan to live in the US anymore. Why not ? Me I have a love hate relationship. I love my country but hate the politicians and they way everyone points out everyone else instead of pointing at themselves. In PI seems most people will help you and you learn to do likewise. When I was there I was at the apartment bymyself in Dona Asucion village. My fiance was around the block at her moms. I went to the fence/door/gate and went out looking for her. I hear people yelling to me and waving me to come to them. I smiled and waved and went inside. Latter I found out it was her cousins having a cockfight and they wanted me to come and meet them. Here we have so been taught that someone will harm you, or beat you up and steal from you.
I STILL THINK YOU WOULD LOOSE ALL US GOVERNMENT BENIFITS LIKE SS…..MAKE SURE YOU KNOW ALL THE INS AND OUTS BEFORE YOU GIVE UP YOUR AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP. YEP ITS BAD OVER THERE BUT MORE STABLE THAN HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
My wife is not a US citizen and if something happened to her I would get $97 a mnth. All because she worked here
Of course that is certainly a consideration, Bud.
Hi Ronin – Please tell your wife that I said to be very careful. Some men would kill their wife to get $97 a month! ha ha
Scary! Such an evil scheme!
Ha ha… that’s just a joke, Ma. Riza.
Nice to know how easy it is but not cheep
you get a 21 day visa upon arrival which u can extend up to 59 days. you can then extend every 59 days up to a total of 16 months …not 2 years
I am sorry, colin, that is incorrect. Anybody can extend up to 16 months as you say, but you may also apply for permission to stay for 2 years and that can be issued to you by the BI. So, indeed, 2 years is a possibility.
i received an extension to 24 months, i had to have a letter explaining the reason to the Officer in Charge at Davao, than it was sent to Manila for approval, it was approved in about 4 days, the reason i got the extension i did not have 20 days on my visa to apply for 13A but had all the paper work they needed in Davao
The law was recently changed, and tourist visas can now be extended up to 36 months.
Bob,
I am an American who will marry a Filipina. Can I open a bank account there prior to marriage?
Hi Matthew – You can if you have the proper documentation. Most banks here require you to have an ACR I-card (sort of similar to a Green card in the USA) in order to open a bank account. There is no law that says such a card is required to open a bank account, but that is the policy of most banks. If you don’t have such a card, as I assume you don’t, what you can do is just go to bank branches and try to open an account. If you do that, you will probably be turned down a number of times, but it is likely that you will eventually find a bank that will open the account for you. Good luck!
Bob, thanks for your response
There is NO WAY …NO WAY i would ever bring my wife and daughter here to this country .I dont know what you do for a living or, if you even live in the USA . I am here in the USA by myself . Do you really think anyone is going to put 10k in my bank ? how many people do you know,that has a extra 10k . I’m not sure what what country you live in but its not the USA , All I want to do is get out of here and rejoin my wife and daughter. My wife has a small store and canteen in RP. The way things are going here , in 5 years , the streets of the USA are going to look like Smokey Mt ,
Kevin – You come across as a pretty ungrateful guy. I offered you my help for free. I answered your questions the best I could. And you react like I somehow attacked you. OK, no problem, but don’t ask for my help again. When people go out of their way to assist me, I say thank you. Apparently you don’t have such manners, though.
I am not being ungreatful but you seem to think that getting 10k is no big deal . if you cant understand why I would never bring my wife here then I dont know what to tell you . If you have been lucky enough to have had a job that paid you well, then you are just that LUCKY . All I have been doing is working my slef to death here so I can get back home to my wife and daughter
Kevin – I am not lucky. I work hard, and work smart. I have been self employed for the past 20 years and have made money the old fashioned way… by making smart choices and by working hard.
Kevin, to be honest, if you cannot come up with $10k, which is a small amount of money in the scheme of things, i seriously doubt that you will be successful in making it in the Philippines. If you don’t have a small amount of money like that, I can almost guarantee you that your 13a Resident Visa will be denied.
I did not say that bringing your wife and child to the States is the best thing that you can do, but given your financial situation, it would seem to me that your choices are very, very limited, and that may be the best choice available to you at this point.
All I can say is good luck to you, Kevin. I don’t think that I can help you much beyond that, because you don’t seem to willing to willing to listen when honest genuine help is what is being offered to you.
When you write to someone for advice you would think that what that person tells you is something that is going to help you do what it is your trying to do.
When they tell you what you need to do and you just disagree with what they say, you have to step back and wonder why it is that you asked the help in the first place.
Yes I am speaking of you Kevin. because Bob didn’t say what you wanted to hear you automatically attack him. I don’t think he is here just trying to mislead you and you don’t want to handle reality.
If things were as easy as you want them to be then we wouldn’t need any requirements to do anything we want to do.
The Philippines is not our country, we are the visitors, we must abide by what they publish, or stay home. Bob is here and he saves us time and money by pointing us in the right direction. There is no reason to bash him when he is there to help us.
I will like to thank Bob on behalf of those who never say thank you,, and I’m sorry for those who are less than nice cause you tell the facts that only help.
Keep up the great work Bob
Thanks again
Bill
Wow, Rob, I am really touched by your comment. Thank you very much for your kind words!
I am not being ungreatful but you seem to think that getting 10k is no big deal . if you cant understand why I would never bring my wife here then I dont know what to tell you . If you have been lucky enough to have had a job that paid you well, then you are just LUCKY . All I have been doing is working my self to death here so I can get back home to my wife and daughter. If you cant understand how I feel then I dont know what to tell you .
Hey Bob quick question for you. I am coming th bukidnon in Feb and I already have a 59 day visa but I will get married and then apply for the 13A visa.First can I apply from in country/ and second for my criminal background check does it need to be certified.
Thanks for your time Bob and keep up the good work
Bill
BTW please forgive me, making mistakes in English as I’m a non-native Englishman/American.
Again thanks for your patience and expertise, o Mighty Bob
Hi Eric – Yep, that was a long story! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
You cannot work here after getting married. However, once you get married you can then get a 13(a) resident visa, and when that is issued, you can then work, without any problems!
Take care, and good luck to you.
Hi nick – no, when you go in to extend your visa they do not ask for any airline tickets, so don’t worry about that! Enjoy your stay in the Philippines.
I will have to say, I am not 100% certain on the medical. Since medical is so much cheaper here, though, I would do it in the Philippines if it were me.
I have reentered the Philippines many times. I have always purchased a cheap outbound ticket as far in the future as possible. Last October, 2013 I returned from Canada, being incorrectly informed that I did not need a departure ticket if i had an ACR card, so I did not purchase one. I was not asked to show one when I provided the immigration officer with my passport and ACR card. So I thought I was good to go. I left the Philippines for a holiday in Lombok a week later, returning to the Manila airport only to be refused entry for not having a departure ticket. They would not allow me to purchase one either. They stated that I had to return to where I came from purchasing a last minute high priced one way ticket, but I talked them into allowing me to fly to Bangkok instead. That was a costly lesson to learn. Many times I have not been asked, and even after explaining they still refused to allow me to purchase one, rather than having to fly out of the country to purchase the ticket, and I have been living here for nearly 3 1/2 years. Lessons learned.
Question: I am still trying to determine what visa to get; either the 13A, the SRRR, or the Balikbayon (spelling). We will be married this summer and I am planning to start a business for export in the Butuan region, not so far from CDO and Malaybalay. I have read that the $10,000 deposit for the SRRV can be used to lease land or house for 20 years, but My Fiancee and I already have land under her name. Do they allow you to use that money to build a house, or from what I read it did not seem to allow that. I could invest it in future business plans as well, but the house may come first, as we are getting a little tired of renting.
Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated,
Troy
Yes, You must have a visa to visit. You should contact the Philippine Embassy in Nigeria to obtain your visa.
I am sitting here reading your last reply and all I can tell you is , i work in the most difficult industry in the USA and you would not last ONE day doing what I do . You my friend have lost touch with reality..
I will get my visa .There are a lot of Americans living in the Philippines who are just like you . They were able to achieve financial success and look down on those of us who have not been so fortunate .
Ingat
Thank you for your support, Bill. Yes, Kevin was rude, and I was only trying to help him. Perhaps he was just having a bad day, I hope so anyway.
Wow! just plain Wow
Hi Bill,
In response to each of your questions:
1. Yes, you can certainly apply for your 13a Visa from within the Philippines.
2. On your Criminal Check, it must be notarized through a Philippine Consulate or Embassy.
Hope this helps.
hi, i’m not sure about the talk of a show money but my husband (US citizen) got his 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa in 2009 without us/him showing any proof of income or savings. my husband came to the philippines with only a dollar (US$1!) in his pocket. he lost his job and lived on unemployment for a while. never had a chance to build savings while he was there before finally deciding to come to the philippines (and we got married.) we were only asked 1 question by the immigration lawyer, and that is, if i really want to petition my husband to be a permanent resident. after a few weeks we got his passport back with a permanent resident stamp.
from our experience (we did all the paperwork on our own), the whole application process was painless and very easy. fortunately, i have a decent work that allows us to live comfortably (though we are always frugal) even if he doesn’t have a job. he mostly stays at home (and now we have a baby he is a stay-at-home dad.) once in a while, he gets to make a few hundred dollars here and there doing online stuff which is great. otherwise, we get by just fine. so i don’t think it’s not impossible for an american to live here without any savings or even a job.
Hi bob but can i have the certified background check done in us and present it in the philippines as part of my visa app.?
Dear Bob,
First of all, thanks for your quick response and the info given.
What I’m not completely clear on, will those people at BI accept me if I would to propose I wanna work and therefore will generate income, but only later after the visa is issued….
And would I have a future as a Truck Driver there? Or should I reconsider doing something else or start-up a small PC business??
Hi Bob. My question here would be how did Nick get into the philippines on a tourist visa without an outward bound ticket. My experience upon entering the philippines is to be asked to show my return trip ticket
Thanks again Bob, look forward to talking again.
Have a Great day
Bill
Hi Eric – If Paypal is a problem, I have several other options.
1. I can take Western Union payment and then e-mail you a download link for the books.
2. I can use another company to send you an electronic invoice, which you can pay with any debit or credit card.
If you just let me know which books you would like to purchase, I can work out the payment details with you. Just let me know.
Yes, you are right, they don’t always ask, but you never know when it will happen!
Hi, you said after I get married I can’t work in the Philippines before getting a 13A. Does that apply for self employment (photographer) or only working for someone else.
Hi Tulley – I am sorry, but I am really not the right person to ask that question. It has been more than 20 years since I went through the process of bringing my wife to the States, and I really have no idea what the current laws are. I know a lot about visas to come to the Philippines, but now days I know virtually nothing regarding visas to go to the States.
I would recommend that you might contact one of the following, as they are in the business and also are sponsors of this site:
Marriage Visas
Take care, my friend. I am sorry that I was unable to help you on this inquiry.
Kevin – Good luck, I think you are going to need it. I have not looked down on you at all, only tried to help you by answering the questions that you asked of me.
Hi Bob! I would like to seek for your advise if you don’t mind. My fiancee had been to the Philippines twice already as tourist, his 1st visit in May 2010 was for 2 weeks and the last one was Dec. 2011 for almost 2 months. My fiance plans to be here in the Philippines by March 6, 2014 for we plan to get married here. He already bought his ticket and he is now in the process of getting a visa. I read in one of your blogs about Living in the Philippines using Tourist Visa. If my fiance is to apply for Tourist Visa he is required to show or submit copies of his plane tickets (with a return ticket or next destination). If he is to buy a next destination ticket and he can use it before his 59 days visa ends to go to an Asian country for our honeymoon, when we get back to Manila will he still be required to have a return flight ticket to US or another next destination? We would like him to stay in the Philippines longer or if possible for good. Is there a way we can apply for his extension visa or can we apply for his resident visa soon after we get married? We are at lost about this kind of process and we appreciate it so much if you can give us an advise. Thank you very much for you time. God bless…
Hello, hey bob quick question, I don’t need to have a round trip ticket to get extension do I, on a tourist visa?
I’m an American married to a filipina, we r ready to come to Davao!!
Hi Bob thanks so much ,,ok now I got you and the same goes for my medical Bob?
I have it done here and bring it with me.
Great Thanks Bob
Best Regards
Again thnx for the quick response….I’ll check out those books u mention…..
Thnx again
i have been to the Philippines 8 times never been asked at immigration for an onward ticket, alto i had one, only the last time i came on Japan Air in LAX they asked to see the onward ticket
Yep the only time I was asked about a return ticket was in Seattle never in Cebu,
but always had a throw-a-way ticket
Dear Bob,
After taking a look at ur website on those books, I can’t find a way to send u money other then with PayPal, which I dont have.
Do u have a solution or workaround for it…like some bank account info so I could perform an international transit with my electronic banking???
Thanx again and sorry for bothering u so much….just try to understand I don’t wanna loose another 10yrs with her…..
Dear Bob,
Here in the Netherlands most people don’t have such a creditcard/debitcard.
Mostly only very rich or very spending people have those. And I never heard of Western Union or any other US payment systems….
I’m willing to give at least 1 book a try, but only if I have a suitable trusted way of payment thats custom to my country. I’m very sorry Bob, plz dont take it personal, but over here most people are very cautious about buying online. Because of all the privacy problems these days and all the way people on the net try to scam u for ur money…Again dont take it personal, I’m not stating that ur 1 of them….just saying how the dutch customs are here….
BTW I was think the book of 49 ways to make a living..
plz let me know if u have different solutions, more suited for dutch international payments…
HELLO DENNIS , I HAVE READ THROUGH ALL YOUR BLOGS AND I AM NOT SURE YOU ARE STILL ANSWERING QUESTIONS . I HAVE COME TO THE PHILIPPINES AND FOUND OUT I CAN NOT MARRY MY FIANCEE ,AS 7 OR 8 YEARS AGO SHE WAS MARRIED BY A LAWYER . THE EX EMPTIED HER ACCOUNT TOOK HER DAUGHTER AND TOOK OFF WITH HIM MISTRESS . HE WILL NOT DISPUTE THE ANNULMENT , BUT I JUST PUT CLOSE TO 1,500,000 PESOS INTO OUR WATER BUSINESS . I HAVE AN ACR CARD . WE ALSO HAD THE NOTTORY WRITE UP A CONTRACT , THIS SO I DON’T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE . I WAS HOPING YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT STATUS I SHOULD LOOK INTO SO I CAN STAY HERE WITH MY FIANCEE . BY THE WAY I ONLY LEARNED ABOUT THE MARRIAGE BIT WHEN I WENT TO MY CANADIAN EMBASSY TO GET MY OK THAT I HAD NOT MARRIED BEFORE . I AM REALLY FEELING UNEASY ABOUT THINGS , EVEN THOUGH SHE EXPLAIN THE PAST MARRIAGE BIT TO ME . YIKES A VERY CONFUSED CANADIAN
Hello Stephen – Firstly, I am the owner of this site, and my name is Bob, not Dennis. I don’t know who Dennis is.
Right now, you are in a very precarious situation, Stephen. If you are living together with this lady, you can go to jail for adultery should the husband choose to press charges. This is serious. Even if they have been separated for 7 or 8 years, the girl is still married, and the husband can have you arrested. If he finds out that his wife is involved with a foreigner, he will think that big money is available and he may well try to have you arrested and then drop charges in exchange for money.
Be very careful, Stephen. If you are living with the lady, move out immediately until you can get the annulment pushed through.
HELLO DENNIS , I HAVE READ THROUGH ALL YOUR BLOGS AND I AM NOT SURE YOU ARE STILL ANSWERING QUESTIONS . I HAVE COME TO THE PHILIPPINES AND FOUND OUT I CAN NOT MARRY MY FIANCEE ,AS 7 OR 8 YEARS AGO SHE WAS MARRIED BY A LAWYER . THE EX EMPTIED HER ACCOUNT TOOK HER DAUGHTER AND TOOK OFF WITH HIM MISTRESS . HE WILL NOT DISPUTE THE ANNULMENT , BUT I JUST PUT CLOSE TO 1,500,000 PESOS INTO OUR WATER BUSINESS . I HAVE AN ACR CARD . WE ALSO HAD THE NOTTORY WRITE UP A CONTRACT , THIS SO I DON’T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE . I WAS HOPING YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT STATUS I SHOULD LOOK INTO SO I CAN STAY HERE WITH MY FIANCEE . BY THE WAY I ONLY LEARNED ABOUT THE MARRIAGE BIT WHEN I WENT TO MY CANADIAN EMBASSY TO GET MY OK THAT I HAD NOT MARRIED BEFORE . I AM REALLY FEELING UNEASY ABOUT THINGS , EVEN THOUGH SHE EXPLAIN THE PAST MARRIAGE BIT TO ME . YIKES A VERY CONFUSED CANADIAN
Hello Stephen – Firstly, I am the owner of this site, and my name is Bob, not Dennis. I don’t know who Dennis is.
Right now, you are in a very precarious situation, Stephen. If you are living together with this lady, you can go to jail for adultery should the husband choose to press charges. This is serious. Even if they have been separated for 7 or 8 years, the girl is still married, and the husband can have you arrested. If he finds out that his wife is involved with a foreigner, he will think that big money is available and he may well try to have you arrested and then drop charges in exchange for money.
Be very careful, Stephen. If you are living with the lady, move out immediately until you can get the annulment pushed through.
I went and lived with my gf in the philippines for close to 1 year,apon entery i was not asked to show any return ticket 🙂 ( US citazen )
I mean FIANCE
If your fiance is from the USA, as you indicate, he has no need to file an application for a tourist visa, it will be issued to him upon his arrival at the airport. He will need to have an ongoing ticket with him, or he can be turned away. He will be required to have an ongoing ticket any time he enters the country until he has some kind of more permanent visa like a Balikbayan Visa or a Resident Visa of some kind.
He cannot apply for the Resident visa until you have an NSO validated copy of your Marriage certificate.
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 $10 off for the next 24 hours though. When you are buying the books, just use this coupon code during the checkout: Move2PH10 Keep in mind, though, this coupon code is only valid for the next 24 hours for your purchase.
You can find the PH Pro package here:
http://expatisland.com/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-ph-pro-all-in-package/
I really believe that this package of books will give you all the information you need to make it a successful move. If you have other questions that you don’t find answered in the books, though, you can e-mail me any time for a personal response to your question.
sounds good
Thank you Serge!
anytime Bob! tnx for your websites, very informative, help a lot!
Thank you Serge, I’m glad that you have found my various sites to be informative. Take care!!
your welcome Bob! ingat!
Amping permi, Serge!
what is 13a resident visa?
Hello Ben – The answer to your question can be found here.
all these legal processes make world hard place 🙂
wheres the times when we didnt need visas or else? huh
Kevin needs to have a REALITY Check. ALl you are trying to do is give him good advice and he is being an ungreatful @#$^#&&@%
I have a copy of the circular which the embassy gives out, in which they specifically said that they do not do anything regarding these background checks. They even give instructions on how to handle the FBI check if you are here, but they say specifically that they will not handle it for you.
Hi Thelma – BoI is the Bureau of Immigration.
Hi John – I would advise your brother to not get the 59 day visa at all. Just hop on a plane with no visa. When he arrives at the airport in Manila he will be issued an automatic 21 day visa waiver. He can renew the visa up to 59 days. There are no income requirements to do this at all. He will need a round trip ticket (or just an ongoing ticket) that will be within 59 days.
Hi bob, what is the financial requirements to qualify to bring my finance here to the USA? Which is better to do marry her in the Philippines or here in the USA. Above all, with your experience & knowledge I would greatly appreciate your help & any information you can provide thanks again bob.
yes, especially after World War 2 and 9/11
If your wife’s business can show that it can support all of you that will satisfy the requirement.
Hi Troy – Each of the visas you mention have upsides and downsides. It is really a personal choice. For me, I have (and prefer) the 13 series resident visa. But, if you travel out of the Philippines often that is less attractive because the travel taxes will eat you alive. If you are coming in and out regularly, and your wife travels with you, getting the balikbayan visa is a quick and easy thing, and probably the right move. For me, and this is only my personal opinion, the SRRV is not the way to go for somebody who has a Philippine spouse, but we all have our own personal preferences.
Bob,
The current income required for a 13a as of 2013 is 125% of the poverty guideline which as of 2013 was $15, 510 for the lower 48 states. (higher in Alaska and Hawaii , not sure how much though) It will most likely go up a little for 2014 though. If a persons income is not high enough, they can also use a co-sponsor to subsidize, but have read that the Philippines will very rarely allow co-sponsor, but most other countries do. Same requirements for green card also. Assets in bank can also be used to offset a possible shortfall in income as well.
My fiance and I are currently going through the process of getting her an I-129 visa, so I am somewhat up to date on all the requirements.
Bob i am hoping you can help me with this question.My wife and I hoping to apply for a visa to the USA
for her niece,she is 18 and we are paying for her college expenses.My wife has her US citizenship if that matters.Can this be done if so do you know the forms and how many years will it take.Thank you in advance for this question that is alittle off topic here. wayne
Hi Wayne – I’d love to help you, but I’m not the right person for that. The truth is, I know a lot about getting visas to come to the Philippines. I know next to nothing about getting visas to go to the USA, though, since it’s been more than 2 decades since I have been involved in doing that. I am sorry to say I can’t help, but I’d rather be honest and tell you that than to give you inaccurate information.
Bob thank you for your prompt reply.I thought give it a try even if it was alittle off topic.You do a great service to us on your site,which i really enjoy.You helped with a question about dual citizenship question,i just found out the Philippine embassy just changed the prosess,know it cant
be done threw the mail.Like for us they will be coming to seattle to take care of people in this area.i thought you might be able to use that info. thanks again wayne
Hello Wayne, thank you for visiting my site, I appreciate it very much.
Hi there, I was just wondering. I was reading about the visa to live in PH and it says you must have 75k USD $ to live there if you are ages 35+ and then 50k if you’re 50+ , but I was wondering what the requirements are if you are below 35.
Hi Andrew – The information you quote is very outdated. You are talking about an SRRV Visa (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa). Under today’s rules, If you are 50+ your investment amount is $20,000 (or it could be $10,000 if you have a pension which can be deposited monthly in a Philippine bank), and if you are 35 to 49, then your investment amount is $50,000. Persons under 35 may not participate in the SRRV program.
However, there is not a need to use the SRRV if you want to live here. I mean, there are other options. Regardless of age, you can always just live here on a tourist visa, renewing basically every 2 months, and leaving the country once every 16 months for a short getaway.
Hi! Good day!I am an american citizen living in philipppines,i was married on july 1,2011 and have over stay my 21 day visa,what is the best method to obtain a permanent residence visa to live here with my wife and children.thank you!
Hi Keith – since you are married to a Filipina, you are eligible for a 13(a) resident visa. You should go to the Bureau of Immigration and apply, but first you will need to clear up your status of overstaying.
Hi Bob i met this girl on line and want to get maried ..when i do marie her can i be a philippine citizen .or do i need to fill out papers to become 1 ..i do not have much money and i want to know can i make it as a gig farmer in the philippines i sent her money to buy us some pigs and her brother is helping us take care of them till i come to her in jan we do not have land or a house but her brother has a hous he can care for them there.. i have no familey in the us can i make ti there im 53 years old i do have like 10 k in us money.. i want to do this and i want it to work for us we do love eachother so much .will i make it till i retire at age 66 ?or even 62
Hi John – No, you cannot become a Philippine Citizen by marrying somebody. If you want to become a Philippine citizen you will have to live here 5 years, learn the language and also give up your US citizenship too.
hello bob,im a pinay.and i want to know of what to do to get a phil.visa for my boyfriend whos in pakistan right now.please rply me asap.thnxx a lot
Hello Jen – Actually, it is your boyfriend who needs a visa, not you. He should visit the Philippine Embassy in Pakistan and apply, they will take care of it on that end.
Hello Bob, my American fiancee is coming here in the Philippines next month to marry me and our plan is that we will settle here in the Philippines… Is it possible for him to obtain a 13a visa without leaving the country from the time of his arrival here? Thank you and God bless!
Can’t say for sure. There is not any set figure that is acceptable, it is up to the person who approves your application. Only thing you can do is to try.
I mean after marrying me, can he directly apply for a 13a visa without leaving the Philippines or after his tourist visa expires?
Hi Mindanao Bob,
I just wanna ask how do I go about getting my British Partner to get a permanent Resident Visa here in the Philippines. We are Gay couples married in the UK but we are thinking of staying here in the Philippines for good. Other than PRA what’s our other options.
Thanks
Hi Coco – Unfortunately, the Philippine Government does not recognize gay couples in terms of visa issuance. As far as I know, the only option would be SRRV (PRA) or living here on a retirement visa.
Hi Bob,
I’m a filipina citizen married to a danish citizen we got married in Hong kong and still live here..We are planning to move to Philippines for good in two years,is it possible to get a permanent visa in Philippines for my husband? And apply it in Hong Kong Philippine cosulate?
Hi Samantha – Sure, that’s actually quite easy. When it is getting closer to your time for the move, just contact the Philippine Embassy in HK and tell that that you need an application for a 13(a) Visa. You can process everything right there in HK.
Good luck.
Thank you Bob Have a nice day 🙂
Happy to help, Samantha! 😉
Bob, I am planning to visit the Philippines in June. I will meet my bride to be there. She is Philippine and we are getting married there. I am retired and receive benefits check every month from railroad retirements. Will my retirement and Medicare benefits be affected if I permanently live in the Philippines. I do plan to return to states occasionally . I have children and grand children here. Will there. E a problem with that. Since my future wife is Philippino, will the 13 visa be permanent and I can start business in my wife’s name and also work with her in the business?
Should I apply for my visa here? I already have my passport. I do t understand the process but need to get thing in order before June. Thanks in advance for your help. Roy
Hello Roy – Your retirement benefits should be unaffected by living in the Philippines. At least US Govt benefits would be unaffected. You should check on your RR retirement, as that is private they could have anything written in there. But, I doubt that it would be affected.
You cannot apply for a 13 series Visa in the States at this time, because you are not yet married. You must be married to a Filipino to get a 13(a) Visa. So, your best bet would be to come here on a tourist visa, get married and then apply here for the 13 series resident visa. Yes, once you get your resident visa all of the things that you asked about are possible.
Good luck to you Roy!
Thank you again… Hope to see you soon. You are doing a wonderful thing for we that have no clue as to where to start…
Roy Daniel.
Happy to help, Roy. Good luck with your move!
Roy Daniel says:
December 22, 2011 at 2:21 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Bob, I am planning to visit the Philippines in June. I will meet my bride to be there. She is Philippine and we are getting married there. I am retired and receive benefits check every month from railroad retirements. Will my retirement and Medicare benefits be affected if I permanently live in the Philippines. I do plan to return to states occasionally . I have children and grand children here. Will there. E a problem with that. Since my future wife is Philippino, will the 13 visa be permanent and I can start business in my wife’s name and also work with her in the business?
Should I apply for my visa here? I already have my passport. I do t understand the process but need to get thing in order before June. Thanks in advance for your help. Roy
Reply
Roy, your comment was already answered above. Not sure why you are reposting the same comment again??
Hi bob i like your comments and i do enjoy reading it. I have a problem i lost my i card so it also expired and i just got my permanent the problem is i have to leave the Philippines but i dont have my i card will i be able to leave the Philippines or can i reapply for permanent when i get back or whats the procedures i really dont know what to do . Thanks
Hi Garthon – I recommend that you go to the Bureau of Immigration and inquire about what they recommend for you to do. To be honest, I can’t give you a concrete answer on this.
Hi bob-
I am planning to study in the Philippines. Would it be worth it to get the resident visa? I was born and raised in the Philippines and naturalized in the US. I am planning to finish medicine in Philippines, and do not want to travel back and forth to the US during my study period. I am looking at staying for at least 6 years.
Thanks!
Hi Janelle – If you want to stay here for 6 or more years you basically have two choices:
1. Apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship. This is what I would do if I were you. You can be a Philippine Citizen and a US Citizen too. Check the site linked for more information about Philippine Dual Citizenship.
2. You qualify for a 13(g) resident visa, which will allow you to stay in the country as long as you wish, but you will be a foreigner here, so you will not have all the rights of a citizen. That is why I would recommend going for the Dual Citizenship.
hello, my bf want to stay here he come one time last year and he want to come this february to stay long ,it is ok to stay long for the second time to come?
thank you and more power
julie
Your bf can get a tourist visa when he enters which will be good for 21 days. He can renew it for up to 16 months.
i am an Indian citizen wants to relocate in Philippines and also wants a resident visa or permanent resident visa in Phillipines.how can i get that.and if i got a work permit ,then for how long i will have to work in phillipines so tht i can have a permanet resident visa of phillipines.plz any1 of u suggest me the best thing.i need to go there at any cost.
Hello nirupam – Basically, you have two ways of getting a resident visa:
1. If you have a Filipina spouse.
2. SRRV.
If these are not an option for you, you can come on a tourist visa and stay up to 16 months. But, being able to work basically will not be an option.
thans “mindanaoBob”..but are u sure tht by “srrv” i can get resident visa for phillipines? if yes then wht i have to do or wht is srrv …i have opened the site but couldnt recognize for wht they are providing vacancies….so plz give me a reply sir.
Hi, i have a question to ask, my wife is a Filipino living in Philippines, can i convert my 9A visa to 13A visa once i am in philippines or do i need to apply before i go to philippines
thanks
You may apply for your 13(a) resident visa in the Philippines or in your home country.
the Philippine embassy in New Delhi does not have any info. on 13A type visa, they only give 9A visa,so if i take 9A visa will it be converted in 13A visa in Philippines,
hi bob,
may ask how much is the residents visa in the philippines…
im looking forward for you reply thank you
Hi genrey – the cost varies depending on a number of factors, one of which is where you apply (in the Philippines, or outside the Philippines). I would recommend that you check this article for more information: My 13(a) Experience
Hi Bob, I find yr column very helpful and you did your job professionally. You are polite and know how to deal with people esp those who has annoying question. You’re such a great help for those who need answers to their questions desperately. More power to you Bob.
By the way, I am a green card holder (filipina citizen) and non active Jordanian passport holder married to US citizen since ’08. We are intending to live in Phils permanently starting June 2012. We are in the process of applying 13 (a) for my US citizen husband so he could live in Phils permanently. I believed that we do not have to purchase a round trip ticket to go to Phils as we are not planning to return back US…probably in the future but only for a visit. I learned and gathered all details that I wanted to know about the legalities in living in Phils for US citizen on yr website and that’s a huge help. Thank you once again and more power to your column!
Sincerely,
Cristina
Thank you for your kind comment, Cristina. There was a time when I let those “annoying questions” bother me, but I long ago decided to just answer and let it go at that. When you get dozens and dozens of comments every day, it can wear on you, though, no doubt.
You are correct, because you are a citizen and your husband will be a holder of a permanent resident visa, you are not required to purchase an ongoing ticket. This can get a bit sticky from time to time, because the airlines are the ones who generally enforce the “ongoing ticket rule” (because they stand to lose money if you are denied entry) and they often do not fully understand the rules. They may demand the ongoing ticket even though you are not legally obligated to get one. So, you need to make this clear to the airline officials.
Good luck to you and your husband on the move, Cristina!
My US citizen husband is on a Social Security disability which is our source of subsistence. If something happen to my husband in Phils (God forbid!) I am not eligible to claim his benefit for the reason being that I am not naturalized and the only time I could get it is when I get 60 yrs old but I need to be residing in US and need to be naturalized? I am a green card holder since 09 and if I live permanently in Phils without going to US at least once a year, I will lose lose my permanent residency as abandonement? Could you verify all of these please?
Hi Cristina – On the SS benefits, I cannot verify, because being honest, I do not know that for sure. Sorry about that.
Regarding your green card status, you are right, you must return on a regular basis to keep your green card active. It can even be once every 6 months, it is at the discretion of the immigration officer when you attempt entry to the USA. You might want to consider just becoming a citizen before moving to the Philippines.
Hello Bob,
I am coming to you because i think that you are the man of the situation regarding philippines immigration question. So may I ask you something ?
Fire away, Vincent. If I can help you I gladly will.
Just a comment. I live in the Philippines after a couple of years of preparation to do so. I read a lot written by the people who create websites and offer advice to those who wish to come here. “Mindanao Bob,” and his wife are among the most respected writers with an online presence living here in the Philippines. They offer honest and free information and when I read the exchange here with Kevin, I can see why Bob is thought of so highly. His responses are patient, direct and kind while “Kevin” seems overwhelmed by some hardships he has had. You are a class act Bob. I read what you write often. Thank you for your willingness to help those who wish to live in the Philippines successfully. -Rob in Cebu
Magandang Gabi Bob!
I am a US Citizen and have been in the Phil 12 months and currently on a tourist visa with the Salvation Army. I’m getting married in May and will apply for the 13a trv. My question is, after I receive the 13a, let’s just say its approved in July, can I go back to the USA and visit in January for 2 weeks. Is there a restriction on the initial year of the 13a? I’ve heard once you receive the 13a, during the first year you can work and leave for a short visit home. Any info is appreciated.
God bless
Hi Matthew – I don’t speak Tagalog, so I’ll reply to you in Cebuano. Maayong hapon, kumusta ka ba? Daghang salamat sa imong nagbisita diri sa akong website!
I believe you should have no problem in making that visit to the States, but you need to be sure you are here when there are things you need to do like converting your temporary visa to permanent.
Maayong swerte, akong higala. Unta naa kay swerte sa imong visa.
hi bob. I find your site so informative. We are also living in General Santos City, anyway Im a filipina, I wish to apply for a resident visa for my husband here in PI. Is it easy?and he is from Europe. Is it the same 13a form he needs to fill up there if in case we plan to apply for him there?
Hello elrig – Yes, it is very easy. It is a 13(a) Visa which he needs to apply for. He can apply there in Europe or here in the Philippines.
Magandang Gabi Bob!
I am a US Citizen and have been in the Phil 12 months and am currently on a tourist visa with the Salvation Army. I’m getting married in May and will apply for the 13a trv. My question is, after I receive the 13a, let’s just say its approved in July, can I go back to the USA and visit in January for 2 weeks. Is there a restriction on the initial year of the 13a? I’ve heard once you receive the 13a, during the first year you can work and leave for a short visit home. Any info is appreciated.
God bless
Matthew
i got some good informantion. but need more.i plan on applying for a trv visa and would like to move to the philippines. i married a filipina woman we married there.she has registered with nso i now understand bi clearance .i have poof of income and my question is do i need medical records and if so what records and forms to i need to bring with me i dont want to go empty handed i am from the usa also would it be wise to hire a lawyer to do this
Hi Robert – No, I would not recommend hiring an attorney. Frankly, I think it would be a waste of money to do so. Getting a visa to live in the Philippines is quite simple, especially given that you are married to a Filipina. You need to get a 13(a) Resident Visa. Just call the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves your area. They will send you an application a list of all the items you need to gather for the application. It’s very easy to do, Robert.
good luck!
thank you your a good man to take your time to help others good bless
Hi Robert – Thank you very much! 😀
Dear Bob,
My name is Eric, I’m 28 yrs old and live in the Netherlands.
My gorgious angel’s name is Riezel and is 27yrs old. We met about 12yrs ago in Tagum City, while I was there for work. I travelled as a Maritime Officer’s Apprentice aboard a Dutch banana reefer. We used to load in Madaum Bay Harbor. I think these places sound really farmiliar to you, as you are living in Davao. (Taking that the info I read on your (older) website, where you try to sell your book on enterprising in the Philippines, is still accured).
Imagine loading in about 2weeks by local people, then sailing a fixed route to Japan, China and S-Korea in just 3weeks, returning empty again in Madaum Bay Harbor. While doing this for little under a year, I had lots of time lingering in dancings and karaoke bars getting (slightly) drunk and whining along with golden oldies. After completing my second trip, on an ever so fortunate tropical evening, I got my Captain’s Approval for some R&R ( as you people like to call it in the US (I guess)). That evening changed my live forever, when I met my angel while enjoying a breath-taking sunset as never witnessed before in my live. We have spent every second possible, whenever I was over there.
Then, after months of truly awe-inspiring fun and romance, we got a Captains Relief (ie. change of watch by a new Captain) and my little fairytale came to a quick ending. I was still underaged by my country’s law (ie. 18yrs (I was 17 at the time)), I got into a big fight with him. I spare you the details, but it wasn’t pretty. So one night I decided, young and advertures and naïef as I was at that age, to pack up my things and escape the ship and stay there with my angel, worrying about legal stuff later, after a phone call back home to my parents.
So I did, I escaped and hitched a truck out of the harbor, but meanwhile the Captain got wind of it all and called Gate Security, where they intercepted every truck with dogs and M16’s around there neck’s. Although the guards were very friendly and had a good laugh about me, they kindly asked me to go back to the ship. I was so intimidated by the M16’s and the dogs, that I wisely chose to willingly return to that SOB (forgive the term) and the ship where he detained me and confiscaded my passport and stuff, against all rules and regulations by my country.
So basicly, I was tranported as some prisoner to S-Korea, where they dropped me on a plane back home. I never had a chance to properly say goodbye or make any future arragements as necessary.
Once back in the Netherlands, I tried to keep in touch with my angel, but that quickly faded away, as the means of communication were quite poor in the Philippines in those days. But I never forgot her or stopped loving her and kept the few shards of memory I had left (ie. 3 loveletters and 2 small pictures). I never could commit to any relationship here and never able to forgive myself for the way things turned out, I finally, after 11yrs, came to the point of giving up hope. Until……
Come januari 10th 2012, I got a late Christmas Miracle in the form of a facebook message from a complete unknown girl from the Philippines. Perculiar as it was, I started to investigate a little and responded to her message to contact her and confirm my identity. I learned she was my angels younger half-sister, which I never knew she had, asking on my angels behalf, if I would contact her again. After all this time SHE found me, stating she never could forget me or stopped loving me. That’s the day I started to think there might be a God (me not being religious) and being elated and probably, for a day or 2, being the happiest man ever walked the face of this planet.
Contact is fully restored and in a weeks time of intensive chatting, we were back where we left off…
But enough romancing down memory lane, back to the business end of this post….
I am planning on getting married over there and also apply for a Sect. 13(a) Visa.
Here’s the deal, in my country everything is extremely expensive, being the worlds 3th most expensive country to live life. Also here, we have almost no economy going and no jobs available, thanks to our ever spending “friends” in southern Europe (ie. European Crisis).
So my idea is to save up some money to go over there and get married right away, given I can make some necessary prelimanery arragements over here. Also make sure I immediately apply for the visa, but with very little to no money…as I will be forced to give up my live and livelyhood over here in the Netherlands.
Knowing the conv. between you and ‘ungrateful’ Kevin, I know it will be very hard unless I get lucky again and encounter a Maria situation. Which is very unlikely, but not impossible. I just feel I got so incredibelly lucky to get my angel back after all these years, I dont get lucky again so soon.
My question to you, o Mighty Bob ;-), once I get married in the Philippines, am I allowed to work and make my own living there, so I then can provide for my family. By trade I’m a international truckdriver, also I’m very good with computers (Microsoft/Epson job long ago, but still self-educating at home) and if so is there a real chance for me as of such…???
Also would like to know, how to go about getting a job, taking into account they have an entire different view on job ethics and salary….(eg. in my own country I normally make around 2600,- Euro’s per month, I gues a little over 3000,- USD). I know I have to be realistic and not expect to get anywhere near this amount in the Philippines, but will there still be a future for me and is my plan any bit viable or not….
Thanks for your expertise here, Bob.
And please forgive me my extremely long post, it’s my ever first post ever on the net, so I thought make it a good one….hahahaha….next time I’ll keep them way shorter…..
Hi Maria – I agree totally, it is not impossible. But, having some savings or a job is a real plus, no doubt.
Also, the 13(a) does have a financial requirement. You were not asked to prove financial capacity, and I don’t know why, but nobody should go into the interview expecting to not be asked, because the Philippine government does require that.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Maria.
Yes, you actually MUST have it done in the States. Next, you must get it notarized by the Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Next, present it to the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines as part of your application process.
Hi Eric, once you have your 13(a) it is not up to the BI. You have work permission then.
If you want to be a truck driver, it is doubtful to me that you could get such a job as a foreigner. Also, you should expect to earn around P300 per day for that type of work.
For information on how to earn a good living in the Philippines, I have two books that you might want to check out:
49 Ways to Make a Living in the Philippines
and
99 Ways to Make a Living on the Internet
Both books are electronic books that can be downloaded immediately upon making payment.
Good luck.
Hi Ted – Well, to be honest, Nick did not say that he entered the Philippines without an onward ticket. He may have had a throw away ticket in his possession upon entry. He may have had a refundable onward ticket which he already had refunded. There are many ways to enter the Philippines with an onward ticket, and to relinquish that ticket without costing too much money.
Another possibility is that nick entered the country with an onward ticket, but the date of the onward flight has already passed, but he decided not to go. In that case he would have had an onward ticket upon arrival and would no longer have a valid onward ticket.
Also, the officials at the entry point do not always ask to see an onward ticket. In fact, in all of the times that I have entered the Philippines, I don’t recall ever being asked for an onward ticket.
I have heard from one Expat that you can get the Police report from the USA certified at the US Embassy a fee of $50, no Philippine embassy or consulate involved, any one know , or checked with US Embassy on this
morning bob
can i ask a few things, i am married to a lady from here in phils.
our plan is to live, retire here, but i do work away at the moment, am australian.
been coming here for 5 years now.
ok, at the moment i just come in with out visa, long as i dont stay anymore then 21 days, iam good.
this works ok as my work roster is 16 days work, 12 days R&R
but i would like to set up a business for my wife and self.
can i do this, can i work in it while here.
can we have a joint bank account.
i understand we can own a house, well my wife can.
i do have many things to ask, but wont bother you right now, love top chat more if we can
hope to here from you
pete
Hi Pete – Yep, you’ve got a few questions there. Let me see if I can answer them for you.W
Your wife could certainly own any type of business, since she is a citizen of the Philippines. As for yourself, whether you could own any portion of it or not depends on what type of business it is. The percentage of allowable foreign ownership depends on the type of business. As for working in the business, if you are here on a tourist visa, no, you could not legally work there. If you apply for and are issued a Resident Visa (13a), then you could legally work in the business, though.
