Over the past couple of weeks, Dave Starr has done a nice job of looking at different visas that you can have that will allow you to stay in the Philippines for the long term. A while back, he looked at the Balikbayan Privilege program (many call it a Balikbayan Visa – including me – but the true and proper name is what Dave uses, the Balikbayan Privilege), and soon he will explored the SRRV program.
Now, before I get started on this article, I would like to say that Dave is a very close personal friend of mine. We have met in person a number of times already, and we are in contact with each other on a daily basis. I consider Dave to be one of my closest friends, period. Some of the things I will point out in this article may not agree with Dave’s thinking, but I don’t think that there are any strong feelings between us about this fact, we simply disagree, albeit in a minor way. Friends can disagree, and the fact is if you dig down, our disagreement is only small. I think we actually agree that our visa preferences are just different, and that every person has their own particular needs and wishes that must be considered in choosing the right visa on which to live in the Philippines. So, the fact that we have differences in our personal choices should not make anybody think that we don’t like each other, or feel animosity toward each other, that simply is not the case.
When I moved to the Philippines, I researched what types of Visas were available to me which would allow me to live permanently in the Philippines. After looking over the options, it was a no brainer for me, I chose the 13g Resident Visa.
13g, Bob? I thought it was a 13a?
Well, there are actually a number of different flavors of 13 series resident visas. The only difference between a 13a and a 13g visa is that the 13a is for the spouse and children of a Philippine Citizen, while the 13g visa is for the spouse and children of former Philippine Citizens. At the time that we moved to the Philippines, Feyma was a US Citizen. She is now a Dual Citizen, but Dual Citizenship was not available to her at the time that we moved here, the law came into effect in 2004.
There were a number of things that I liked about the 13 series visa, which made my decision an easy one.
- There is no requirement to ever travel outside the country on a visa run.
- It is a permanent visa that is good for the rest of your life.
- Personal feeling that the permanency of the visa kind of makes my living here more “official”.
- Very little hassle involved.
No need to travel
As I said in point #1, if you are living here on a 13 series visa you don’t ever have to make a visa run. You never have to leave the country to re-start your visa. Once you are here, this is where you live and you can come and go as you please, and only when you wish to.
On many other types of visas, you have to leave the country after a certain amount of time (the length of time depends on the visa) and then return to start your visa over again. To me, this is a hassle. If you are a person that travels outside the country frequently that may not be a concern at all. For me, I enjoy traveling, but I travel the Philippines as this is my new home and I want to explore the place, particularly Mindanao.
To date, I have lived in the Philippines for 14 years and I have never left the country during those years. So, the 13g visa that I have just works great for me.
Permanent Visa
The 13 Series Visa is a life long visa. There is never a need to renew it (if you apply for the 13 series visa in the Philippines your first year will be a probationary period, requiring you to refile after one year, then it will become permanent – if you apply outside the Philippines, through a Philippine Embassy or Consulate the visa is permanent from day 1), there is no expiration date.
Some people, in fact many, get confused about this and insist that a 13 Series visa must be renewed every 5 years. This is incorrect. The ACR-I Card must be renewed every 5 years, but not the visa. The ACR-I Card is only an Identification card, it is not a visa. It is also very simple to renew.
Personal sense of permanency
This is only a personal feeling, so take it for what it is worth. I simply feel that having a 13 series visa shows more permanency. It shows that you are a resident here, you live here and this is your home. I would classify the SRRV the same, but today we are not talking about SRRV, we are talking about 13 series visas. Other visas that allow you to stay long term are Balikbayan Visa and Tourist Visa extensions. Both require you to leave the country at set intervals. I simply feel that you don’t have that sense of permanency. Nothing wrong with that, but I feel a sense of pride in being permanent, having been accepted as an official resident of the Philippines. Is that an important thing? Probably not for most people, I just like the feeling that it gives me.
This may sound stupid to some people, and that is OK with me, but I often think of my ancestors who came from Ireland to the USA, and compare myself with them. We are on similar journeys. They had permanent visas, and then became US Citizens. I feel that I am on the same path that they took, although (so far) I have not pursued Philippine Citizenship. So, to reiterate, this is purely a personal feeling that makes me like having the 13 series visa.
Very little hassle
In Dave’s article about the Balikbayan Visa (and in some of our personal discussions) he mentioned that there are hoops to jump through and hassles in obtaining a 13 series visa. I respectfully disagree with that. Yes, of course there are things that you have to do to obtain it, but I did not find those things to be a hassle or difficult at all to obtain. No matter what type of visa you have there are hoops and hassles to some degree. If you have a Balikbayan Visa you have to leave the country every 12 months (you can convert your Balikbayan to a Tourist Visa after 12 months to extend your stay longer than a year, but sooner or later you must leave). On a Tourist Visa you have to go in to the Immigration office at regular intervals to extend, and again you will have to leave the country after a maximum of 36 months. So, there are no visas that require no hassle at all.
For me, I applied for my 13g visa through the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. I called them on the telephone and requested an application, which they mailed to me. We required five 13g visas, actually, one for me, one for Feyma (remember, she was a US Citizen at the time) and one for each of our boys. So, I filled out all of the applications, we went and had some simple medical tests done and went to our local Sheriff’s Department to get a copy of our Police Record (or actually a paper to state that we had no record). At that point, I mailed in our application and the supporting documentation. Within a few days the Consulate called me and interviewed me over the telephone and we had our visas about 3 days later. It was all very simple and painless.
Now, was it a hassle? Well, there were things I had to do, so there was some “hassle” involved. But, I did it once, back in 2000, and I have never had to do it again. I have also never had to go in and extend or renew my visa. I have never had to leave the country to keep my visa current. I just live my life and enjoy myself.