There is no legal reason why you cannot open a bank account, whether your own account or a joint account. By practice, though, most banks require an I-Card before they will issue you a bank account. This is not legally required, but a policy of most banks. Some banks will open an account for you, though, you just have to find one that will.
Yes, your wife can own a house. You cannot have any percentage of ownership, though, as a foreigner. You can own a condo unit, though, if that is of interest to you.
Good luck to you Pete.
Hi Bob,
This must be a full time job for you, but I admire your dedication in helping people like me.
I am aussie and my gf is Phil but currently living in Dubai;. I want to come and check out Phil to potentially live in the future. Not sure if you can clarify or confirm the following for me:
1. you mention that to get a resident visa you need to invest $20k in Phil. does it have to be in a bank or would a purchased property be considered?
2. Are there other options for living long term in Phil without the need for investing $20k?
3. Can you suggest areas to live where there is abundant mountains of rainforest which are out of the heat and humidity and protected from typhoons?
Appreciate your efforts here mate. thanks
Pete
Hi Pete – Yes, you are right, my array of websites is a job for me, it keeps me very busy, and also keeps me out of the poorhouse! 😆
To answer your questions:
1. I have never said any such thing. If you opt for an SRRV Visa you will have to invest between $10k to $50k, depending on your age and other factors. But, there is nothing forcing you to go for an SRRV. Since you say your gf is Filipina, if you opt to marry her later you can get a resident visa here – a 13(a) Visa – with Zero investment. If you opt for the SRRV and make the investment, it must be put into a bank account that is approved by the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority). However, after some time, you could move that money into something like a condo purchase with PRA approval. When you say “property” if you mean a house or land, no, that would never be approved because as a foreigner you are not permitted to purchase or own property. If you put it in your gf’s name, that won’t work either, because the required investment must be in your name.
2. Yes, as I said above, there are plenty of other options. 13(a) Visa is the best, if you are marrying a citizen of the country. You could also live here on a tourist visa, and leave the country for one day every 16 months. For a full rundown on Visa options for living here, check my book, Philippine Visa Guide.
3. Really for the type of area you mention, there are only two places I am aware of: up in the Baguio area, or Bukidnon Province in Mindanao. Baguio, however, is not in a typhoon free area, while Bukidnon is. However, where you will want to live is a highly personal choice, and I recommend that you do a bit of touring and find the place that is right for you.
Good luck, Pete.
Thanks for the quick reply Bob.
My mistake about the $20k, i think i was using outdated information maybe from another site.
If you dont mind me asking, i read somewhere that if we were married and bought property in her name, but unluckily became divorced down the track, the property will be split 40%-60% ( and i cannot remember who gets what). I have unfortunately walked the globe with SUCKER on my forehead and have lost a lot of money to women, through divorce etc.
If i was to marry and buy property in my wife’s name, can I protect my investment in any way or is it simply pot luck?
Pete
Hi Pete – The information on the 20k is not out of date, but it is not the only way to get a visa, it never has been.
If you married, single, divorced, whatever your status, you cannot own property here. Only Filipinos can own property. If you get divorced or if she dies or whatever, you cannot have the property because it is illegal for a foreigner to own property here. If she dies, it can go to whomever she leaves it to… but not you. If you get divorced or split up… the property is hers.
It’s that simple.
No, you cannot protect yourself.
Hi Bob,
Do you really have to show a receipt of property purchase to get a certificate of financial capacity to acquire 13A visa? I’m married to a Filipina.
regards,
James
Hi James – I have never heard of any such thing before. You have to show financial capacity, but there is no requirement to purchase any property.
Hi Bob,
Do you really need to show a receipt for purchase of property and fenancial capacity to get a 13A visa? I’m married to a Filipina.
regards,
James
Not sure why you are posting the exact same question twice, James. As I said before, I’ve never heard of this before, as far as I know there is no such requirement.
Thanks Bob,
So now i have a big chance to get my permanent visa in the philippines without more hustle as i’m married to a pilipina , I’ve been working here now in korea for 3 years to save some money to buy a land and a house just to get the financial capacity needs which is not needed as you said. I’ve been in the philippines many times before i got married by tourist visa as i am a missionary in the philippines.
You’re website really help us a lot specially like me who doesnt know anything about obtaining 13a visa.
Regard,
James
Good luck, James. I hope you enjoy your life here.
Hello Bob,
my mom is an American citizen but would like to apply for a dual citizenship (US/Philippine). However, she heard from friends that it’s not advisable to do so as she may lose her (US) pension. Will she lose her pension if she has dual citizenship?
Thanks,
Hunter
That is blatantly false.
hi im a uk citizen, im marry my filipino gf next year in the philippines and then plan to stay there, we have a 2 year old girl already. Im a qualified diving instructor and plan to work in the Philippines. My gf is also looking at boats to buy to so she can start some fishing business. What requirements will i need to get a resident visa. We dont have much savings but we already have a house to live in. Do i need to show a certain amount of savings when applying for the visa? thanks
Thanks a lot for the article post. Much obliged.
You are most welcome.
Hi, Bob, thanks a lot for this article. Does it mean that it is possible to apple for residents visa from my own country, just send docs to the nearest Embassy? As you remember, my husband is Philippino and I am Kazakhstan’ citizen.
Hi Yuliya – Nice to hear from you. Yes, you should be able to apply for a Philippine Resident Visa there in your home country. Just contact the Philippine Embassy and ask for an application, they will send you a list of everything that you will be required to present with your application.
Hi Bob, thanks a lot for your quick and positive reply:) I heard from one of my friend, that this type of visa can be issued for a maximum possible term for 1 year at first time and second time for a lifetime, is it true?
Hi Yuliya – Yep! It’s true. The initial visa that you get is probationary for 1 year, and you have to go make it permanent at the end of one year.
Hello Bob,
I am living in the Philippines right now. Me and my wife got married in Sept. So if I go to immigration in Manila I could get my ACR-i card the next day or the next 2 days?
Hello Michaelg – No, that is not correct, sorry. Firstly, I suspect that you are mixing up an “I-Card” with a “Resident Visa” although I am not certain. You see, and I-Card has nothing to do with whether you are married here or not, it is only an identification card. If you want to get an I-card, you can apply at the BI, but it takes longer than 2 days or so. If you are wanting a permanent residence visa, you need to apply for a 13(a) visa, which is totally different than an I-Card. An I-card does not allow you any stay at all, it only serves as Identification.
Sorry I can’t be more specific, I just am unsure what you are actually wanting to get.
MindanaoBob, you are an asset to this country!
Thank you so much.
There really is no other clear resource for this as far as I can tell.
Thank you so much, Vince. I really appreciate your kind comment!
MindanaoBob, you are an asset to this country!
Thank you so much.
There really is no other clear resource for this as far as I can tell.
Thank you so much, Vince. I really appreciate your kind comment!
How will I know if visa status 13(a) is permanent?
Also, do I have to renew it every year given it’s already 13(a)?
If I wasn’t able to renew it, how much would the fine cost?
Please help me clarify these questions.
Thank you.
Hi Mel – The first 13(a) Visa that you are issued is a probationary visa. If you stay out of trouble for the year, you will then be eligible for a permanent 13(a) Visa, after 1 year. The 13(a) Visa is for life, no renewals are needed, ever. You must go and check in at the Bureau of Immigration once per year, every January or February and the cost of that is P310.
I am sorry, I don’t know. There are too many variables. I don’t think it wil be too high, though.
How will I know if visa status 13(a) is permanent?
Also, do I have to renew it every year given it’s already 13(a)?
If I wasn’t able to renew it, how much would the fine cost?
Please help me clarify these questions.
Thank you.
Thank you, Bob. That was helpful. Do you have any idea how much is the penalty fee if I wasnt able to go to BI for more than a year? I think it’s overstaying.
You are welcome, Melo.
hello…Here’s my daughter status. 2 years old, born in the philippines. uS citizen,,she acquired US citizen thru my US citizenship, but her father is a filipino citizen, came from the US to philippines on january 2011, and stayed here since then. My question is… since she’s been here for about 1 year and 5 months. Will she have to pay penalty for over staying? the reason why Im asking is that will be leaving for hongkong and I just wanted to make sure that there wont be a problem on the immigration side at the airport? pls advise? thanks
Hi Bob,
I’m a Philippine citizen married to an Indian national. We would like to settle down in the Philippines. At the moment, I am here and he is in India taking care of our marriage certificate registration in the Philippine embassy so that it will be recognized by NSO. I do have a couple of questions though that I’m hoping you can answer for me:
(1) What kind of visa should we apply for immigrant quota or non-quota?
(2) Will the visa allow him to work in the Philippines right away?
(3) How long is the procedure before we get his visa?
(4) should we apply here in the Philippines or there in India?
Thank you so much!
Hi Alyx – I recommend that you go for a 13(a) Resident Visa. Read this article to find out how to process it and the costs involved.
Agreed.
Yes, indeed, Serge! I forgot do you have a resident visa?
Im on tourist visa, Bob. As i read here resident is even more expensive. Im from poor Russia, Bob, dont forget :).
Hi Serge – A resident visa is way, way cheaper than a tourist visa! 😯
Yes, with a 13(a) – or a 13(g) like I have – you pay a couple hundred dollars to get it, and then it is P310 per year. Very cheap.
Im not married to filippina yet either.
really? u mean 13a?
thx Bob, i agree, but that is marriage visa, i got this, knew this before, thx, just thought there are other ways
Indeed, Serge – It is a visa for a person who is married to a Philippine Citizen or former Citizen.
Hi Bob! My sister is married to a Japanese and they both lived in Japan for almost 10 years already. Recently, her husband decided to become a permanent residence here in the Philippines. My Concerns are:
a.) Can they apply for permanent resident for Philippines in Phil. Embassy/Consulate in Japan?
b.) What are the necessary papers to submit?
c.) After they get her husband permanent residence visa in their home country, what are the next possible procedure they are going to take when they arrive here in the Philippines?
Thank you.
Hi Tere, just have them contact the Philippine Embassy in Japan and request an application for a 13a visa. It will include all instructions and requirements.
For any expats living in Cebu…i have been using the services of cebuexpatservices.com …for a very reasonable fee they will do all the work for you to renew tourist visa, Paul Whiteway is an aussie married to a filipina and can be trusted.
hey i applied for TRV 13a and tom.. is our hearing can you please advice me what to expect on hearing its in manila BI with attorney Tan what question i can expect
Thank you
hi again bob,
to apply for a 13(a) visa do i need to shaw my bank acount with a minimum some of money in it and if yes how much??
thx
Yes, they will look at your finances. Sorry, but there is no set amount of money needed, just a belief by the consular officer that you have enough to live here.
John Hi. Is there a Philippine Embassy in Inda you coud go to. I did my 13A visa in the USA. Was very easy and all I had to do was pick it up in Manila immigration office when we got here. Just maybe an easy way out for you,..,
pastor Bud
hi Bob, im an American married to a Philippina and have a daughter (she is 6y.o.)with duel citizenship ,I am on social security disability and have permanent residence visa .Other then going home at the one year mark for 3 months ived lived here now 8 years .I have heard there is a way for me after living here for 10 years to gain duel citizenship for myself .Is this true and if so how can i do this? Thanks Michael Patrick Brown p.s. i think its great u helping folks like u r doing .
Under Philippine law, Michael, you and I can never become dual citizens. Philippine law requires that a foreigner must rebounce their citizenship to become a Philippine citizen, thus dual citizenship is not possible for us.
hai i am indian citizen i have fiance filipina i want marry and settle there even herer philipines embessy asking tourist visa lot of requiremnt it is posibel she and me meet another country and marry and without my tourist visa i came in manila can ther thy give blik byn stamp we not marry in india or philipines if we marry 3rd country its is posoble they blik byn visa sir and
Hi Bob,
I have been reading this newsletter of you regarding visa matter.
Thank you for your dedication. You are a help for other people that needing those info.
I also want to ask if you have some info regarding my setuation. I have a nigerian boyfriend and curently still married in other country. He is planning to apply for their divorce and we are planning to get married here in philippines and start our life and small business here. We already have 2 year old son. Is it possible for us to get married here in philippines before he finally apply divorce on that country he was been married before? Can he be qualified for a 13a visa after we get married? Thank you so much for your help! God bless!
Hello Ofhel, no, you cannot marry until he applies for divorce and it is finalized.
Regarding the residence visa, I think he can get that, but honestly, I am not certain on the rules for Nigerian citizens.
how can i apply phillipine resident visa for sri lanka resident?
Hi Maureen – I assume you mean for a Sri Lankan CITIZEN? If that is the case, you could get a resident visa by marrying a Filipino, or get an SRRV visa.
Wonderful posts. Quick qs. My husband and I were born in the Philippines and are now US Citizens. Which one is better for us? 13A Visa or Dual Citizenship? Thanks!
Hi Noning, thanks for visiting. I would recommend Dual Citizenship.
hi bob
i leave in Dubai and would like to stay in Philippines for rest to my live with my family got two boys 14,12 and my wife is not from Philippines we have visited thee times ,how can get permanent visa
Hello Dubai bob – Thanks for stopping by. I guess the only options for a permanent visa would be an SRRV or a 13 series quota visa, but those are hard to get.
thanks Mr bob for reply, what is SRRV ,actually i was in Philippines in jun and someone told me that i can fine some girls who can marry just for paper work and get some amount of money but if its so how about my family
Hi,im an OFW who got married with an iranian national,now i want my husband to stay in the Philippines while im working here in Canada….would it be possible for him to pro
I suppose that your husband can apply for a 13a resident visa.
when I file the 13a and are granted a 1yr probation period for permanent residence, is the first 6 months count for the 6 month requirement, or does it have to be 6 months after the 1yr probation period is finished for filing the I-130?
I must say, Randy, I am quite confused by your question. An I-130 is a document in the process for getting a US visa. A 13a is a Philippine Visa. I don’t understand what the two things have to do with each other? Maybe I am missing something?
You can only file I-130 FROM a country that you are a resident, I’m a USA resident but want to file FROM the Philippines, hence the 13a is required FIRST as it gives Perm Residency in the Philippines.
OK, I see, Randy. To be honest, this site is about Philippine visas, so questions about US visas really go beyond the scope of the site, and to be honest, I really know little about US visas. It has been 22 years since I filed for a US visa for my wife, and so much has changed in that time… and I’m getting a bit old, so I have forgotten a lot! 😆
“This site is about Philippine visas”
Its a requirement of the Philippines, to be able to file visas from the Philippines as a permanent resident…
Ha ha… OK, Randy, OK. Let me explain to you more carefully, because you don’t seem to understand. You see, the I-130 has nothing to do with Philippine Visas. Not a thing at all. I do not know enough about US Immigration, or the I-130 application to be able to give advice on that. I am well aware that the 13(a) is a Philippine Immigrant Visa. Do you understand that the I-130 is not?
Good luck to you.
Hi Bob,
I just want to ask, My husband is Lebanese-Armenian. We’re planning to go to philippines and make a business. we have a friend wants to go with us to be a partner to our business. (e.g. restaurant) How can we get a visa for him? And its possible to get a permanent visa to my spouse?
Your answer will be much appreciated.
Thank you and More Power.
Hi Armenia – I assume you are a Filipina? A Philippine citizen? If so, your husband can qualify for a 13(a) resident visa. Your friend… well, perhaps an SRRV or an SVEG visa connected to the business.
I am collecting my permanent 13a tomorrow and that list is pretty much what I had to provide. Its not what is on the website, but its certainly what has been used in practise.
Glad to hear that, Jason. Good luck with your visa!
Hi, Bob
You’ve probably been asked this question many times, but for me there is some confusion. I’ve looked on websites with regard to the requirements for a US citizen coming to PI to live. In my case, I have a friend who is retiring and wants to try to live here. He is not married, so what type of visa must he get and how much will he have to pay to have it renewed every so often? He’d like to stay here for several months at a time. He lives in the Los Angeles area. Can he do any of the legwork where he lives? Appreciate any help. Thanks, Mike
If your friend is single, he basically has two options:
1. Tourist visa. This will have to be renewed at 21 days, 59 days, and then every 59 days following. Maximum stay is 16 months, upon which he must leave, even just for one day, and return again. Renewals vary, but figure around $75 for each renewal.
2. SRRV – Special Retiree’s Resident Visa. No renewals, no need to ever leave. High up front cost, though, as you are required to invest in the Philippines (though you get this back when you leave). Investment amount varies from $10k to $50k depending on your age and other factors.
Salamat Bob! Appreciate the guidance. Mike
Hello Bob…..I am a retiree on a pension and wish to live in the Philippines….The places that I have been to and like are Dumaguette, Bohol, and Cebu.
I want to apply for a SPRC visa as I have all of the qualifications to do so, but my question to you
Bob is how do I go about it?
Do I get a tourist visa for 58 days and go to the Philippines with $10,000 in my bank here in Australia and then go to the PRA wherever they are and apply for the SPRC.
And Bob what do I need to take to them besides proof that I have the $10,000, and how do I open a bank account there, and does this $10,000 collect interest whilst it is in the bank?
I really appreciate your knowledge on these matters Bob,but I need to know what is the best way to go about applying for this visa, because I have never done this sort of thing before, and I dont want to mess things up when applying.
I will be coming to Cebu for 58 days in two weeks time, so I thought that if you would be kind enough to give me your opinion on this matter, and where to go for applying I would then be
able to able to maybe set the wheels in motion before I come back there again.
Many thanks…..David
Hi David, to be honest, I have heard of an SPRC visa before, I suspect that you are asking about an SRRV, or Special Retiree Resident Visa. Is that what you mean?
Sorry Bob…yes I meant a SRRV……Everything else is as stated.
Thank you Bob.
Hi David – Yes, your plan is sound, and correct. You can come here and get a 21 day or a 59 day visa (there is no such visa as a 58 day Visa). Choose where you will live of the places you said that you liked. Then visit the PRA office and they will assist you with the application and everything else that you need to do. My experience is that the PRA folks are very good at helping to make sure that your application is all proper and processed for you. In the case of a friend who got an SRRV, they PRA folks even assisted him in the opening of a bank account.
Yes, bank accounts earn interest, but generally it is a very minimal amount of interest.
Good luck to you David.
Thanks so much for your help Bob…..Maybe I will meet you one day.
I must try to stop talking in Australian slang when I live there as my fiancee
never knows what I am talking about half the time, but I will learn her language
and then there will be no misunderstandings I hope. lol
Thank you once again Bob.
Hi David – Happy to help, David! I’m glad you enjoy the site. I understand what you mean about cutting back on the slang, I had to do that about 22 years ago when I married my wife!
Hey Bob,
Caleb here, so in conclusion it sounds like tourist visas are good, Balikbaya are better, and residence visas are the best! So if I have this right, work permits are not required under resident visas, but otherwise Balikbaya visas are the only other visas you can acquire a work permit under, correct?
Blessings
-Caleb
Hi Caleb – there are other types of visas that allow work as well. The SRRV (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa) allows you to work, and various Business visas too. But, generally you are correct.
Hi Bob,
I’m U.S citizen, naturalised 16 years ago, born in Egypt, and living in USA since 1988. I’m 66 yrs old, I receive a pension about P 28,000/monthly. I would like to stay in Philippines. I was there several times before, and I like the nature of living. Please let me know the best way to have that living without breaking the Law, and before to book my Ticket. Your answer will be very appreciated.
Hi Raouf – Not sure how to take what you said. What laws do you think you might be in danger of breaking? Living here is certainly not illegal. Just come here, live a clean life, don’t hurt anybody and you should be 100% legal. If there is some other issue at play, please let me know so that I can consider it in the answer.
Thanks for your reply. I’m U.S citizen, and living in USA since 1988. I’m 66 yrs old, I receive a pension about P 28,000/monthly. I would like to stay in Philippines. I was there several times before. Please let me know what is the best way to have a legal permenant residense, in Philippines, and is it better to apply here in US, or their after arival. Thanks for your patience.
Hi Raouf – There are two ways to have legal permanent residence in the Philippines. If you have a spouse who is either a Philippine Citizen or a former Philippine Citizen, then you can get a 13 series resident visa. If you are not married to a Filipina, then you can get an SRRV visa.
Hi Bob, again… I found the following, for “SRRV” in the webside of “PRA”;
Deposit for 50 Years Old & Above, with pention, is $10,000. My pension is about $700. Is that deposit untuchable, by me? What is the reason for that deposit? How long it take, for that deposit to be available for any personal need by me?. Sorry for making Headeck to you..!!
Hi Raouf – The information you have is only partially correct. The deposit is $10,000 only if your pension reaches the amount that is acceptable. I believe that it has to be a minimum of $800 per month. If your pension is less, then your required deposit is $20,000. That deposit, though, can be used to buy a condo or a few other things.
Hi Bob, I’m married to a Filipina and planning to settle there for good and soon.
However, my wife stays in the Philippines while I’m in my home country. Can I apply for 13(a) in my country with my wife in the Philippines?
I’ve read most messages here but cannot see one that covers my circumstances.
Thanks.
Hi Roman – I know that this could be done in the past, as I have a friend who did it in the 90’s. To be absolutely certain that it is still something that can be accomplished, contact the Philippine Embassy or consulate that serves the area where you live.
Good Morning Bob and Feyma hope you are all well and wishing you a Merry Chirstmas and Happy New Year
Thank you Philip! We are all doing well, and wishing you also a Merry Christmas!
Hi Bob,
My name is Joel from D.R.Congo, Africa. I currently live in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines for almost 8 months now, and I am married to a Filipina. Considering the fact there is no Philippine embassy back in my country, I had to come as tourist, then convert to 13a.
My concern is that I was able to pay about P50,000 so far just to obtain the iCard, is the amount reasonable? From what I know, the 13a visa is not supposed to exceed P10,000.
Allow me to mention that I have started applying for the said 13a since last July of this year, but I haven’t been issued the visa yet.
What would you suggest I do?
Looking forward to hearing from you very soon!
Joel
Hi Joel – The amounts of money you are talking about are way, way more than you should be spending. Somebody is taking advantage of you.
hello bob,i know and read all your post here and i think you have a lot of knowledge about the visa.anyway,I am a crazy now thinking what is right to do about my husband visa because I been asking the Phil. embassy here in beijing on how to apply and what requirements and they just say they dont know about it and till me just go to BI in intramuros.anyway,I am finish to register my marriage here and also my daughter at Phi.embassy china .and i really dont know what requirements is?Please help me!Is it both need ACRI-CARD and 13a visa ? I am a Filipina and married to a chinese guy.
Hello jeni – Yes, the 13(a) visa and the ACR-I card are two completely different things. The I-Card is not a visa at all. He will need both. I would recommend that if the Embassy in Beijing is uninformed about this, just do the Visa here in the Philippines. Let your husband enter on a tourist visa waiver, and then apply for the 13(a) once you settle in. That will be the easiest thing to do, in my opinion. Good luck to you.
Bob,
I’m a US citizen. My girlfriend was born in Philippines, but is now a US citizen. She doesn’t have dual citizenship. We are planning a trip to see her family in Philippines. My research indicates a maximum of a 21 day stay, if we both use only our US passports.
Could you please confirm, as we had hoped to stay a month.
RG
No, this is incorrect. The maximum stay if you enter on a US Passport is 16 months. You will initially be issued a 21 day visa waiver, but it can be extended up to 16 months if you wish to do so.. in 59 day increments.
Enjoy your visit.
Hi Bob, I am in Philippines now, but I was not with my husband when I arrived in Manila. He will be joining us in November. If I go to Tokyo and join him with his flight to Manila, to be with him physically in the BI, is this valid to get him a Balikbayan Visa? If he arrives without me and gets a 21 day stay, and stays for 22 days, need he apply for extended stay? How much would it cost?
Yes, if you meet your husband in Tokyo and fly into Manila with him, he will be eligible for a Balikbayan Visa. Make sure you have your marriage contract with you, they may ask for that.
Hi Bob, I am a filipina married to a french man. We are currently in his country now and in August we go to Philippines for holidays. My husband would like to apply for 13a visa, we have the list of the requirements and my question is should we submit documents translated in English like his birth certificate, income tax returns and bank statements? And where should we get the police clearance, from where we live right now or from Philippines? Thanks!
Hello Sofia – Yes, all documents must be translated to English. As for the Police Clearance, you will get that in France, where you are living now.
A question, though… if you are coming for holiday, why would he apply for a 13(a) Visa? That is for living here, not visiting. If you will return to France, the Visa will no longer be effective, unless he returns often to the Philippines.
My husband told me that as a French he can only stay 21 days in Philippines for holiday, I am not sure if this is correct. We have properties under our names that we need to attend to during our stay in August and the process takes time that’s why he needs to stay longer than 21 days…
Hi Sofia – I am sorry, but your husband is wrong. You get a 21 day stay upon entry, but that can be extended up to 16 months. You can rely on this, I know for sure, and have been advising people on this sort of stuff for more than a decade.
Hello there Bob,
I have been reading your post and I would like to ask something.
I am Filipina married to an English Man for 2 years now. We want to apply for a permanent residence visa but we are worried because we don’t have any savings. We were able to build a good business under my name where we are getting our regular income just enough to pay our monthly bills like the office rent , utility bills, our food and apartment. He dont have his pension yet, we don’t have any other source of income and we can’t afford to put $10,000 in his bank account, but we are living here quite good.
Can you give us any advice if what is the best thing to do with our situation if there is any.
Also how much it will cost us, so we can prepare for it.
Hi Ella, as far as I know there is no requirement to have so much money in the bank. Who told you that?
Best thing to do is apply and see if it is approved.
Good luck!
Hello again Bob,hope you are well. Bob I emailed you about two months ago saying that I am staying in the Philippines for two months to see if I could live there or not,and I have decided that I can but before I make the big commitment I would like your advice please Bob.
Firstly I am forty years older than my fiancee and that is the reason why I don’t want to bring her to Australia, because of all the sniping that would go on because of our age difference, whereas in the Philippines all of her friends and family have accepted me, and I know that they are genuine because none of them including my fiancee have ever asked me for money.
I even tried to turn my fiancee against me because of our age difference but no matter what I came up with she always had an answer, so I finally agreed that she loved me for me only.
Bob now that I am back in Australia again I am so lonely and sad and I cant talk to anyone here about what I should do because they are all judgmental if you know what I mean, so I would like you to tell me what your thoughts are on what I should do.
I am 71 and so far have no illness, and in fact I always feel healthier when I am in the Philippines but I know that anything could happen at any time so I would have to live where there is a hospital…..maybe Cebu in case something should happen.
If I sell me house I would be able to invest $10000 into the bank to obtain a SRVV visa, so that should not be a problem, but I would leave the rest of my money invested here in Australia ( which would not be a large amount) and just live on my pension of $1400 per month for at least one year to see if nothing changes between me and my fiancee, and after that time I will then be able to plan a permanent future for us both.
Bob if I were younger I would have no hesitation in doing this but I just need a little push and advise from somebody like yourself who understands the ups and downs of living in the Philippines..
Would you be kind enough to let me know what you think of what I want to do, or maybe give me another direction to go in.
Thanks so much Bob for all of your advise in the past, and I will wait for your further advise when you are able.
Warm regards..David.
Hi David – Once you marry your fiance there is no need to get an SRRV visa or invest all of that money. Just get a 13(a) resident visa, which will cost you a couple of hundred dollars, no more than that. You are eligible for it once you marry a Philippine Citizen. I think that not needing to invest all of that money should put your mind at ease about living here.
Good luck!
how i can get a resident visa am a indian like to buy a house in makati and also to start business in makati
Hi Bob,
I am currently living in the Philippines with my wife Filipino citizen) and 2 children. I actually have 2 questions for you. First, do you have a personal idea of how long the process would take since I am already in-country? And secondly, will a the residency visa allow me to work for a local company here without a work permit? I am not the type to just sit around all day (smile).
Thanks.
Craig
Hi Craig – For information on getting a 13(a) locally, the time frames and such, read this article: My 13(a) Experience.
If you have a 13(a) Resident Visa, you still need an AEP (Alien Employment Permit) to work locally. However, having the resident visa makes it easy to get the AEP, though. But, keep in mind, local salaries are very low, and you should not expect much more than a local Filipino makes, if any more. In my opinion, self-employment is a much better way to go.
Hi again Bob,
Since I am new to this site, i just started reading some of the posts. One in particular that may affect me. I have been a contractor for the U.S. government since 2002. the last 5 years I have lived in Iraq, Afghanistan, U.S., Qatar, and now here. Police clearances in from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar are not possible as I was sponsored in those countries by our government, and not living on the locla economy.
Any thoughts?
Thanks again.
Craig
That is an issue that I really have no idea about, Craig. I believe that if you are living locally already, a police clearance is not required. However, I would recommend checking with the Bureau of Immigration to get the most accurate information on this.
well thanks bob for this info i been looking around to make sure i get the correct info, i been reading the same response from like 10 other blogs or yahoo answers. i have dual dominican and u.s citizenship due to my parents being dominican, i am planning to marry a filipina but seems i cant get a 3rd citizenship:). thanks again
yes you loose all of your government benefits like your pension, your social security, you will no longer receive it any more its like starting life over from day one so just stay as a resident.
Yes, you are correct. But I was just stating an example representing what I had to go through. I was born in the United States and my mom had Philippine citizenship. I’m assuming she had both US and Filipino passport at the time that I was born because I have an NSO birth certificate from the DFA. But I attained Filipino citizenship through my mom so I can identify myself as a “natural born” citizen.
If you are going to marry someone who is a natural born Filipina with Philippine citizenship but you are not, then maybe you can apply for Philippine citizenship or just legal permanent residence. I have’t seen any foreigners with dual citizenship who married a Filipina. If a foreigner is a Philippine citizen, most likely their mom or dad is a Philippine citizen. So I would just recommend looking up the requirements for living in the Philippines indefinitely.
Hi Bob I am going through the process of applying for resident visa 13a Here is the story so far. First visit to immigration to submit all paperwork and pay fees,you are then given date to return for interview with lawyer to check paperwork and you have financial capacity, after that finger prints and photographs taken. you are then advised when visa will be approved by looking on website,this can take a week or two. On approval yet another visit to Manila to claim ACR I card one more form to complete then you are told your card will be ready to collect in five to ten days. I hope within the next two weeks i will at last complete this saga. The point I am trying to make is even with all paperwork being in order the least number of visits made will be four,which when you live a four hour drive from immigration can become very trying beside the added cost. I also asked if i pay for the card to to be sent by register post this is not possible. The visa is only temporary and process repeated in one year, I am only pleased i payed all the express lane fees he he otherwise who knows how long this would take. I would like to add all staff there are very polite and do there best.
Thanks for sharing your experience Peter.
Hi bob, been reading through all comments here on your site and its all really helpful stuff to know. You are obviously a good person to seek advice from. I was just wondering, do you have to be married to a Philippine citizen to qualify for a Resident Visa? I am a British citizen and I have a filipina girlfriend, we have been together for over 3 years now, she stayed in England for 2 years which is where we met, and after her visa expiered she had to return home. Last year I went to the Philippines and stayed with her for 4 months, I was on a tourist visa though which was a nightmare as I had to renew every 2 months and pay fees, so sadly I had to return to England to work as I wasn’t permitted to work in the Philippines. I am going to go and visit her again next month, but only for 3 weeks this time as I have to come back to work here in in England. It’s all a bit of a nightmare at the moment as we keep being separated and all we want is to be together. I was just wondering what you advice in this situation would be.
Thanks in advance.
Chris.
Hi Chris – No, you don’t have to be married to a Philippine Citizen to be eligible for a resident visa. But, being married to a Philippine Citizen does broaden your choices. If you do not have a Philippine spouse, you are limited to either a “quota” resident visa, or an SRRV. Unfortunately, the Philippine government has a policy that they issue only 50 quota resident visas per year (that’s why they call it a quota visa). Don’t even try, because you will never get one of those. Go for the SRRV instead. To find out about the SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa) go here.
Thanks for your reply Bob, the only problem is that I am only 24 years old, so I dont think that i will qualify for SRRV Visa. Is there no type of visa that will allow me to stay in the Philippines and work legally? If there isn’t then is there a Visa that will allow me to stay in the Philippines for at least a year, but with one fee, so I don’t have to go to the BI every 2 months to update?
Thanks in advance.
Chris
I am sorry Chris. Given the information you have shared, I know of nothing I could recommend.
Hello Bob.. I appreciate all of your inputs and this is a wonderful site. My situation is similar here, I have a German (nationality) girlfriend and she is now in UK. Our plan is to get her here in the Philippines to get married, to stay and and to live. What do you think is the easiest route? Should she go for a tourist Visa, get married then apply for 13(a) Visa? Another concern is when switching, is it required for her to leave the country? Thanks in advance and more power
Hello Dale – Since you are a Philippine citizen, then yes, your wife (after you marry) can apply for a 13(a) Visa. When she switches from a tourist visa to a 13(a) she is not required to leave the country.
Sorry Bob, I forgot to mention that I am Filipino and my bride-to-be is German. 🙂
Hi Bob ,
I’m from Philippines living with my family in Malaysia. We tried to apply my husband a resident visa in Phil. Embassy and they said that they are not doin it here unless we are going to Philippines and apply it there.they also did not give us a list of requirements …..can you please give the list of requirements to us from basic to the rest? Note: we are married here in malaysia. He is also not from this country…. What and what requirements do we need here to prepare before we go to the Philippines to avoid any hassle…..
Thank you…. Waiting for your response patiently.
Gelena
I an sorry but you did not give enough information to be able to give information. Firstly, you said your husband is not Malaysian, but I need to know what is his nationality.
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your quick response.
My husband is from Nigeria.He is a student here while me and our two children are dependent to him.We would like to stay in the Philippines for good.this is our second time going to Philippines.My husband using social visa the first time we visited there and this time we are planning to go are also the same thing as well.
If any information do you still need feel free to ask .
Thank you .
I am sorry, but the truth is that I don’t know anything about immigration for Nigerian citizens. I know it is different than it is for people from the USA where I am from, but I don’t know the differences.
Hi randy thanks for the good info..My husband is applying for 13(a) .. and we ask for help from someone who is working in BI cebu…He asked for 15,000 for processing and he said that after one week, we will give him another 10,000..then another 10,000 when all the papers are done…that means we will pay 35,000 total…He said we will go to their office just once instead of 3 times…Maybe he charge much money because when i read your post,it only cost less than 6,000 peso….
Run as fast as you can, Wing. Those fees are not legitimate!
yes bob I was wondering if having felonies in the U.S will prevent me from getting my visa here in manila, my wife is filipina. I know when I get my fbi clearance it will reflect alot of past felonies so im concerned they will deny my application, what do you think. Thankyou..
Hi Don – Depending on the severity of the crimes, you should still be able to get a visa. I just finished a new book on this topic, as it is a question that I get a lot. It gives the run down of what you can do to get a visa, and how to do it. The book is just $7.99, if you are interested, please let me know. I have not yet begun to market the book, but it is ready to sell.
Hi Bob,
I am a British man married to a Filipina. We married in the UK. We moved to the Philippines in June 2012. I got my 1 year visa stamped in my passport as my wife was with me.
Now I need to go to Korea to escort my 6 year old niece to be with her parents (my wife cannot get a visa to go there, very difficult and expensive for Filipina). Upon return to the Philippines will I get another 1 year stamp if I have my wives passport and marriage certificate with me?
If not (as I suspect), what will happen, will I get a new 21 days or will my existing 1 year visa remain in place (still good for another 3months +)?
Any help or info will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Stewart
Hello Stewart – You are only eligible for the one year Balikbayan Visa if your wife is physically with you when you enter the country. Since she will not be, then you will most likely be issued a 21 day tourist visa.
I have been told of a few cases where a person in your situation has been given the 1 year Balikbayan Visa, but that is not proper under the law. You never know, you may get lucky.
Hi Bob, great information and thanks for taking the time to answer questions. My Philippine born parents were naturalized US citizens when I was born in the US. My parents acquired dual citizenship a few years ago. As a US citizen, I am currently living in the Philippines with a 13G visa (icard). I love it here in the Philippines. Can I own property here? Also, I will be expecting a baby soon here in the Philippines with my Filipina girlfriend, can my baby be a dual citizen? Thank you in advance.
Hi Mark – Sorry, since your parents were US citizens at the time of your birth, you do not qualify for Philippine Citizenship. You cannot own property in the Philippines. Because your baby will have a Philippine Citizen mother and an American Citizen father, the baby can indeed be a dual citizen.
Bob,
I sent you a message a while back on wanting info on a 13a visa. Basically you said said it would be better for me to do the paperwork before i get here in the PI. Well i didnt wasnt sure i was going to stay well i am. My queestion my wife is philippino we live in Lipa City. I have been here for 2 mths and just extended for another mth cost 6,800 peso that was at the BI. Dont know why so much anyway i want to apply for the 13a will i have to keep extending my stay until the 13a is approved or will the let me stay without paying the extension. This could run into money and also rough figures how much will a 13a visa cost. Thanks for the advice. Robert
Hi Robert – I am sorry, but you made a major mistake by not getting the 13a back in the States before coming here. The BI has made a change now, and you will have to travel back to the USA to get an FBI clearance before you can get a 13a here. If you had done everything back in the States this extra trip would not have been necessary. Sorry to tell you this, but your 13a just got a lot more expensive.
Hi Bob 🙂
I have been leaving in Philippines for nearly 4 years now on a working visa.
With my partner we are not married but we have a daughter (5 months old) do you know if it is possible to get a 13(a), 13(g) or any kind of permanent residency visa because of my daughter being Philippina.
Thank you for your help.
Regards.
Patrick
No, I am sorry, having a child here does not entitle you to any type of residence visa.
Hello Bob,
I have read all your help comments here on your site and must say it is good to have someone around like yourself mate.
I am in need of some help from you as follows:
I am married to a lovely Filipino lady and we love each other very much, at this moment in time I am on a a extended tourest visa and now seeking to get my resident visa which has 2 new requirements, a NBI check over here if your stay is over 6 months and and a Criminal Records check from the UK, I am need to know if I can process this through the British Embassy in Manila.
I would go back to the UK and process it at the Philippines Embassy in London but the requirement is that your Spouse must be the Interview after the application is accepted.
I would be most pleased Bob if you could guide me on this matter.
Wishing many days Bob.
bobDonnelly
Hi Bob – I can’t say for sure about whether the British Embassy in Manila will process this for you or not. I know that the US Embassy will not. The US criminal check, through the FBI must be processed back in the US, so Americans (like me) would have to go home to get it done. I have not heard yet about British, though.
If you go back to the UK, you don’t have to process it at the Philippine Embassy in London. Just go back and get the background check, then bring the papers back to the Philippines with you and process it here. Still, though, needing to do that travel is expensive.
Good luck to you.
Hi Bob, If you dont mind answering a question for me, l am an Australian and my girlfriend of 7 years is from the Phillppines we meet in Thailand as she was teaching there, now she has stayed with me in Ausssie for the best part of 2 years on and off.
Now she is married to a phill who happen to be a Lawyer in Davo, he will not devoice her so can l still live in the phil with her as husband and wife. thanks john
Hi John – The answer to your question is complicated. The short and easy answer is that yes, you certainly can come here and live with her. The complicated part is that you could end up in jail here if you do so. You see, if the husband wants to, he can file charges against you and his wife if you are cohabitating like that, because the lady is still married to him. The fact that he is an attorney makes the situation more dangerous if you do what you are thinking of and come here to live with her. Adultery is a crime here, and it can land you in jail. I would be very careful if I were in your shoes.
good day bob this is fila,
i just wanted to know if a permanent visa will be worthless or invalid if a foreigner spouse divorce a filipino wife.Does he need to start over again if ever he marry a filipino again? thank u
Hello Fila – If you get a permanent visa and then divorce your wife, the visa is still good. However, if at any time (while you are married or divorced) your wife goes to the Bureau of Immigration and requests that your visa is cancelled, it will be. So, your visa becoming invalid is not dependent on remaining married, it depends on the continuing approval of your wife for the visa.
thank so much bob you may help many people more thank u
You are most welcome, fila.
hello bob
good day to u bob its me again i just wanted to know and ask u if a permanent visa will expire if u wont be in the philippines for a year or two thank u again.
Hi Fila – To be perfectly honest.. this is a question that I have never been asked until now. I don’t know the answer, either. I don’t know how long you can be outside the Philippines and still keep your resident visa active. Sorry, wish I had the answer.
thank u bob its okei il try to look for the answer and research good day more power.
If you find out, Fila, please let me know! I would be interested in that. Thanks!
Hi Bob
you mean the 13(a) visa is still good, if divorce. but how about icard? icard will valid only 5years, if divorce already. how to extend icard?
sorry my bad english, hope u get what i mean
I am sorry, you misunderstood me. I specifically said that the 13a is NOT good after you divorce. It will be cancelled by the BI.
An iCard is only an ID card, it is not a visa. If your Visa is cancelled the I-Card is also no good.
Sorry for the bad news.
Bob, My brother would like to travel to the philippines on a tourist visit. He, however, only gets about $1500 a month from social security. Is that likely enough for him to get a 59 day tourist visa? He is an American citizen. The application form indicates that onward or return ticket evidence be included. If he were to get a rountrip ticket and the visa be denied, he would lose the return ticket if it were the kind that was not changeable. Thanks for your help.
hi Jason – Thanks for sharing your experience. That has mirrored my experience as well.
I’m an American who will be retiring in 5 yrs. My wife is Filipina who has become an American citizen. Our plan is to retire in the Philippines. My wife is going to get her dual citizenship. If I obtain a resident visa, will the Philippine government tax my retirement income?
If your income is not derived from a Philippine source, there will be no Philippine taxes due, provided the income is in your name and not your wife’s name.
Bob,
I live in Mindanao as well but I spend majority of my time at my farm in Makilala about an hour and half away from Davao. I have a prperty in Buhangin. I am Filipino American. Anyway, I have doing a lot of research hoping I will find the best solution to my little issue. Reading your responses, I was hoping you might be able to help me out.
My kids are American Citizens born in the Philippines. They were not Naturalized per say but considered as “Americans Born Abroad”. Can they get the 13 series visa? (Permanent Residence Visa) The mother is still a Filipino citizen and because of work, I cannot apply for the visa or dual citizenship. I want it just for the kids since they are goign to be living in the PI until they are adults. I want to avoid the dual citizenship route as much as possible. It may hinder them in the future in case they want to do what I am doing.
Let me know if you got any ideas. I went to the BI in Davao and I was flatly told by the officer there to to lie on the Passport Application and put “NO” on the part that asked if the applicant is a passport holder of another country. I am definitely not doing that. That is FRAUD and my job has ways of finding out stuff like that. Not good. Thanks!
Hi Seigfreid – No, I am sorry, your kids do not qualify for a 13 series visa, as they are not married to a Philippine Citizen. I would highly recommend doing the dual citizenship route. There are very few cases under which that would hurt them at all.
Hi Bob, I am german and getting different info about the cost of conversion from balikbayan visa to Permanent Resident. Are you familiar with the total cost of that visa today? I was at a private office, they ask for ridiculus 106 k pesos…
Hi Sir Bob,Ive read your site everyday what’s the latest news. I really appreciated your did because you are not Filipino by blood but your helping for those filipinas married a foreigner and you give them an ideas what to do.I salute your deed.Always posting.God bless..
I married American guy last June 2012.At first he got 21 days to stay in the Philippines but within that 21 days we should get married. He overstayed here because his passport has no JR. indicated because in the US it doesn’t matter but here in the Philippines is very strict for that,it should be your birth certificate and passport are the same name. So what we did we always filed extensions that it costs badly until he was stayed here for 1 year. The immigration told him to leave the country including your wife to stamp BalikBayan Stamp.So we leave the country June 18 and we back here June 20,2013 to stamp the visa of my husband Balikbayan Stamp.So we have no payment for 1 year he stayed here but the ACRI card we paid it already it cost 2,500 pesos 1 year validity (2013).Last year (2014 ) we filed probationary that it costs almost P 15,000.00 including the ACRI card,that is the costs of whole year but he needs to report in Immigration Gensan last January or February 2015 and paid P 350.00. Yesterday we went to Davao Immigration to file his permanent Visa it costs P 8,960.00 including the ACRI card.This coming July 9 is our hearing for his permanent Visa.
My question is my husband is planning to go back in the US for work next year while hes status in his visa living here permanently, that status sir bob is invalid?thanks
Unfortunately, if your husband is gone for a year, his 13a resident visa will be cancelled, and he will have to start over again from the start.
Looking forward to asking questions at a later time and hearing your response
OK. I will answer your questions if I can, John.
Hi Bob,
I found your website really very interesting,thank you for helping to those in need of answers to their questions like me.I am a Filipina and right now im back here from working in Singapore 1 yr ago.I met my boyfriend 2 years ago,he is from US and visited me here last year for almost 2 months.My question is,what visa he can apply to stay long here or me going to him in US?We cant be married yet because the lawyer who handle my annulment cheated us, for the meantime can we stay together without marrying either here or US?Sorry for the trouble,thank you and hope you will help us.If you do not mind can i have your personal email….again,thank you so much…..
Really, Vine, given that you cannot get married, he is pretty much limited to either a tourist visa or an SRRV. Be very careful about living together, since you are married. Your husband, even though you are separated, can bring charges against you for adultery.
Good luck.
Hi Bob,
I find your website full of useful advice and I am very glad that it exists to help guys like me.
I am a UK citizen and am unhappily married and have a Filipina girl friend who I will join to live in the Philippines very soon. I am presently drawing my pension of about GBP850 per month. (USD1290 or PHP54530)
Having read many articles I presume that the best option for me is the SRRV route.
Also would you please confirm for me:
– how I will qualify for the SRRV?
– will I be able to work under an SRRV?
– the deposit, when and how do I get it back? Also can I use it towards the purchase of a house in Philippines?
– One advantage of the SRRV route is that should my relationship or even marriage fail I will not lose my right to reside in the Philippines?
– What is my my position regarding property ownership? I understand that only Philippine citizens can own property. So it is not until I gain citizenship that I can gain property rights?
Many thanks for your advice.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi Richard – Thank you, I’m glad you find the website useful.
To answer your various questions:
1. Each of the different flavors of SRRV have different requirements. As long as you are 40 years of age or higher, you will qualify for an SRRV.
2. Yes, with an SRRV, work is allowed.
3. You will get your deposit back when you leave the Philippines and relinquish your SRRV.
4. No, you cannot purchase a house in the Philippines. As a foreigner, you cannot legally own real estate. You could purchase a condo, though, with your SRRV investment.
5. Yes, you are correct.
6. As said previously, you cannot own property legally as a foreigner. Yes, if you become a citizen you can. However, it will take 10 years before you can apply for citizenship, probably 2 years to gain citizenship after you apply… and you will be required to relinquish your UK citizenship if you want to be a Philippine citizen.
Thanks a lot Bob, I am most grateful for your advice.
You are most welcome, Richard.
When I get to Phil, and I am in Davao I would like to buy to a “pie and a pint” as we say in UK. It would be nice to meet up and have chat over a pint!
I will be looking forward to that, Richard! Sounds like a plan!
Hi Bob,
I am 53 yrs of age an d will try to get the SRRV classic without pension.
Therefore I have to deposit $20000.- used for an investment in a condo or long term lease for a house. My Girlfriend and myself own already 2 houses and don’t need a 3th one……any other ways or whatelse can I do to get the money back?
Thanks Peter
by the way we stay in Matina and we may catch up one day
Hi Peter – One thing that might be a consideration is that you could use your investment money to purchase a condo, then rent that condo out for income. At the end of your time living in the Philippines, you could then sell the condo and recover your investment.
Hi Bob,
Can you please help me.
I am going to apply for an SRRV visa and one the documents I need to provide is a medical report. Can you please let me know where I can find the scope of this medical examination i.e. what it must cover to be valid for my visa application.
Maybe you can point me to a website that gives this scope.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Richard
Hi Richard, you should check with the Philippine Retirement Authority. They are the folks who issue the SRRV and could provide you with the most accurate answer to your question.
Thanks Bob, hope that you are having a good day.
Hi Bob my question to you is how long will it take to get an extension visa for my 11 yrs. old grandson,he traveled with me here .His parents are both residing in USA.
Thank you for your time,kindly appreciated
Liza Faulk
Generally, it just takes a couple of hours to do a visa extension.
Hi Bob, I read all of the posts here and i find it very informative. I want to share something hoping i can get information about my concerns. I am a Filipina legally married to American citizen for years, he still working in US and always come home, twice or once a year and stay for 21 days her in the Philippines. We got property and business here, I never been in US, though my husband had petitioned me for a fiancee visa last 2005 before the marriage, i chose to stay in the Philippines for good. My husband and I don’t have kids,only taking care of my relatives kids to filled the house of kids noise. Then this year i decided to foster a child from DSWD,they matched me to a less than 3 years old baby girl, my husband and i fall in love with the baby and want to adopt her, my question is, if my husband get his permanent visa the 13a visa, will it help us to process domestic adoption for our foster baby now? He is coming home next week and we really need advise to start the paper works for adoption. They pushed inter country adoption for the baby but its too expensive to do,and my husband have a plan of retiring here in the Philippines but he is just 49 years old now and it takes a while, i read it here that 13a Visa allow foreigner to purchase property, do business, and work legally in the Philippines, i want to know if my husband and i can file domestic adoption for our foster child if he get a permanent resident visa 13 a. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you and more power!
Hi Marisyl – I am not an expert on this, but I do believe that having a permanent visa will help your husband in the adoption process. However, he will not be able to buy or own land, regardless of a 13a visa. Only a citizen of the Philippines can own land.
Good luck on the adoption, I hope it goes smoothly!
I think 13 “A” visa never expired.. that is permanent just the ACR-I CARD expires and need to renew..
I think i am correct..
SAM
You are right, a 13 series resident never expires.
hallo,
how much are the coast for permanent residence? some told me they ask 80 T pesos.
after one year the same procedure?
regards
Fritz
Hello Fritz – There are many different ways to achieve permanent resident, and the cost is different with each method. I know of no method that requires you to pay that amount, though.
I’m a single US citizen living in the Philppines for over 5 years and I’ve been told by a local “attorney/fixer” that I could Naturalize in the Philippines using my PRA visa. My PRA visa rep. tells me I can’t but I think he does not know the law.
Also I’ve been a teacher here in the Philippines for over 2 years and I would like to qualify the the exception to the 10 year rule which allows me to naturalize after 5 years.
Do I have a chance at Naturalization after 5 years using my PRA visa and the teacher exception to the 10 year rule ? ?
Thanks
Seven Frazier
Hello Bob. What if you are an American and 8 years late on your visa in the Manila area and you have been living here and have a wife and a few kids. What would one need to do to fix that? Do you know the process one would have to go through for something like that? Will the person go to jail over not having a visa for that long even though he is married with kids or is there some kind of automatic citizenship or visa since it has been 8 years and married with kids?
Hello Jay – Really there is only one thing you can do. Go to the Bureau of Immigration and make it right. You will be fined for your overstaying, but it is doubtful that you will end up in jail. They will add up all of the months that you were late, fees due and penalties, and assess a total. I don’t know how much it will be because it depends on factors that I don’t know, like what type of visa you have, etc.
There is no “citizenship” available to you. The fact that you are married and have kids will also not be relevant. You will just have to pay what is due.
Good luck.
Hi Bob,
Just a related question. I have a mate who would like to move to the Philippines and marry his lady. The trouble is he doesn’t want to spend the money for the annulment process. They are both mature age. I checked with an attorney and apparently it is legal to be self represented in an annulment case. Have you you ever heard of that being done.
Nick
I have not heard of that being done, but perhaps it is possible. I will say, though, that the process takes a minimum of about 7 years even for an experienced attorney. For an amateur, it could take a lifetime.
Hello Bob,
I’ve been a reader of your Blog on and off for many years. Always appreciated an excellent info and articles on your sites. I sponsored and was married to Filipino woman for a couple of years till she had an affair with her boss. I decided to divorce her.
Now am retired, my pension is OK. Lately I’ve been a friend to a lady who seems to have good moral values. She lives in Cebu. Her status is ‘married’ even though her husband left her long time ago. She started the annulment process but I know it takes a long time.
The question is: Is it even legal to have a relationship in Ph. with a woman who is still married?
I heard about the foreigner guy who got arrested and spend time in jail for that. For sure wouldn’t want to put myself in a situation like that.
I’d appreciate a comment by you or somebody who knows this particular law there.
Thanks in advance, Ted
Hi Ted – What you heard is true. If the relationship becomes sexual in any way, that is illegal, and you can end up in jail…. or blackmailed by the husband!
Thanks Bob,
Never had any trouble with the law in my whole life so will not take any chances with that lady for sure. I really appreciate your reply. You helped so many people over the years to avoid troubles in Ph.
I’ve a highest respect for you Bob. Ted
Hi Bob, is it possible to apply for Temporary Resident Visa by Marriage through a Philippines Embassy abroad?
I’m confused as In his website http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=35 at no.5 they mentioned: Photocopy of applicant’s Passport (bio-page, admission and authorized stay of at least twenty (20) days from date of filing).
I haven’t stayed in Philippines for more than 20 days. So can you please guide me in this regard?
Thanks
Hi Shaker – Yes you can apply for your resident visa at any Philippine Consulate or Embassy in the world. Just call them and request an application, they will send it to you.
Greetings Mr. Bob,
I am a Filipino citizen and married to an indian nationality. Sir I would like to have an idea what are the requirements and fees in acquiring TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISA for my husband who is currently in India right now.
Thank you and hoping for a reply as soon as possible.
I am sorry, but Philippine Immigration laws are different for Indians than for Westerners. I don’t know the laws for Indians. Very sorry. I would recommend that you check with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, or the Philippine Embassy in India.
Dear Bob,
I’m really thankful that you take time on making this blog.it’s very helpful .
By the way, my American husband & I are planning to retire in the Philippines.I am a dual Citizen.
We need to bring his daughter ( my step-daughter) with us; she’s an autistic kid a 28 yr old.
I need your help ….what kind of Philippine visa you could advise for my step-daughter?
Thank you so much!
Ann
Better check with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to see if they can help you with his child. I have heard of the Philippines having some flexibility in such cases, but I don’t know for sure. Would love to help, but I just don’t know the accurate answer on this one.
Bob,
I just read with interest the previously post about a foreigner who was arrested and spent time in jail for having a sexual relationship with a Pinay who was legally “married” but separated from her husband for some time while residing in the Philippines.
Here’s my question: My fiancé was married civilly approximately 26 yrs ago in the Philippines to a Pinoy. About 16 yrs ago they separated and each has gone their own way. He remains in the Philippines and she has since been in HK as a domestic helper in order to support / educate her children. I’ve known, met, and fell in love with her over the years. Since our meeting she has a legal document from the PI government (the document was “fixed”) stating her legal status is “single” in order for us to legally marry in HK in the near future.
If we marry in HK and return to the Philippines to live and eventually retire, how will our marriage in HK be recognized in the Philippines? Her ex-husband is unaware of our relationship but I certainly want no problems with him nor spend any time in a Philippine jail!
I realize you’re not an atty. but really enjoy your website. Thanks for all of your help and all you do.
Frank
Hi Frank – Thanks for stopping by, and for leaving your comment!
How did she get that document that declares her as single? Did she go through the process of getting an annulment in the Philippines? If so, everything should be good to go.
If she obtained that document in some other way, that sounds very fishy to me, and I would tread with extreme caution.
Getting an annulment is a long process, it takes years, and it is quite expensive too, so I just wonder if she completed that process. I’d just advise that you should check carefully and make sure that the document was obtained in a legal way, and that it is legitimate.
Good luck to you.
Dear Bob
Thank you so much for your good info. I use them so much.
I am going to Filipino girl so soon. We can say it is in progress. I want to know how I can get Philippines Passport? is it possible?
How can I send you privet email?
Best regards
Hamid
If you are not a Philippine citizen, you cannot get a Philippine Passport.
hi bob,
i m currently living in philippines and i got only 1 month stay visa here..i m indian and i want to marry my filipina gf and i want to know whether the indians also get the citizenship and how to apply for that..whether i also need to stay here for 10 continous years..please suggest..
Irfan
Hi Irfan – I am sorry, on this question I can’t be of much help. I know that some nations have different rules when it comes to Philippine Immigration, and I know that India is one of them. I don’t know the rules when it comes to India. Wish I could help, but I really don’t have any idea.
hi Bob,
how are you? so glad to see your site, im a filipina born here in Philippines & i would like to ask if how am i gonna process the resident visa of my american husband from hawaii? we met 2010 & every month he go back & forth from hawaii-philippines for 1yr. then since dec 2011 till now he never went back to hawaii, we just have his visa stamp for extension every 2mos. we are married now for almost 1yr and we now have a 1 yr old daughter. since we are decided to stay here we would like to apply for his resident visa but not so sure about how to process & what are requirements? & also i would like to ask f is it possible for me to get my baby a dual cirizenship visa or passport? i badly need help.. seems u know a lot about this stuff.. looking forward for your reply..
thank you! God Bless! 🙂
Hi Andrea – You won’t process the visa, he will! The visa is for him, and he will be the one to do it. Of course you can help. How? Get an application form from either the Philippine consulate where he is from, or from the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. Fill out the form, submit it with the required supporting documents and pay the fees. Since you are married, he would be eligible for a 13a resident visa. It is not too hard to get, just follow the instructions provided at the Bureau of Immigration (same place where you are currently getting visa extensions).
Your baby should already be a Philippine Citizen, since she was born here and you, her mother, are a Philippine Citizen. She can also get US citizenship by having your husband go to the US Embassy in Manila and apply for it.
Good luck to you.
hi’ I am an English man and I married my girlfriend on 29/6/13. we got married here in Philippines. I am applying for resident visa,. I have sent to London for police clearance, My police record is very bad and I have been to prison in England. I am worried this will sop me getting resident visa,,
All you can do at this point is see what they say.
Hi Bob,
I am 56 years of old and Singaporean. I wish to retire and live in Phil. Recently i purchased a condo in Manila at a price of USD 220K in my name. Please advise if i need to do any thing more to qualify for SRRV visa.
Thanks in advance for your help
Cheers
dk
Hi dksid – Did you already have approval from the PRA for that condo purchase to be part of your investment for the SRRV? If they did not approve it before purchase, you won’t be able to count that toward your investment requirement.
Best to get any further requirements from the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority), they will give you a list of exactly what they need from you.
I want to permanently live in the Philippines because I have a son now by a filipina woman and the economy agrees with me and my income. Can I get residency with my son’s birth certificate?
No, you cannot. You can still live here on a tourist visa. If you marry here, then you can get permanent residence.
Bob – Can you show where the requirement for the work permit on a 13a comes from? The DOLE order 97-09 clearly states that foreigners with ‘resident status’ are exempt from obtaining the Alien Employment Permit. (Sec2 – g)
Anecdotal evidence is that if you ask at the BI, they say it is required. Sometimes at the DOLE they say it is not, sometimes they say it is required too. I would advise to at least seek to get an AEP. Of course, that is only my advice, and each person can follow whatever path they feel is best.
hi’ bob. i am here in philippines and i was married 6/29/13. i am here under tourist visa and my wive and me want to stay here.you say its better and quicker to get visa in london. My question is; can my son apply for the visa for me and send it to me or must i do in person.???
Hi Michael – To be honest, I have never had anybody ask me if another person can take care of the visa application for them. To be honest, I don’t know the answer to that, but my feeling is that you would need to be there and do it yourself.
My boyfriend is a Filipino and I am from Scotland I would like to live there in the Philippines is a visa hard to get? And does it take long time ?
Hi Emma – You don’t qualify for a resident visa until you and your boyfriend are married. For now, just enter on a tourist visa and you can extend it for up to 16 months. After 16 months you just leave the country, go to Thailand or Hong Kong for a day, and return, which will start another 16 month clock.
Here’s something else to think about: If you DO get a resident visa in the Philippines, you must, unlike any other country in THE WORLD, keep $10,000 in a Philippine bank savings account….and never touch it again. Then, you can pay an annual fee to immigration (this is the “annual check-in) that is about the same as renewing your visa every 2 months. My advice, just extend your visa, travel the east every year, and don’t spend all your money in the Philippines.
That is absolutely incorrect, Wade. That is for an SRRV, not for a 13 series resident visa. I have had a 13g resident visa for more than 13 years and I don’t have any such account as you describe. The annual check in is P310 per year, not much in my view. The renewing every 6 months costs $75 to $100 for 2 months. So, I hardly see how $7 is the same as $600 or so. You need to get better information, my friend. Also, please don’t use my site to spread lies and disinformation.
Hi Bob,
I would like to ask how to get a permanent resident in the Philippines if I am single?
What if i was a previous Filipino Citizen who is now a citizen of another country and would
like to go for a long term stay in the Philippines? What is the best application form I should take?
Thanks
Nyx
If you are a former Philippine citizen you have two choices:
1. Apply for a 13good visa.
2. Apply for dual citizenship.
I would recommend #2.
Thank you for the advise Bob. I guess the 1st option would be the best as my current country does not allow dual citizenship. Do you happen to know what documents are needed and amount of fees for the application?
Hi Nyx – You can get that information here: http://howtomovetothephilippines.com/getting-a-resident-visa-to-live-in-the-philippines/
Hi Bob
I did see a requirement (not here) for ‘proof of residency in your home city or town’ for 13 visa. Have you heard of this? What sort of thing are they after? I’m from the UK and that sort of thing doesn’t exist here.
Regards
Hi Paul – I have never heard of such a requirement. Sorry.
Hi Bob I have red the thread and everything is helpful . I do have also questions hope you can help me find the answers, I am a filipina married to an Egyptian,currently we’ re in Egypt but few weeks from now we will Be in Philippines.
I inquire in Philippine Embassy hre and the only visa they can give is tourist visa for 1 month only. i tried to asked regarding multiple entry visa apparently they won’ t give,honestly even me I cant understand Why like that. As we arrive in Philipines we should apply immediately 13a Or 13g visa? Or Since most likely we will Be staying in Philippines for good. How mch the 13 series visa? Do we have to get police clearance from here ( egypt) and bring it with us in Philippines,as a requirement for 13 series visa?
Thanks——
Hi jobelle – I am sorry, but Philippine Immigration laws are different for people from Egypt than they are for Americans like me. I do not know the laws that govern Egyptians. You will need to inquire at the Bureau of Immigration. Wish I could help, but this is something that I do not know.
Bob,
My partner Cristine (filipina) & our son Matthew (Aust citizen by descent)born in Manila were departing Manila for Sydney on Friday 13th Sept.Immigration advised that my son (australian passport holder) would not be permitted to depart the Philippines until he registered at the bureau of immigration???What do you advise i should do?
Martin
I suppose that if they say that he must register with the BI before he leaves, then he should register with the BI.
My question… is your son a dual citizen, Philippines and Australia? If so, did he show a Philippine Passport (and an Australian) when he entered the country? If not, then he will owe fes to the country for overstaying his visa, I would guess, based on what happened.
Bob,thanks for your prompt reply.My son was born in the Philippines to a Filipina mother,he showed an Australian passport(Aust citizen by descent)The only reference i can find to registering with Bi is as an Alien,which he is not.Surely as a natural born citizen of the Philippines & Aussie passport holder he should be allowed to depart
How long did your son stay in the Philippines?
Bob,my son was born in the Philippines 5months ago & has never left
OK, that gives me the information I need to answer you. Your problem is that your son is a dual citizen, but when he attempted to leave on Sep 13 he showed only an Australian Passport. I assume that he does not have a Philippine Passport, or that if he has one he did not show it when he attempted to leave. The problem is that when a person shows a passport, that person is declaring that he is a citizen of the country that issued the passport (Australia). If he did not have, or did not present his Philippine Passport, then he is not declaring himself to be a citizen of the Philippines. As a foreigner, he must have some kind of registration with the BI.
The proper procedure would be to obtain a Philippine Passport for your son. When exiting the country, show both passports, and there should be no problem. The Philippine passport will allow your child to leave the country, and the Aussie passport will show that he is eligible to enter Australia without the need for a visa.
This is my opinion, but I feel very certain about this.
Good luck.
Can you please tell me how much tax on monthly salary foreigners with prrmanent visa pay? Tanks in advance.
Luigi
If your income is derived from outside the Philippines, there is no tax at all on that. For income derived in the Philippines, there are variables, and I cannot give a simple answer on that.
Great job Bob.
Thank you Dominic.
Bob,
My boyfriend is planing to live and stay in the Philippine,do we need to get married first before he can apply for 13(a)?and using that residency visa can he able to buy land in the Philippine?
Mae
Yes, he must marry before he can apply for a 13a visa.
He cannot purchase property in the Philippines. Only a Philippine citizen may own property in the Philippines.
Hi Bob, I read somewhere for employment in Philippines in addition to 13 series visa you will also need an “alien employment permit” is this the case?
Cheers
Frankie
Hi Frankie – If you have a 13 series resident visa, you should not need an AEP. If you have another type of visa and want to work, that is when you need an AEP.
.Hi Bob
I am from Pakistan.My age is 37.My education qualification is master in business administration.
I have my girl friend in philippine and we are both agree to get marry. For this i want to immigration visa/nationality of phillipine so that i can go, live and work in Philippine.Kindly guide me how can i get immigration visa/nationality of phillipine from Pakistan and which documents i need to submit
Hello Ahmed,
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.
good for you not come in phippines,here no work.try to other country.if u hv money spend here in phlip.
There are many ways to make good money in the Philippines.
I understand the not owning property in the Philippines unless a citizen just as in Hawaii or Guam not allowed to property unless a native however in both cases you were allowed to lease land for up to 99 years and then build to your hearts content and you owned what was on top of the land. Not a lawyer but it seems this would be possible in the Philippines as well. Is this the case? I plan to retire in the philippines in the next few years and figure a lease will out live me. Also, if I am there on a resident vias based on my spouse, what happens if she passes away before me, do I have to leave or what?
Mr.Ismail Marsh
Hello. How can I live in philippines with my philippina fiance and my daughter? We have been engaged for 4 years now and plan to marry as soon as i get there. I am an American working in SaudiArabia as an ESL teacher and send my fiance 2600 Saudi Riyals a month for shopping and housing.
Thanks. Love your site.
700 dollars a month for food and housing.
Hello Isma,
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.
Dear Bob ..i am a US citizen with a filipina girl friend and i have a child with her ..we are not planning to get married ..my question is is it possible to get permanent resident visa if i have a a filipino child ( 1 yr) and one more question ..if i marry her and apply and get a resident visa ..can it be converted to a filipino citizenship at any certain time ..
Thanks in advance
Hi Robert – Having a child does not entitle you to any special privileges in terms of getting a visa. The only type of resident visa you would qualify for is an SRRV, which can be expensive to get. The only way to get a 13 series resident visa is if you marry.
You mentioned Philippine Citizenship. Do you plan to give up your US Citizenship? That is the only way a foreigner can become a Philippine Citizen. Philippine dual citizenship is only legal for people who are former Philippine Citizens.
Hi Bob,
I am an Indian married to a Philippna and both of us working here in middle east. We are planning to settle in Philippines in the near future , me by a 13 a visa. Your site is so informative and helpful for people like me. You are doing a grate service. I like to subscribe to your Newsletter.
Thank you Babu, I am happy that the site has been a help to you! Enjoy your life in the Philippines!
I just applied for the 13avisa with interview set this coming weds. We did the documents ourselves and it was not difficult. My question however is due to medical needs i must return to us every 6 mos to see doctors-will this be a problem affecting the 13a? Are there any fees involved to depart say for 3 weeks and return and most importantly will this impact the pending 13a. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as we have discovered that the immigration dept is not all the helpful.
Coming and going should not be a problem. You will have to pay the travel tax, which is under P2,000.
Hi Mr Bob,
i am married with a wonderful husband from usa. He plans to stay with me here in the Philippines for a while maybe a max of 10 months or less than a year, we are actually thinking of whats the best thing to do or what kind of visa should we be getting? i have read in this blog that he can have the 13 a if im not mistaken .. But what if also he decided to study here for 6 months.. we were thinking of doing a crash course together that we can use in the future.. and how much will this visa’s cost..
Thank you so much..
And ohh btw u have a nice/ great blog
Hi jaizza – If he will be staying to study, the 13a is good for that too. It would allow him the right to study or even work in the Philippines.
Another option would be the Balikbayan Visa, which would allow him up to one year stay in the country. The only catch is that when he re-enters the country, you will need to be with him if he wants to get another Balikbayan Visa.
hi bib! I live in the usa and I have met a beautiful woman from the Philippines we are very much in love and I would like to move and live there permanently, I have made some mistakes in my past and have a felony criminal record. would this prevent me from obtaining a 13 a visa? I have no outstanding criminal issues, it was all about fifteen years ago.
Hi Ken – It may or may not present a problem, depends on the nature of the crime. If it was a violent crime, that would probably make it tough to get a 13a.
I have a book on this topic, you can get it for only $7.99. Check here.
Hi Bob,
Do I need an immigrant visa for my 2 year old? what type? Both of us, myself and my spouse are Returning former Philippine Citizen so we fall under the category of non-quota immigrant visa. but how do I go about with my toddler?
One quick question too and i hope you don’t mind, why did you decide to settle in the Philippines? What’s the thing you find interesting in my home country that you didn’t find in yours? 🙂 (just asking) Thanks!
Thanks
Hi Cindy – Unless your 2 year old is a Philippine Citizen, he will need a visa. Since you and your spouse are both former Philippine Citizens, that means you apply for a 13g Resident Visa, and your child does too. That is what you should apply for, since you are no longer a citizen. Alternatively, you can apply for dual citizenship and include your child in your application, then you will all be citizens of the USA and of the Philippines and will not need a visa to go to or stay in either country.
As for why I decided to move to the Philippines, I have written about that on this site dozens of times. Search the site a little more. In short, I did it because that is what I wanted to do, and after living here for nearly 14 years, it is something that has worked out well for me.
Hi! My question might be off the topic, but I want to know because this confuses me a lot and I couldnt find answers in any websites – Im filipina married to an American citizen, he stayed here for 16 months now exactly with out 7 month old daughter, (he arrived here July 2012, and he does his 2-month visa extension – and he got an ECC stamp saying, he needed that when exiting the Philippines) he planned to go to Hong Kong just this Nov 2, 2013, but got denied because he didnt obtain the ECC. So we got mad because I actually called the BI asking them what the reqmts are when leaving and re-entering the PI, but didnt say anything. Anyways, I did my research and found out that the ACR card CAN BE the ECC. Is this correct? Otherwise, he just wasted a good 8,000php flight tickets. Thank you very much!
For a holder of a 13a or 13g visa, an I-Card can be an ECC. However, as far as I know, it cannot be an ECC for a tourist visa holder.
Bob,
I haven’t seen any post here in awhile, but it like what I have been reading. I am attempting to goto the
Phillipines in May of next year. I am not marrige to a Filipino resident as of yet. I extend on marring her after I retire out of the Navy next July. My understanding is as a US citizen, I am allowed a no cost visa for 30 days. My question is, am I going to have to leave the country every 30 days until means her get married?
Ok sorry for the bad English, I speak patios and it gets the better of me, and auto correct does not help. Anyway would I have to leave basically every couple of days or months until I am married to a filipino citezen?
No, you can stay up to 16 months before you have to leave.
That is exactly correct, you get a 30 day “visa waiver” upon entry. You do not need to leave every 30 days, the 30 day visa waiver can be renewed every 2 months for a period of up to 16 months. After 16 months you will have to leave and then return, that is called a “visa run”.
HI”BOB
Im tita riggle im married a american man 3yrs im so lote of question in my mind becouse m the stage of always fithng together..she dont give sport in me and my kids he in here in the phils now,i told him youre overstying in 3yrs here in the phils?and he told me no im not overstying..what can i do rigth now?he always told me i kill you?many times told me i go to the immgration in davao to report then immgration he dnt call me hwat can i do in my life?
Hello Tita Riggle – I cannot say that I fully understand everything you have written, but let me make a few points, which I hope will be of assistance to you.
1. I can’t say whether your husband is overstaying, having been here for 3 years. It all depends on what type of visa he has. For example, I have been in the Philippines for nearly 14 years now, but I am not overstaying because my visa allows me to stay in the Philippines for the rest of my life.
2. If your husband is threatening to kill you, that is very serious. I am not any kind of expert, but it would be my opinion that you should probably try to get out of the situation you are in. You might need to contact the police, or the immigration department and report the threats that he is making. If you do that, it is likely that some kind of action can be taken to protect you and your children from any violence.
bob help me to my prblem…
he dont register my son in us embassy and he dnt want to go the us embassyi dnt know why bob?
Hi Tita Riggle – While in my opinion, it would be the best thing for your husband to report the birth of the child to the Embassy in Manila, so that your son can claim his US citizenship, your husband is under no legal obligation to make such a report. It is his choice to make. If he does not want to do so, he doesn’t have to do it.
Good luck to you.
I recently purchased a book from you, How to live like a King,. Seems like it is not coming. So what is happening?
Hello alistair – Thank you for letting me know. Actually, a download link was sent to you, but maybe it ended up in your Spam folder.
I have e-mailed you a copy of the book for your convenience.
Hello bob! Im a Filipina and my fiancée from U.S, I have questions regarding what and how to apply a visa that will able to help him stay here in Philippines for 3 years. His coming this January and we get married as soon as possible when he come. Can he start working the papers for the visa while he still there in U.S? Please help us. I’ve read many cases in your site but I’m not sure which to follow. Thanks in advance
Until you and your fiance marry, he does not qualify for a long term visa. Best thing for him is to just enter on a tourist visa (which can be extended up to 16 months), then after you marry he can apply for a 13a resident visa.
Hi there!
I’ve got a 13a visa permanent, do you know if I can attend schools in the philippines or do I still need a student visa? Much thanks in advance!
If you have a 13a resident visa, that is all you need to study.
Wow thanks so much for the quick response. You are definitely a great help to many people. Fantastic work! Keep it up, thanks again!
Funny I see this today, Riza became a US citizen today !
I am a Vietnamese Citizen, I would like to ask you that I used mission visa in Philippines for 2 years, each year I came back my country once. The time expired, I transferred my mission visa to tourist visa to have more 8 months in Philippines. I am now having a tourist visa. I wonder if I have to make clearance it before leaving Philippines or not. My tourist visa will expire on 21 May next year. On 20 May can I come back my country without needing to make clearance like other visa?
Thank you for your reply.
Hi Dang – I am not 100% sure that I understand what you are asking me. Based on what you said… my answer would be that if you have been in the Philippines for 6 months or longer, you must obtain Exit Clearance before you leave. You would get that at the Bureau of Immigration. Once you leave the Philippines, the dates on the visa are no longer relevant, and you can then re-enter the Philippines at any time and begin a new round of tourist visa extensions.
Hey Bob, me again. I will be trying to move to the Philippines where my fiance is around July, but I don’t want to have to leave the country once I get there. Can I apply for a 13a visa before we’re married? Or do I need a ticket going out of the country so I can get in on a tourist visa and then apply for a 13a once we’re married (if it’s legal to do it that way).
Hello MVH – No, you cannot apply for a 13a before marriage. You will need to come here on a tourist visa, then apply for the 13a after marriage.
Hi Bob!
I’m Angelo, a Timor Leste (East Timor) citizen. I have wife and a baby in the Philippines and I want them to come and stay in Timor Leste. what are the requirements I need to fulfil at BI so that I may take them to Timor Leste? Do I need to write a letter of invitation to them like in US and other countries? I’m looking forward to your answer and hopefully it will help me. Any answers from you will be highly appreciated.
Sincerely Yours,
Angelo
Hi Angelo – The Bureau of Immigration would have nothing to do with your desire to bring your family to Timor Leste. The BI is for people coming into the Philippines, not leaving the Philippines. You would need to check with your government as to what the requirements are, not the Philippine Government.
I am sorry, I do not know what the requirements are.
MR. BOB PLS HELP ME I NEED YOUR ADVICE, IM A FIIPINO GREEN CARD HOLDER, MOTHER OF 2 U.S CITIZEN KIDS UNDER 5 yrs old. I AM GOING FIR A VACTION TO PHILIPINES, AND DROP OFF MY KIDS TO MY MOTHER AND FAMILY.. MY US CITIZEN GIRLS MINOR WILL HAVE TO STAY FOR 2 YEARS IN PHILIPPINES, SO I CAN BE ABLE TO WORK HERE IN FLORIDA. My QUESTION IS, WHAT VISA DO THEY NEED TO STAY FOR 2 years in philippines? As a U.S CITIZEN MINOR KIDS? Is it possible
? pls advice need thank you!
Hello Ritch – If you are the father of the children, and you are a Philippine Citizen, then your children are eligible to be dual citizens. I would recommend that you file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where the kids were born, get their Philippine Citizenship recognized. Then they can stay in the Philippines for as long as you wish.
Hi good day! I just want to ask if how long it takes to get the permanent residence visa. Me and my fiance are going to philippines to get marriend and we are planning to live there,so if a tourist visa can be extented until we get the residence visa? And what we need to do or any suggestion to mke the application faster. Thanks alot
For full information on resident visa, check here: http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
I wanted a pr for Philippines and y age is 29 yrs. can anyone help me in doing that. and the information for that on what I should do
If you are married to a Filipina then you can get a 13 series resident visa for permanent residency. If you are not married to a Filipina, your only real choice is an SRRV (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa).
I wanted a pr for Philippines and y age is 29 yrs. can anyone help me in doing that. and the information for that on what I should do
If you are married to a Filipina then you can get a 13 series resident visa for permanent residency. If you are not married to a Filipina, your only real choice is an SRRV (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa).
with the criminal back ground check , i am 51 and have a conviction from 1981 , it was not a problem when i applied for the k-1 visa for my wife ( she is here and we are married ) will it be a problem with the 13a visa ? also i am on government disability of over 900 a month , will that be sufficient funds to live on there , last question , what us banks are affiliated with the philippine banks ? thank you for youb help bob
Hi Gary – Criminal background is not an issue when applying for a visa to bring your wife/fiancee to the USA, but when applying to come here and live in the Philippines it is something that is considered. You did not say what kind of crime you were convicted of, so I don’t know if it will be an issue. If it was some type of violent crime, it could create problems for you in getting a resident visa. But, if it was not violent, it probably will not be a problem.
In my opinion, $900 per month is tight. Of course it can be done, most local residents live on less than half of that amount. But, for a westerner, we are not accustomed to that type of life and it will be difficult to make in on $900 in my view. I would be looking to come up with an income of $1500 or so to be comfortable. But, can you do it? Of course.
thanks bob , it was not a violent crime , ” theft by unlawfull taking and conspiracy ” no gun , no knife , no person involved , took from business when they were closed , i do have other income from an apartment building , but just wanted to make sure 900 would be ok for the everyday things , i do have one more question , i have an older gmc suburban and a harley that i would like to ship there , it is possible ? and would you have an idea on who to contact about it , and again thank you very much for the information
Forget about the car, gary, save yourself a lot of hassle and get rid of it. Firstly, it is not legal to bring in any vehicle more than 5 years old, and you said it is an “older” vehicle. Secondly, the import tax is 100% of the value of the vehicle. Cheaper to sell it, then buy a vehicle here.
Hi bob, my fiance will renounce his citizenship in philippines after we get married, so it is possible to apply a 13a visa without the original passport with him?
Thanks and more power!
Hi Lei – That would be a huge mistake to renounce one’s citizenship unless he has a second citizenship. He will effectively be a man without a country if he renounces without obtaining another citizenship.
The answer to your question is no, you cannot apply for a 13a visa without an original passport.
I have never heard of a temporary residence visa ether. I wonder why the original poster is using a visitor’s visa if she is a Philippine citizen? She may have availed of her Balikbayan privileges when she arrived, but a visa would not be included as she is a citizen.
Husband’s only choice will be a 13a visa. If it can’t be obtained in his home country he would have to arrive as a visitor and apply once he’s here. In actuality, his wife will petition it for him.
Hello,
Would like to ask – I am a Filipino, my husband is an Indonesian. He has a TRV visa which has already expired last year. We are planning to have a vacation in the Philippines, but im thinking, will he have issues as he is a holder of an expired TRV and is coming back to the Philippines? Or will he be treated a tourist and will be granted a normal tourist visa?
Hoping to hear from you.
Thanks.
Cecil
Hello Cecil – I am sorry, but I don’t have an answer to your question. I am not sure what will happen when your husband attempts to re-enter. I am sorry, I would be happy to help if I had the answer to your question.
Hi John,
I have applied for a non-immigrant quota visa, I currrently live in philippines but work offshore kazakhstan on a 28/28 rotation, if I get the quota visa are there any restrictions on me traveling in and out of the philippines?
I am currently in Davao, I am a US citizen. I would love to sit down and talk with you.
Hi Scott, sure we can get together. Please use the contact form to get a hold of me and we will work out a schedule.
I’m going to the Philippines in July, while maintaining a ticket to Hong Kong in order to get my visitors visa, when I first arrive will my ticket out of the country have to be leaving within the 21 days? Or can I get it for a flight that leaves months later and just extend my visitors visa?
Your ticket should be within 59 days.
Whew, glad I asked! Thanks a lot. 🙂
A friend of mine got married in Manila then went to HK for honeymoon. Upon returning they presented their marriage certificate at immigration, then they gave him a 1 year balikbayan Visa. Considering the processing time it takes, not a bad return on honeymoon investment.
Visitor visa laws have changed and now you only have to renew every 6 months.
This site has answered so much of my questions that ran through me & my wonderful ladys mind, im in the US & she lives in the philippines, we have been together for 15 months & the relationship is great, we do the same things day in & day out, i go to work here & save up money for our future & she stays at her parents house (im 28 & shes 22) & helps with her mothers seasonal dress making business by cutting cloth, & when i get home we talk all day whether through computer or phones, i even wire her 200 dollars a month, which is no hair off my back, im a mover in the moving business where i make 100 dollars in a day plus whatever the customers tip by brings their piano to the second floor, she (casey) says i dont have to send her money, but whats the use of having a soon to be wife if i dont get to spoil her every now & then? (the first 8 months of our relationship, i was unemployed & there was no job in site & she stuck with me the whole time) anyway after sending money for 7 months, her parents have realized that its a real relationship, that its not a fad or fling, & that its useless to try to find a local boy for her, cause shes already in love, anyway i dont mind saving a nestegg for years & years & then packing up & going, but she wants me as soon as she can get me, as of right now i have 1500 dollars to my name & i can save hundreds of dollars booking the plane ticket a year in advanced, so i got the money for it, & the parents approval, & ive read what papers need to be filled out & the fee’s & everything, & yes ive read the 13a requirements & a couple hundred dollars is most likely not gonna get the approval of the interviewer, but i want to let casey know whats exactly needed cause she brings up marriage alot & i dont mind, i would just love to have the answers, i guess the only grey area that i dont know is the cenomar, from what ive looked up theres no official application to pick up to fill out that ive never been married & i need to provide one as one of the required documents for the marriage license, so how would i go about on getting a cenomar? as soon as i figure that out i will have all the information i need to marry my lovely bride, of course it looks as if im gonna have to still wait & save up a couple grand, cause from this great information here, showing up with 10k doesnt hurt & since my soon to be bride wants to get married & i love making her happy, i could always show up for a 3 week stay, marry her, then i come back to the US to work more & save up a few more years to get that comfy nest egg & go back & make getting that 13a form a breeze. marrying someone halfway across the world is really complicated but heck its true love, it worth it (oh oh, im a good judge of character, i know i chose a good loving faithful girls, i was on a gaming site not even looking for love & like all the other stories we just started talking & it developed into more, so when we knew we were into each other & had feelings i asked where she lived & she said philippines & i thought to myself, ‘great, i found a girl i love & shes halfway across the world 🙂 ‘ )
Hi Serge – I think that we will always need visas when crossing borders. That’s the way of the world, unfortunately.
Hi David – Yeah, I don’t understand where Kevin is coming from. Maybe it’s just because he misses his family.
i am going thru the process of 13A now, i have been here in Davao for 18 months, the BOI in Davao helped me a lot, their are requirements that must be met, i have done all the paper work my self i use a lawyer in Davao that is very cheap, you need to ask questions when you are applying for 13A they do not ex-plane all that is required on the website for the BOI, such as you need a certification from the bank you have an account, even if you supply bank statements, also the police report from your home state, at the interview by the way we did the same day at BOI when we filed the paper work, we also paid up front the amount for the 13A, i also paid P1000 extra to have the interview that day instead of coming back, you need papers you are presenting to be in the proper format or they will not except them, if any one needs any help here in Davao send me an email and i can maybe help as i have been thru the whole process including taking almost 10 months to get my marriage certificate from NSO, i have a few contacts now thru my wife, a friend who works at NSO and can get documents on your behalf for a small fee, if you have ever been to NSO you know what a hassle it can be and is worth P300 to obtain documents, [email protected]
The financial requirement for the 13A is i imagine the same as the retirement visa it is $800 USD per month. You can still stay one year on the BB Stamp, if not able to secure 13a,
I’m going to get my police clearance certificates before I go to PH, but how recent do they need to be? Can I get them in January or February even though I won’t be trying for my 13a till August?
There is a time limit on how fresh that police clearance must be. I don’t recall exactly, but believe it is either 90 days or 6 months.
just my luck i extended in November i think the law went into effect in December
A foreigner may become Naturalized Philippine citizens. He must pass all of the requirements and it could take 8 years or more of permanent residency to become eligible.
While India and other countries don’t allow dual citizenships, the US does. Just like the Naturalization oath taken for US citizenship, the Philippines also includes the renunciation of foreign citizenship phrases in theirs as well. The US does not consider this adequate reason for a US citizen to lose their US citizenship, so dual citizenship is possible for a US born citizen.
Hello there:
This information is good and thank you. I am an Italian/Canadian female that was married to a local boy a Filipino. He is from GenSan. He filed for divorce in Ontario to be with a local from here but we are now back together and living in Mindanao.
Can I run a business from here or get a permanent citizenship even if we are considered divorced. He says he is willing to marry me again just to keep us together as a family, (we have two children, both Canadian Born). They are all dual citizens but I don’t now my chances. They told me in Cebu to bring all valid marriage papers. But, if they check, they will find out about the divorce.
Please give me any advice you can offer.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Mary P
Hello Bob , my name is Thelma Mccluskey a dual citand married to Richard McCluskey for more than 14 years , and my husband and I want to stay for good in Philippines. I would like to know if my husband can apply as a dual
citizen. Can he do that ? He’s a Caucasian (American). and if not how he can apply as a 13(g) visa for him ..and what is a 13(g) visa. do we have to apply in Philippines or here in the united states before we go there in Philippines ? please I would much appreciated if you let me know what to do about my husband visa or dual .. thank you so much for your time .. I will look forward to hear from you soon . Thanks a Bunch…
Thelma McCluskey
Hi Thelma, foreigners like me or like your husband cannot become dual citizens in the Philippines. He can certainly live forever in the Philippines (like I do) by getting a permanent resident visa (13a or 13g).
Your husband cane become a citizen, but must relinquish his current citizenship in order to do that. That is the law of the Philippines.
Hello again Bob, thanks for your reply, my husband read your message, and he really appreciated, but he don’t want to give up his US citizenship, what can we do , can he stay in the Philippines without giving up his citizenship? can he stay in the Philippines for a year and then get out of the country for few days and come back , can he do that ? I don’t really know the rule about foreigners living in my country (Philippines) for more months and months, if they need visa to stay that long. I know that you kind a know this kind of stuff because you been there, done that 🙂 sorry for asking a lot of question , because I think your the one who can help me this , I just want to make sure that I don’t put my husband in a bad situation or experience in my country that he will be part of his life too. Once again Thank you so Much for your time Bob.
Thelma McCluskey.
Hello Thelma,
There is no need for your husband to give up his US Citizenship to live here. That is only if he wants Philippine Citizenship. However, as I recommended, a 13a Resident Visa will allow him to live here without giving up his citizenship.
Thanks for your comment. Any foreigner, including your husband, needs a visa to enter the Philippines and to stay here. Your husband would qualify for a Tourist Visa, a Resident Visa, a Retirement Visa, or a Balikbayan Visa. My personal recommendation would be a 13a Resident Visa. In my opinion it is the best option for somebody who wants to live here, and is qualified for the visa. With that he would never have to leave the country.
Hope this helps.
Thank you so much for being so kind to everyone including me,. Bob , it’s really helpful what you’ve tell me , but I have another question, where can I apply for that kind of visa 13a Resident visa, do we have to do that when we get in the custom in the phil.? or what my husband do when we get there, do we have to tell the custom that my husband will be staying for good . Do we have to tell them that my husband need a visa to stay ? I’m sorry that I ask a lot of question , but your the only one who can help me because you been in this position before when you moved in Philippines. I hope you don’t mind me asking a lot of questions. Please Bob hope you will explain or tell me where we can file and apply for this kind of visa . Thank you so much for being there for us who needed your help:) Really grateful to have your site.
Thelma McCluskey.
Hi Thelma – It is actually much easier and less hassle to apply for the Resident Visa in the USA than in the Philippines. Just contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves your area and tell them your husband wants to apply for a 13a Visa. They will send the application materials to you so he can apply. If you do it in the Philippines you actually have to apply twice, since the first visa is a one year probationary visa. If you apply in the States the first visa you get is the permanent visa.
Hello again Bob, I just read some of the msgs. here on your site that you said to Biyaya that after they get married they can apply 13a visa to BoI office. I’m sorry to ask this , what is BoI mean ? Just want to know so that when my husband and I will get there in the Philippines, I want to apply his 13a visa right away if I can .. Once again thank you so much Bob for being so kind and helpful person ..
always grateful ,
Thelma.
Hi dan – If you keep it “under the radar” you should not have a problem.
It’s me again Bob , still I can’t stop thinking about that BoI means, all I can think of is Burueau of Investigation .? I hope you will explain to me about BoI .. thank you Bob.. your awesome…
Thank you so much for your info Bob.. your the best … I will contact the Philippine Embassy or consulate .. I really appreciated everything what you’ve done for every one of us that needed your help.. Thank you a Billion times 🙂
always appreciate what you’ve done,
Thelma.
Bob I’m sorry for keep asking you a lot of question , but your the only person that can answer most of my question. Bob my husband asked me if you knew about the bank their in the Philippines that have access the bank here in the US our bank here is bank of America. If you knew what name of the bank ? If we bring $ 200,000+. what’s a good thing to do , do we have to do a travelers check, or cashiers or money order. I don’t really know because every time we go visit phils. we don’t bring that kind of money. I know you do when you went back there in the phils. another question if my husband will get his 13a visa can I put his name in our house that we’re going to buy, I hope so because if there’s something will happen to me , I want him safe in the Philippines even though I’m no longer with him . Please help me . Thank you again Bob your always a big help to all of us >..
Thelma
Hi Thelma – I would really not recommend that you bring that kind of money to the Philippines. Firstly, it is not uncommon for Philippine banks to fail. Secondly, bank insurance in the Philippines is only good up to about $10,000. I keep the bulk of my money in the States, and only keep a couple months supply of funds in the Philippines. That is what I would recommend.
Your husband cannot own property in the Philippines. A 13a Visa will not allow him to own property. Sorry for the bad news.
Good morning Bob, Thank you so much for the great advice, ok we will do that then , I know your a pro with this kind of things because you have a lot of experience 🙂 About my husband cannot own a property there, it’s ok I will just put my name and make a will that if in case there’s something will happen to me , he can stay in my house for the rest of his life .. can I do that Bob ? once again thank you so much for everything, I really appreciate your kindness.. 🙂
Thank you ,
Thelma.
Hi Thelma – Well, it’s not really that easy. There are mandatory heirs who must get their share, etc. Your husband cannot really own it, so whoever inherits must agree to let him live there.
For me, I recommend renting in the Philippines, not buying. There are just too many complications to ownership.
Thank you Bob, I will tell my husband about it .. Thank you so much for being so patience with me.. your the best .. take care and more power to you and your family ..until then .. 🙂 Have a wonderful Monday 🙂
always,
Thelma.
My pleasure, Thelma. Happy to help.
Hi Keith, 20k a month for 1 person can be possible, but then you will have to live like a native! If that is for both food, rent, transport and entertainment, well you will have to eat much rice and dried fish! No trips to the supermarkets for imported foods that you as a foreigner might crave. So if you are not of the type that likes to give yourself some treat now and then, well I would then it’s better if you can add another 10k then you should be able to live for that. The truth is: you go to the ATM and get 10k and go to the supermarket then at least 2 – 3k will have gone! But, remember you do get much more for your money than in let’s say UK or Europe. Do your groceries shopping at the local wet market as vegetables mostly are higher price at the supermarkets. Most supermarkets in the Philippines sell the same articles as do many local stores, just that they must charge more as they have to pay their employees and VAT. Although food articles are mostly exempt of VAT. Hope this info is of value to you.
Hi Bob, I married a beautiful filipina woman (Dec 21 2013) and have returned to Australia but am returning soon to Philippines (Surigao City), I was thinking of going for the 30 days and during that time we will fly maybe to Hong Kong then go back and apply for BB visa, do you know how long we need to stay out of the Philippines before going back and applying for the BB, I only plan to stay there with her for awhile then we will go to Australia, also can i leave the Philippines during that time and return on the same BB.
Regards
Rob Randle
You only need to be out of the country for one day. However, remember, in order to get the balikbayan visa you must have an NSO certified marriage certificate, and I doubt you have that after such a short time.
Bob, HELP!!!1
I am my Filipina wife have moved to the Philipines on a Balikbayan visa and are about to apply for a 13A visa. We thought we had the necessary documents lined up (thought), and find out that we may need a “police clearance” from the United States. Can you please tell me what that is? Background check? Police clearance is clear as mud.
Thanks,
Jim and Teresita in Silang
Hi James – The Police Clearance is a fairly new requirement, and it causes some major hurdles in the process. What they are asking for is what is called an “FBI Identification Record”. It is available from the FBI, but not so easy to get from here. It can be done, but is a big hassle to do. I am sorry, I don’t really have information on the process yet, but it is something I am working on.
Hi Bob,
A pleasant day to you.
I have a syrian friend who lives in dubai. He wants to stay in the Philippines for good but doesn’t want to marry yet a filipina. Is alien certificate can be his answer?
No.
The only way I know that he can be a permanent resident if he does not wish to marry is through an SRRV – Special Retiree’s Resident Visa. It can be costly, though.
Bob,
I really have a unique situation. I was married to a Filipina for almost 5 years but she died giving birth 2 years ago and my daughter also died two months later. After my wife and daughter died I sent their remains there to Cebu (Danao City). I also have been given the property rights of my wife’s property there in Danao City and want now to live there. Could you give me any ideas as to how to get permanent residency without re-marriage.
Hi bob.i am a filipina married to an indonesian,im now in indonesia to join wit my husband,but i realize life is not so good in here..we r considering to move to philippines and to settle there.
What visa we could get for him ? Whats the requirements? Is he required to show any amount of money for us to prove that we can survive in philippines ?is it im the one as his sponsor ? If so,what r the requiremnts for me to sponsor my husband ?
Hope you could help me wit this.thank you so much.
i noticed on the BOI website today they have changed the forms, for Tourist extensions and most other forms, by the way the new BOI website looks updated every time they have new information, the new commissioner is also trying to get the Immigration laws changed from the 1940 law to a new set of rules, he has the backing of a few Senators ,their will be new classifications and added visa for individuals, also looking to speed up the BOI, i noticed the last time i was there in Davao my extension took less than an hour and the place was packed, they issue you a red number if your there for visa extension, other people get a different colored number, i was surprised how quick everything went, i noticed a new form it is for a grace period if you have filed the 13A, i will ask about it next month when i go to BOI
Hello bob
Can I asking something on of my friend stay in Philippines for tourist visa he went to Philippines may 2013 until now,he wanna stay there more or get working visa is that possible?
Hi Bob! I am so frustrated right now cuz I just realized that I have a very slim chance of going to the US to live with my American husband. Based on my analysis after filling out his Affidavit of Support Form, he is not qualified to support me having 3 kids as part of the total number of households. He is still paying for child support on those 3 kids. He doesn’t live with them for almost 8 years now though the 2 boys will turn 18 yrs old next year. His annual income salary can only support up to 3 household members. In his application form, it shows that he has 5 including me. Well, looking for a co-sponsor is a bit hard to do. But I am not giving up hope. I am thinking of getting him to live here in the Philippines by applying that 13a visa. Does it require me to have my own home or as long as we have that $10,000 joint bank account as a minimum, will that qualify us for that? I am currently living with my sister’s house. Actually I have more questions about this but I think I will have that first. I really miss my husband so much. I won’t stop thinking and willing to try things in order for my husband and I be together. Thank you. Hope to hear from you soon. God bless you.
Hello, I’m not sure exactly where you got that figure of $10,000, there really is no set amount, its just up to the discretion of the person who issues the visa. He will probably also need to have some regular income, not just savings. The best thing you can do is just apply and see what happens. There is no requirement for owning a house.
Well, one of his concerns is about the child support. Can he live here while he has still obligation to his kids? Or will that disqualify him to move in here for good?
Unless he is wanted for breaking some laws or something, there’s really no way they can stop him for moving here. However, those kids are his responsibility, so I would certainly encourage him to continue to support his children.
I don’t really know how to join in this forum. But I just tried my luck by posting on here. Hope it works. Thanks.
A relatively new requirement for getting a 13a visa, is a police clearance from your own country. How do I get this while living here in the Philippines?
Hi John, The US Embassy can provide you with a document that gives guidelines on how to get it done, but I will warn you, it is not easy.
Sorry Bob. I should have told you that I’m British! Anyhow, I noticed that police clearance is needed only if you have been in the Philippines less than six months.
Hi, I recently married to a filipno girl. I am on tourist visa. I am an indian. Can any one tell me how can i apply for permant resident visa. the process and how much will it charge and how much time will it take. I am in manila for last 6 months. please help.
hi bob, i am a filipina married here in the philippines with a chinese national last 2012 we have one child. my husband is in china is it possible that he would apply his 13 a visa at the philippine embassy in china he is flying here in the philippines next month.
really need your advise.
Hi Christine, he should be able to apply at the Philippine embassy in China. However, immigration laws are different for Chinese or for American like me, so I’m not a 100% sure.
hi again bob. this is a follow up question earlier. if its not posible for my husband to apply 13a visa in china. can i go to china and apply him for balikbayan visa since we are already married here in phil last 2012. so he could stay 1 yr and apply 13a here in philipnes d moment we arrive
by the way my philippine passport civil status is still single i still did not change my surname, but i already have our original marriage certificate with me authenticated.
pls help
thank u for the answer
hi again bob. this is a follow up question earlier. if its not posible for my husband to apply 13a visa in china. can i go to china and apply him for balikbayan visa since we are already married here in phil last 2012. so he could stay 1 yr and apply 13a here in philipnes d moment we arrive
by the way my philippine passport civil status is still single i still did not change my surname, but i already have our original marriage certificate with me authenticated.
pls help
Hi, could u advise me plz how much money need to apply for permanent residency visa in Philippine.I m married to philippina girl I have a 6 years old daughter.I m here in Philippine almost 6 months.tnx
Hello Bob,
I am currently in Australia. I married my Filipino wife in February and we have been together since September last year. I actually visited in September and then Moved there in October. At the moment I am thinking about moving back to the Philippines and living with my wife there. I just wanted to know if there is any chance they will still give me a 13A visa if I dont have $10,000 US. I will only have about $9000 Australian when I return and of course I will start spending some of that as soon as I get there. That being said if I am able to get a 13A Visa I have a lot of experience in Telesales so guess I could get a job once I am granted my 13A visa? Could you please confirm if I am able to work once I get that Visa and how long before I would be able to work…. Also is it complicated getting the 13A Visa. Any advice is really appreciated.
Thanks Scott
Hi Scott,
I don’t know where people get this idea about needing to have $10,000 in bank. There is no such law, rule, or regulation. Philippine laws do not state any certain amount of money that is needed in order to get at 13 A.
The truth is, the amount of money needed use only at the discretion of the consular officer at interviews you and decides on his 13 A visa. The only way to know if you will get it or not a store plight and go through the process to see what the decision is.
My take on this is as follows: When someone says cheap, already living in the Philippines, to me it means lack of sincerity, drive, passion, determination, HONESTY, to work hard and give something back to the community….which all foreigners are obligated to do….and most of all, read #2. #2. Everything is cheaper in the Philippines; however, no matter how much you invest, no matter what country the business is in, you never ask this question, if you know anything about business. People who open a business or invest in securities, or stocks, bonds, or any form of capital vs return or profit venture knows, “You never invest more than you are willing to lose.” I AM SORRY TO BE SO MAYABANG, but regardless of race, country of origin, citizenship, visa, married or not, you do not have the Chutzpah to own a business in the Philippines and will either lose your short or make foreigner owned business look bad..Foreigners do not relocate to another country, especially the Philippines, to hold out ones hand and if a profit is made we need to give something back…We are expats, not locusts, we are guests in their country, not occupiers, and we set a better example regardless of what locals or other foreigners may do…These are my ethics and words no one elses and not normally shared in most parts of the globe
Bob, regarding my query last week about the consequences of overstaying. I went to the BI Tuesday last week. I had a completed form for visa extension with me, which I presented to the officer at the relevant window, and explained that I had overstayed seven months. I was asked(politely) to WAIT. After a short time, I was recalled to the window. He said that he would give me an extension till April, and gave me a bill to pay at the other window. A total of just over 15,000p.I thought to myself that that was easy! But that was just the beginning! I paid and was directed to another window! Sounds familiar? I gave them the receipts and some other documents,including a notorised letter stating that I would apply for a 13a when I received the extension, which he gave to another guy to check. He came back with a list of other documents needed, which I had with me. I gave them to him expecting him to give them to the same guy to check. However, he just put them on the desk beside hem, and told me to WAIT. So I WAITED, and I WAITED, and I WAITED. While WAITING, I spoke to another guy, who had overstayed since Feb 2012. He had to leave the country, then come back again, and his fine was nearly 60,000! A couple of times, I asked what was happening, but was told to just WAIT. After about three hours, I asked again, and he went to the back of the office to ask the “checker”. I could see lots of blank faces! To cut a long story short, they had lost my papers. They asked me to write my name down, who had I given the papers to, even though the guy at the window 32 remembered receiving them! Eventually they were found. After a further WAIT, my passport was returned, together with a letter stating that as I had stayed longer than admissible, my extension had to be submitted to the Commissioner for consideration. I had to call one week later to get the decision, before I returned. I duly called, and was told that my extension had been approved, and that I could go there at window 32, any time. I went immediately, presented my passport, and letter. I was asked if I had called. I said yes. I was given a receipt, and told to WAIT for two hours. Two hours later, I was given my passport, complete with 26 days extension. I was then told to go to window 33, one metre away, to collect my I card, which I did. I must say, that after all the horror stories I had heard and read about the BI, during my whole experience there, most of the officers, were polite, and helpful. The only problem is the WAITING! That if course is not their fault. It’s the system. Surely in this day and age, they can improve things. We arrived there at 8am, and left at 4.45. The paperwork and documents involved is staggering. I hate to think how these are all stored. Back home, people create hell if they had to wait like that. We have to work. How many man hours are lost in the Philippines WAITING???
I now have everything ready to apply for my 13a, except my NBI clearance. I applied on line last night. The website said, after applying on line, to go to an NBI office to pay, and get your clearance. Does this mean that I will get it immediately? I thought it took a few days.
G’day Bob,
I’m an Aussie 38 yrs old who lives and works in Australia, I’ve been married to my maganda Filipina 33 yrs old since January 25th 2014.
I was advised by a co worker Filipino, that on my next trip over in May, at customs present my marriage certificate with my passport on entry.
1st Story is that I can pay some peso’s for a 60 day stay visa right then and there.
2nd Story I got was another Aussie married to a Filipina actually had his Aussie passport stamped with a permanent residency visa at customs producing his marriage certificate on entry.
So did those two give you a chuckle or can these guys just be lucky?
What I want to be able to do is come and go as I please into the Philippines without worrying about extending visa’s. So the 13A is the way to go for me, sounds easy enough from your previous answers?
We have a 7 yr plan, my Asawa will come to Australia and return to the Philippines over this period as much as she likes, I’ll continue working then retire to the Philippines after 7 yrs.
I also have a pension (Military) approximately $50,000 Peso a month, even on this we can still live comfortably 8 of us, 6 children we have.
I full month when I’m there living in the house is about $39,000 Peso with nil going wrong of course.
Rent= $9,000 p/m
Water/Electric= $1,000 p/m
Food= $20,000 p/m
Cell load, internet, beers, videoke, trikes etc $9,000
Besides the rent, what do you think of these costs for 8 people in a 4 bedroom house?
Salamat Bob have a great day.
It sounds to me like you are estimating your costs way too low. I have a household of 10 people including my wife and I, and there is no way we could live on the amounts that you are budgeting. Of course, everybody’s lifestyle varies.
Hi BOb
Good day ,
I need your help ,I have an american fiancee now and we been almost two years in relation and now we are planning to be together but am married woman and thats is why I can’t get a US visa so I was trying to invite him to stay here in Philippines for good but I don’t know if he can get a permanent resident here.
Hope you can advise me what are we suppose to do ?Thank you so much
I have australian fiancee and he wants to live here in the philippines after we get married.
My question is, how can i get permanent visa for him to live here in the philippines permanently/?
what should i do?
i wait your response..
Hi Marites
I would advise your boyfriend not to come and live here with you because under Philippines law he can be put in jail for adultery if he has relations with a married woman.
Hi bob I would like to ask I’m filipina and my husband is Australian we going back in Manila with my husband is he allowed to get BAlikbayan visa, I’m touirst here in Australian for second time and we just married here in Australia I don’t have yet NSO marrige certificate but I have authenticated marriage certificate from Australia , is that ok to show in Immigration in Manila , ANd while his there we gonna apply our spouce visa in Australian embassy hope you can reply to me godbless
Generally, you need to have an NSO certified marriage certificate. However things are not always consistent here, and if you ask they may issue you a Balikbayan Visa.
I found this on the immigration website: http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/motion-for-reconsideration-on-updating-and-extension-of-authorized-stay
it even indicates that it can be processed at the Bohol field office. ….I thought “great! I can take care of it right here” …hahaha …they even have the forms available to print online, so I did just that, and had my attorney prepare an affidavit stating why I overstayed, and that I would exit the country on May 11…I went to the field office in Tagbilaran early yesterday morning and was the first and only person there. after finishing reading his newspaper for around 10 minutes the polite gentleman (only employee there at the time) made his way to the window. He informed me that he was sure that I was not on a blacklist or anything like that although he didn’t confirm this in the database. He also told me that yes they could process this type of request in Bohol but only for those overstaying for less than 6 months. I showed him the printed pages from the website which clearly show that it can be processed in the bohol field office. He seemed puzzled so he asked that I wait until his boss arrived. About 10 minutes later a woman (his boss) came to the window and was immediately rude and condescending and constantly interrupting my every sentence. I was finally able to get her to read my affidavit and the pages from the immigration website (updated on March 6, 2014 by the way) and she looked as though she had never seen the website lol…after looking through what I presented to her she became a LITTLE bit more polite but informed me that I would need to process it in Cebu. I thanked her politely and about an hour later, I drove to Tubigon, caught a 1230 fastcraft to cebu, grabbed a taxi and was in the immigration office by 2 pm. I had managed to get the name of the Alien control officer prior to my arrival there, a certain Casimiro Madarang III, so when I approached the desk where you get a priority number I informed them that I had been told to seek him out (trying to bypass some of the rigamaroll). They started to escort me through a door to the offices in back then were told that before I could speak to sir Madarang, I would first need to speak to a Mr. Allen and I was subsequently directed to a large fellow at one of the windows. Mr. Allen was impolite (if not surly) from the beginning as I explained my situation. He told me I needed to go to Manila. I informed him that I was told that morning by the Bohol office that I could get it processed in Cebu to which he replied “AND I’M TELLING YOU NOW THAT YOU HAVE TO GO TO MANILA, WE CANNOT PROCESS IT HERE IF IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE YEAR” (I’m at about 17 months) Mr. Allen informed me that in the past they could process it in Cebu but that recent changes dictate that it must be processed in Manila. I thanked him politely and less than 5 minutes after walking in the door, I was back outside getting in a taxi back to the pier to come back to bohol.
Thanks John for sharing your recent experience, it gives me a good idea what to expect. I’m glad to hear the staff were polite there. I can deal with the waiting, I will take a book and my laptop to entertain myself while waiting. I think I will try to go Manila on May 1st or 2nd, do all the stuff you did and just stay there until it’s done, which should give enough time before my one day trip from cebu to singapore May 11th.
When the guy talked about paying p60,000, I’m sure that is not a fine, it is the past due fees along with the penalty…I have already estimated that it’s going to cost me around p50,000, but will be prepared for it to be more…I last arrived August 31, 2012 and did my 1st extension up to October 29th….
I should point out that I am ALWAYS polite and respectful to the immigration personnel even if they are not reciprocal…
Steve
l am a Nigeria,live in Nigeria and i want to visit ph,do i need a visa to there,please help me out.Thanks
Bob is correct. The boy’s only path to Philippine citizenship now is by Naturalization. He would have to be a legal resident in the Philippines for a minimum of 10 years before he may apply for Naturalization (5 years if married to a Filipino). There are other requirements such as having the ability to speak a native Filipino language fluently as well as English. He would have to “renounce” his US citizenship, but that is a paper tiger. The US will NOT RECOGNIZE such a renunciation and he would retain his US citizenship regardless.
In order for him to become a Philippine citizen by virtue of his mother, she would have had to have been Filipino when he was born. Or if she reacquired her Filipino citizenship via RA 9225, her children under 18 could automatically be included and acquire Filipino citizenship as she reacquired hers. Their US citizenship would not be affected ether.
I am a US citizen married to a Filipino who is a permanent US resident. I recently purchased a nice farm on the outskirts of Dipolog City, Mindanao. We had to put the farm in my wife’s name as she is
still a Philippine citizen. My wife’s mother and father are currently living on the property.
We want to move permanently to the new farm in the Philippines. I plan to apply for the 13a permanent visa. I have heard that I could send a copy of my approved application, and possibly other information, to the Finance office in Manila with a letter requesting that we be allowed to bring all our household belongings to the Philippines without having to pay import fees, etc.. Do you have any info. on this process? Do you have any other suggestions to minimize the cost of bringing our household items to the Philippines?
There is no need to send any letter or anything. If you are issued a 13a or 13g visa you can automatically bring your household goods in, tax free, up to $7,000 worth. You may not bring in firearms though. Also, a car cannot be brought in duty free, there are very high taxes on that.
Its me Nishan from Nepal.I just got married with her legally,here in my home country .She is from Bicol,Sorsogon.And her family also accept me already,once at the date of 2013-09-28.i have been visited in philippines for 20 days.Now i am planning to settle my whole life there,as far i consult with my wife already.May i know is it possible and how to process and what are the required documents? Reply me ,please.Have a nice day and take care.
After you are married he can apply for a 13a resident visa at the bureau of immigration.
What are the specific requirements for me a US citizen to marry my Filipina fiancee and then immediately proceed w the DCF method of obtaining a visa? I would really prefer her to return w me to travel back and forth. I have rented a house there on Luzon back 3-1-14 and ultimately intend to live there.
What determines me being a resident as I understand thats whats required for us to pursue the DCF method. Is it just me there renting my house or specifically whats required to prove I’m a resonant?
Thanks in advance for your help Bob =0)
~Steven
Hi Nishan – I sent you an e-mail about this, please check your inbox. If you don’t see it there, check the spam folder.
Just want to ask you, i am married to a filppina, and i will be going and coming to the Philippines, so i will not be staying for ever, but i dont want to issue a visit visa over and over at list for the whole year, so my question is can i apply for a permanent visa and just go and come, or i need to stay a number of month ? and what type of visa i could issue ? and just a personal question, you said that you have a 13a visa, and what i want to ask is, why did you chose a 13a visa and not 13g and why not ACR i card or any ? isnt it all the same that you need to renew after a year, or there is that can stay up to 5 years ? and one more thing, what is your current business in the philippines and is it going good ? and as a personal opinion , in your eyes what would be good to open in the philippine and it could be success, and last, it would be great to catch up with you when i visit the phil, can i have your number or something, this is my email : [email protected] and my number : 00966531377132, in Saudi Arabia working.
Thanks for the answer in advance and sorry i ask a lot .
Hello Wael – Actually, I have a 13G Visa. I have never said I have a 13A, because that is not what I have. If it says that anywhere on my site, it is only a typo. But, I have stated on this site many times, including in this very article, that I have a 13G visa.
Truth is, a 13A and a 13G are the same, except it only matters if your wife is a citizen or a former citizen of the Philippines. When we applied, my wife was a former citizen, so I qualified for a 13G, not a 13A.
I think you are confused about an ACR I-Card. ACR I-Card is not a visa at all and does not allow you to stay in the Philippines. An ACR I-Card is only an Identification Card, nothing more. It is required for any foreigner who has been staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days, except for SRRV Visa holders and Balikbayan Privilege holders. SRRV holders have their own type of ID card similar to an ACR I-Card. Balikbayan holders have no requirement at all for an ACR I-Card.
I am sorry, but as a citizen of a restricted country, Visa requirements are different for you, and I am not well versed on what requirements and privileges are available to you.
I,m married to a filopino and have been living with her in the philippines for almost 5 months , i have not renewed my tourist visa since arriving here . Will this effect me getting a resadent visa , and with a 13a visa can i go back to australia still as a australian citizen.
Thanks
Hi Steven – the entire process including requirements and costs are outlined here – My 13a Visa Experience. The 13a is a resident visa, so if you need to prove that you are a resident, that will do it.
I am a US citizen I earn my money from 3 sources, Military retirement, Social Security Disability, 100% Veterans Disability. The issues are these. In 2004 2005 my baby girl was sexually abused by one of my now x wifes nephews, at the same time my son date raped his girlfriend both under 17 so police ignored this, and while on mission 5 of 15 of my soldiers I was responsible for went AWOL. This put me in severe depression and I was hospitalized … major depression disorder, minor personality disorder, Schizophrenic disorder… all under control with medication since 2005. In 2010 I was attacked in my home I got away and to the kitchen and called 911 and picked up and knife and told the people to leave my home. The law in texas is clear I should have left my home not stand my ground so was arrested for 2nd degree agg Ass with a deadly weapon. I pleaded down to class A misdemeanor assault time served 20 days. I will be coming to marry my fiance after dating for two years and being there 3 times for a total of over 175 days since 2012… We want to get married then apply for the visa for me to live in her country… My income after taxes is 7600 USD a month. But will my medical and criminal history prevent us from getting the visa we want so I can stay there married to her? One other charge which was a false domestic violence that was later reduced to disorderly conduct. I was told just the FBI report do I need to bring the police reports from both states as well?
Hello Craig,
It is hard to say if you would be denied the visa based on your medical history or your police record. I don’t think there is much chance at all that your medical history would disqualify you. The convictions in the past might, but again, I feel it is doubtful. About the only way you can find out for sure is to apply and see what they say.
G-day Bob , I,m an Aussie expat , married to a Philippino wife and have lived in the Philippines for six months .I have a 13a visa and we wish to build a small home and grow fruit and vegetables under a certified organic system on a one hectare lot my wife has inherited from her father .
Would I be able to work on this land and would I be able to run a small general freight business given that I get the appropriate permits . I understand that everything would have to be on a 60 -40 basis with my wife .
Thanking you kindly in advance ,
John
Hello John – It is true that as a foreigner you can own up to 40% of many kinds of Philippine Business (not all, some types of businesses are protected and you cannot own any percentage). However, you cannot legally own 40% and have your wife own 60%. The reason is because under Philippine Family Law you cannot legally enter into a contract with your spouse. Thus, there would be no way to draw up the ownership papers without entering into a contract with your wife. You could either have others, other than your wife, own the 60% and you own 40%, or you could let your wife own 100%. You could still work in the business if your wife owns it entirely.
Please understand that I am not an attorney and am not giving you legal advice. I am only offering my lay opinion, based on my personal knowledge of this law.
Hi bob.
I have a hongkong national fiancee and im pregnant. His been here in the philippines atleast 10 months with extension visa. He went out of the country thrice first when we visited hongkong together, and second and third, him alone. But the third one is a disaster, upon entering philippines airport the immigration officer interrogate him and they called me also to verify all the things my fiance had told them. I was just shocked when he told me they wouldnt allow him to enter inspite of having extended visa and return ticket. This visa will expire until august and the return ticket is also on the same month. He went to hongkong for a very ctucial matter for one day. He left friday and go back here in yhe philippines saturday but he failed to enter since the immigration stop him. They didnt told him why and what things he need to do in order to come back . He said he has A to A case. A minor case and they said we nedd to go to BOI yo fix this. We also dont know if he got blacklisted or not since they asked him to go back to hongkong without any advice on the same day of his arrival. I was so sad heating this news because we are planning to get marry this august before his visa expire so i can apply him for 13(a) visa so he can see our baby girl on october. Is it possible that he can come back here?what are the things we need to do to fix this things? I will be so glad if you could answer me. Thank you
Hi Joe – Better get in and take care of getting your Visa current. If you don’t, you certainly won’t be able to get a 13a, and also you may get deported before you can even apply. The good news is that it is still early enough that penalties should be minimal.
Getting a 13a will not affect your Australian Citizenship, and you will be able to go back to Australia any time you wish to do so.
Thanks for using my email!! I was so surprise when I came across it. Well come May 2015 I will be back living in the Philippines. I hope to meet you while we are there some day. I will be touring the whole country. I believe you live in Davao.
Thank you, Morris, for giving me the chance to answer your question! Yes, I do live in Davao. If you make it here, give me a shout!
its better to live here in philippines 🙂 good luck to you .
LET ME BE THE JERK AND TELL IT HOW IT SHOULD BE TOLD….
KEVIN,
YOU ARE A DOUCHE BAG TO SAY THE LEAST. YOU ASKED FOR HELP, WHICH YOU GOT, AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY THE MAN. HIS ADVICE WAS FOR FREE, IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WHAT YOU WANTED TO HEAR, BUT HE TOOK THE TIME TO TRY TO HELP YOU OUT. QUITE FRANKLY, THIS TYPE OF ATTITUDE PROBABLY IS WHAT GOT YOU IN THE MESS YOU ARE IN RIGHT NOW. LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES IS A PRIVILEGE, AND NOT A FREAKING RIGHT. EVEN IF YOU WERE BORN IN US, YOUR ANCESTORS WERE STILL GIVEN A “VISA.” PLUS THE UNITED STATES DO NOT NEED OR WANT PEOPLE LIKE YOU, UNGRATEFUL BASTARD. YOU GO AHEAD AND ROT IN THE PHILIPPINES. 10K IS NOT A LOT OF MONEY IF YOU KNEW HOW TO SAVE. WHAT PROBABLY ENDED UP HAPPENING IS THAT YOU KEPT SENDING MONEY TO YOUR WIFE AND RELATIVES, IN WHICH THEY WERE HAPPY TO SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. NOW YOU HAVE NOTHING BECAUSE WORK HAS DRIED UP AND YOU DID NOT KNOW HOW TO SAVE. PERSONALLY I THINK YOU NEED HELP…..YOU ARE PATHETIC.
sir, i m a indian i m want 2 live in philipins parmanents , i m done master of bussinus admistration digree in marketing . how can i get a permanents residency viza for live in philipins.
There are multiple ways to get a resident visa, Ramesh. But, there are only two ways which are really very common or workable.
1. If you have a spouse who is a Philippine citizen or a former Philippine Citizen you can apply for a 13a or 13g resident visa. This is quite easy to attain. You can get full information on getting a 13 series resident visa in my book Getting a Resident Visa to Live in the Philippines.
2. If you do not have a Philippine spouse the only other way to go, really, is to get an SRRV Retirement Resident Visa. You can get all of the information about getting an SRRV Visa in my book Requirements to get an SRRV Visa.
i m a indian i m done mba in marketing digree i m want 2 live in philipins permanents . how can i get a permanents residency viza live in philipins
Hi bob i want to know because my husband is a lebanes he came her in philippines last march 2014 he is a muslim and now im a muslim also and we get married her in philippines now i take my papers from nso my problem only when he come her last march for visit he use single entry now he will apply again for visa i dont know what is better he apply multiple entry visa but i dont know what is the requirments and also i want try him to apply for resident visa but i dont know if that easy with him
Hi Cherry – Your husbands extended visa became void the day that he left the country. Visas do not extend beyond when you leave the Philippines. Even if the visa should be good for 3 more months, or whatever amount of time, when you leave the country the visa is void and has no more time for future entries. A new visa must be acquired when you return.
Regarding the BI case, I would recommend that your finacee should have an attorney inquire into this and find out what is going on.
Good luck.
hi bob,
me and my 34 american citizen friend is confused on what should we really need to do first and where should we really have to go when he arrive. is it US embassy?philippines embassy?or bureau of immigration?.
primarily we plan of partnering in a frnachise business,though we both know that i will be th e primary investor and he will be just the assistant investor. its actually not an issue. lol..
but what i am really conderned of is what will be the best thing to do first and what visa to get. he doesnt have plans of marrying any filipina yet..he is just here to live for good and put up a business.
pls..pls help me bob..i am confuse..he will be quitting his job on september. and will be arriving by late september.
hopng for your reply asap
thank you 🙂
I am sorry, Joy, but I don’t have information regarding visas for people from Visa Restricted countries, which would include Lebanon.
I am a greencard holder and married to pensioned american US military. He left me in the US. He has changes his character and found a young prostitute girl. He wanted to stay in Philippines and get a dual citizenship. Can he get become filipino citizen with me as his legal wife? Am i eligible for US naturalization?
Hi Phillip – You can get a 3rd Citizenship, just not Philippine Citizenship! 😉
hi bob,
thank you for your immidiate response. so meaning to say once he get to the airport,he needs to apply for the tourist visa to the immigration office right? what about extending his tourist visa?how and where should he file for it?. we actually talked yesterday, he asked about this kind of scenario of extending visa. basically he will be arriving by late september but he needs to get back to texas on christmas holiday, if he leave philippines on december, and gets back here after by january, what will happen to his extended tourist visa?do he need to apply for a tourist visa again as soon as he arrives back?
well, he wants to put up a business but he doesnt want to invest for millions first, we are kinda up to starting with a small business like more than 500 thousand pesos to less than a million pesos, so i dont think he wont be able to make it through business visa, but ill tell him to still try for it.
one last question bob,sorry if im taking too much of your time, but anyway, will there be problems or difficulties on his part on putting up a business here?coz we are aware that he cannot put up on his own.he literally needs my help coz i am a filipina and a citizen. but will there be any major conflicts just because he is an american citizen?
thank you bob.
Hi Lyka – His first stop will be at the Immigration, because that will happen right in the airport. He cannot even leave the airport without passing through the Immigration and Customs clearance.
There is no Philippine Embassy in the Philippines – Countries only have embassies in foreign countries.
If he wants to go to the US Embassy he can, but it is not required and I really don’t feel there is any reason to do so.
Since your friend is not married to a Filipina his only real visa choice would be a tourist visa, except if he is really investing big money into the business. If he is investing literally many millions of pesos into a business here, then he can likely get some kind of business visa, otherwise it will just be a tourist visa at this point.
can a foreigner apply for a residency in philippines if he wants to even without marrying a filipino?thanks hope i can hear u soon…
Yes, he would be able to apply. If he is willing to make the necessary investment, then an SRRV is the way to go (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa). There is a quote 13 series resident visa as well, but it is very difficult to get that, and it is unlikely.
Hi Bob,
I just wanna ask you with some questions, I got married a couple of months ago to a US citizen.. we got married here in the Philippines..My husband has an i-card which he is using right now to stay here in the Philippines but that card is good for 1 year only and of course we want him to have a permanent residence here in the Philippines, cuz we’re both tired to do the extension, and avoid the pressure that he needs to leave the country asap because our baby will be born very soon and he has i-card only..and we want our baby to be born here…
What can we do to have a permanent residence and how much will it take to get that and what are the requirements? I also wanna know how long will it take?
hope to hear from you Bob.
bless you!
You can gain permanent legal residence in the Philippines and live here for as long as you want through your spouse’s Philippine citizenship, but not Philippine citizenship. This only applies if you are a US citizen and in the US armed forces. I am not in the military but I gained dual citizenship as a “foreigner” with US citizenship through my mom’s Philippine citizenship. So yea, foreigners can gain dual citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Hi Mary – If everything you said is correct, then he is still married to you! The Philippines does not recognize divorce… there is no divorce in the Philippines. If a Filipino files for divorce abroad, that divorce is also not recognized. If a Filipino is married to a foreigner, but the foreigner files for divorced, that divorce can be recognized. But, you said that he is Filipino and he filed for the divorce, so in that case, it would not be recognized by the Philippines.
Filipino man here question: What type of visa can you advice got have if a foreigner like a Japanese man want’s to stay long in the Philippines and/or permanently.
1. what if the japanese man is a pensioner? can he still choose the 13a or required to have the SSRV?
2. can he still choose the 13a visa even he is not married to a filipina women?
3. Can he open philippine account in the BANK of Philippines, even he is a tourist?
Thanks so much Bob for the advance reply, I really appreciate your help to our readers.
Hi Arthur – Here are the answers to each of your questions:
1. Regardless of age, he can still have a 13a visa if he is married to a Philippine Citizen. Nobody is required to do the SRRV.
2. No, I am sorry, but he can only qualify for the 13a if he is married to a person who is a citizen of the Philippines. He can get a 13g (basically the same visa) if he is married to a former citizen of the Philippines. If he is unmarried, he cannot qualify for the 13a or the 13g.
3. Yes, it is likely that he can open a Philippine bank account even as a tourist, as long as he has an ACR I-Card, which he can get after he has been in the Philippines for 59 days. Of course it is at the discretion of the bank, but it should not be difficult to do.
I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY TO BRING MY PHILIPPINO FIANCE TO AUSTRALIA,
SHE IS SINCERE AND LOVE ME AND WE WILL MEET IN SEPTEMBER IN MANILA
(SHE IS NOT A BAR GIRL)! THE PROBLEM IS I AM 69 AND SHE 25 I TRY TO TELL
HER MANY TIME OF THE AGE DIFFERENCE , BUT SHE HAPPY WITH IT!
THANK YOU
Hello Ann – An I-Card does not give anybody the right to stay in the Philippines. An I-Card is only an Identification card, nothing more. Yes, as part of staying here, you are required to have an i-card, but the card itself does not give any rights, it is the visa that does that.
Since you (I believe) are a Philippine Citizenship, and you and your husband are married to each other, he would qualify for a 13a Permanent Resident Visa. If he applies for that and receives it, there would be no need for him to ever leave the country. I am an American Citizen, I have a 13 Series Resident Visa and have been here for more than 14 years now without ever leaving the country.
To learn about how to get the 13a Visa, I recommend you read the article linked below, and also read all of the comments as they contain the most up to date information.
http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
Good luck.
Hi bob im divorced from saudi national in our muslim marriage in philippines but how i can clear my marriage status in NSO?thank you
Can he apply a filipino citizenship without me as his legal wife? And am i still eligible for US naturalization withour my husband’s help?
Hello Shelly – Your husband can never become a dual citizen in the Philippines. Foreigners who wish to become a Philippine citizen must renounce their foreign citizenship as part of the process of becoming a Philippine citizen.
I do not know if you are eligible to be a US citizen, you did not give me enough information.
Congratulations!
Hi bob i need your advise my fiance is a syrian national and plan to open a business here and live here for good get married asap as a one requirements of the immigration.but when i check the requirements applying for a permanent residence permit it says that syria has no immigration reciprocity agreement with the Philippines. So he cannot get a permanent residence permit even we get married. Pls bob i need your advise what is the best thing to do. Bec it will be very expensive for us to get only a temporary residence permit which requires to renew every year for the amount of 8,620 pesos. Waiting for your response godbless!
Habiba
without you as his wife, your husband must live in the Philippines for 10 years before he could become a Philippine citizen.
Hello Bob: you seem to be very knowledgeable in the visa requirements I am hoping you can answer these questions for me as I researched them on the Internet for several days now and still do not have a clear picture.
Here’s a situation my wife was born in the Philippines for the past 10 years has resided in United States and she holds a Philippine passport as well as a permanent green card.
My stepson was born in the Philippines came to United States on a visa with Philippine passport when he got here he was issued a green card that was a little over five years ago, he is now 10 years old since then I have gone through the adoption process and he now holds US passport, his Filipino passport expired in May of this year.
Although we are relocating to the Philippines with all of our personal belongings I am one Social Security disability, because of my disability my wife and son receive partial Social Security disability benefit as well. I do know that for their Social Security disability to continue beyond six months we must come back to the United States every six months for at least 30 days.
I’ve also been told if for belongings put in my Filipino wife’s name customs still charge a 12% tax on gross value amount on our belongings less $500 off the gross inventory amount.(Doesn’t seem like much of a benefit) I have also been told that house hold property put in my name with me holding a 13-A visa will enter the Philippines tax exempt for the entire shipping container. ( sounds too good the be true)
I did find out from the Philippine Embassy that I need a 13-A visa to stay longer than 30 days.
1. With all that said besides me, who needs visas? And what types?
2. Are you able to advise me if this 13 – A visa will allow all over personal household belongings to enter the Philippines tax exempt?
3. Will my wife need any type of visa?
4. Will my son any type of visa?
Thanks for your support
Hi Scott – The information you were given by the Philippine Embassy is incorrect. Either they misinformed you or your misunderstood what they told you.
You are not required to have a 13a Visa to stay in the Philippines longer than 30 days. There are many visas which you qualify for which will allow you a stay in the Philippines for longer than 30 days. You certainly qualify for a Balikbayan Visa, which will allow for a 1 year stay in the Philippines. You also qualify for an SRRV Visa which would allow for a permanent stay in the Philippines. Also, you qualify for the 13a visa, which also allows for a permanent stay.
For your son, it would be my opinion that he is now a dual citizen. He took no actions on his own to renounce his Philippine citizenship, thus it should still be considered to be intact. You need to renew his Philippine Passport, and when he comes to the Philippines you should have him show both his US and his Philippine Passport. This will allow him a visa-free permanent stay in the Philippines.
Your wife needs no visa, as she is a citizen of the Philippines.
The 13a Visa will allow you an exemption from any import taxes on $7,000 worth of household goods. Truth is, they don’t really count up the value, they generally just allow the entire shipment, but there is a limit of $7,000 value, which they can enforce if they choose to do so.
As stated previously, neither your wife or son need any type of visa, but it is important that they must show a Philippine Passport when they enter the Philippines.
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.
If you haven’t heard there is a new retirement visa for American x military you only have to deposit $1500.00 in a bank and about $1400.00 in fees than an annual fee of about $360 if you have served in the Philippines for two years the fee is only $10 you don;t have to be retired only x military with a dd 214
That is called an SRRV for veterans. However, you do need to have a monthly income (pension) of at least $1500 a month in order to qualify. It cant be used for as long as you have the visa unless you want to use it to buy a ready to move in condo or a long term lease of a ready to move in house and lot but investment must be $50.000.00. So you will need to top up $40,000.00 to buy the condo
Hi Bob,
I just a finished filing my TRV today and I found your input very useful and accurate. Through your answers I was able to be ready with the required docs and saved a lot of time. Just the same I want to share my experience as I had it a bit different so that people will be aware of the updates. It went like a breeze actually. After all documents have been checked in BOI we were directed for the assessment of the documents. Then were asked to pay, by the way it is one time payment including the ACR card, unlike what I read in the forum, no more going to and fro the BOI until your visa is released. After the payment we were given two hearing dates schedule to choose from. After the hearing is the fingerprinting that’s it. By the way I a Moroccan national. I hope this helps. Once again thank you so much Bob.
Hi Abdou – Thank you for letting me know! I am very happy to know that the website was helpful in accomplishing your needs for the TRV!
Hi bob (guess who :D)
so if I go on a holiday, the time frame resets and I have to start again?
Oh dear
hello Bob,
Malaj here, I am married to a foreigner for 3 years now. And he already got permanent resident visa here in the Philippines. He got another woman and I am wondering if I will file for annulment or he will file for annulment can his permanent visa be revoke through annulment? What are the ways for his visa will be revoke? Thank you….
This site is about getting a visa to come to the Philippines. Sorry, I know nothing about Australian visas.
Hi… I am planning on short term – as short as possible that is – to go to the Philippines. My fiancee lives there, but I am a Dutch citizen. Want to go live with her overthere.
It is kinda difficult to find your way through the web of rules… how do I get myself a permanent stay, for I need to work there, too, of course…
Any suggestions, please?
Thanks.
Hello E. – At this point, since you are not married, you don’t really qualify for a resident visa. There is one that you could get, which is an SRRV (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa), but there could be significant cost involved. Since you plan to marry in the Philippines, then if I were you I would wait until after the marriage and then apply for a 13a Resident visa. With that Visa you can stay permanently in the Philippines.
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.
Dear Sir Mr Martin
How are you and family?hope all is well. I read your columns before i apply my TRV I was so lucky to find your site and i get some info there. now i have my TRV. but i have questions? LIKE WHAT AND WHAT CAN I DO WITH THE TRV?
I appreciate all your doing here You may not know how many people you have helped out what all this but am one of them. I just want to thanks.
Hi Chukky – Well… I am not completely sure that I understand your question. The TRV is your visa that allows you to reside in the Philippines.
is this the new one? there seems to be different lists on the net. in this list it seems that there’s no need for financial and medical requirements.
The lack of a medical exam is not “new” it has been in effect for several years already.
Goodevening, my husband have some questions regarding the 13a visa.
Once the process of applying for the 13a visa at the immigration, do the immigration
grant me a tourist visa for free ? Like a visa until my application is either
accepted or rejected ?
I hope you answer our question. Thank you
thank you for clearing that out bob. there are other sites that seem to have a different set or requirements.
Sorry, I forgot to mention the location. I’m referring to Intramuros location of BI.
Thank you again for the quick respond..
Bob,
I’m receiving social security benefits of $680 per month. Will this suffice as financial capacity proof for my 13(a) visa?
Hello please help me
I am American married to a filipina woman in USA after marriage we came to Philippines til now our marriage didn’t work out and have son. So now I am going to divorce her . This is my problem she threat me she told me “You can divorce me in USA in legal but don’t forget we are married in Philippines and still legal””
Here we go
I never married here in Philippines since i want my permanent card we went before to D F A and sign something so our marriage will be considered in Philippines.. My question? Does our marriage considered in Philippines if so, After i divorce in USA does she need my signature here in Philippines since our status here is married even i don’t marry here.
please i need help
Hello Malaj – An annulment in itself will have no affect on his permanent visa. However, all that you need to do is go to the BI and withdraw your sponsorship (I assume that you are the one who sponsored him as a permanent resident). If you do that, his visa will be revoked, even if you are still married.
Hi Bob,
How easy or difficult is the 13A visa process.
I’m married to a Filipina lady and will be arriving there in Dec.
I plan on staying there for a while.
I was in touch with a lawyer and they stated that their fees were close to 90k peso.
I have read the forms and it does seem straightforward. The only thing I cant find is the petition letter example or sample from Filipina spouse etc. This is why I thought to go to a lawyer but 90k seems abit much.
Apprct your feedback.
Thanks Jack
Hi Jack – The process of obtaining a 13a visa is quite easy. I would not recommend paying anybody to do it for you, especially at that rate, because it is easy to do it yourself.
Good luck to you.
Hello Bob – this is a very interesting and informative blog. I have the same situation as Thomas. I was born in Canada and my mom’s a filipina at the time of my birth. That makes me a dual citizen. Question for you is how can I get a Philippine passport if I don’t have an NSO certified birth certificate? I have a letter from Bureau of Immigration that I am a recognized filipino citizen. Sorry if it is out of the topic. Thanks, Leo.
i know this is a very old question by leo, but in case anyone else reads it…… NO -just because your mom was a filipina does not automatically prove you are a dual… You have to prove that to the Philippine government… Apply for a Philippines passport….you will need certified documents to qualify.. do you have the legal documents they ask for? Did she register your birth at the Philippine Consul office in Canada? IT appears NOT…. If she did- she would have gotten a NSO birth certificate for you. Does the letter from the BI stating that you would be a recognized filipino citizen because anyone born of a filipino parent would be…. and they are just answering the question that if your mom was a filipino – you qualify as one???? True, but I am sure you have to prove all that, you have to prove her citizenship and prove you are her son…. Lots of paper, you get your NSO birth certificate and can apply for your Philippine passport…
Please, all filipinos living abroad, register your children born abroad at your nearest Philippine consul and get their NSO birth certificate and even their 1st passport at the same time…. Years later, proving this can be much harder as people die and documents get lost.
Bob is correct. It’s very easy, if time consuming, and as usual in the Philippines, frustrating! I got mine just a few months ago. There are a few things that are not quiet clear. You need police clearance from your own country, ONLY if you have been in the Philippines less than six months. I had been here a few years, so did not need any. I was very surprised that they did not ask for ANY proof of income!
hi. a friend who is a chinese national is married to a filipina and intends to renew his resident visa. wud that be covered by a 13a?
So how many “throw-away” tickets would one need to buy if they want to stay 16 months? Do you have to show an “onward” ticket every time you go to renew your tourist visa?
Do you have to show an onward ticket to renew your tourist visa every time?
Thanks!
Only one throw away ticket would be needed. It is needed when you enter the country, not for visa extensions.
Hi Bob – I see that you live in Davao? I understand that the state department warns Americans not to travel in Mindanao outside of Cagayan de Oro. Since you live there, can you give your advise on that subject? I am going in 2015, and get married there – we want to live in the Philippines – but my wife-to-be is from Luzon, so I won’t be going there at first, but want to see as much of the country as I can. Also, she has friends in Mindanao, various cities like CDO, Davao, and a few other cities that escape me at the moment.
The State Department is crazy on that, Rob, in my opinion. The warning has been there for many years, but Davao is considered to be the safest city in the Philippines.
I was curious if you live in Philippines would they charge you taxes for income earned for working for USA companies while living in Philippines on 13a visa? For example lets say you work as contractor for USA company via internet but you live overseas would you be taxed both in Philippines and USA?
i think everyone is asking about the $10,000 because on other sites it shows it as a requirement.. like the one im going to post below..
i had the same question has im marrying my filipina gf, we have a son together, and want to make us official, and apply for perminant residency so we can at some point apply for CR1 Visa though DCF
this is what i find when researching requirements… could you shed some light on if this is acurate? salamat po
the site is
http://www.living-in-the-philippines.com/permanent-resident-visa-philippines.shtml
and requirements listed is
If you are legally married with a Filipino citizen, you may apply for the permanent Resident Visa (13A) as stated of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 13. You must meet the following requirements:
Notarized letter of application by the Filipino spouse
Accomplished and Notarized General Application Form
Copy of the birth certificate of the Filipino spouse, authenticated by the NSO
Authenticated copy of the Marriage Contract by the NSO or Philippine Embassy abroad (if you got married abroad)
Immigration Clearance Certificate
Copy of the foreigners passport showing the date of arrival and Visa (Balik Bayan Stamp)
certification of a savings bank account with the minimum 10,000 US$ on it to prove, that you can financially support your family
pay about 20,000,- Pesos in total for fees (10,000 for application and another 10,000 for approval)
Hello Anne. Where you were married is of no concern.
Since you are American, here is how it works if you divorce in the USA:
If you file the divorce case, then when the divorce is final you will be divorced. You are divorced in the USA, in the Philippines and every other country in the world. Your wife will be divorced in every country except for the Philippines. In the Philippines you will be considered divorced, but she will be considered to still be married. She can go to court for recognition of the divorce, though, and once that is finalized then she will also be recognized as being divorced in the Philippines.
If she files the divorce case, everything is the same, except that she can never be considered divorced by the Philippine government.
I have never been asked for an onward tick at the BOI only once by the airline when leaving the USA, and it is taking longer to process the 13A visa here now they are real picky about your application they dismissed my application the first time because when i had the police report done i only put the initial of my middle name instead of the full name as on the passport,i had to have an affidavit stating i was one and the same person and have the 13A now
Your ongoing ticket must be within 59 days of your arrival. So, if you plan to have one that is 58 days, you are covered.
I have a question for you again if you don’t mind me asking.
1.) How long did it take you to get your 13a? (This would help me with my planning… by the way I would do my 13a in Philippines not in USA since I am not married to her yet)
2.) For the finance part would a tax document form 2014 be sufficient to describe my income or would I need savings account information as well?
3.) How do you get the police clearance from your home country? (I have a clean record and have never been to police station before so not really sure about the process… also seems that you have to get it notarized so trying to get details on that)
Thanks everyone for your help I can’t even begin to express my full gratitude as your responses have been very helpful thus far.
Hi John – Whether they ask to see the onward ticket or not is very random. But, if they ask and you don’t have one, they won’t let you enter the country. It is that simple.
Hi Al – In answer to your questions..
1) Firstly, I do not have a 13a. I have a 13g. I only mention that because you specifically ask about “my 13a”. It took me 30 days to obtain my 13g visa. However, I got mine in the USA and that is a lot faster, I see no way you could accomplish it in 30 days in the Philippines.
2) A tax document is great, but things like bank statements, investment account statements and such may also be required.
3) The police clearance is much more difficult if you are applying in the Philippines. If you will be working on the visa quickly after arrival, get it while you are still in the States. Just go to the Police station and tell them you want a report showing that you have no criminal record, they can provide that for you.
Hi Bob,
I have friend from Syria and his passport is expiring…he needs to renew it and for renewing his passport he need to go back to his country to serve as a military, but he doesn’t want it. He is asking if there is possibility that he can avail Philippine passport what is the requirements for him to acquire a Philippine passport?… I will appreciate if you may please send me the procedures and the possibility.
Thanks!
Joyla
Reply
can i apply 13a visa during living in native country.
Yes, you apply at the Philippine embassy or consulate.
hi bob,
Just want to clarify things., we go to the immigration today and they said that i need to downgraded my husband 13a visa to 9g because we should got to renew the visa 2 months prior to the expiration..
why have to make thing hard and go back to the beginning and pay this ridicilous fees again? do i have the option to just pay the penalty?
your reply will be much appreciated.
thank you
Hi Michelle – I am sorry, without knowing more, I don’t know how to comment on this. There must be some reason why they offered such advice, but I really don’t have any idea why.
hi, dose the Philippines give out any immigration PROBATIONARY if you got a criminal history as a trial period? i want to live in the Philippines someday with my girlfriend.
thank you
Hi Folks
this is a very interesting conversation – one point to make and one question
1- yes you can own land in the philippines- but only in a couple of weird ways
a- if your wife buys land with a house and you are named as husband on the title – in the case of her death you will be allowed to inherit that single piece of land – but if you sell it you cannot buy any other land- make sure you have a will for your wife
b- the other alternative is to have the title in your wifes land then build the house in your name and have a lease on the land for 25 years with an autoextend for another 25 years, as long as you pay the nominal rent each year you will be ok – also this can make your retirement visa requirements as they changed it to include leased land and lot – make sure you include you pay directly the taxes on the land each year just in case – and make sure the land is titled not tax declared
QUESTION
1- does a permanent resident need a separate work visa or not- i keep being asked for 8000 pesos for annual work visa by DOLE and i am not sure its right – any ideas anyone
Been married and living in the Philippines for 8 years- only problems so far the extended family – give me a beer lol (another reason to make sure wills are tight – there are some strange inheritance laws from Spanish times that if a married child does not have kids the assets go to the parents rather than the spouse so be careful – or you could end up in a corrupt court)
Advice about marrying – marry a professional not a bar girl !
Thank you for sharing your information. At least some of it is factually incorrect, though.
1b. It is illegal under the Philippine Family code for a husband to enter into a contract (including a land lease) with his wife. So, that absolutely cannot be done.
A person with a permanent work visa does not need an AEP. It is implicit in his visa. While the BI holds that it is not needed, DOLE still sometimes says it is. Why is right? Depends on who you listen to.
Hi Bob,
My dad’s 3rd wife is Filipino. We are both Malaysians. He has PR in the Philippines. I would like to join him to start a new life in the Philippines. What should I do to apply for PR? Thanks and looking forward to your reply.
Hi Aaron – Unless you are married to a Filipina, or old enough to get a Retirement Visa (SRRV) it is unlikely that you can get Permanent Residence in the Philippines.
So it would be the same everyone regardless of which country you’re from?
I never said any such thing, Aaron. I only related whst my experience had been.
i wonder why people marry with filpino if philippines govt and institute dislike the foreigner,in philippines foreigner is not welcome.he is only known ATM machine.
I have lived in the Philippines for 15 years. Always felt welcome here, never disliked.
hi! i just want to ask about the probationary resident visa if that also allows you to work in Philippines?
A resident visa allows you to work.
Hey, Bob,just wondering what to do because I got married with my filipina wife June 2011 and I got my 13a visa and around Feb.2012,I and my wife left in Philippines and since then have had no single trip back yet,but this year around May 2015 my wife and I together with our son american citizen too is scheduled to return back in Philippines.All I’m confused about is my 13a visa expired already and confused very much what should I do then?I knew there is Balikbayan visa for at least a year but I still need to renew my 13a,with my ACR-1 right?
Hi Richard, your 13a has likely been revoked with the amount of time that you have been away. I doubt it can be renewed. You will likely have to start the process over again.
You should check with the BI to get their final ruling, though.
I’m a U.S. citizen who just married here in the Philippines, but when I approached the Philippine immigration office, I didn’t get a 13a request, I received conversion to non-quota immigrant visa by marriage (BI Form 2014-12-001 Rev 0). Is this correct? I’ve been here less than 30 days so I’m approaching the mark where I’ll need an extension to get this done from the embassy/consular? Frustrating because according to this non-quota visa, I wasn’t aware that I needed a police clearance… how from here do I go about getting a police clearance? Or do I go in begging from the consular office to extend me for the next 6 months in order to get a NBI? I was also told by the immigration office that the BI would not apply to me? Help?
Yes, you need an FBI clearance and it is not easy to get from here, although it can be done. If you go to the downloads area on my other website, Expat Island, you can download a free form from the US Embassy that details how to get the FBI clearance.
That is called an SRRV for veterans. However, you do need to have a monthly income (pension) of at least $1500 a month in order to qualify. It cant be used for as long as you have the visa unless you want to use it to buy a ready to move in condo or a long term lease of a ready to move in house and lot but investment must be $50.000.00. So you will need to top up $40,000.00 to buy the con
Hi Bob, I am an expat living in the Phils 12 years now. I hold a 13A visa. I was married to my Philippine wife in the US in 1999. She left me for a Philippine boyfriend and has had children by him. I have lived alone since 2004. Immigration says that as long as my wife does not go to court and get an annulment I have no problems staying here. I want to go to Guam now and get a US divorce since I was married there. I know I can leave here and stay gone for six months. An officer at immigration told me I would need to get a resolution through the courts, down grade my visa to tourist, get remarried to a Philippine woman and then reapply for a resident visa with her as my new sponsor. Does all of this sound right to you? Would I be allowed to get another 13A with another sponsor?
Thanks for any information you can give me. Dave
That all sounds correct to me. Good luck.
Afternoon,
Do you know anything about how to get a residence visa if you are NOT married? I have done some research on the retirement visa, but wondering where the catch is. Put $50,000 (ok, that definitely qualifies as a catch) into a term deposit (can still earn the interest?) and basically you are good to go.
Does that sound right? (I have obviously left out paperwork and such, but that’s the same no matter what visa you apply for)
Yes, I understand the fact that I could not own property, but I would be allowed to own a condominium or such? And not allowed to work.
Yes, what you say is correct, Dean. No catches, other than what you have pointed out.
Owning a condo is not a problem.
hia bob, been living in bongabong with my filapina wife and 13month daughter, my probationary 13a expires on the 24 july, we have to visit manila doctors hospital on 5th of may and plan to go to bi while we are in manila for 5days, so I am applying for permanent visa on the 5th, his that in good time for applying, I am a uk citizen, also what documents do I need this time, regards. ivor
Hi Ivor, I can’t be sure, but I am thinking they might let you apply on the 5th. I would go to the BI and inquire. They will be happy to tell you if it is too early to apply. Good luck.
thanks bob for your answer, fingers crossed when we go to manila, regards ivor.
I see no reason why he could not just switch to having a Balikbayan Visa.
Hi in my personal experience, my husband was told by the BI officer to apply for permanent visa 2 months prior to the expiration of his probationary 13a visa.
Hi Bob- I am a US citizen and thru a horse racing game on FB , met some awesome pinoys who are now good friends…..I also – from being put on the same racing tournament team, met one I want to marry and bring to the US. We talk on skype daily, I have met his whole family via skype, even the dog, cat and chicken lol. Anyway in order to petition for the fiance visa we need to meet in person within two yrs of my filing,so I am looking to fly there at some point this year. I feel that it would benefit me to stay awhile and see and learn his culture – I have seen the morning “fish man’ who peddles the cart selling fresh fish, smoked fish, etc down the streets in his town via skype, anyway, I feel it would be good for me to live there for 90 days ( I will be renting a nearby furnished apt as being asthmatic, I need A/C)…..and while there, apply for the fiance visa, have him make his interview appt, Police clearance, medical etc appts….he has his cert of singleness and all correct NSO documents and a passport…my question – I see I can go visa free for 29 days then apply for extension for another 30, making the total 59 days, but I don’t see anything for 90 days,and can I go with an open end return flight ticket, as I’m not sure of my exact return to the US date? The consolate sites,even the US state dept/immigration site, etc don’t seem quite clear on some topics…..also, what about money….I get a state pension (I’m not that old, just caught an early retirement incentive:)….is my debit card valid in the Phils? Should I direct deposit it all in my checking acct, or to a prepaid card for use n the Phils? Are US cards accepted at ATMS without being charged ridiculously high fees? Do they give the cash as US dollars or as Pesos? Oh, what about transportation? My guy says use public as I will never be travelling alone because there is so much traffic and it will get confusing for someone driving there who has not experienced it.I was contemplating a car rental…. sorry for so many questions and thank you very much for your time 🙂
Hello Kim – Wow, you do have plenty of questions! Here are my replies to those questions:
1. It sounds like you think that your friend can have his interview while you are here. That is very unlikely. It takes usually 8 to 18 months after the application before he will be able to get his interview.
2. When you arrive, you will be issued a 30 day tourist visa waiver at the airport. At the end of 30 days you may extend the visa for an additional 29 days, for a total of 59 days. When your 59 days has expired, or shortly before that, you can extend for another 59 days. You can continue doing this until you have been in the country for a total of 36 months.
3. As long as you have an ongoing airline ticket out of the Philippines that should suffice the requirements. An open ended ticket should be fine for that.
4. Yes, you can use your US debit card here. But, using a card here is not always easy, so I would be sure to have plenty of cash as well.
5. When you use an ATM, fees are charged, but that is determined by your bank in the USA. Cash is given in Philippine Pesos, not in US dollars.
6. There is lots of public transportation. Tricycle, jeepney, bus, taxi. Transportation should not be any problem.
7. I agree with your friend, car rental is not really a good option for somebody who is coming here for the first time.
Good luck to you and enjoy your trip!
Do not rent a car! The driving in the Philippines is totally different from America. The best way to describe it is controlled chaos and that’s being kind. Depending on where you are, they may not have any traffic lights. Intersections are a clustermuck of beeping and creeping in order to get through. Then you have to negotiate the motorbikes, motorbikes taxi with sidecar, tricycle taxi’s, Jeepney’s bicycles, bus, trucks, cars, pedestrians and the frequent family of 5 riding on a single motorcycle with a goat and chicken squeezed in. If they happen to have traffic lights, don’t expect anyone to obey it either. Taxi’s are cheap but you need to find out what the rate is for a Filipino to where u are going, because they hike the rates way up for Americans.
I was a bit lazy to read only a couple of comments beyond the first, however, from personal experience, it involves 1,620 travel tax plus 2,880 “ACR Card Tax” to depart the country. When you return to the Philippines, in my experiece, they could care less about the ACR card, they only look for the stamp in your passport of “Permanent Residence”. then stamp you through. The ACR Card is simply a revenue generation tool when you depart the Philippines.
Hi just a quick question I am from singapore married a philipina do I need a police clearance from spore to apply a long time visa? Is there a way I can just extend my visa in Philipines for a long period?
You can extend a tourist visa for up to a total of 36 months. After the 36 months has expired, then you can leave the Philippines and return the next day to start another 36 months.
If you are applying for a permanent resident visa then you will be required to provide a police clearance.
Great.. How do I apply the 36 months visa what is the process like and how much will it cost me buddy?
You get a Tourist Visa Waiver at the airport when you arrive, then every time that your tourist visa is about to expire you go to the Bureau of Immigration to extend it.
What are the fees like bob for the extensions?
It is different with each extension, as the requirements are different. Figure P3,000 minimum for a 2 month extension, up to about P7,000.
Good luck to you.
Thks bob for all your help and enlightenment..
Hi bob am I eligible for the Balik banyan stamp?
Yes, you are, since you have a Filipino wife. To get the Balikbayan Visa your wife must enter the country with you, and you need to have your marriage certificate with you when you enter.
Hi bob.. I would like to ask if I can renew my singapore passport in Manila singapore embassy?
Hi Ravin – I would think that you can, but I really have no expertise about Singapore. Best thing you could do is contact the Singapore Embassy and ask them.
Thks bob you have been a great help to me.. Appreciate all your help and guidance along my journey..
Hi bob, my fiancé has been convicted of minor misdemeanor 35 years ago (public intoxification) we plan to get married in the Philippines and stay there for good, will his conviction affect getting a Philippine spousal visa? I hope you can enlighten us , we are really worried, looking forward to your reply, thanks!
Regards,
Pam
Hi Pamela – Usually, the crimes that will cause trouble for your immigration are crimes of violence. I do not think that the crime you mentioned will create a problem for him.
hi bob, thanks so much for the quick reply, highly appreciated!
This question is slightly hypothetical…or maybe just before I really need to know.
My Fiance has never needed a passport. Currently doesn’t have one.
What identification is acceptable in place of a Passport … or
Should I/we plan to get a Passport…which might be a good idea anyway?
Thanks!
Hi Byron. Maybe I am confused, but I am not certain that I am understanding your question. I am assuming that your fiance is Filipina? If so, she does not need a visa to live in the Philippines. She would be your sponsor for a 13a visa. No passport is needed for that, just her Philippine birth certificate.
True… The question I ask is related to the notation (if I’m reading it accurately) that the [still future] Filipina spouse should _also_ bring their Passport for the application process.
The Visa would be for me.
Byron
In my opinion, it is not a concern. Any type of ID would be fine. Work ID, School ID, Postal ID, I don’t think it is a worry.
Thanks.
That’s what I suspected … but I’m the outsider… 🙂
Were you able to do this entire process in the USA?
Ha ha… happy to help.
I’ll definitely keep this in mind. If my wife and I ever decide to move back I’d love to avoid some trips to the immigration office in Manila.
Nice read BOB. Just some added info. My wife and I applied for our 13 series Visa in the States at the Philippine Embassy in Chicago, USA. Only one visit to apply and fill out all forms. With research we knew already what doctor to see for our physical and had all requirements in hand for our visit to the Embassy. They mailed us an acceptance letter in about 5 days. Next on our arrival in the Philippines we stopped at the BI in Intramuros got finger printed and paid a small fee then picked up our ARC I cards which were already waiting for us. A very simple deal. Good luck to everyone applying in the Philippines for their ARC I cards. I have first hand horror stories from friends of mine who have waited over a year, paid lots of money, and still do not have their cards.
Hi Bud – I was very lucky when I got my resident visa. I never had to visit the consulate even once. I called on the phone and requested the visa application. When I received it, I took care of everything and sent it to them via FedEx. They called and interviewed me on the phone! I was quite lucky. I agree with you, it is much easier and better to get it in your home country rather than the Philippines. Too complicated and bureaucratic here.
I never applied for a permanent resident visa while I was in the Philippines. I was there on a missionary visa or sometimes used tourist visas. I always managed to get my card, but I’d definitely opt to avoid (or minimize the time spent in) the immigration office in Manila in the future if it is possible.
Hi Kevin – The good thing about the 13 series resident visa is that you only have to go to the Bureau of Immigration once per year for your annual report, and that usually only takes a few minutes to complete.
Yes! And you can do the annual report at satellite offices. When I was in Angeles City I could just go to the office in Clark for that. It was pretty simple.
I went through this process and will offer my opinions on it here. To compile all the documents took a long time and you should double-check the requirements because they recently changed. The total I spent on the fees was around 20K. But, this meant going to the BI offices, and waiting in line and dealing with very poor service day in and day out for what seemed like months. One of the worst experiences of my life has been dealing with the bureaucracy involved with the 13a visa, a document which has little value in the end.
One person I met in Philippines had paid an agency to handle the paperwork for him, and they pushed the papers through a backdoor every time. It is well worth the money in my opinion, to pay *the right* agency. In my case, the BI rejected my application for a very stupid reason [different addresses on my NBI clearance and the application form. I explained we lived in two places, and that none of the 4 departments ‘reviewing’ my documents told us that this will cause a rejection of the entire app with more waiting and more fees to pay]. Meanwhile, this person had the same exact issue, and while they mentioned the discrepancy to him, it was completely overlooked by the ‘officials’ who got their pockets greased by the applicant’s excessive fees.
In the end, the 13a only provides you with a resident status, and it seems that you have to check in at the BI once a year anyway. If it’s worth the trouble, you might as well. Otherwise you can travel with your wife abroad once a year and present your marriage certificate to the customs official, who will then give you a 1 year stamp no questions asked.
BJ
Hello Bob,
I’m in desperate searching when I found your site. I have a syrian boyfriend who is now living in Turkey. Because of being a syrian national who was one of the millions who fled syria because of war his life there is very limited not to mention the new rule imposed by the government of turkey about the 90-days remaining stay for the syrians whose permit are already expired. His permit expired 4 months ago, he want to renew it but it cost too much for him.. he dont want to go back fearing that if he does they may not let him in turkey again..also the fine of going back to turkey will be a lot more of money but if he get caught he might end up behind bars and be banned from entering turkey again… he is so down now..he just told me that his very tired and desperate..he is living alone now for 3 years coz his family got killed in the war..now he was thinking of getting back to syria just to fight alongside with his fellow syrians. Someone is convincing him to. And he is nearly deciding to do so.. and I was so afraid he will.. the only option I can think of now is for us to marry. Do u think he can manage to get in the philippines given the situation?coz I really want him to be safe. I dont want him to loose hope… I want him to fight for his chance of a better life and not just waste his life fighting to a war with no clear direction. He ia a good man.. he is working hard even if it means lower wage for him because he is a syrian. And he is so young to get his life wasted. I hope you can give me some advice with this coz this is our only chance to be together. Thank you.
There is no $10,000 requirement. There is no set dollar amount that is required. You show what you have, the BI officer makes a judgment whether in your circumstances that is enough to be able to live here without becoming a burden on the government.
hi there, my husband a probationary visa, does he need to go to the BI 2 months b4 his Icard expire to get a have a conversion to Permanent visa? We have been in and out of the country and every time we exit philippines we pay 2700 which really cost us more than just having a balikbayan visa which allow my husband to stay in philippines for a year for free.. we are planning not to renew his visa anymore and we just go for the Balikbayan visa,. but do we need to notify the BI since his Icard will be expired in 3 onths from now? thank ufor your advice
Thanks for sharing your experience. To be honest, it sounds like you are bitter about being rejected, and that colored your view of the process. Perhaps I am wrong, but that is how it sounds.
Take care.
Your response makes no sense. What rejection are you referring to???
retard
Albert, one more comment like that and you’ll be banned from the site. This is the only warning you will get.
First of all, thanks for helping everyone on your website. You’re a big help to many. Couple of quick visa questions. If I apply for the 13a visa outside the Phils and get approved. How long do I have to actually use it to get into Phils and start the one year probationary period? Lastly, after it’s made permanant and I pay the exit tax. How long can I stay out of the Phils and keep my 13a in good standing. Is it good for life even if you leave for several years and don’t go to the yearly check-in? No data for this posted anywhere that I can find. Thanks Bob…… David
Hi David,
A few considerations.
1) I would strongly advise you to get the 13 series visa outside the Philippines. It is easier, quicker… and the big thing is that if you get it abroad then there is no Probationary year. The first visa you are issued is already permanent.
2) Another big thing is the police clearances. it is difficult to get the clearances that you need if you are here in the Philippines.
If you get the visa abroad, you have 1 year to get to the Philippines.
You can stay out of the Philippines for up to one year and still keep your visa active.
If you leave for several years you will need to apply for a new visa.
Good luck.
Hi Bob,
Could you tell me how much would it cost to apply for permanent resident visa. My husband’s probationary will expire on 11th of june. Thanks.
No, I am sorry, I cannot give you an exact number. It was 16 years since I got mine, and these things change all the time. So, I don’t know the exact price today. Check with the Bureau of Immigration.
The BI website is not that helpful. Thanks anyway!
can i get citizenship without marrying filipina. or long stay i say as of for 5 7 years. next year by end i plan to go but how i can get long stay please help me bob
If you are not married to a Filipina you can still become a Philippine citizen, but the requirements are more difficult. You must live here for 10 years before you can apply. Upon applying it will probably take another 7 to 10 years to complete the process and become a citizen.
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the help you provide to everyone (expats). My question is I am in my TRV 1 year probationary period and I have a job offer. Will I be allowed to work even my first year?
Thanks,
Best regards,
Hi Abdou – I know that with a permanent resident visa you have the right to work, but to be honest I am not certain on the probationary resident visa. Sorry I can’t be more precise on this particular question.
Thank you Sir for the swift reply.
ok. but sir bob what visa i should take for long stay i mean more than 6 months and what i would have to show them the reason
Hi Kunal – I guess that if you are not married to a Filipina, the only long term visa you would qualify for would be an SRRV.
thanks sir bob for your helping reply. hope i will survive good there hehe,, god bless us all
Hello Sir Bob. My Last Question, can i stay with my gf in philippines but she is single mother and she is seprated from her xhusband more than 7years now and she not seen also him. we will process Anulment but after 2 3 years not yet plan so is it possible for me to stay with her. if it is impossible then next year only i will tell her to make anulment. really so hard life sir loving somebody also sin now a days. god created this world but people created bad laws which give only unhappines always.
You can do that, it is up to you… but I will just let you know that it is illegal for you to date a married woman (even if she is separated) in the Philippines. It can honestly land you in jail. So, proceed with caution.
Thanks Sir Bob. i dont want to stuck in problem so i told my gf also to start process of annulment …… this i got from some law firm in philipiines
If you’re separated from your spouse for 4 years, is that a sufficient ground for annulment?
No. De facto separation is not a ground for annulment. It doesn’t matter if the spouses lived apart or did not see each other for 2, 10, 20 or more years. However, the absence of 2 or 4 years, depending on the circumstances, may be enough to ask the court for a declaration of presumptive death of the “absent spouse”, in which case the petitioner may again re-marry.
Hello Bob,
I have a question about one year probationary visa by marriage. If I get the one, which is the plan, can I leave the Philipines during that year and for how long? Is there a minimum of time that I have to be in the country? And if you could clarify what Mr. Bob Jones said, about leaving the country once a year and getting the stamp for one year no questions asked, with a marriage certificate. Is that when we would come back? Is that right?
Thank you
Hi bobs my baby is Australian citizen and Philippine citizen like a dual he allowed to stay in philippine?thank you
You said your child is a Philippine citizen. If he is a citizen then he is allowed to stay in the Philippines for as long as he wishes.
Hi bob, i am nepali citizen and working in dubai now, i am in relationship with married filipina woman (not divorced with her husband) i know we gotta deal with this as well. Now biggest thing is we want to move there and stay tpogether with my mom (Nepali citizen) we will have aroubnd 90k usd with us so is it possible to get permanent residence to me and my mom together?
Hi Bob. My husband’s probationary 13a visa expires on May 29 and we have to file for his amendment to permanent visa soon. We have been living in the Philippines since we got married in 2012, though we both travel overseas frequently for work. For the amendment, the checklist of requirements from the BI website only asks for the NBI clearance if the applicant has been in the Philippines for more than 6 months from the date of latest arrival. However, I also hear about similar applicants who are required to submit a police clearance from their home country. Wasn’t the home country clearance only required for those applying for the probationary visa (if they’ve been in the Philippines for less than 6 months)? Thanks so much for any insights you may share.
Hi CM – The requirements change all the time. Also, the requirements asked for at one office of the BI are different from other offices. If they gave you a list, you should provide what they ask for, that would be my best advice.
My 13a expires in august. My wife asked if we can move to USA so we are in the process of getting her visa.
So I will return to usa to get ready for her arrival.
What happens if this visa expires while I am in the USA? Will they just give me a tourist visa when I return?
Something is incorrect, David. A 13a visa does not ever expire. Do you have a 13A or a Probationary 13A (they are two different things)? Is it your ACR card that is expiring?
Hi, I am filipina married to american and i petition him to get a 13a permanent VISA.
I thought our relationship is good. But i found out that he is cheating on me for years….
Can i cancel my petition to him? I know that there is no divorce here in Philippines.
I just want to cancel my petition, can he be deported?
You can inform the Bureau of Immigration that you wish to withdraw your endorsement. If he is no longer living with you, you should infrom the BI as well. Based on this information, it is likely that his resident visa will be taken away.
Hello Sir,
I have a fillipina girl friend, who wants me to travel down to phillipin to meet with her.
Obviously we are planning to get married in the Phillipines..
Please what kind of Visa do I need to travel down to phillipines??
Also are there jobs for foreigners over there, because I wouldn’t want to stay idle when I arrive there (am a website developer and maintenance specialist,)
He cannot legally acquire a Philippine passport unless he becomes a Philippine citizen. In order to do that, he will need to live here for 10 years before applying.
Hello Leo,
If you already have proof of your recognition as a Philippine Citizen (BI letter), you should be able to obtain an NSO birth certificate without problem.
To get a passport, if you are in the Philippines you would apply at the DFA office. If you are not in the Philippines you would apply at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Question about the Philippines Non-Quota Immigrant Visa 13(a). When arriving in the Philippines for the first time with the 13(a) visa does it matter if I arrive in Mactan in Cebu instead of Manila? The envelope that I am to hand to immigration has a note to go to Bureau of Quarantine and International Health Surveillance in Manila. I would much rather arrive in Cebu than Manila.
Than you in advance
You are really supposed to arrive in Manila so you can report to the Bureau of Quarantine. I have known people who arrived in other places, though, and were able to work everything out.
Hello Bob…my uncle police clearance from australia was send back to him coz the office said need to authenticate it. where can we authenticate his police clearance coz dfa said theyre are not allowed to authenticate it.any idea pls..
thank u so much!!!
Normally such authentification is done at the Philippine or Consulate in the country where the document was issued.
Thanks a lot:-)
Bob, may I know the online site you use for your work?
My husband doesnthave a job here in Philippines and I want to help him out.
Thank You.
Hello Gina – I am not sure I understand your question. I own many websites, and most of them earn money for me. These are sites that I build myself, I sell things through my sites, have advertising on my sites, etc. So, I don’t use anybody elses sites, just my own.
Hi Bob,
My dad and mom currently lives in Japan. Since my dad is near his retirement, he wants to migrate here in the Philippines. What type of visa should he apply for? Also, I have read about – PERMANENT RESIDENT (Non-quota Immigrant). It states that; “he/she has sufficient financial capacity to support a family and shall not become a public charge”, how much should there be to show that he is financial capable?
Your response will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
What is the citizenship of your father? What is the citizenship of your mother? What are their ages? Without information like this I cannot even begin to answer your questions. Good luck to you.
Dear Bob
I got married to a Filppina in the Philippine, and me and my wife we are working aboard, my question is:
Is there any visa from 13g or 13a or ACR-iCard that allow me to go out and enter the Philippines without applying for a visa and is there any extra charges if exit and enter ?
do the ACR-iCard do that or is there any thing you can inform me off the visa you have knowledge about ?
Thanks
Wael
I got married to a Filppina in the Philippine, and me and my wife we are working aboard, my question is:
Is there any visa from 13g or 13a or ACR-iCard that allow me to go out and enter the Philippines without applying for a visa and is there any extra charges if exit and enter ?
if there any thing you can inform me off the visa you have knowledge about ?
Thanks
Wael
Firstly, an ACR I card is not a visa. It is just an ID card. It has nothing to do with being able to stay in the Philippines or enter the Philippines. It is only a card that yu can use to show for ID and to show that you ARE legally in the cuntry.
If you have a 13a or 13g visa, there are costs involved in leaving the country, you have to pay an ECC fee and the Travel Tax.
The only visa I know of that you would qualify for, which would allow for a 1 year stay int he country with no costs for entering or exiting is a Balikbayan Visa. To get that you must enter the country with your wife, and have your marriage contract with you.
Just one more question, can i apply for a philippine dul citizenship or we cant ? as a non philippino married to a philippina
Since I assume you were not born a Filipino, you cannot legally become a dual citizen.
Hi Bob, I’m heide and I have a Syrian fiance staying in Doha, actually we do already have a baby and turning 1 year old next month, I am here now in the Philippines, and he is planning to come here in the Philippines next month, to get married … the problem is that today, as he went in the embassy, aside from the passport, photo, form to be filled out,guarantee letter from the bank and the fee, they ask one more document which is the bank statement for the last 6 months,
the problem is he don’t have this for he take his salary direct cash. And before when we went there to ask for the requirements, they didn’t mention this to us. Do you know anything about this PLEASE? Any idea or suggestion to help us please.
I’m waiting for your answer or please just email me.on my account PLEASE Bob.. as early as you can. I will wait. Thank you so much.
Ramesh – I have already given you a lot of help for free. If you wish to have me consult with you on this for a fee, I would be happy to do so for you. You are asking things that will require my time for research and advice to you, which I cannot do for free.
Lust let me know if I can help you.
please advise if there is any other way that i can keep my family together, i was thinking that will buy house of 2 millions and other we will invest in small business but no idea about visa and other stuff 🙁
In my opinion that is not enough investment for an investor’s visa.
You do understand that there is a good chance you will lose all of that money because of the situation with the married woman, right?
hello bob, ok i got like 80-90 k usd in my hand can i make some kind of investment and avail investor visa ? if yes what kind of investment? please in-light
The money must be left in a PRA approved bank account or some other PRA approved investment. If you withdraw the money then the visa is no longer valid. The visa is good forever as long as you leave the funds in an approved investment.
hi mr bob, i was going through srrv visa process, is that deposit means they will keep that money or we just need show in our bank account and use it once we get visa? and how many years the visa valied for?
No, you cannot own a house here.
yeah thats the thing me and my fiancee fear of, i am 32 years old ad my mom is in her 50s, how about our house and other stuff, can we own our own house?
You can do it as a family if you are under 18 years of age, but I don’t know your age. If you and your mother are both 18+ you will have to do it as individuals.
Aight, so if we move there with my mother can we apply as a family or it should be individual application then
The only type of permanent visa that you would qualify for is an SRRV retirement visa.
You should know, under Philippine law, if you live with a married woman here, who is not your wife, you can go to jail for that, so be careful. Personally, I think it would be a very foolish move for you to make.
hI MY NAME IS brian stemp,im married to a philipine women for 3 years,im still paying immigration every 2 months,im still on a tourist visa,i aim to stay here,will i need to leave the country over night,i have a philippines police clearence,but not an english one what should i do please.
thank you for your help,……….brian.
You are eligible for a resident visa. With that you don’t have to ever leave the country.
hi bob, good day to you, allow me to ask about the requirements of the amendment from probitionary visa by marriage to permanent resident visa, one of those requirements is not clear to me, could you enlighten me, “What is meant by Joint affidavit of continuous cohabitation of applicant and the petitioning filipino spouse” your reply will be much appreciated, thank you
Hi Bob,My name is Vynno Marrtyns,I must say,you’re doing an awesome job here,I’m truly proud of what you’re doing,keep up the good work.I’m a dual citizen(British/Nigerian),I’m married to a Filipina and we live in Negros Occidental.I came to the Philippines for the first time on December 31st,last year,met her family and let my intentions known to them,left on February 16th this year,returned on April 2,got married May 21.I’m currently on a tourist Visa,but want to apply for a residence visa.I have business interest in China,England,America and Nigeria,so,my question is this,with a resident visa,can i leave from here to countries where i have business interest and still come back here to the Philippines? Will i have to apply for Visa for those countries or do i get the same benefit as a Filipino?(Visa on arrival?) .Your reply will be much appreciated,Cheers and God bless
Thank you for your kind words. With some resident visa you can leave the country for up to 12 months and your visa will remain current when you return.
good day mr. bob my fiance and i r planning to get married in dec of this year he is a little bit worried about getting rejected in applying for 13a visa.. he has no criminal records and other stuff.. is there alot of cases that are rejected by BI.? and we will get marrued on december of this year and his 29 days visa will expire too then we will apply for beyond 59 days visa then apply for 13a? can we apply right away for 13a oncr we get out marriage certificate? and does he need NBI CLEARANCE? or he needs to ask a police clearance from chicago.? thanks in advance
Hello Bob,
I hope this mail finds you in good health,
I was reading through your web page and came across one comment about “FBI Identification Record”. I was wondering if you have more information on this
Like how to go about obtaining this record, do I apply for this before or after we are married? We are planning the marriage this coming July 2015 I will be going back to the states Louisiana this coming week for about 14 days. I was wondering if I can get this done while I’m in the states before we war married or does this FBI record has to be obtained after the marriage
Thanks & Regards
Shelby
Is that so? How sad.
We’re so devastated already Bob.. we don’t know how to find ways so he can come here. 🙁
Anyway thanx for a very fast reply
Thanks Bob
No worries I’ll do some research on it while I’m in the states
Again Thanks
Shelby
Hi Shelby – Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, I have no additional information other than what has been posted.
I share my experiences dealing immigration with my husband
Sure, feel free to share your experience, we will be happy to hear about it.
Hello bob,
I am Filipina living in cebu and have this bitter situation with my British fiancée but we’re both trying our best we can do, we plan our marriage last year January 2015, but it was kind of hardship in one of the papers ” certificate legal capacity” that it should be applying in Philippine British embassy we tried to send them e-mails and call them but no one chance we don’t get any answered , we can’t able go to Manila because it was said in Phil. British embassy that they don’t entertain such things without any applying schedule appointment to them online we did it but still no answered, that means if we go, it just waste of time. Now we decided to set aside our marriage after that the next month we found out that I am having a child, my fiancée decided to apply visa for me but both of us don’t even know which visa were going to apply for , our brains are twist up lot because I can’t apply for tourist visa now that I am pregnant and one thing we’re not married yet. We really don’t know what and where we going to do, my British boyfriend really want to stay in the Philippines longer more than years, what we are thankful about that we bought a house and lot and have a water refilling business… Tell me what to do??? we cant get married, we don’t know which visa I am going to apply now I’m having a baby. Is there any possible that I can get my visa and which visa I am going to apply it’s the only chance that we can stick together with my bf.
I will be honest, I am not British, I am American. I am very familiar with the process for getting US visas for spouse or fiance, but I know nothing about visas for going to Britain. Sorry, but just being honest, because I really am not able to help with your question, because I do not know anything about it.
I do wish you the best of luck though.
Bob,
I just got some questions. My husband is an US Citizen and both of us live in the Philippines. He wants to work in the Philippines. What visa should he apply? The so-called 9G Visa or he just have to apply for Permanent Resident Visa?
Thank you and hoping you can help us get through with this!
Jhane
Work is not allowed on a 9G visa unless he gets an AEP also. If he gets a 13 Series Resident visa he can work legally in the Philippines, though.
Bob,
we are currently processing my husband’s AEP with the DOLE. but i heard getting a 9G Visa is tougher than getting a Permanent Resident Visa. Is that true? What advice can you give me? Im really sorry for asking you too much. I just wanna help my husband get through with this. Thanks by the way!
Jhane
Hi,
I am an indian citizen holder and presently working in gulf country. I would like to know about residence visa in Philippines. my wife is Filipina and she is leaving in Philippines I visited to her with visit visa and I am planning to stay with her. please advise me how can I make it up to stay in Philippines.
Hi .
I have been in Philippines for nearly 2 years and did a quick trip out and back just recently .
My Question is … is there a agency in Palawan Philippines that can do all the leg work and fill out and file all the forms for a visa to stay here permanently for me .. I am 52 and from Australia originally .. Currently single although marriage is likely in the future .. … Very confused what visa to apply for ??? now
Hi Bob! I just viewed your site and hope you can help me.. I am a Filipina and I have a Nepalese citizen boyfriend and planning to get married this year.. Can he be able to get a permanent resident visa?? Answers will be much appreciated.. Thanks!
I am sorry, I cannot help on this, because I don’t know the rules for visas to Nepal citizens. I do know that the rules are different from people from the West.
Hi Bob! I’m a Filipina and my boyfriend is a Nepalese Citz, we’re planning to get married this year.. Is it possible for him to get a Permanent Resident Visas? Please I need you help / answer.. thanks!
Hi Michelle – I already answered for you yesterday, no need to ask twice. I do not know the procedure for a Nepalese citizen. The procedure and requirements are different from a westerner. Check with the BI.
Where yo get ACR?my american will still apply for 13A visa.where to get ACR here when ge arrives or there in US
The ACR card is obtained through the Bureau of Immigration.
ACR cannot be acquired in the USA. He must get it in the Philippines, at the Bureau of Immigration.
Where to get ACR, there in US or when husband arrives Phillippines
What is this 13a visa can somebody explaine it to me
13a is a resident visa to live in the Philippines. Foreigners who are married to a Philippine citizen are eligible to receive the 13a visa.
Bob,
As a US Citizen and not married to a filipino citizen but want to live in the Philippines, can that be done and what is the process. I’ve search the internet and all have different process and its confusing. I need you help.
Thanks.
Hi Matthew – There are a number of options for you. Probably the easiest would be that you can live here on a tourist visa. You just have to keep extending it every few months, which will cost money. I have all of the Visa options spelled out in detail in my new book, How to Move to the Philippines Manual, which you can buy and download immediately. http://expatisland.com/book/how-to-move-to-the-philippines-manual/
Hi Bob,
What is the best route to take if I want to live in the Philippines and not have to marry a Filipino. I have a very good friend living in Magalang-Pampanga and frequently visit them. I am nearing retirement and want relocate to Magalanga-Pampanga. What do I need to do?
Thanks,
MatthewJ
Hi Matthew – There are a options that you could use. SRRV, Tourist Visa and others. The book that I referred you to before is also available in Paperback from Amazon. You can find that here: http://www.amazon.com/How-Move-Philippines-Manual-Martin/dp/1515277259/
hi bob me and my husband are newly married and he really love philippines actually he called it as hes second home. He wanna live here permanently in the philippines and was thinking to book a new flight again to come here by the way he was an austrian. He wanna work or make business here. Im a bit confused about living here for 5-10 years meaning he will stay here that long before he can apply or he can already apply whenever he want. Hope to have answers to my questions thanks.
Hi Vishav,
To answer your questions:
1. No. Technically, you can do that, but it would be against Philippine law. If you want to do that it is up to you, but I choose to follow the laws.
2. The law is clear, unless you are a CITIZEN you cannot own land. I don’t know how your Indian friends are doing that, but I don’t think what they are doing is legal.
Hi Bob. Greetings from zambales. I am an Australian married to Filipina for last 5 years. We have one kid on the way. I acquired my Australian citizenship through naturalisation process. (Born Indian). Now the issue I am facing is the property ownership and visa or citizenship choice. I been reading your comments and realised that no matter what I do I can’t have land ownership. Only way to do that is by have Filipino citizenship which requires you to renounce your former citizenship. Two questions I have in my mind and hope you be able to help me with these.
1. When I applied for my Australian citizenship I had to renounce my Indian citizenship. After applying for passport I had the option to apply for Indian citizenship or OCI overseas citizen of India thing. Which I didn’t. Could that b the same case if after applying for resident visa I choose to go ahead with Filipino citizenship and renounce Australian for that. Can I still apply for Australian citizenship?
2. I have an Indian friend who got permanent status during back in 90s during amnesty. He reckons he can own property and land. Is it possible. As I have seen other Indian nationals married to Filipina and have 5 year acr I card showing status TRV. With no permanent rights.
Sorry if I don’t make much of a sense as I really want to own a pice of land here but afraid to loose my citizenship back home (oz) forever.
Thanks Mate
If you are from a Western country like the USA, Australia, or most European countries you don’t need any visa at all. The Visa Waiver program will cover you. Just get a plane ticket, and your passport is all you need to stay in the Philippines up to 3 years.
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://expatisland.com/49-ways-to-make-a-living/
As a special offer to you, I am going to offer you $5 off the book, but the offer is good for only the next 24 hours. During checkout, just enter the coupon code – 5DiscountToday – and the book will be $5 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!
Hi Bob. I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy reading all the questions and the replys you give. This has helped me to know what I need to do as far as living in the Philippines. I just got engaged to my beautiful Philipina fiance and want to move there but I see I cannot keep my U.S. citizenship if I do. Can you tell me how that tourist visa works again so I do not lose my pension and social security benefits. Also how the 13a works. Thank you for all the info you provide
Hello marichelle – He must live here for 5 years before he can apply to be a citizen. But, he can live here immediately, no need to be a citizen to live here. He can apply for a 13a Residence Visa at the Bureau of Immigration in order to live here now.
Hi Bob
My son born in Philippines and his Australian citizen by descent and got his Australia passport were planning to travel in Australia with his dad does he needs a Philippines passport? Even we get his exit clearance at BI before we depart. Please help me Bob.
Thank you so much
Without a Philippine Passport, when he returns to the Philippines he will be classified as a foreigner and have to pay visa fees and such, unless he has either a passport or a certificate of Philippine Citizenship.
Does NSO certificate of Philippines citizenship
Thank you so much Bob for quick reply
Yes, that should be fine. He should show that, along with his Australian Passport when he enters the country.
Thank you so much Bob ??
I have always wondered about what happens to my 13a resident visa if my Filipina wife should die before I do? Is it cancelled?
Hi Jeff – Thank you so much for your kind words and for visiting my site!
You are incorrect that you must give up your citizenship to live here! There are many ways you can live here and still keep your US citizenship!
Among your options:
Get a 13a Resident Visa
Stay up to 36 months at a time on a tourist visa.
Get an SRRV Retirement Visa
All of this is outlined in my book on Amazon, the How to Move to the Philippines Manual. If you are interested, check it out here:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Move-Philippines-Manual-Martin/dp/1515277259/
Hi Bob
I am currently hold permanent resident visa 13 (a).
My wife is Filipina. If i divorce/annulment with her, can i still hold permanent resident visa 13 (a)? If not, what visa i can apply to allow me stay here in Philippines?
Our daughter also hold a permanent resident visa 13(a), if I cannot hold 13(a) anymore, can I do a inclusion under my daughter 13(a) visa?
I need ur advise, thanks again.
Hi Peter – If you divorce your wife then you are no longer eligible for a 13a resident visa. The BI has, over the last couple of years, been enforcing this policy and canceling 13a Visas for a number of people who divorce. You may not get caught, but if you do, you will lose your visa.
I am sorry, but you are not eligible to be a 13a Visa holder based on your daughter, it is only for the spouse of a Filipino.
Good luck to you.
Hi Bob
thank you so much with your fast reply.
i read ur posted just now, this is ur post:
If you get a permanent visa and then divorce your wife, the visa is still good. However, if at any time (while you are married or divorced) your wife goes to the Bureau of Immigration and requests that your visa is cancelled, it will be. So, your visa becoming invalid is not dependent on remaining married, it depends on the continuing approval of your wife for the visa.
so u mean this police is no longer valid anymore? if divorce, then visa will be cancelled as well?
That is an OLD reply, Peter. I have already replied to you directly twice (this is the third) telling you that it is no longer the case that the Visa will still be good. The policy now is that they will cancel the visa.
many thanks bobs, thanks ur help
Hi bob i just got married to my husband last september 18 and tomorrow is the date of his return to usa my question is ca he stay longer in the philippines without visa?
It depends on when he entered the country. If he has been here for less than 3 years, then yes, he can stay. He will need to go to the Bureau of Immigration and extend his 30 day Visa Waiver in his passport, and he can stay up to a total of 36 months.
Congratulations on your marriage!
Hi bob im a filipina married to an american man last september 18 2015 and tomorrow is the date of his return to usa my question is can he stay longer to the philippines without a visa
Claire, you just asked the exact same question on another post. No need to ask the same question over and over. I already answered your previous question, here is the ansswer:
It depends on when he entered the country. If he has been here for less than 3 years, then yes, he can stay. He will need to go to the Bureau of Immigration and extend his 30 day Visa Waiver in his passport, and he can stay up to a total of 36 months.
Congratulations on your marriage!
Hi,When apply permanent residence visa if the probationary will expired on october22,2015? Thank you.
Hello Bob
I am going to marry a filipina citizen next month. We want to live in the Philippines permanently. I am British.
We already have a good idea of the docs required and the procedure to get the Section 13(A) permanent visa. My question is something to do with the fees. I know we have to pay, on application of S13(A) visa about 8.000 for me, and another 8,000 pesos for my wife and a similar amount for HER son. My question is this:
1 – Do we have to pay these fees on each annual renewal application for 3 years ( x3) ? How much in the second and then third year ? The same as in the first or is there a reduction ?
2 – After those 3 years what happens ? Can we then apply for my permanent residence and no longer have to continue paying annual fees until I die ?
I’m coming to you for advice because someone told me that I will have to pay about 25,000 pesos EVERY year even after I acquire permanent residence under s13(A), which a serious worry. Thank you so much for your advice.
Francis and Lyndelle
Hello Francis,
My friend, I don’t know where you have gotten your information from, but almost everything you said is incorrect. I think you will need to look into all of this a bit further before moving forward.
First, you said that you will be marrying a “Filipina Citizen”. If your bride is a citizen of the Philippines, you do not need to file for a 13a Visa for her! In fact, she cannot file for a visa here at all. She is a citizen, and thus she can live here without any need for a visa. So, there are no visa fees to pay for your wife. If your bride is a Philippine citizen, then her son is also (or can be easily) a Philippine Citizen as well, thus he needs no visa.
Annual renewal for 3 years? No such thing. In fact there is never a renewal on a 13a visa. If you apply for your visa in the Philippines then there is a coversion to convert your visa to permanent, but that is only one time, after one year. If you apply for your 13a abroad, there is never any more to do.
After you have a permanent 13a the only fees you will ever have to pay will be the equivalent of $50US every t years to renew your ID card and and P310 per year head tax, nothing else.
If you need help with the 13a, please contact me directly, I would be happy to consult with you. Whoever your are getting your information from currently is steering you in the completely wrong direction.
Hello, Bob
Thank you very much for your advice. What a relief. Please can I refer you to the relevant bit of the Bureau of Immigration website. It looks like in there that I will have to pay those 8000+ for each of us, myself, my wife and her son, both are Filipino citizens. I cannot see in there where it says that my filipino wife will NOT have to pay although of course what you say makes 100% perfect sense. I thought that maybe that’s the Law in the Philippines and we say in the UK that “the Law is an ass” (hehe) I came to you a bit desperate. I thought that my filipina wife would have to pay until I saw this page where it makes no reference to the fact that my fiancee and her 8 yr old son, both filipino citizens, will not have to pay those 8,620 and 7,870 respectively. PLease point me to the bit that says they dont have to pay those fees.
Or please link me to the page that states that my fiancee and son, both filipinos, don’t have to pay. Thank you very, very much Bob.
I am so sorry to have troubled you again.
—- The fees are right at the bottom
Please use the link below to go the relevant page in their B.I. website at or please link me to another parft of the BI website that clears this up. Thank yoiu again:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/immigrant-visa/non-quota-visa/conversion-to-non-quota-immigrant-visa-by-marriage
The charges listed are for in case the dependent spouse or child NEEDS a visa. Your spouse and child are already Filipino citizens, I can assure you they need no visa.
That’s good enough for me. Thank you very much.
Francis
hello
my girlfriend is in philippines , and i am from india . i am deciding to marry her next year . so what can i do to get PR .
Hi Philip. After you are married to the girl, you should contact either then Philippine Embassy in India, or the Bureau of Immigration on the Philippines and tell them that you wish to apply for a 13a Resident Visa.
Good luck to you.
hi Bob, your article is indeed very helpful and i thank you for sharing this with us. i am also on 13g status , just got approved recently. I am a citizen of Australia. i just have a question. are we still required to pay for our annual report every year? id be happy to receive a response from you mate. have a good one 🙂
Yes, you must pay your head tax of P310 each year when you go for your annual report. Thatust be done on January or February each year.
thanks bob 🙂
Hi,Bob….
Im a indian citizen now im already overstay 1year in phplippine.
already finished marry to philippino and i have a 1baby now. and i have a marriage papper and my bb birth certificat. but my question with this papper now i can apply to residency visa for stay philippine and how much coast.and how can do solve my overstay problem.
sir, please giv me a find way……
hopefully good reply
we just submit an application for 13 a immigrant visa for my husband in the philippine embassy in washington dc… my question is, once we received his visa with a stamp from them, what do we need to do once we get to the philippines? im not quite sure what is the next step after getting his passport stamp.. about the financial requirement my question is if i can show to them in my bank acct that i have $10k us dollars would i be able to use it? or it needs to be in the bank at all times? i hope you can help me.. thank you very much
Hello Amor – Read this article: http://liveinthephilippines.com/a-new-13a-visa-experience/
It has the information that you want.
Hello,
I have a question i am recently married with an Australian man and i am pregnant and we will leave the country after i gave birth where should i get my child a passport? should i get it from the australian embassy?
thanks
Yes, if you want an Australian Passport and need to get it in the Philippines, you would get it at the Australian Embassy.
Hi bob. Cris here, my son is an aus citizen by descent but born in the phils. He already overstayed in the phils for nearly 2 years. Im planning to take him back to aus. Can he travel using a philippine passport cos his aus passport is already expired?
Hi Cris – The things you are saying don’t make sense, my friend. If your son has a Philippine Passport, that means that he is a Philippine Citizen (if you went and filed a report of birth abroad at the Australian Embassy, then he is a dual citizen). If your son is a Philippine citizen, it is impossible that he has overstayed in the Philippines. A citizen cannot overstay in his country of citizenship.
Your son cannot travel to Australia with only a Philippine passport, unless he gets a visa. He needs an Australian passport.
Hi bob. My son do not have a philippine passport,. Last 2010 we went to live in aus, we use his aus passport to travel, in 2013 we went back to the philippines and he was able to get a balikbayan visa which is valid for one year. Now we r planning to go back to aus, his australian passport is expired, im planning to renew his aus passport but the father which is australian citizen do not want to sign the consent form, i am a permanent residence in australia and a philippine passport holder. I really need help with this please
Good luck, Cris. If the boy already had an AU passport, he should be able to renew, regardless of the father not wanting to sign. I think if you go to the AU embassy he can renew without any issues..
Hello bob,
It’s Ali here from pakistan but these days I am working in UAE, I have Pakistan’s nationality and my age is 24. I want an advice from you, actually I am in love with a Filipino lady she also loves me and she want me to be with her in Philippine so I decided to go there and marry with her but my problem is that I want to know how can I get permanent resident visa to live with her ?? Please reply asap. Regards
Ali.
I am sorry, I don’t know. The laws and procedures are different for Pakistani citizens than westerners like me.
We just received our application for 13a visa in Washington DC and paid $150 for it.. They stamped his passport valid oct 2015-oct 2016.. We are so happy how fast and easy its being processed here in the U.S.. They send us back our original documents and some are in the yellow envelope stating to give it to immigration upon arrival at the airport.. My question Robert is what’s next?? How long will it take before my husband gets his ACR-1 card and how much do u think we would spend once we get to PH?? I appreciate your time. Thank you very much for helping everyone that needs guidance in getting 13a visa.. I been reading all your blogs and it helps me so much.. 🙂
If he applies for the ACR I-Card in the provinces it can take a couple of months to receive it. If he applies in Manila it is often the same day, or a few days at most.
Hi Bob, I hop you are well. I am in the process of gathering the paperwork for a 13 a. My wife and currently live in Singapore so easier to do it from here. There is one aspect of the 13 a that I can find anywhere online : Is there a minimum amount of time that I should stay in the Philippines before loosing the Visa. Let say I find a Job for 18 months abroad… Will my 13 a be still valid ?
Hi Yann – I have been told that if you are out of the country for more than 12 months your 13A will be cancelled. On the other hand, I have also been told that is not true. I have been unable to verify the veracity of either statement.
Thanks Bob for your prompt reply. I will ask again next time I go to the Philippines embassy, the first time they could not answer that question… On the side, great Blog, thank you for your effective assistance on behalf of all of us !
Hi Bob,
I’m a Singaporean Chinese, aged 60, soon to marry a Filipina, aged 39, and intend to settle down either in Cebu or Davao with my wife to-be.
From your posts, I know my best option is to apply for a 13a visa. My problem and the sad fact is, I have very little savings (not worth mentioning it, lol), except my Central Provident Fund (a retirement scheme for Singaporeans), which at this point in time, about S$175,000 (about US$125,000). The only way to withdraw this amount in one lump-sum, is to renounce my Singapore citizenship. I understand also that I can only apply for Philippines citizenship after I stay 5 full years in the Philippines. I would very much like to visit my Mom, aged 84, at least twice a year before I get my Philippines passport (if I renounce my Singapore citizenship, other than using the Singapore passport for one last time to fly to Philippines, I will not have any travel document).
My wife to-be and I had been together for 19 years, and we really love each other (currently, I go to Philippines twice a year, and she comes to Singapore once a year).
Bob, please enlighten, what should I do? Is there anything like temporary travel document issued by the Philippines government for its permanent resident like me (provided if I can successfully apply for a 13a in Singapore at the Philippines Embassy)? Or, through your experience, what is the best way possible to handle this issue?
Bob, thank you in advance, and may God bless you and your family.
P/S: Sorry, Bob, I do not understand what is “Current ye@r”, so I put my answer as 2015.
I would recommend just getting the 13A, and forget about citizenship. There is no real need to get citizenship. I have lived in the Philippines for 16 years and am not a citizen here, just a permanent resident.
Hi Mr. Bob,
i hope you are in good health, i have been in search of a website that would answer my concern, I met a guy a month ago, we talked for 3 weeks, on the 4th week he booked a flight from Kentucky USA to Manila and also booked an 8 day hotel accommodation on Jan. 23 2015. He said that we are going to marry as he arrived here and then come back in May.. I was wondering if we would be able to do this for a very short period of time. He said he will come three times a year for 3 and a half years after the marriage, for he is still working there and to retire after three years.. He agreed that i will not go to US to permanently settle there, instead he will retire here… How can we do this is 8 days?
Thank you Mr. Bob
Cecil
If he is only going to be here for 8 days, then you cannot marry, because after you file for the license there is a 10 day waiting period befor you can marry.
Hi Mr. Bob,
I appreciate your quick reply on this.. I understand that filing for the license will take 10 days to be released. What i see is, we are applying for the license in January and if it worked good for us, we will marry in May when he come back. My question now is, will the released license still be valid in May? and is there any way that you know to expedite the release of the license?
Thank you again Mr. Bob
Cecil
I am sorry, I have no idea. It has been 25 years sine I married here in the Philippines.
Just go to your local civil registrar office and ask them that question. I am sure they will gladly help you.
Thank you very much..
Cecil
hi……kamusta po? i m ike from indonesian. i want to know how to get a permanent resident visa in the philippines. would u pls give me the info? thanks,Gbu
If you have a Filipino spouse you should file for a 13a visa. If you have no Filipino spouse it is unlikely that you will be able to get permanent residency.
As my time is getting closer to moving to Koronadal City this coming March Bob I am sure I will have some questions for you. You are so informative and already feel more relaxed moving there because so far in some of your comments have answered some of my concerns. I am ordering your book also “Moving to the Philippines ” this month. So excited about my Philippina fiance and myself being married as soon as I arrive. Know the Philippines is the Counrty we want to spend with our retired life. Really do hope we can meet you when I arrive. Talk about you alot to my fiance and she is also excited about meeting you and your wife. Will communicate soon again. Take Care,from Jeff B. and Zen
Thank you for your kind comments, Jeff, I appreciate it.
I wish you the best of luck with your move, and with your upcoming marriage too!
Thank you Bob. I am very excited about my move and so excited about marrying the woman of my dreams. Talk again soon. Take care Bob.
Hi Bob Again,
I have been through the 13 a Visa process, now stamped on my passport in the Philippines embassy in Singapore, with a validity of 1 year and “period of stay” of 30 days (30 days ?). They also gave me a sealed envelope. Not sure what to do with all this and what’s next. I have asked but the only response was : Show all this to an immigration officer in the Philippines… Could you please help me to understand :
– What is this reference to a 30 days period of stay ?
– What do I need to do next ?
– Which immigration officer they are referring to ? Airport or local BI ?
Thanks again Bob 🙂
Something is not right, you need to check with them and find out what is going on. That 30 day stamp is not part of the 13a Process.
Thanks Bob,
Is there any way i can send you a picture of my passport page ?
Hi Bob,
After investigation it appears that they gave me a 13 a entry visa. Not the 13 a PR visa itself. They told me it will be transferred to permanent residence once in the Philippines.
13a is a permanent resident visa. There is no such thing as a 13a entry visa.
Thanks Bob,
here is the email I have received from the embassy : The visa we gave you is an entry visa only. They will change it into a long term visa/card. Please inquire from the Philippine Immigration when you reach the PHL.
Not sure what it is about…
have a good week end
Yann
OK. The email does not say anything about a 13a entry visa. It says that they gave you an entry visa (that would be a tourist visa) and that you will convert to a 13a after your arrival.
Hi Bob. The sticker mention 13 a type of visa / non quota immigrant
hi , do you also know what are the things to consider to be a filipino citizen for chinese ? we will exchange vows too soon .. so starting now i want to know what are the things he must need so we can prepare . or can you just tell me the things he need for him to stay long time in the philippines. thanks in advance
If you marry, he will have to live here for a minimum of 5 years before he can apply for Philippine Citizenship. He will also have to renounce his Chinese citizenship, learn to speak a Philippine Language not including English and some other requirements. Probably the quickest he can become a Philippine citizen would be 15 years from now.
Hi mr. Bob!
I am a FILIPINA and I have a Nepali boyfriend and we are currently working here in Dubai. We are planning to settle down in Philippines next year and we are planning to get married in Philippines. What are the requirements for him to marry me in Philippines? And is it possible after we get married there I can apply him a resident visa to stay with me? We don’t know how to start at all. I hope you can help me by giving informations. Pls. Email me. Will appreciate your help. Thanks in advance mr. Bob.
Hi Maureen – I know the laws for marriage and immigration for westerners, but I don’t have any knowledge for the laws that apply to a Nepali. I am sorry, I cannot help you on this.
Bob, I’m looking to relocate my step-mother (over 65 years old), who came from the Philippines years back and is now a U.S. Citizen. This is a one way trip and I don’t see any reference in this situation – can you help. Do I need to get a visa for her? She won’t have a return ticket, which I notice was a requirement if staying longer than 21 days.
Thanks in advance.
Dan
You have a few choices, Dan.
1. Send her back to the Philippines as things are now (she being a US citizen). Have her enter on a tourist visa waiver. If you do this, she must have a visa of some kind and also MUST have an ongoing ticket, if she has no ongoing ticket she will be refused entry. She will have to extend her visa every 2 months or so, and pay fees to do it. This is the worst choice you could make, because it will be expensive and she will also have to leave the country every 36 months.
2. She could apply for a 13g Visa, which is a permanent resident visa for former Philippine Citizens and their families. It will cost a couple hundred dollars to get the visa, but then she can stay here for life. She will have to pay P310 per year in January or February each year and file an annual report with the Bureau of Immigration. She never has to leave the country again, unless she wants to.
3. In my opinion, this is her best solution. Go to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where your step-mother lives. File for Philippine Dual Citizenship. This is for people who are former Philippine Citizens to re-acquire their Philippine Citizenship while still keeping their foreign citizenship – US citizenship in her case. Once dual citizenship is granted she can come and go between the USA and the Philippines as often as she likes with no worries about ongoing tickets, no fees as outlined in #2 and can stay as long or short of time as she wishes in either country.
Bob, you are so correct…the Dual Citizen application is extremely easy and fast. I got the form online at our local Philippine consul, here in Vancouver. My wife dropped it off with pictures, copies of docs and no appointment was needed there (lines and appointments- are mostly for passport renewals) She paid the fees and they asked her to come back a week later at 3pm- swear allegiance to Philippines- and bam– she will be given DUAL card and they will take her application for a Philippine Passport renewal with a required prepaid addresses federal ex or similar return envelope ….
If anyone is interested…since I registered our son, who was born here in Canada 7 years ago , at the same Philippine consul and Registered that birth with forms for his NSO birth certificate and 1st Philippine passport (when he was 1 month old) HE is Dual citizen automatically – so she is submitting his passport renewal next week at the same time as hers (they need 2 addresses prepaid return envelopes -one for each passport )….
Once a filipino gets citizen in Canada – and I also assume the USA, they can no longer apply for Philippine passport renewals as the documentation required must include their visa for that country…. no working visa, no renewal….This means they know that you are either illegally residing here (which they are under country cross laws to report and can not renew their passport from a foreign country) OR obviously the person has swore allegiance to their new country and are citizens….. SO THEY MAKE YOU APPLY for DUAL, swear to the PH and now you are Dual forever and can have both passports.
And yes, getting the 13 (a) Non Quota visa for me, her loving asawa, will be way easier at the local consul here in Canada before we go to Kalibo this October. We will stay for 4 months or so before we decide to build or not (My wife inherited some property there) Been coming and going for 16 years, time to now look at it as a part time place to retire instead of just holidays….
Very good site Bob. If you have any Canadian questions come up, give me a shout… I have gotten LMOs to qualify as employer, hired my sister in law and brought her here, then her husband and son after she met the time in requirements, As a retired banker, I find the paperwork very easy, its understanding the requirements – as clear explanations and up to date anything is not often provided from Philippine government websites….I usually verify via phone calls and then ask to verify via email so I know who to ask for if there is a problem when I go in to their offices – I usually get a knowing laugh at that, but always get it in writing. Respect and a heartfelt gratitude will always get you the assistance and advice you need.
My last comment to you Bob is – you show amazing diplomatic skills with your replies-considering some of these questions are amazingly naive/frustrating.
LOL. I don’t recall ever saying anything about it being fast. Yes, if you are overseas doing it through a consulate or Embassy it is quite fast. Doing it here in the Philippines can take a long time. It took more than one year for the Philippine government to process my wife dual citizenship.
Wow. Wife filed Dual papers here in Vancouver, went in for ceremony 2 week later and got Dual Certificate then and handed in her passport renewal right after swearing in…
Hello Bob,
I’ve been here for almost 4 years studying on Student Visa. I am graduating soon in about 4 months. I decided to marry my girlfriend of 4 years. I research on visa options for the quickest way and DCF was the best option. Since I never left the country, can student visa be used as a residency requirement? DCF requires 6 months… awaiting your helpful reply sir.
Where are you and your wife intending to live? As I understand it DCF process is not for a Philippine visa, but for a visa to go abroad.
hi
i am a Tunisian national and i have a 2 years old daughter who has the Filipino nationality and resides there.
unfortunately, her mom and i are separated and we were not even married.
so i am asking if i can get a permanent residence visa in Philippines since my daughter has the nationality already and lives there.
No, I am sorry, but having a child who is a Philippine citizen does not assist you in getting a resident visa in the Philippines.
What do you need to do if you already filed your 13A conversion to Permanent and the 13A probationary period lapsed while there still hasn’t been approval?
I would say you should call or go to the BI and ask them what they want you to do.
Hi Bob, just wondering if I can get some advice I’m currently residing in London at the moment just had a baby of 3 months now with my French boyfriend. We’re planning a trip to Philippines in July to stay indefinitely because we’re going to help manage our family business my mum just building commercial building and the 1st floor part of it will be bar,resto and cafe which she asks us to manage. Not that I have any idea or experience in doing so but I’m sure I can learn as I go and make sure that everything will be running accordingly. My main concern is my partner firstly because he is working in high end clubs in London as bartender and he will be coming to Philippines to run this bar well I’m hoping we can use his expertise but it’ll be a demotion for him probably earning in Philippine wages which I say it shouldn’t be like that because we will be managing it like working for ourselves instead of being employed. He is worried how he is going to able to earn money, opening a bank account if he comes with me and we’re not married of course we wouldn’t want to get hitched just for the sake of it we want to do that when he wants to ask me to. How long will he be allowed to stay because someone I know went to the Philippines with a friend and said its her partner/Boyf and got a year stamp on the passport. I really want to assure him everything will be ok and I really need to do this for my baby’s future too since I myself is just living on a catch 22, we both are and I think this is a good opportunity for us to work on instead of just working to make ends meet. I want my baby to be able to also live in France to spend time with my boyfriends family as its not fair to take her away from them. It sounds crazy but I need to find a way to make it work for all of us. She might be s little confuse later on being British but living in Philippines and France. Thank you for your time and keep up the great work with providing really helpful info.
Kind regards,
Fary
The only visa that your BF is eligible for, from the information you gave, is a tourist visa. That allows him a free 30 day stay, but it can be extended for up to 3 years, but he will have to pay visa extension fees. I do not see on what basis you think your BF will be able to work, though. On a tourist visa he would generally not be eligible for employment.
Good luck to you.
Hello, Bob, I found your page very very informative… Read this post and every comments top to bottom… Nice and kind of you to have given of your time to answer every quiries..and humble enough to tell them honestly of not knowing the answer to some question… More power.
I also have questionssss, 🙂
What about, 2nd fil wife married to american who was prev.married and divorced from 1st fil wife… Now, the last time I went for my husband’s annual renewal, on my hes 13a immig.records, I have seen that my husband’s sponsorship 13a is still under the first wife… (both marriages celebrated in philippines)
Question.
Do we have to wait, for the 1st wife to cancel her sponsorship to my husband??
Just incase, she drop the sponsorship, How long can he stay here ?
Will i be automaticaly recognize as his sponsor,?? (Even if it will come to worst that our marriage is may be voidable,.( right now he is working on his annullment from the 1st wife..case not fin yet..:( hope theres more luck left for us though. Our lawyer trying her best to work on our case.. The wosrt could happen while on the process is what am most worried about.. 🙂 just want to be ready, as for that matter..
Will the US law allow me to accompany him if ever he has to go back to US.?? He is not in good health to be alone anytime and anywhere.
I am just worried about my husbandand I dont like him to cross any trouble staying here in phil… He dont desserve it,hes such a great Man.. And together weve through a lot.. This time is tough.
Your thoughts are much highly appreciated..
Anticipating for your opinion…
Respecfully your
MAYUMI
Hi Mayumi – Under new rules from the Bureau of Immigration about a year or two ago, if he is no longer living with the 1st wife, then she can no longer sponsor his visa. You also cannot sponsor his visa because you are not legally married! If he is still “working on his annulment” from his first Filipino wife, then he can not legally marry you, so if you did get married with an actual ceremony, that marriage is null and void, because it was not legal.
If the Bureau of Immigration finds out what is going on they will either deport him immediately, or they will give him a 30 day tourist visa. I have heard of them doing both options in a case like this.
To solve this problem here is what I would suggest. You said that your “husband” is American. If he is American, then he can legally divorce his wife, no need for an annulment which is expensive and takes a long time. I would recommend that he go to the USA or go to Guam and file for a divorce there. Once the divorce is granted, he can then marry you.
Good luck.
Hi Bob,
Thank you for all the info you’ve provided here. It’s been so helpful. I have some questions and hoping that you can help me. I’m a Filipino citizen (US Green Card holder), my husband is a US citizen. We are planning to move to the Philippines this year. We’re confused which Philippine visa we need to apply for my husband. He’s eligible and get an SSDI this year. I read your advices here that SSDI is not taxed in the Philippines and that 13a visa would be the best option. One of the requirement of 13a is medical clearance unfortunately my husband has a pre-existing health condition (specifically his lungs-COPD/Emphysema) but not contagious. My question is, is there a possibility that we will get approval if we proceed with the 13a? or we need to go on SSRV? anything you can advice would be appreciated. Again, thank you for your time and knowledge.
Hi Jean – In your husband’s position, I believe that the 13A is the best visa, but not everybody agrees with that. Some people prefer other types of visas, but for me the 13a is great.
Be careful about that SSDI. The Social Security department does not allow you to receive disability payments if you live abroad for all disability types. So, make sure that your husband’s claim will not be affected by moving abroad.
Good luck to you.
Hi Bob,
Love your site! I read it a lot before I came but I haven’t looked at it since I arrive in Philippines though. Now I’m asking myself why I haven’t!
Last night I met a Pinay who owns a school, and she was convinced that there is value in being one partner in a corporation or incorporation (I wasn’t clear on the distinction) in getting residence. Yet nothing I have seen would suggest that she’s right. Any ideas on this?
I’ve been a teacher of English for many years, Associate Professor of TESOL at one university in Eurpe – and I’d love to start a private college here.
I’m not interested in a marriage of convenience either, so that’s off the table.
Hi Rusty. I am sorry but I do not believe that such a partnership would assist you in obtaining a residence visa.
Thanks Bob. I thought as much when everything came up blank. Looking forward to reading more. I’ve only been here 7 months but I’m plannng on retiring here. I love it here, but I do have a lot of mail stolen before it get to Customs or once it arrives. But that’s another topic. Everything else is pretty good – especially the food… I LOVE it!
Cheers,
Rusty
Hi Bob…is posible to stay in the philipine for more than a year without having any spouse
Yes, a regular tourist visa can be extended for a stay of up to 36 months.
If hes named on the property deed – the law is very muddled on this issue – strictly he cannot own land but also at the same time he is entitled to hold the land left by a spouses death
Its a mind field of a problem – when my own lawyer talked to me on this (who works for the land agency) – his opinion is that you would be allowed to occupy until your own death – but not to improve upon, increase land side or even peace-meal sell – and if sold in anyway you can not purchase any other property
Also unlike other countries if you have children they have an automatic share of the estate which complicates the situation even more
On top of this a wife and husband can not enter into a legally binding contract – so your wife cannot own the land then lease it to you like in other situations
so in summary good luck!
At this time I am not married but we do plan I have bought a condo in the philippines already and been living there traveling in and out of country every 28 days.
i would like to apply for a residence visa is this still possible sense we are not married yet ?
No reason for you to travel out every 28 days! You can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa for up to 3 years.
The only long term/resident visa you can get, since you are not married, would be an SRRV retirement visa.
Hi,Bob. Good day.
I’ve recently extended my TRV visa for two years. My passport will expire on Sep 16, 2016. The problem is that when I received my passport I noticed that the date of stay on my passport on visa stamp is August 16. However, my visa and my ACR card are valid until 2018.
My question is that is the date of stay as tem.resident(August 16) related to my passport’s expiration date(September 16)? And if yes, after renewing my passport in my embassy in the Philippines how can I have the visa stamp with date of stay until my visa validity in my new passport?
I look forward to hearing from you
Thank you
Hi Bob, I am a Filipina citizen, and I am engage to an American. We are going to marry in the Philippines soon. Here are my questions regarding visas. First, is the visa waiver program is the best visa he needs to apply first? Second, is the 13A visa still needs an account to open? If yes, how much? Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Hi Jean – At this point, really the only type of visa that he is eligible for is a tourist visa or visa waiver. Not much other choice, except maybe an SRRV if he qualifies.
When you ask if he needs an ‘account’ to get a 13a, what kind of account, a bank account? There is not and never has been a requirement to have a bank account. He must have adequate funds to be able live on, but it is not required to be in a bank account. How much? Only a consular official or Immigration official can decide.
Hello Bob, thank you so much for the prompt reply. The account I mentioned in my first comment was a fund he needs to maintain in the bank. Like for example a retirement visa it needs $10k, right? Thanks and more power!
Hi Jean. As I said in my previous reply there is not and never has been a requirement for $10k in the bank. That info is found all over the Internet but it us completely false. It is an urban legend.
Thank you so much Bob! You are a great help to everyone who has no knowledge about many things in the Philippines especially visas. Even though I’m a Filipino citizen, honestly speaking I have no idea about visa thing in my own country. Only now, that I’m reading your blogs. God Bless & keep up the good work!
HI Bob. I asked a question on Mar 05 here but did not receive any reply. Is there a problem with my question? Thank you
Hi Steve. A couple of problems with the question. Most importantly, I am sorry but the way you worded it I am unable to really understand it well. Secondly, with the way that I do understand, I don’t feel I can answer accurately. I would rather not answer than give incorrect information. Hope you understand my reasoning.
Thank you so much for quick reply. Actually, after approval of my TRV visa for next two years I received my password with the stamp of visa with these information :
STAY AS temp.resident visa EXTENDED UP TO 16 AUGUST 2016,
PASSPORT VALID UP TO 16 SEPTEMBER 2016,
VISA VALID UP TO 05 FEBRUARY 2018.
My question is why the date of stay is different with the validation of my visa.
But I really appreciate you for reply and thanks for this beneficial website.
See, this is what I mean about not understanding… you say that afftre approval of your visa you received your password. I don’t know what password you mean, I just have no idea. Do you mean Passport? They are completely different things, but it sounds like you mean passport.
Regarding the question… my answer is.. I don’t know. Have you asked the BI about it? They are the authorities that would know the answer. Sorry, I can’t do better.
Hello Bob Im an Indian I want to marriage to filipino she want me to stay there in Philippines. So How i can stay there permanent and what is policy for that and how many price ? Tell me Bob thank you….
As I have said many times in this thread, immigration laws are different for Indians than for westerners. Sorry, I know nothing about the laws for Indians
So ? i cant stay there permanent ?
No, I never said any such thing. I said I am not qualified to help you. You will have to ask somebody other than me.
Okay Thank you 🙂
Hi bob, I’m Len,
I stop by while browsing while searching on how to be a permanent residence in the philippine my husband is us citizen and I’m a Filipino citizen with a us permanent residence. I was previously married last 1998 and since then I separated with my ex and left Philippines. I went to Singapore and worked there for 2yrs and went to Hongkong for 6 yrs and went to Canada for 5yrs my ex has his woman with the kid. So I decided to get a divorce since I was in Canada and now I’m maried with American and reside here in USA . MY QUESTION IS, is my married status in Philippines will affect us if we want to reside in the Philippines or my American husband will apply as a permanent residence there. Your answer is highly appreciated. Thank you
Hi Len – Under Philippine law, your current marriage is illegal. You are, right now, married to two men in the eyes of the Philippine government. If you and your latest husband move to the Philippines, your husband will not be able to get a visa here for permanent residence because he is not your legal husband. I am not a lawyer and not giving you legal advice, but I think that if you and your husband move here, you are both in for a lot of problems. Sorry for the bad news.
Hi , good day. I just got my TRV visa by marriage(I can extend it every two years). I’d like to know more about the advantages of this kind of visa. Can I work or especially can I study at a university here? Or I need apply for work permit for working and student visa for studying?
Thank you
Lots of good info here. My wife and I would like to retire there in the future, she and her ex divorced in the US but are still considered married in the Philippines,what would be my best visa choice for residing there as long as I can at a time.
Hi Robert – You won’t be able to get a resident visa because you and your wife are not legally married in the eyes of the Philippine Government.
You could possibly get an SRRV Retirement visa, though.
Just a word of warning.. you could be charged with a crime, though, here, because you are cohabiting with a married woman that is not your wife. It is up to you to decide if you are willing to accept that possibility.
Thanks for the reply. In regards to the SRRV is it true about the 10,000 deposit into a bank,you say that is it urban legend. What about the BB visa route, I saw one posting elsewhere where the person has stayed for over 7 years.
Hi Robert – I have never in my life said that it is an urban legend that you have to deposit $10k for an SRRV. What I have said is that it is an urban legend that you have to deposit that money to get a 13a Resident visa. Those are two different things.
If there is somebody who got a Balikbayan Visa and has stayed here for 7 years without leaving, then they are breaking the law, and will be jailed or deported if they are caught.
Thank you for clearing things up.
No problem, I hope that helps.
Hi Bob,
I’ve been following this topic with great interest, and it’s obvious that you know your stuff. Thanks for this incredibly resource.
I don’t think anybody has asked this question yet: With the $10,000 deposit requirement for the SRRV, how long does that deposit have to stay in the bank? Is it permanent, or can it be withdrawn after the permanent residency has been granted?
I have heard people say that they took their money out after three months and it didn’t affect their residency. It is a lot of money to have tied up and not be able to use. I am aware that for those who put up $50,000 that it can be converted to an investment e.g. condo, but $50,000 is beyond me.
Cheers,
Russell
Hi Russell – Let me be clear about one thing first… there are multiple different “flavors” of SRRV, and with each one the deposit amount is different, it is not $10k on all of them. Also, the dollar amount of the deposit varies depending on the age of the applicant. For example, if a person is 37, their deposit requirement is $50k, not $10k. So, I just wanted to point that out.
How long do you have to leave the deposit? The answer has a twist. The deposit amount must remain for as long as you want to stay in the Philippines. However, after your SRRV has been approved and a short time has passed, sorry I don’t remember exactly, but it is less than a year, you can shift your deposit. Instead of leaving it in a bank account, you can use it to buy a condo, or put into a different type of investment. The investment must be on the list of approved investments that is accepted by the Philippine Retirement Authority.
You cannot just “take it out” and do what you want with it, though. If somebody does that, and the PRA finds out… well… they won’t have an SRRV any longer. 🙂
The new 6 month extensions went into effect several years ago. You can choose to extend for 59 days or for 6 months. There is no cost savings, you still pay the same amount per month, but there is a hassle savings…. you don’t have to go to the BI so often!
Only that with going to Immigration and asking those 59 days extensions you pay a bit less than only one time going to apply for 6 months visa. Weird but true still.
The requirements are different depending on what visa you want to get. It’s 20,000, it’s 10,000… fact is there is no set amount, it is different for every visa. I don’t know what visa you wish to receive so, I have no way of knowing how much money you need. I also don’t know which visas you qualify for.
If you let me know more about your situation, I will help you if I can.
Sorry Bob,
I forgot to mention in my last reply:
I arrived in June 2015, and extended to 59 days, and then by two months each time. My latest extension takes me up to June, at which time the officer in charge at the local BI has told me that he can give me a six-month extension. I don’t know if this is something new, or if he’s doing me a favor.
Cheers,
Russell
Can you please repeat the requirements for permanent stay unmarried? I think it’s $20000 usd in their account, and $800 usd a month salary or pension. Is there another one too? Maybe it’s $10000.
Hello Bob, Great Website, keep it up, your helping a lot of people…
Just want to ask you, what is the difference between 13a and 13g and which one is better, to live work and open account, and i heard that as a non-Filipino we can own a house but not a house and lot, is that true ? i am Syrian / Lebanes married to a filippina.
One last question, if i apply for a 13series visa and i didnt report on jan or what every date i should report, i mean i have over stay out of Philippine, will it be fine, will i pay penalty fee only when returning at the airport or will have some issue ? and cant i show up at the embassy in the other country or must immigration office ?
sorry for asking a lot,
Thanks
Wael
Hi Wael. I have a 13G visa myself, and I know all about this, so I am happy to help you.
There is only one difference between a 13A and a 13G.
A 13A visa is for the spouse of a Philippine citizen.
A 13G visa is for the spouse of a FORMER Philippine Citizen.
For example, when I applied for my resident visa, my wife was a US citizenship because she was naturalized in the USA. (She is now a dual citizen, which was not available at that time)
Because my wife was not a Philippine citizen we applied for and were eligible for 13G visas, but not 13A.
Which is better? They are exactly the same except for the qualification that I listed above. So, I would say that the one that is better for you is whichever one you qualify for.
If you do not report, there will be a fine to pay for every month that you are late. I got into this situation myself back in my early days of living here, but got it all straightened out and have been “legal” ever since.
I do not know if you can do anything at the Embassy, I Have never run into that problem nor have I ever researched it.
Good luck to you.
Hello Bob
Thanks for your reply.
just what could be the cost for the delay every month if you dont report as you said it happen to you before ?
Thanks
wael
As I recall, I think that it is P500 for each month you are late.
Woow that a lot if i stay for a one year, haha, my wife is from becol, and we do travel but it happen one year yes next year maybe so dont want to apply every time, and i gess there is no visa that allow me to just go and come back without paying. hahaha
Thanks
Dear Bob,
I am an Indian national planning to marry a girl from Philippines holding Philippines passport. At present, we both work in Sultanate of Oman. We both have following Questions.
1- Can I stay in Philippines permanently after marriage? How many years?
2- Can I take property on my name? Can I dispose off property?
3- Can I open bank account on my name?
4-Can I work there?
5- Can I start small business?
Expecting your reply.
Regards,
Rah
Hi Rah K. I am sorry, but as I have written many times in the comment thread here, I do not know the immigration laws for Indians. The immigration regulations are different for Indian citizens than for westerners, and I have no knowledge about what the rules are for Indians, so I really cannot help.
Hello… I have been supporting a Filipina in Eastern Samar (Taft) financially and I’m in daily contact now for over a year and a half.
I would like to come to stay in the Philippines but I’m VERY confused. There seems to be great news, then contradictory news… I have a passport and I’m a seasoned traveler and backpacker. I do not come for adventure…but simple living. I am a felon (wrongfully convicted for something I didn’t do, but OH WELL)…
I am squeaky clean except for that…and I’m a pensioner at a relatively young age.
What is the most cost effective way to get and STAY there…
Kind Regards,
Steve A.
Hi Steve. Without knowing the crime that you were convicted of it is difficult to answer. You should have no problem staying up to 3 years at a time 9n a tourist visa though.
My charge is “Accessory to a Crime”…. I caught my Ex of 20 years in bed with 2 men… I did NOTHING… no one was harmed, no weapon was used. But I was charged with threatening bodily harm (though I didn’t) and since the circumstances were as they were…. I was NOT given the benefit of the doubt. Amerikan “justice” was merciless and brutal. I paid dearly for the “appearance of evil”….even though NO ONE was ever harmed. My paper work shows this… it’s not just my word. As hard to believe as that may be…
What’s my first step? Sorry to sound so ignorant…but I have never been to Asia…only central America and North Africa.
Sorry if that’s TMI…
I left out I’m 50… and receive Social Security…I do NOT have a giant savings. I am ultra frugal…and adaptive. Thanks.
…and since I legally and scripturally (adultery by her) (by Catholic standards anyways…and I’m no longer Catholic)… Can I legally get married to a Filipina? And if not, what do you suggest?
Still stick with the 9n tourist visa???
hi, im a filipina i will be married to an american and he has kids.. if we get married, can the kids live in philippines? or they were just tourists. what are the processes so they can live here and be a philippine resident?
That depends on multiple factors.
Firstly, it depends on the custody arrangement that was reached in the divorce. It is very possible that the court will not allow the kids to move outside the USA without permission from their mother.
As for visa for them.. I am really not certain. If you were to formally adopt the children, which would need the mother’s permission, then I think they could get resident visas. Otherwise, I would say it is unlikely, but am not certain. I am not an attorney, only a lay person.
Good luck.
hello Bob… Thanks for the quick response. Just want to know if we better prefer for him to apply in his place? If he does, were all that requirements i have read should meet by him? and is there really a payment of 20k pesos?
Hello Irish – In my opinion, it is preferable to apply in his place than here in the Philippines.
No, the payment is not 20k Pesos. It is much less. He should check with the Embassy or Consulate where he intends to apply to get the price that they charge.
hello Bob… Thanks for the quick response. Just want to know if we better prefer for him to apply in his place? If he does, were all that requirements i have read should meet by him? and is there really a payment of 20k pesos?
Thank you…
My wife is getting her dual citizenship and I will move to the Philippines with her. She has a home of her own there. So when I get my 13 a visa, I will NOT be required to leave the Philippines at all? We should be moving there within 3 years.
As a 13a visa holder you will never be required to leave the Philippines as long as you keep your visa up to date and you follow the laws here. I have been living here for 17 years on my 13 series visa and have never left.
I forgot to ask one more question. As a 13 a visa holder, will I be required to have a certain amount of money to enter the Philippines to become a permanent resident? To prove I can provide for myself?
Part of obtaining a 13a visa is that you must prove that you have financial assets that will be able to sustain your life here. There is no set amount that you have to show, you must satisfy the consular officer who is issuing the visa.
Hi Bob Good day..
My name is Jen Filipina just married here in Philippines to American with tourist visa soon to expires this coming July first week 2016. My questions can we travel or take a vacation to Hongkong before his tourist visa expires? and come back again in Philippines with out him acquiring for return ticket since we are married now. Does he has the privilege for Balikbayan ? i have heard about he has the privilege to stay in Philippines for one year with out paying anything since we are married. Do we need some kind of permit from immigration in order him to come back in Philippines with out return ticket?
thanks for the helps in advance,
Hi Jen.
He will not be eligible for Balikbayan visa or privilege until you have an NSO certified marriage certificate.
He will need an ongoing airline ticket.
Hi Bob.. thanks for the quick reply, We had have request for endorsement for NSO marriage contract, So if ever we just have to show our marriage contract in departure? thanks Again God Bless
He will need to show the marriage certificate on entry.
Hi Bob,
Good informative site.. keep it up.
I understand that residence visa and temporary residence visa are different. I am now renewing my TRV after 1 year and will be given 2 years.
Would like to ask about TRV (Temporary Residence Visa) which is given to citizens of “Restricted Nationals”. I am Saudi National.
1. when I renew my TRV after two years will be given more like 3 or 5 years?
2. Can I get Philippines National (passport) after 5 years? and cam I keep my original nationality as well?
3. Why immigration have to keep my passport during the long process (6-8 weeks)? What if I want to travel for short trips can I take my passport and give it back when I return without cancelling my application?
4. Can I work with TRV? I’ve been told I can?
5. Can I do the renewal of TRV in Baguio city as I am from Pangasinan? will it be faster?
6. My children hold Saudi Passport but they are also in posses of certificate of recognition from the immigration. Are you aware of this? Can you enlighten us of the benefits of this certificate? As all I know and been told that they are considered as Filipino national? I know they can’t vote! and probably can’t own a property here as well!
Appreciate it.
Hi Ameen – I am sorry, but because it does not have any effect on me, I am not well informed about the laws when it comes to people from Restricted Countries. I will do my best to answer, but cannot say for sure if my answers are correct.
1. I don’t have any idea, sorry.
2. No, you must become a citizen to get a Philippine passport. You can apply after you have been living here 5 years, but it takes 5 to 7 years before you can complete the application process, so it will take 10 to 12 years in all (5 years waiting period plus 5-7 years application process).
3. As far as I know, they should not keep your passport during that time.
4. Sorry, I don’t know.
5. I would think you can renew in Baguio, but I am only guessing.
6. If they have a certificate of recognition, they are dual citizens then. They should be able to vote and own land too.
Hi bob, I’m a filipina, i want to apply for a permanent residents of my usband who is malaysian. May i know what is the procedures when applying this? and how much will it cost? Your reply is very much appreciated. Thanks s lot
Hi Audrey – Read this article:
http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
Good luck to your husband, I hope everything works out well.
Hi Bob,
Where can i process my application? currently, I’m in Iloilo City. Do i need to travel to Intramurous Manila to apply this? Thanks a lot
There is a Bureau of Immigration office in Iloilo. That is where you should apply.
Hello Bob,
I have been residing in the US for the past 2 years due to health reasons. My 13-a visa ACR I-card (5-year) expired last year. My health issues are going to require me to pretty much stay in the US with only an occassional visit ( 2 to 4 weeks) every couple of years. We are wanting to visit later this year (Nov-Dec) and was wondering what we should do now that my I-card has been expired for so long. We are preparing to enter the Philippines with me as a normal tourist. Any information/thoughts you have on this? Thanks in advance
Hi Doug – It is my understanding that if you have a 13 series resident visa and leave the country for more than 1 year, the visa is cancelled. So, I would say that your 13a is no longer good anyway. However, in your situation, I think you should check with the BI to find out if the visa is current or not, and what procedure you should follow.
Good luck to you.
Hello Bob,
Doug here again. I wanted to add to my earlier post, that I do not intend to nor want to renew my 13-a ACR I-card, as I have no intentions of ever residing full time in the Philippines again. The most time I anticipate I will stay in the Philippines would be 2-4 weeks every couple of years, nothing more than that. Thanks Bob, your website here and your involvement is greatly appreciated.
Yes, I understand, and as I said on your previous comment, I believe that your 13a visa has probably already been cancelled because you have been outside the country for so long. Check with the Bureau of Immigration to get a final ruling.
Thanks so much Bob. Appreciate your quick response. Take care.
No problem, Doug. Good luck.
Hi Bob,
I have a 13a, since 5 years, and I am doing now the renewal.
I got a call on my cellphone from somebody saying he is from the immigration Manila, and is doing a background check (?) and noticed that I arrived here 2010 on a balikbayan, and now request me to provide the passport of my wife showing that we arrived together. But my wife does not have that old passport anymore.
I came here 1996, via tourist visa etc., and after I married, via balikbayan all the time, last was 2010, then we started processing the 13a, which I got Nov 2010 (1 year prob), then permanent a year later. Now after 6+ years, they ask me for that old passport of my wife.
Do you have ANY idea what I can do? Is it just a scam? Can they really request that old (now non exiting) passport after all that years?
They did all that checks when I got the 1 year prob., and again for the final visa, so I am a little confused and have no clue what to do.
hi bob, i have a criminal record with 2 felonies on it in the usa. can i still get permanent resident here in the philippines and if so how will i go about doing that?
In order to have an idea how to answer your question I will need to know what the crime is on your record.
HI , BOB .
I AM LEBANESE , I HAVE GF HERE AND WE HAVE A KID 4 MONTHS OLD. I’M HERE SINCE 28 JULY 2015. LEGAL .I RENEWED MY VISA TWICE ALREADY. EACH RENEWYING 6 MONTHS , IT’S A PLEASURE VISA . I CAN’T MARRY MY GF FOR NOW CAUSE I AM NOT DIVORCED YET FROM MY LEBANESE WIFE.MY NEXT REBEWYING WILL BE FOR 2 MONTHS ONLY. HOW LONG I CAN STAY HERE AND WHAT DO U SUGGEST THAT IT WILL BE GOOD TO ME.I AM PLANING TO STAY HERE ,I AM POLICE OFFICER RETIRED,DON’T NEED TO WORK HERE .
hi bob,
i am a filipina working here at lebanon at this moment….i am married in philippines but separated already before i started to work here but we are not divorced yet i am here working for almost 4 years already….I have a BF here and he was a syrian guy he got a passport *still valid*, he wanted to come with me and stay in philippine does any possibilities that he could come and stay with me?hoping for your response and wanted to hear from you soon…thanks bob
He cannot get a resident visa, but he could come on a tourist visa and stay for a short time.
bob, syrians have to apply for a visa before arriving in the philippines. These are standard requirements
Personal appearance of the applicant at nearest Philippine Consul
Original and photocopies of relevant pages of the passport valid for at least six (6) months.
Two (2) passport-size photographs.
Photocopy of airline ticket valid to the Philippines & to the country of origin or next destination.
Bank certificate.
Business certificate or Employment certificate.
Letter of Guarantee from sponsor/reference in Manila.
Accomplish Visa Application Form. Fill & Print **
Visa fee US $40.00
Note: Proof of residency / working permit (for other nationality)
Hi Bob, i found your website really interesting and easy to grasp.
i would like to grab this opportunity to clarify things to you. I am a Filipina, and I am getting married with a Pakistani national who intends to live here in the Philippines and have business. My question is, what is the minimum time from the marriage date can we apply for his resident visa ( will he have permanent or temporary visa),after how many months will we get the response after the application and whats the maximum length of stay once it is granted. Did I get it right, once a foreigner get resident visa they can work here as a company employee? and lastly, is it possible for him to be philippine passport holder? thank you
Hi Crystal,
After you marry and file he can apply for the permanent visa after the marriage certificate is already processed and on file with the NSO. You will need the NSO certified marriage certificate in order to apply. I cannot give an exact time, it just depends on how quickly the marriage certificate is filed and processed, probably a few months, I guess.
His resident visa will be provisional for one year, and he will have to re-apply after one year, the second time it is issued it will be permanent.
He can work once he has his permanent residency, but it is not easy for a foreigner to find a job with a local company unless he has some special skill that is not readily available here.
If he wants to get a Philippine Passport he will need to be naturalized as a Philippine citizen. He will have to give up his Pakistani citizenship to do that. He can apply after he has lived here for a minimum of 5 years, and it will probably take 10 years or so to complete the process and become a Philippine citizen.
Thank you Bob for the immediate response, you’re a big help!
Hi Bob i am wondering i am married to a filipina and i want to get a resident visa ther, i read that you need police clearance. I have a felony of criminal threats. Will this prevent me from getting the visa? Ive been researching for a long time now and cant find anything.
I can’t anwer, John, without knowing what you were convicted of. Even knowing what the record indicates, I cannot give a 100% answer, but a good guess if it will prevent you from getting your visa.
Hi Bob, I am a Filipina married to a American. i meet my husband June 2008 in a dating site, he decided to come in visit me on September 2008 but before that he reveal me his secret that he done 20 years ago ( convicted felony RSO ) against his steps daughters. Kids saw him naked then he wants to know if they are willing to do what he is asking hold his personal , he said he will not threat them just asking. Kids scared they told to their teacher. Teacher called a police in they caught him . In order to the kids not to appear at the court he felt guilty. Because he is sincerely repented of his sin and honest with me I accepted him in fall in love with him, During his 10 days visit he stay with us in our family house i did not allow him to stay at the hotel so i can observed him, can’t see anything bad to him so i will be turn off or not to continue our relationship . Then his visit is over need to go back to U.S. for work to save money , While he is there we keep chatting everyday, to continue knowing each other. 2 years past we decided to get married Jan. 2011 here in the Philippines, After we married back to U.S. again so he can save money in put up a business, When he think we have enough money he came back May 2012, we got a ACR-ICard he stay here for 13 months no hassle. June 2013 he realized that he is still young, he said he need to get back to U.S to the company where he work before . And it happened ,Working there for 3 years. May 2016 time for him to return here but before that i decided to go visit his family in U.S. they want to know me. I was denied because I am married a American Citizen US embassy said if i get a visa it was a spousal visa not visitors visa, .because i can’t get there So, May 31, 2016 this is the day when my husband return it was a big surprise to both of us, my husband not allowed to enter Philippines because of his criminal case 20 years ago. I send a letter to B.I. Manila asking a favor to let my husband enter Philippines, Sad commissioner send me a message it says,
Please be informed that under existing policies of this bureau, removal of names in the B.I blacklist of foreign nationals who are registered sex offenders necessitates an order from the secretary of Justice specifically directing this bureau to delist the name of the subject in the BLO. We note, no such order appears from the records, Hence, so as not to frustrate the ends of the justice, we regret to inform you that this Bureau cannot accede to your request for lifting of BLO in favor of _________….
Sir is this mean i hire a lawyer to appeal the case of my husband at the Secretary of Justice to uplift his name? Please help me , What shall I do?, my husband is too depress wanting to come home in stay with me soon as possible. Thank you,,,,,,
Hello Regina. I am sorry but your husband plead guilty to a sex offense involving children. I have no desire to help him live in the Philippines. In fact I think the country us very wise to deny him entry.
Hi Bob, thanks for your reply.
My husband plead guilty because he does not wants kids go to court. After that he never commit any crime until this time.
And beside he repented already what he has done wrong . Do you think a person like him has no chance to become good ? why not giving him a second chance to prove himself makes his life better. Well, that’s life I understand hard to believe and forgive.
Thanks for your honest respond,
Hi bob, pls enlighten me im married to a greek since 2012 and we living here in greece. We planning to resident visa for him but we dont know how to start, actually we ask the embassy here and they said its a long process and many papers work we need. We can apply resident visa for my husband but we need to proceed the papers also in philippines which its ok for us.. and they said my husband need to stay in philippines for one year but i told them that my husband cannot stay 1yr straight in philippines bcos my husband job is a seaman.. and they told me they dont know if they can give resident visa for my husband if he cannot stay 1yr in philippines.. i must ask philippine immigration about my husband situation. Mr bob maybe you can help me or maybe you know something about our situation and can give us information. Thank you so much
Hi May – Actually, for your husband to get a resident visa to live here (13A Visa) is very simple and straight forward. He should be able to easily do it in Greece or in the Philippines. I am not sure why they told you it was so complicated and such, maybe they just don’t want to do it? I cannot say for sure. I would simply request from them to send you a 13A Visa application and see what they send. It should include the forms to fill out and a list of requirements. If they do not send it, or hassle you further, I would just come to the Philippines and apply here. Like I say, it is all simple and straight forward.
Thank you so much mr bob. I will follow your advice, i will request at the philippine embassy here 13(A) visa for my husband. Your response its really appreciated thank you again
IF I HAVE PERMANENT RESIDENCY, WILL THAT CREATE AND ISSUE WITH MY SOCIAL SECURITY PAYOUT IN THE STATES?
No, it won’t.
THANK YOU BOB, IM SURE I WILL SEEK ANSWERS FROM YOU MORE AS I PROCEED WITH THE PROCESS, AND THANKS I HAVE READ ALOT OF GOOD INFO FROM HERE
Hi Bob, I am a german and have a PH girlfriend. Along with my mother I want to immigrated permanently to the PH. My mother gets a small pension and I am selfemployed. We decided to apply for a permanent visa (SRRV) because it is easy to import our house and business equipment by a shipping container for free (no tax, no customs). Later on I want to marry my girlfriend. The only problem is that the total costs are very high (deposit of 20,000US$/50,000US$). Could you recommend me an alternative method to enter the PH instead of an SRRVisa? Thanks for your reply. Greetings …
Hi Peter – If you marry your girlfriend, then you can obtain a 13A resident visa. That will give you the same benefits of an SRRV, and there is no financial deposit needed.
I am an american with bb priv if I stay in the country a full year when I apply for immigrant visa do I still need to get the background chexk from the US? Its not a problem just a hassle dealing with.
Hi Bob I am a filipina and married to an american for 21 years and now living permanently herein Ph. I just recently renew his ACR card in cebu and I also change address since we moved. For some reason they let me pay a penalty of 5k..is that correct because I talked to other wives here and they don’t hear such things before. I will be coming back there next moth to get his card and I would like to know if it was right for us to pay penalty. Thanks Mel.
Hi Mel – hard to answer based on the information you gave. You did not say what the penalty was for. I do know that if you move and do not report it immediately, then there is a penalty to pay, maybe that was the reason. Did they give you an official receipt for the P5k? If so, it was probably legitimate.
hi Bob. I’m married to a Filipino. i am American. we teach in China. 2 questions. one. to do the visa do i have stay here for a year or can I do it at embassy in shanghai? two. I have one misdemeanor for bad check 25 years ago. that won’t keep me from getting residence visa will it?
Hi David – Thanks for stopping by.
You should be able to apply for your your visa at the Philippine Embassy in Shanghai. I have never applied in China (I applied in the USA), but it should be the same in China as anywhere else, I would expect. That should be no problem.
I do not believe that the misdemeanor for a bad check will have any effect on your visa application.
Good luck to you.
Thanks Bob. if your ever in shanghai give us a ring or if if in iloilo area give us ahollar
Hello Bob, I am a Filipina from Iloilo. I am also trying to figure out how I could apply for my husband’s permanent visa. We live in South Korea. How long does it take to process? Thank you in advance.
Hi Maria, you would apply at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul South Korea. I don’t know for sure how long that particularly Embassy usually takes to process, but generally most embassies can do it in 30 days or so. Good luck to you.
Hi Bob. How many U.S. dollars does a resident visa cost. I am married to a filipina citizen. We have a long history of visiting Iloilo and am moving there hopefully this year.
Hi Terry – You can expect to spend around $300 to get your resident visa to live in the Philippines.
Keep in mind that if you apply in a foreign country (where you live now) you only have to do it one time. If you apply in the Philippines then you get a 1 year provisional visa and have to do the application a 2nd time one year later, so the cost will double.
Good luck.
my husband been living here since feb26 and when he entered the country he use tourist visa and that is only good for 30 days ,i just wanna know how much his penalty now .and what is the requirements for resident visa,how to apply
Tnx
The tourist visa certainly not good for only 30 days, you can stay in the Philippines for up to three years on a tourist visa if you extend it at the proper times, apparently your husband did not do that. He will have to pay all of the past due Visa fees and also 500 pesos per month for everything that he missed. Tell him to go take care of it right away before he gets caught, cuz he could end up in jail. Good luck.
what is the requirments to apply resident visa.
tnx reply bob
Good day Bob,
I am syrian married to Filipina and we have 7 years daughter
We get married in the Philippine but we live all now in Dubai under husband visa and i am planning to live in the Philippines for good.
Is that possible and can i get permanent residence in the future?
Thanks
Because your wife is Filipino, I don’t have any reason to think that you’ll have any trouble getting a resident Visa.
Syrian nationals are classified as restricted nationals, along with Indian passport holders and Middle eastern passport holders, Pakistani passport holders. You won’t get permanent visa. You will get a TRV visa, Temporary resident visa issued for 1 year, and then renewed every 5 years. After few years, you can apply for Philippine Citizenship. Something Syrian nationals would not mind given the situation in Syria.
Hi Robert,
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Good luck to you.
Hi Bob. I am a romanian national married in the Philippines and I was wondering if I can get a permanent residence visa to live here. I have read that my country has to have an immigration reciprocity agreement with the Philippines but as far as I know, Romania dosen’t have. How can I stay in the Philippines more than the 36 months possible on tourist visa (all extentions included)?
Yes, you can get permanent residence if you are married to a national. Romanians are not classified as “restricted nationals” like Indian passport holders or middle eastern passport holders who get only temporary resident visa.Check the Bureau of Immigration website first, and then visit the BI office here or the nearest consulate or embassy that will issue you the form.
Hi bob….my fiancy is sudan nationality.we are planning to get married by march in my country Philippines.his visa is until april 29 2017..my question is..after the wedding is he allowed to stay in philippines for good?
Can he apply a resident visa or can he extend his visa?please help me for this matter..i need advice..thanks bob and more power to you..looking forward to hear your respond..
I am sorry I can’t help you, I don’t know what the Philippines offers in the way of Visa options for Sudanese.
Hi .. My husband will move here in the Philippines.. Together with his father..(my father in law) Will also live here in the Philippines for good. What will be all the requirements.. For my husband and for his father? Reply pls. Thanks
Hello Joy,
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hi Bob do i need to set an appointment in manila immigration?
Hi Bob! I’m a Filipino and my wife is an Indonesian. Both of us are working here in Singapore and planning to get her a 13a permanent resident visa. My question is does she still need to check in at the Bureau of Immigration office in Manila every year since we still plan to continue working overseas? Also does a 13a permanent resident visa have any expiration date? Thank you!
If your wife is issued a 13A visa she is required to do an annual report at any BI office in the Philippines (not just Manila). If she does not do it she will lose her visa.
Does that mean we need to come back to the Philippines just for the annual report every year or can we do that in Philippine Embassy since we still plan to continue our jobs here in Singapore?
You’re supposed to do it in the Philippines. If she’s not going to be living in the Philippines, there’s no reason for her to get a resident Visa here.
Under Philippine law he is required to have an onward ticket, or he can be turned away when he gets to the Philippines. Once you are married he can get a Balikbayan Stamp or a 13A visa and an onward ticket is no longer needed.
I am an american and would like to live the Philippines for good, if i apply for a 13A in the Philippine Consulate in the US, does my wife need to be physically present there as well? Thanks
I would have to say, it depends on which consulate, and who you are dealing with their. I’ve seen it go both ways. I would recommend giving them a call before you go to make sure what they require.
thanks Bob!
hi Bob. i am indian and i have Filipino girlfriend, i have 4 months son from her. kindly tell me how to get long term multiple entry visa so that i can take care of my son and my girlfriend
I’m sorry, but as I have said many times on this particular thread, I know nothing about visa laws or policies for Indians. I’m sorry I cannot help you.
Indians are classified as restricted nationals along with most middle eastern passport holders. They are issued TRV (temporary resident visa) initially for 1 year and then renewed every 5 years. You are only issued that AFTER you marry the Filipino. You have to legalize your marriage with her. You can do so, for the sake of your child. Some hardships in running around here and there, but rewarding in the long run.
Hello Bob;
US citizen here. Assuming I may want to move permanently to the Philippines after retirement…Is a yearly check-in with a US consulate required if you are receiving Social Security benefits or federal retirement benefits? I was unable to locate any information through internet searches. Thanks
There is no need or requirement to check in with the US Embassy or consulate.
I didn’t think so. Never heard of such a thing until today. Thanks again!
I don’t know about the US, but part of any benefit application process in Canada requires disclosure of residency (and proof of residency history which they use to calculate your benefit amount – it’s not just how much you personally paid into the government but how many years of residency before moving abroad). Obviously one also needs to give them extra pertinent specific info if one wants a direct deposits to an overseas bank. You won’t get much, certainly not enough to live on and support wife and kids, but every little bit helps, eh?
The Canadian government (through the embassy in Manila) operates a free and optional registration service whereby you can let them know where to find you to notify you of anything important as a “traveller”, especially security alerts. Other countries may offer similar.
Hi Bob this is ara I’m from davao del norte my husband is from the USA he been here 34 months I’ve read your article and im scared now. We ddnt renew my husbands visa and now he has to go home coz his father died. After paying all the penalties can we still apply for his resident visa so he could come back? Please help me. Thank you god bless and is there a us embassy in Davao city? Or only in manila and cebu because we need to get his passport replaced.
Hi Ara – You said your husband has been here for 34 months, but you did not mention if he has kept his visa current, or even what kind of visa he has. It is difficult to answer your question without knowing the information necessary.
You did mention about penalties, so that, I assume, means that he is overstaying. If he is on a tourist visa and overstayed for more than 12 months he will most likely be deported and blacklisted. I am sorry to tell you that, but that is what will happen.
There is no US Embassy in Davao City. The only US Embassy is in Manila. There is a US Consulate in Cebu also. You cannot get a passport in Cebu, but you can apply there. It will probably take a few weeks to get a new passport. If it is emergency travel, the Embassy in Manila can make arrangements to issue a one time use emergency passport though.
Yes Bob we ddnt keep his visa current oh my god we got 3kids this is so sad. I wish I knew about it. Thanks a lot Bob
More power
Ara
Perhaps you should think about hiring a good Immigration Attorney, maybe he could work things out for you. Whatever happens, I wish you the best. Good luck to your husband.
We will do that bob.. He is a retired military and once was diagnosed PTSD so we decide to stay here we just too ignorant of the law. Hope it will work out fine. I’m praying. And thanks again
Hi Bob! I’m glad that I found this site and discussion. I really need your help. I’m a Filipino and my husband is a Malaysian. We have a toddler and I’m 5 months pregnant. We’ve been here since July last year and we decided to stay here for good. My husband and son both have balikbayan stamps. I want to know what specific visa my husband should get and what’s the procedure? I’ve been reading a lot and I think it’s the 13(a) visa. I really need some help how to start with the requirements. I read somewhere that they need a bank account with certain amount as proof that they can provide for their family. Is that true? Btw, we are planning to take a short trip to Malaysia this April to renew their stamps. I hope you could help me. Thanks in advance!
Check this article for procedures: http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
The whole thing about a bank account full of money is nothing but an internet fallacy. It is said all over the place, but is “fake information”.
Thank you so much Bob! Appreciated! 🙂
I AM LEBANESE , MY NAME ELIAS SLEIMAN . RESTRICTED COUNTRY , I HAVE GF HERE AND WE HAVE A KID 11 MONTHS OLD. I’M HERE SINCE 28 JULY 2015. LEGAL .I RENEWED MY VISA MANY TIMES ALREADY. IT’S A PLEASURE VISA . I CAN’T MARRY MY GF FOR NOW CAUSE I AM NOT DIVORCED YET FROM MY LEBANESE WIFE.MY NEXT RENEWING WILL BE FOR 2 MONTHS ONLY CAUSE I CAN’T STAY HERE MORE THAN 2 YEARS ..I AM PLANING TO LIVE HERE ,I AM POLICE OFFICER RETIRED,THER’S ANOTHER WAY TO STAY LONGER , CAN I CHANGE MY VISA TO LONG STAYEMENT . I AM RECEIVING MY SALARY MONTHLY , WISH THAT I WILL NOT BE FORCED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY AND BACK , IF THEY FORCE ME TO LEAVE CAN I GO TO A COUNTRY NEAR PHILIPPINES AND BACK , MY VISA IS SINGLE ENTRY ,
(1) complete your divorce with your Lebanese wife through the legal court system in Lebanon
(2) Marry your GF and legalize it properly under Philippine law and present the Lebanese divorce certificate, properly authenticated by the Philippine embassy in Beirut.
(3) Accept the TRV visa in Philippines they give to restricted nationals renewed every 5 years. Middle eastern, Indian citizens, Pakistani citizens /passport holders get TRV visa as they are classified as restricted nationals. That is the right way to go. One must untangle oneself from any messy situation first before starting fresh.
1) First complete your divorce with your Lebanese wife through the legal court system in Lebanon
(2) Marry your GF and legalize it properly under Philippine law and present
the Lebanese divorce certificate, properly authenticated by the
Philippine embassy in Beirut.
(3) Accept the TRV visa in Philippines
they give to restricted nationals renewed every 5 years. Middle
eastern, Indian citizens, Pakistani citizens /passport holders get TRV
visa as they are classified as restricted nationals. That is the right
way to go. In the end after few years, apply for Philippine Citizenship
if you want to integrate into Philippines forever.
(4) Lebanese passport is unfortunately not eligible for visa free entry, therefore
cannot do visa runs and must secure visa in advance or extend existing
visa within Philippines.
But first, one must untangle oneself
from any messy situation first before starting fresh. Do the right
thing, go back to Lebanon, finish the divorce, then return to
Philippines, do the marriage and apply the TRV. Some hardships, but do
that for your child and the Filipino woman. You will be lot happier.
Hi Bob.I’m Guido from the Netherlands. I have a relationship with a lady in Taguig for 2 years now.
I visited her 2 times. First time was in 2016 and i stayed 1 month with visa upon arrival.
Second time in 2016 till 2017 for 3 months. I applied for single entry visa 9A for a stay of 59 days and i extended with 1 month at the bureau of immigration in Manila. Total cost of extension was around 7k included a plastic tourist card valid for 1 year.
I already gathered information bout living in the Philippines with my incapacity benefit.
And they allow me to move to the Philippines and receive my incapacity benefit in the Philippines.
I just cant get the right information bout the best visa that fits my situation and also my budget.
We do want to marry, so after marriage i can apply for permanent residence i think.
But is there a better option for the mean time that im there until we are married without extension every 1 or 2 months.
That Balik Bayan visa is only for married couples who already together as i understood from an article.
Or is extensions the only option for me untill we are married?
Got one more question. They gave me entry before and visa for 59 days.
To qualify for residential visa there may be no records at any local or foreign agencies.
I do admit i did some wrong things in the past. But that is more than 10 years ago.
And i admit it to the employee in the Philippine embassy in the Hague , Netherlands.
And they didnt make a problem of it. And i received the entry, and visa for 59 days and the extension.
When i decide to to emigrate and aplly for the visa, means i need to leave a lot behind,
Need to sell my stuff and store some at family and cancel all the contracts im using. Rent, insurances, provider etc. I only keep my bankaccount in the Netherlands.
So im a little worried to do it the wrong way with the visa and mess up. And that means i have no place to return when the Philippines cancel my visa or when i reached the limit of extensions in case the marriage is not completed that time for any kind of reason.
I worry the most about my record from the past 10+ years ago, can be an obstacle to get a legit marriage.
Hope you can help me out a little bit.
Salamat in advance
Guido
I would say at this point, your only choice for a Visa is to come here on a regular tourist visa, extended as long as needed, and then get the 13th series resident visa after the marriage. You can stay here for up to 36 months on a tourist visa by doing extensions.
Thank you Bob.
So i better call the Embassy to ask if my police record from the past from 10 years back and more will be a problem to get a legal marriage.
Its not clear to me how to read the rules for the marriage.
First they say that i may not have any records, convictions. And a little further in the rules they say, if you already entered the Philippines with a visa, that i dont need to worry about that. 36 months is a nice time to stay, but the plan is to live there. And giving all up here in the Netherlands for maybe only 36 months and then need to leave the Phils is no option for me. So i need to make 100% sure first that they allow me to have a legal marriage. grtzz
Hi there, I just wanted to share my experience here. I am a disabled person with a pension. I am over 35 years old, and earn more than 1’000 us $/month. I have 10’000 us dollars saved. I therefore apply for SRRV visa “classic” (check here : http://www.pra.gov.ph/ ), which allows me the followings : yearly renewed retiree visa, no tax on abroad incomes, no NBI clearances requested upon travelling, a single yearly fee of 380 $ for renewal. You can open a bank account here and (but this depends on your country’s administrations) have your pension paid here without taxes. I know that some countries don’t allow the payment of pensions in foreign countries, therefore you might have to open a local bank account there, and authorize a permanent order to have your pensions paid “bank to bank here”.. No need to “play around” with “brides”… No need to permanently renew tourist visas, no need to risk an overstay… I would say, come first once or twice, to be sure you enjoy the life here, and if so, then apply for one or the other visas solutions you have…
Hi Bob! Would it be possible that the child of legal age 18, can sponsor his father for resident visa here in Philippines? By the way his father is a Lebanese. Hoping for your enlightenment on this matter. Thanks
No, it is not possible.
Hi Bob.
I am planning to live in the Philippines. my situation is i am currently married to a Pinay but we have separated. By reading articles etc it appears that it would be easier for me to settle in the Philippines using my wife as the process, one problem we haven’t communicated for sometime now and our relationship is over. Does this hinder my thoughts on using my wife as a Pinay to live in the Philippines meaning does she have to present herself and sign paperwork etc for my entry?
Advanced thanks Bob
If you are separated, you are no longer eligible to get a resident Visa. You can still live here, but will probably need to do it on a tourist visa instead, depending on other things what you did not tell me.
Go for the SRRV or 13 Quota visa that does not require marriage or tourist visa as bob said. Separation from wife and ending of relationship is grounds for 13(a) or 13(g) non-quota visa to lapse. It is also best not to use her signature or help for anything, as it can land you trouble later. If you are separated, that is the end of the road. In fact, a full divorce is recommend or annulment in the philippines (which can take a lot of time and money) if relationships are over. Sorry to hear about it though.
Thx for the tip Blue boy, much appreciated.
Right up my alley! Thank you for posting this, sir.
You are very welcome, Philip!
what happens i hope not if you become widow ???
Unfortunately, if your spouse passes, you will no longer be eligible for the Resident Visa. You can explore other visa options (such as an SRRV), but unless you marry another Filipina, you can no longer remain on a 13 series resident visa.
Bob Martin thanks
Anytime, my friend.
I would say to save all the hassle, simply apply for a ‘Visitors Visa’ and extend it every two months. One can now extend their Visa every six months up to 36 months, When the three years are up you will have to leave the country. If one wishes to enter the country again, simply start all over again. A greater number of foreigners who come to live here are single and remain on visitors Visa’s.
Of course, what you say will work, but it is expensive and way more hassle than a resident visa. With a resident visa, I spend about 30 minutes per year, and $6.20 per year to live here. I never have to leave unless I want to.
On a visitor visa you spend hundreds of dollars per year to stay here. You spend hours doing extensions. You have the hassle of being forced to leave once every 3 years.
How is it more hassle to do a resident visa?
Well said. 13a series is the best deal.
Useful for you if you often travel out to visit other countries near by and want to be spared the regular travel tax, you are single, love living in hotels without a fixed address, don’t want to do any work or research or anything else in Philippines, then fine. But it is more of an hassle to keep extending and it is more expensive, as Bob rightfully said, I have a 13G visa, I am spared much of the headaches. Although the ECC clearance fee + travel tax (4,500 PHP to 5000 approx) bites at times as I do travel out for a month once every 6 months. But again, traveling is a choice for most people. So for every choice there is a consequence. 13 series is the best deal one can have. I am also a researcher, I don’t need any additional work visa or permit to undertake research activities in Philippines, 13(g) covers it all.
My amended 13a was approved this week…my I-card is due to be releases on Thursday…
That is great, Will. Congratulations on being a permanent resident!
I owe a whole lot of that to YOU’RE great advice books..
I came here Oct 17, 2014…and got married on that date in 2015… I’m a happy man..
THANK YOU … Bob Martin
If I was able to help you out, it was my pleasure, and I’m very happy about that. Thank you.
Funny… I just got the text that my I-card is ready for pick-up…a couple days before schedule…WOOT …WOOT..
@ Cristina Gannaban: If you and your husband decide to go the BalikBayan route (as my wife and I have done for the past 10 years) your husband does NOT require an ACR-I card. he also is not required to do the annual BI Report/Head Tax routine. Under the BB Privilege program you have no contact at all with the BI except for the officers at the airport when you enter and leave. No tax for those who stay one year or less, no ECC required also.
Dave, 100 % guarantee the US/or ones country is involved with the required reporting for the ARC card or BB requirements. Why? The US wants to make sure your still upright.
More than likely one is receiving SS and……
@ hgb. Not sure where you are coming up with this information, but after 11 years on the BB I can pretty well assure you there s no reporting from the Philippines to the US SSA regarding a US citizen’s “uprightness”. The Philippine Annual Reporting/Head Tax requirement is internal to the government of the Philippines. The US SSA does their own “aliveness” checks each and every year directly with the SS annuitants. (Most yeras three or more times a year, in my case).
But this is all beside the point I am making. If one is in the Philippines on a BB, there is NO reporting to any Philippine agency involved, and specifically no requirement for an ARC-I card. This is the only reporting requirement I was talking about. Regards.
What happens if the tragedy of your wife passing? Do they revoke the 13A then?
Hi Terry, actually answer the same question a couple of comments back. Yes, in the event of your wife’s death you will lose your resident Visa. You could convert to a tourist visa, or say a few years if you remarry you could get another Resident Lisa.
“Revoke ” is bit of a strong word in case of a family tragedy, I would say “may lapse”. I have heard conflicting reports on that, perhaps usually that they
would be more understanding and linenant if you have children from the marriage and have stayed long and strong family ties and the BI commissioner is made aware of it through contacts such as Barangay captain, Councillor or some application for it, not sure, finally its at their discretion. It is always good to have a backup plan ready, and put aside money for SRRV or Quota visa if such a situation comes and one has family ties, property etc to the country. Filipinos are generally very compassionate and understanding people, compared to most other Asian countries I have seen or visited. I could be wrong, but that’s just my two cent opinion. May God bless your wife and you with a long life. Same to Bob also. Family is the most precious thing in this world.
Ronald Marsh….FYI only….
There are Philippine VISA types other than just “married” and “tourist”. I checked my original permanent VISA stamp in my passport from back then and see it just says “Section 13” (no “a” or any other suffix). It’s one of the VISA types available if you invest enough money in the Philippines (as ruled at the specific time – the amount and specifics do change – I heard it’s much less expensive these days). I wasn’t married at the time, so it was the option best recommended for me to follow. Such might be worth checking into for people in the sort of situation you mention in your article, as a better and more permanent option than reverting to “tourist”, it lasts forever as long as you follow the rules, no one cares or questions your marital status. (The immigrant ‘marriage penalty’ is however a different issue – I’ll write more about that once I find out exactly the situation and how much getting married will cost me at BI. If you get married or change your address – even if you just move next door – it’s going to cost you and maybe quite LARGE.)
Good info. Thanks Bob!!
I am really not sure what the President or the Congress will do on the topic of gay marriage. We will have to see.
You could apply for a Quota 13a Visa, that does not require marriage. Or you could do an SRRV retirement visa.
Quota visas are a good idea, and it requires $50,000 investment. In the BI website, every month a list of names of Quota visa applicants approved are published in PDF format. It is however limited to 50 per nationality every year. America =50, U.K =50. SRRV is also very popular, among Koreans and Japanese. No travel tax , annual reporting, ACRi-Icard (Philippine Retirement authority card is issued) and so forth, only drawback with SRRV is alien employment permit is required (not required in case of 13 series) if one wants to do something within Philippines, but perfectly fine if they are making income offshore as Bob does + 350 US$ a year annual “maintenance” fee. I still believe 13 (a) or 13(g) series is the best deal one can get.
Tnx for the update Bob . I find it fair to revoke the 13 series visa if u r not living together .
I think it is fair in most instances. I feel, though, that it is unfair in the event of the death of a Filipina spouse. Like, my wife and I have been married for 27 years. If she were to pass, my visa would be revoked even though I am a long term resident, have strong ties with her family, community ties and such. I believe they should re-evaluate that policy, Celso.
Bob, My spouse and i have been married almost 27 years. I have a 13(a) probationary which is being processed into permanent, we retired here 2 years ago. I am concerned about what happens if something happened to my Filipino husband. I have been reading under becoming a Citizen on the under the commonwealth act, it seems as though this can happen after you have resided here for 10 years? It looks like it is a judicial process and does not say how to accomplish it except for different courts and time frames and that it can be continued even in the event of the death of the petitioning spouse. This is a deep concern of mine as i have moved here permanently and we were mislead (it seems) to believe it was just a permanent 13a that gives me citizenship. Any thoughts or advice would be helpful and appreciated
The 13 series Visa has nothing to do with citizenship, it only give you resident status here. You’re correct, becoming a naturalized citizen here is a judicial process which is done in court.
In case of death i agree . Me too i m married since 25 years and till we get old policy maybe will change …
Ha ha.. I don’t know how old you are, but I almost died last year, so who knows when it will happen? 😉
What if you just want to go without a 13 series visa?
What if you just want to go without a 13 series visa?
Nobody will force you, just to the different option.
Thank you
Now i know. Salamat kuya Bob for updates.
Hi I am intending on Emigrating to the Philippines this year, I have been chatting to my Girlfriend for over 4 Years now, And we would like to get Married. I am 58 And will not be eligible for my pension yet in the UK, So what would you suggest is the best Visa for me, My Girlfriend says, Tourist Visa until we are Married and then a Spouse Visa. Do you agree. Thank you for your Help.
I agree.
You can stay in the Philippines for a total of 3 years on a tourist visa by extending your visa for 6 months at a time before your initial visa expires. I suggest when you arrive at the immigration counter at the airport that you request and pay for a 59 day visa. And on the 50th day extend it for 6 months. It will cost about 12000 pesos for the 6 month visa. Immigration will also make you get the ACR-I ID card.
After the 3 years you need to leave even just for 1 day. So most take a cheap round trip flight to Hong Kong and are able to start the 3 year cycle over again. At least till you get married.
Hi Bob, my husband is a Hungarian, he really wants to have a resident visa here in Philippines but don’t any idea where to start, hope you can give me a sort of advice on how to process everything. Thank you!
Start first at reading the BI website (13a non-quota visa through marriage) then proceed to the Philippine embassy in Hungary.
Unfortunately, being Indian, I don’t qualify for the 13a visa, despite being married for 25 years. I am on a 1 year temporary visa and will be extended for 5 more years this September. 🙁
You get what is known as TRV visa, Indian nationals are classified as “restricted nationals”, along with few other middle eastern countries, Pakistan etc. TRV is renewed every 5 years. You have the option of applying for Philippine citizenship after 5 years of marriage, although the application for citizenship may take sometime depending on the processing time and where you live.
Hi Bob, thanks for the article. I’m considering moving to the Philippines under a 13(a) visa. Apparently you need to show evidence of financial capacity (not an unreasonable request). I don’t have a pension etc (not old enough), I’m planning to support myself by selling my Australian property and buying several rental properties in the Philippines in my wife’s name for income. Any idea if that would be considered a suitable for of income to them, and if so how might I go about providing that evidence?
Best regards
Matt
Hi Matt – How are you doing? Yeah, I think you will be OK with that. Truth is, these days they seem to be not asking as much when it comes to financial capacity when it comes to 13(a).
I’m good mate, hope you are too. Earthquakes recently in your area I believe? Thanks for the response… will contact my local embassy to see how to apply, see what they want from me. 🙂
LOL Earthquakes are nothing new in the Philippines. There are earthquakes almost daily somewhere in the country. Of course, most are too small to feel, but there are regularly earthquakes large enough to shake things up a bit. 🙂 Yeah, though, there have been a few larger ones lately.
I showed a bank statement of $10,000 (just to be safe), I got my 13(g) Visa. It wasn’t written in black or white in any law to such an amount, but it was something I just put in my application from overseas Philippine embassy.
What’s the visa cost and are they any bank deposit requirements?
The application process costs a couple hundred US dollars. No deposit requirements.
hi bob, been reading..
so, if i arrive with throw away ticket, get 29 day extension on arrival, giving me 59 days, then renew before it expires for 12000 peso for 6 months, ..then repeat 5 times- i can be there 30 months+ my original 59 days- total 32 months. . Then do BB trip with asawa and on arrival back i have 1 year BB..so how do i repeat process?
Do i get the extension for 59 days and start over just ignoring my BB waiver?
or can i use the BB year then start cycle?
if i come back with my wife after BB trip and get 59 days to repeat process i kind of waste the free 1 year BB.
will they even give me a 29 day extension after a BB trip seeing as how i have 1 year free already or just look at me like i’m gago?
i understand everything except that part,the repeat for next 3 year part.
(provided i decide to go this route)
thanks for all your help to everyone you have patience of a saint!
Hi Gregoryallen – I am sorry, I think you are really mixing things up here. If you enter the Philippines on a Balikbayan Visa you don’t have to worry about doing any extensions. If, at the end of a year, you want to stay longer you can convert from Balikbayan to Tourist and do renewals for an additional 2 years.
i am arriving by myself (the 1st time,my wife is there), planned on doing extensions to put off BB trip for as long as possible..(3years?)..then doing BB trip with wife.
after i get back from the BB trip,then what…enjoy the free year and switch back to tourist and do extentions for 3 years..is that the typical cycle for those that choose that route?
if so then every 4 years its BB trip, right?…since i get my BB year then 3 years of extenions afterwards?
Whenever you make the trip for the balikbayan Visa, yes, just take advantage of the free one year, and then convert to tourist if that’s what you want to do. You do have one misunderstanding though, you cannot stay for 4 years. The maximum Stay on any of these visas is three years, if you do a one-year balikbayan Visa then convert to tourust you only get an extra two years maximum. You cannot do one year on balikbayan and then three years on tourist.
Why not just apply for a resident visa and be done with it? That way you can stay as long as you want.
ahh…ok. so its 3 years ext..then BB trip ,.. free year , followed by TWO years ext..then BB trip again…repeat.
i may just stay for 3-5 years right now,my boy is 1 1/2 and i need to be around these developing years, then i might go work another year or two with 30 day visits before i retire for good.
thanks for all your help !
Hi Bob, I would like to ask you some pretty basic questions regarding applying for a 13 a visa in Phillipines.. I’m Chinese citizen, passport holder of PRC. My husband is Filipino from Iloilo city. We have married for 10 yrs and resided in Thailand for 10 yrs as well. Recently we have come back from our vacation to Bangkok Thailand from California US and we would like to move back to Iloilo city for good. We have never thought of applying a perminant visa in PHillipines and have no idea where to start. I did do some research and understand That I am qualified to apply Non-quota visa and have read the checklists as well. Thus, do I just get a tourist visa to enter Phillipines first and continue the rest ? How long is the tourist visa should I apply before entering Phillipines ? ( normally Both my daughter and I got tourist visa in the embassy of Phillipines , Bangkok,Thailand ) ..Thanks so much ! Have a good one!
Hi Yujie – I am sorry, most of what I know about Philippine visas is for citizens of western countries like US, Australia and Europe. I rarely have to deal with visas for citizens of China, so I am not well versed on this topic. In general, I would encourage you to apply for the visa abroad, because that usually means that you won’t have to deal with the one year probationary period. But, beyond that I am not comfortable that I would be able to help you with accurate information.
Hi Bob, thanks for the fast reply , I think we d better check things out in the Phillipines embassy in Bangkok first. We have been living here on a long term basis and reported our marriage like doing everything in this embassy and we might submit application in here as u mentioned above to avoid any hassles or paper works or time & effort. If I get any news and I ll definitely share with you guys and hopefully it would help many ppl out there like my case. Btw, I love General santos city.. U chose a great place ..
You can look up on the form for Chinese nationals on the BI website. As Bob said, do it from the embassy in Thailand. It is faster, and embassy officials will guide you on what to do, they have the final authority on that. You don’t enter Philippines on a tourist visa once they issue you the residency visa, you enter Philippines on that residency visa, and continue the conclusion once inside. The customers officer will examine the envelope and ask you to proceed to BI and quarantine. Quarantine will stamp on your passport, and then you go to apply the ACR-I card.
I want to marry a girl from Bohol in November,will she be allowed in us on spouse visa?
I am sorry, this site is about moving to the Philippines. I cannot help you with immigration to the USA.
Hi Bob, I’m 36 yrs old & from the UK. My wife & eldest daughter are Filipino citizens & our two younger children are holding duel citizenship. We’ve been living in Malaysia since 2004, we thinking of moving back to my wife’s home province of Bicol. Have been there many time to visit the in-laws using the visit visa. If i was to apply for a perminant visa, could i apply through the PH Embassy in Kuala Lumpur or would i have to go through the PH Embassy back in UK? Would i be able to operate a business with my wife? Roughly how much is the cost of the visa in peso?
Thanks. Mike
Hi Michael, yes you should have no problem applying for your Visa at the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The cost of the vsat should be in the neighborhood of 10,000 pesos. Yes, you can also operate a business here with your wife. Good luck to you.
Hi Bob, thank you for your speedy reply that’s great. Hoping you can help me out with a few more questions if that’s ok, is it actually the 13 (a) I need to apply for or are there other visa option I should look for? We planning to come over to philly’s sometime in December, can I open a joint bank account with my wife just using my social visa or do I need to wait until I have applied for the residents pass and we’ve settled there?
Once again thank you.
Mike.
Hi Mike,
There are multiple Visas available, it is up to you to choose which would be best. For permanent residence probably the 13(a) or an SRRV would be your choices. I feel the 13(a) is a better value, but it is your choice!
For the banking, I recommend that you check out my book “How To Open a Bank Account in the Philippines” which is only $2.99 on Amazon, you can find it here:
https://www.amazon.com/Open-Bank-Account-Philippines-Move-ebook/dp/B010NV9A4M/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Good luck.
Thank you Bob that’s brilliant, will be sure to check your book out. Have great day & god bless.
Hi Bob, I recently got the visa 13a…..my wife is Filipina.
Can I work here without further applying for a working permit.
Thanks
If you have a 13A visa you are eligible to work.
Many thanks for a quick reply! My 13a is the one year visa extendable to become permanent after one year. Can I still work during this first year.
Thanks!!!
mr bob i have met someone a filipina i wanna go there can u explain to me what i need to marry her and stay there to be legal in her countrywill i need to show proof of income to marry and live with her
Hi Dear Bob,
I am importer fresh fruits in Malaysia but I want to start to same business in Philippines. Do you know how to open a company and how to get professional visa in Philippines ? I have a local partner , she is my brother’s wife. i can use her name as partner or director for my company. Thank you dear Bob with regards
Thank you for your inquiry. I would be happy to help you with the items that you are trying to learn about. Please understand, though, that I receive a LOT of such inquiries. Usually more than 100 people per day ask for “just 10 minutes” of my time to help them. Well, if I gave 100 people “just 10 minutes” that would be more than 1,000 minutes per day, or nearly 17 hours per day! There is no way I can spend that many hours per day answering questions.
Because of this, I am offering a consultation service to those who need answers and want accurate answers to their Philippine related questions. There is a lot of incorrect information floating around the Internet, but I do the research needed to guarantee the accuracy of the answers that I will give you.
You can visit my consulting page and see the packages that I offer. Just look here:
http://expatisland.com/product-category/consulting/
I have packages starting at just $39.00 and up from there, so I am sure that you will find a consulting package that fits your budget and will give you the answers that you need.
Thank you again for your inquiry. Please let me know what you think and if I can be of assistance to you.
Hey again Bob, hope all’s going well for you there under martial law. 🙂
Got a question for you, hope you can help. When I looked at the SRRV visa it mentions that holders can bring in up to US$7000 of personal items without being charged import duty, but I’ll almost definitely be applying for a 13(a) instead. My wife today stopped in at DFO to ask them about personal items & duty under the 13(a) but they didn’t have a clue. I’m aware I can send balikbayan boxes up to 100K pesos per year, but I’m wondering just how much stuff I can bring with me when I move there before customs officers start getting dollar signs in their eyes. Any idea?
Regards
Matt
Hi Matt, I would be happy to help you. You have some specific questions there that I would be happy to answer and guide you through the process. I charge a consultation fee of $300 for visa things like this, and for that fee I will guide you through the entire process. Let me know if I can help you.
Hi
Me and my husband would like to live in the Philippines for a permanent iam a Pilipino and hold a British passport my husband English.
Now what kind of visa do we need for my English husband to live with me in the Philippines as a permanent resident.
What kind of visa that it won’t coast as so much.
Thank you
Mrs m jones
That is what the article is all about, did you read it? Your husband has multiple options. He can live in the Philippines on a tourist visa, he can get a 13a resident visa, or an SRRV visa.
Thank you bob
Hi Bob! My fiance and I are confused. Can he stay here for free for the whole after we married? Or he will have to go to the BI in order for him to have extensions of staying here?
Depends on what type of visa you get. I would be happy to consult with you on what types of visas are available. If you wish, contact me directly (use our contact for link on the top menu) and I will discuss prices for the consultation with you.
We really think that he can stay here for free after we got married.
What if after we got married we will get this 13a visa thing would we be allowed to do that right away?
As I already said, we can discuss this further on a paid consultancy basis. If you need help, I am happy to help further, but I can’t do it for free. I hope you understand.
Thank you for your reply Bob. Can we apply right away for the 13a permanent visa after we got married? And is he free to stay here after we got married or will he still going to comply the requirements of extension for his stay?
This makes sense that they are doing this. However, what if the wife and kid live in the province and you work in Manila to provide for the family? Though that is not “living together” would it suffice in meeting the objective of the family code that they cite in the 13A visa.
I am sorry I only know what the tile is. You would have them for an interpretation of your case.
Well, you just have to meet the obligations of the family code and there is a lot of room for interpretation:
“Art. 68. The husband and wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity, and render mutual help and support. (109a)
Art. 69. The husband and wife shall fix the family domicile. In case of disagreement, the court shall decide.
The court may exempt one spouse from living with the other if the latter should live abroad or there are other valid and compelling reasons for the exemption. However, such exemption shall not apply if the same is not compatible with the solidarity of the family. (110a)
hello Bob, i’d like to ask if a foreigner ( Belgian actually, but im not sure if you got an idea with their rules ) will live in Philippines, do you/they need to keep their country’s residency address to retain your/their citizenship? I hope I could get a straight answer, thanks much!
Regardless of whatever their address is, what country is income or what country they live in, their citizenship will be intact.
is it applicable to all foreigners?
Another question, it’s about an ACR card, do you think the Philippine Immigration will grant a foreigner an ACR card for to open a bank account purposes? I’m already visiting my fiancee in Philippines twice, and there will be upcoming more visits, since I’m still working in Belgium. Eventually I’m planning to live with her in 2 years. For now, I’d like to get a bank in Philippines. However, each banks there requires ACR card.
Hi Bob, were planning to apply for a permanent resident in the Philippines for my boy friend and his mom (Belgian Citizen) now they are in Kuala Lumpur. My Boyfriend is still working as a banker and his mom is holding a dependent pass. Were a gay couple, im a filipino citizen currently working in singapore. Hope you can advice us on how to expedite there application for this PR application, is it possible also for them to apply for Filipino Citizenship or have a dual citizenship.
Since he is your boyfriend, not your husband, it will be much more difficult for him to get a permanent resident Visa. He will have to apply for a quota Visa, or an srrv Visa. Good luck to him, and to you, but I think it’s going to be difficult for you. Also costly.
I got divorced in 2015 in the United States my ex wife is a Filipino who never entered the United States or bothered filing any sort of divorce papers telling the Philippine government of the divorce decree.
And I never bothered filing it as well because I never plan to get married in the Philippines.
My question is under the Philippnes Family Law. Am I still legally married in the Philippines and can I still file a Resident Visa based on that law seeing under Philippine law I am still techinally married because no paper work was never filed.
The fact that she did not file the paperwork, go to court, etc only affects her, not you. Whatever you wish to do in the Philippines can be done by showing your divorce decree.
However, you cannot get a 13A resident visa (you did not say what type of resident visa you wish to get) because you are no longer married. If you want to get an SRRV or an Quota visa you can go for that, those are not based on Marriage.
It sounds to me like you are still technically married in the Philippines. If you’re amicable with your ex wife, perhaps you could work on getting a 13A visa?
I am sorry, but you are incorrect. If he goes for a 13A based on the marriage which no longer exists he will be committing immigration fraud and will face jail time for that. Be very careful!
Guy (and any others reading), in my opinion you are trying to read too much into the law here.
This advice could well be considered fraud by the Bureau of Immigration. Here’s why I offer this layman’s opinion:
The 13A or 13G visas for foreigner spouses are actually issued upon the petition and sponsorship of the Filipino citizen (or former Filipino citizen) spouse.
If the foreigner spouse divorces the Filipino spouse it would normally be taken as evidence the sponsoring Filipino spouse no longer “sponsors” the foreigner former spouse. A close friend went to Guam for a “quickie divorce” and upon returning to the Philippines was questioned directly about the purpose of his trip.
He answered truthfully (as all are advised to do) and the Immigration Officer immediately cancelled his 13A visa and admitted him to the Philippines as a Tourist. “She” might still have been legally married to him, but “He” was obviously no longer married to “Her”.
The Filipino spouse may still be considered married under the strange rules of the Philippine Family Code, but the former husband is obviously not still married, based upon his divorce.
To try to claim otherwise is disingenuous, if not actually fraudulent .. and Immigration Fraud does not sit well with the Bureau of Immigration.
I would be very, very careful about this …Immigration Jails are NOT fun places to be.
My thoughts exactly, Dave. I feel it is a clear case of fraud. Even if he is still on good terms with the ex-wife, the guy clearly knows that he is divorced.
Exactly. One thing all ought to consider on these issues is that Philippine Immigration is not “dumb”. Witness what happened to my friend when he came back from Guam. The officer figured out right away why my friend went to Guam for a week to get his divorce. It’s better to stay forthright and truthful IMO, one never really knows ….
Thanks for both of your comments. Much appreciated.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/90c42a65e647b3df66fa1621be54d2d6364156074b634c0f4977a4d2b54494b7.jpg
Thanks for the comments. I was just wondering in general terms I was never actually going to do it. I been in and out of the Philippines at least 6 times in the last couple years and never stay longer than 30 days anyways. and don’t feel like messing up any good standing I already have going in and out of the country
Do you need a work visa to work online while living in the philippines?
Hello sir
I am an indian national i am here in phillipines on trv visa 13 (a) its for one year i want to know how much fees i need to pay to extend it and is there any chance i can apply for a job here
Thx
Hello
I am an indian national married to a filipino i have 13 (a) trv visa for one year
How much money i need to extend it and do i have any chance to work here
Thanks
I am thinking of doing a visitor visa so my girlfriend could visit the U.S. I was thinking of having her just visit for 6 weeks or so. I thought it would be good for her to do some international travel before we started the visitor visa process so she would have something on her passport to show that she has left and returned.
Plus to be honest I rather have her visit here in the U.S. during the May through August months than me go and visit over there because I can only handle that hot weather for so long lol.
When we apply for the visa do I have to send a letter showing support or will those be two seperate things we will have to show?
In my opinion she can show that she will return. She is a midwife at a hospital. She owns her own home. And her job is willing to give her a extended leave so she can go.
And suggestions??
Good luck, it’s pretty close to Impossible.
Also, this post is way off topic. The topic of the article is about getting a resident visa to live in the Philippines. Please stay on topic.
Ok even if I make enough money to sponsor??
Hello David,
What you are envisioning here really won’t work. US citizens can not “sponsor” or control issuance of visitor visas to foreign nationals. An unmarried woman going to the USA to visit an unmarried man? ow, that’s a big red flag to the Consular Officers at the embassy who actually decide who gets a visa and who does not.
I’ve written a number of articles on this subject, you might want to start reading here, and follow the “related posts” suggestions.
US Visitor Visa Concerns: Can My Philippine Friend Visit Me in the USA?
Hi,
Does the $10,000 required to secure a 13A visa need to remain in the bank forever?
You are thinking of a fallacy that does not exist, something you heard on the Internet which is totally false. There is no $10,000 required for a Resident Visa. There is no financial test.
How do I get hold of the forms for a 13A resident visa.
If you are in the Philippines you get it from the Bureau of Immigration.
If you are abroad you get it from the Philippine Consulate or Embassy.
Can you perhaps post me a link where I may download the 13A form.
No, I know of nowhere to download it. Go to the BI or call a Philippine Consulate.
Hi bob im a filipina married to a palestinian and living in UAE, we are married for almost 8 years… how can i apply a philippine citizenship for him? Does is still need for him to live in philippines for 5 years (un interupted) before getting the citizenship? Or is there any process to shorten this process? Looking forward hearing from you soon… thanks!
No. You cannot.
i have a new born child , i live in davao, with gf,,can i apply for resident?
The child gives you know advantages in obtaining residency.
you mean no advantages
if you have child no marry they can give you 6 month tourist visa,,,other with out filippina wife onl 2 months
I made a visa run to HK after 3 years staying in ph.
During my 3 years as a tourist I pay all the visa fee .
When I came back to ph after I stay 1 week in HK the immigration officer ask me many questions about what I am doing in the ph for so long.
I told her that I am only tourist.
She told me I need to make interview in the airport before the let me in.
In the interview I told the officer that I am not working in ph only spending money ,
Then I add that I make processing my srrv visa (not true),
They let me in.
But its not a good experience ,,,I felt bad about it,,,
I am 48 years old, holding European passport .
Is any one had this happen to him,,,,bob what you think?
i had a return ticket but they did not ask to see it
maybe if you get pissed of and they expect you to just give money in exchange for a hassle free entrance…
can anyone explain what i need to do to marry in philippines and live there sorry for dumb question bu so many diffrent sites and so many diffrent rules like 10k and so forth i am american
IM A LIBERIAN LIVING IN SOUTH KOREA FOR FIVE YEARS NOW N WANTING TO LIVE IN PHILLIPINE THAT I HAD ALL WAY HOPE FOR .HOW CAN I OBTAIN A PERMINANT RESIDENT?
hi bob
im a filipina and my bf is from czech rep.
we have baby but we r not yet married.
can he still apply for permanent visa? if yes. . . wat kind of visa? if not . . . how can he apply?
looking forward for ur reply. tnx
Hg E can get an SRRV visa.
hi dear bob im iraq guy i have phlipines girlfriend about one year i want to get marride with her soon so what kind visa is posible for me to stay in the phlipines to long time as i can ? by the way its allowed if expat buy house in the phlipines ? thanks if you answer my .. q >? so after how many yers can i become phlipines citizen ? if i have kid
I’m sorry i can’t help you. I really have no information about visas for those from Iraq.
Got a question I’ve got a 13a been here for 5 years. But we bought a house in the US. Now the question is are there any restrictions on a length of stay outside PI? Are there any hoops to jump through so I am not beat up by customs after 60 days outside. Like my wife’s visa she can stay in the US up to 6 months.
I did not know it was possible to get the marriage visa outside the Phil . I do not have an ACR-I card at present . I am an Irish citizen .
Good Day Bob,
I have a 13(a) that expired 2016 when I went to pay the yearly fee they told me that I could not pay the yearly fee sice my 13(a) ACR Card had expired and that I would need to apply for a new ACR to before I could pay the yearly fee and I would have to pay 1000 pesos penalty for not renewing it, Can I return to The United States without having to renew the ACR 13(a) Card? What’s your advice?
Thanks and Have a Great Day.
The article is not about SRRV, it is about 13 Series Resident Visas.
For an SRRV, there is a cash deposit required, the amount depends on the age of the applicant. $10,000 is one of the amounts that is required, depending on age.
Hello Bob, im planning to transfer the title of my house to my partner whom to be a belgian citizen, for a foriegner to own a house, can easily get a permanent resident in philippines? Were a gay couple hope you can help us. Im from davao
I’m sorry to tell you but that is not illegal.
What you mean not illegal, as what i believe foriegner is possible to own properties such as condo or house in philippines. By means just for him to get permanent resident i will transfer under his name my property. Is it possible?
Were planning to get married but i dont know if it will work since same sex married is not legal in my country.
Foreigners can own condo but not any other real estate property that concerns land ownership. Example: House and Lot, Buildings, etc. They can only lease if any land is involved.
Hi Bob,
I am a British National married to a Filipina and living and working in the UAE. Is it possible to apply for residency visa via the Philippines Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, it sure is.
Thanks
Sure Wayne. Good luck to you.
Hi Bob, I have 2 questions., my Turkish husband wants to get a residence permit in my county. Is residence visa same with it?
If he gets his residence visa, is it okay for him to exit Philippines to work overseas and just come back for his annual check it at immigration?
Sorry i can’t really be of assistance for those from Turkey.
Hi, I’m just a little confused.
What is the difference between TRV (temporary resident visa) and 13a?
In another site, I saw that 13a has a Proof of financial capacity? While TRV doesn’t?
Can a US citizen apply for a TRV if he is not qualified for 13a?
I am a South African citizen. I would like to retire in the Philippines. Is this possible, and if so what would I require visa wise and capital?
I am sorry, I can be of no assistance for Indian Nationals. I do not know the laws f for you.
Good luck.
You don’t need a physical. Based on the fact that you are not married to her ( (you said she is your girlfriend) you do not qualify for any type of visa other than a tourist visa or a SRRV retirement visa.
Good luck.
Hello. I was born in Hawaii and my parents at the time (1982) were Philippine citizens. My mother is now a US citizen and my father remained a Philippine citizen and permanent resident of Hawaii until his death in 2016. I am 35. My birth was not reported to the Phikiopines Consulate. Am I abow to get dual citizenship?
Delete
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?? You wrote delete. Was this not the proper place for this question?
This post is about Resident Visas. Your questions is not about Resident Visas, it is about Dual Citizenship. There are plenty of posts about Dual Citizenship on this site, but your question is way off topic on this post. I will be deleting your comment and all replies. If you want an answer, ask on a post that is the proper topic.
Hi Bob, i have a question. I’m in the Philippines and i have a child here but i’m not married. Can i be allowed to get any kind of residence, Visa or permit to stay here?
Having a child here gives you no additional visa rights. If you are over 30 years old you could get an SRRV.
I see, unfortunately i cannot apply for SRRV coz i’m 29 y.o. actually i’m a holder of 9G visa.
Hi Bob,
I did start reading the comments for an answer but I think I underestimated how long it would take to read 1,400+ comments!
My situation is a little different from those I’ve read, I’m currently in the Philippines with my boyfriend after extending my visa to 3 months. We met working aboard a cruise ship and have decided to try and settle here. My question is, under what conditions am I able to work? From what I’ve gathered it’s only if after we marry I apply for a section 13 a visa? Are there any conditions after this? I’m only 22 and my only real experience is sales so feel I would be competing with Filipino residents who would obviously be favoured? Or would I have to be working in a job that it’s proved I’m valuable in, I think I’ve seen that elsewhere?
Sorry for so many questions and I would love any information you can share with me!
After you marry and obtain a 13A visa you are free to work with no further action needed.
Bob,
I understand the updated regulations for the reseidence visa that when the foreign national has divorced or seperated from the filipina spouse means that the BI would revoke the visa. In my case, my filipina wife divorced me in the UK courts, am I still technically married in the Philippines and if so, should I want to apply for a residence visa would my ex_wife still have to be my sponsor? I have been working for several years in China and this year will retire to the Philippines on my UK pension.
I do not believe you are eligible.
why is it so hard to get a visa for my wife just to visit the u.s. even when my mother passed away and i showed them the death papers they still would not give my wife a visa there reason was that they did not believe my mother had passed away, and last time i tried to get my wife a visa they said they don’t believe that we are married when we were married for 8 years .
That is the US Government for you….
I just spent a day with my wife and a lovely lady from Immigration who got me through all the paperwork to get my ACR-I Card. I worked my way through NBI so need to wait for that but the lady took my wife to a lawyers office for the “request to stay in the Philippines” paper. I got a six month extension to my “balikbayan” and once they finish my NBI papers I will apply to finish off my ACR-I Card. I also went nuts in S&R and dropped about 50,000 pisos. Got a nice office chair and real cheese, milk, meat, skippy peanut butter and on and on and on. I love that place.
RON FYI – Renewed my ID card for three years and picked it up from the Davao office yesterday … US $30. First and only contact with PRA/Immigration since March 2015 :). I leave the RP regularly – No clearances or departure tax required, only the terminal fee is required to be paid … Cheers Greg
Hi Bob!
I a a Romanian citizen, married in U.S. to a Filipino citizen. We plan to go to the Philippines for 3-4 months, until my husbands get the long term Romanian visa, then we will go to live there.
While in Philippines, under the Balikbayan program, I can stay for up to 1 year. But for those few months, I would like to get a job, even part-time. Do you know of any legal ways I can apply for a work permit or temporary work visa?
Thanks a lot!
Joanna
Hi Bob 🙂
I’m a Filipina married to a Chinese citizen. Can my husband apply for the green card? If not, what sort of visa (aside from tourist visa) can he apply for which will enable him to stay longer in the Philipines and allow him to enter and leave the country without applying for visa over and over again?
Thanks 🙂
Hello,
Thank you for writing with your question about the Philippines.
Bob is happy to answer questions, but it has truly become a full time job because so many people have questions.
Bob charges a low reasonable price for providing answers. Bob can answer one question for as little as $5 with discounts for additional questions! (8 questions for $25)
Please go here to sign up for and schedule Bob’s question answering:
https://expatisland.com/product/answers-from-mindanaobob/
Thank you!
Hi, not a Q for Bob, but for the community. I’m in the UAE (Dubai) and have approached the Consulate of the Philippines in order to get a 13A before we finally retire in June 2018. I’m a Brit and my wife is a Filipina. The consulate told us that they can’t process 13A’s here. I find this astounding. Has anyone else had this problem? Cheers.
very informative page I hope I get an answer to my voicemail.
I answered your voicemail immediately. You should have it.
I have a girlfriend in Philippines.. i already been there on a vacation. I like to go back there to live with her. What type visa do i need. And do i need a physical as well
Hello Bob,
Hope you are doing good.
I am from india and i want to satlle in Philippine and i have a girlfriend who is from India as well and i need to take her along with me, and we both are working in IT field we both can find job in Philippine but we both are worried about visa becouse we both can’t marry a Philippine Citizen, please suggest what can i do?
India is a visa restricted country. As I have said many times, I do not know the visa procedure for those from visa restricted countries. I am sorry, I just can’t help you on that.
Hello Bob, my boyfriend is a British citizen and planning to live here in Philippines permanently after he retired six years from now. My question is what type of visa he can apply while we are not married.
Six years is a long time. None of us know what the visa laws will be in 6 years. Under today’s laws his choices are very limited since he is only your boyfriend. If you marry it opens a lot of options for him.
Hello Bob, my boyfriend is a British citizen and is planning to live here in the Philippines permanently after he retired six years from now. My question is, what type of visa he can apply while we are not married but i am a filipino citizen. Thanks
Hi, can a USA Military Retired get SRRV while holding 13a permanent resident visa and not have to pay airport exit entry fees?
You may have one or the other, not both.
sorry…13g, not 13a
Need help please,
My name is jusa Timone Hudson
And my husband name John William Hudson.
We are legally married in Philippines since 2015 and we separated March this year.
And now his living with new girl.
And about because he don’t want to file annulment or divorce here in Philippines, he can still use me to stay here in Philippines longer. Before that he cheated on me and lie to us embassy telling them that his single but he still legally married that time to his ex wife in USA. And the time of one year processjng divorce we are married legally one year and I know almost three years now..
For me it’s better to deport him, because his living with new girl and that girl is third time.
I have no doubt for deportation but I wNt your help what good advice and what is good to do…. We are married but not living together and he doesn’t have a residences and he has to exit clearance for 3 years but he still in Philippines..
Please I need your help…
Hi Jusa – You didn’t say what type of visa he has. I suspect a tourist visa since you mentioned about 3 years at the end of the comment. Is this correct?