The only other requirement for a 13 series visa holder is that we must go in to the Bureau of Immigration once each year to pay our head tax. Generally, this takes about 15 to 30 minutes each year and must be done in either January or February. The amount of tax that I am required to pay is P310 per year, about $7. Certainly much cheaper than a once per year airline ticket to leave the country. Some people may enjoy going out of the country yearly, and that’s great! But, the fact is that if I want to leave the country for a pleasure trip, I am free to leave any time I wish to do so.
Wrap Up
So, is 13 series resident visa right for you? Well, it depends on your situation and your preferences. It may be the best for you, or maybe one of the other visas would be better in your situation. The only real way to know for sure is to research the different visas and see which one best fits your needs and situation. I just felt that it was time to give a wrap up of the benefits of a 13 series resident visa from my perspective.
Whatever visa you choose, I wish you the best of luck and a happy life in the Philippines.
Hello Rob,
I am glad you answered my question. I have been reading about the requirements for a 13 (a) Visa and they fit in my case the best. Since my wife will be with me in Holland later this year, I will get in contact with the Philippines Embassy in the Hague, to try to get this visa even before our entry in the Philippines in February.
Your answer opens new doors for me and I`m thankful for your help Rob. I will certainly use it and bookmarked your answer and websites so I will be a frequent reader and follower again.
Maybe we can meet in the future, because you and your family have always been close to us.
Regards,
Adrie
Hello Adrie – I’m glad that my answer was helpful for you. I got my 13 series visa while still living in the States, and I would recommend doing exactly as you propose, as it is easier and less hassle.
Good luck with your move, Adrie. I am sure you will be happy with the results!
HELLO BOB, I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY THE 13 VISA SERIES. IF MY HUSBAND WILL APPLY FOR A 13A OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES THROUGH A PHILIPPINE EMBASSY HERE IN D.C., YOU MENTIONED THAT THE VISA IS PERMANENT FROM DAY 1, NO EXPIRATION DATE. DOES IT MEAN HE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR A PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF ONE YEAR STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES? MY OTHER CONCERN IS, WHEN SHOULD WE APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA? THE REASON I ASKED YOU THIS BECAUSE WE TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH IN THE PHILS. AND EVENTUALLY WILL MOVE THERE PERMANENTLY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE.
That is correct, no probationary period.
You should apply for the 13 series around 90 days before you plan to move here permanently.
13a is a great way to go especially if you plan to live here and ship your household goods. It’s easiest and cheaper to get everything in the US. Once in Manila, have your husband apply for his permanent resident status. It takes about 2-3 hours. Then you can submit a letter to dept of Finance to request tax free shipment of your household goods. I found it best to hire a broker to handle all the shipping affairs to include Dept of Fin…Oh b4 I forget. We had to get a passport for our son and were worried about not getting it back on time so we learned that you could do an expedited one if it was close to the time you are leaving. Approx 1-2 weeks. They had it done when they said they would, 3 days.
Hi Travis – Thanks for stopping by at my new site. I agree with you, get the 13 series visa in the States, it is less hassle. Also, you can ship your stuff immediately after getting the 13 series visa and it’s tax free. The law allows up to $7,500 of goods tax free, although I found that they don’t really check the value. As long as you don’t have any contraband items, they seem to accept any size shipment without any taxes.
Well said Bob….. have seen similar over the years at immigration and it makes me wonder what ‘special right’ these people think they have.
Thank you Adam. It sure is frustrating to hear Americans, of which I am one, complaining and embarrassing their countrymen.
Ho boy… There goes another one, making the rest of us look bad. Thank you for your honest response, although it is hard to imagine it being instructive to the writer. Why do American think they can bring all their ‘rights and privileges’ with them to another country, as though there is something about them personally that deserves them?
I was talking to a young lady the other day. She is married to an American, and he treats her well. BUT, she is afraid for his life, and embarrassed to be with him. Why? He yells at the maid of a neighbor who plays music while doing the wash. He yells at the jeepney driver that the music is too loud. He yells at the people who park in front of his apartment, and takes pictures of them with his phone to ‘report them to the police.’ He won’t pay the fees the officer at immigration wants because he is sure that they are corrupt and are gouging him. It is possible, but now his visa has lapsed and he has made some enemies in that office. Instead of oiling the gears, he has thrown in a couple handfuls of sand, and he will be the one to suffer for it. Like the guy who cut up his card, to show them!
Sad indeed, AmericanLola. I am embarrassed to say that I’ve had my time being like that (although certainly not to that extent), and I can tell you that my life is a lot more enjoyable and happy by leaving that attitude behind.
Thanks for stopping by, AmericanLola, and Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you, Bob! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well! I appreciate so much your trying to help people see how much easier life can be if you play by the local rules and quit trying to call the shots! I am sure many have been helped!
sad, 🙁 its not our country, we can’t tell them how to do things here, sometimes i dont like my difference from crowd in fils here too, but anyway, its better here i think than in my country, where im from
I agree, Serge. Everything is not perfect here, but I like it here.
thx Bob
hi my father live in philipine since 1978 he have permanent residendence card there.now he come back india he is citizen of india.he renew his pr card on may 2006.bt on pr card no expiry date. he worried about expiry not issue on pr card of philipine.my question is that he vailled to go back philpine or not becuse someone says us pr card philipine valied for 5 years only.plz sir ans our question.
Hi pawan – usually those iCards are good for 5 years and must be renewed. It really should be pretty easy and straightforward, though.
thanks sir. now my father reached there in manila12 dec 2011 and he ready to renew his permanent
card.sir one question again my father have pr card in philpine he doing bussiness there like finance
since 1980. many indians doing same work there i heard that my question is that can i apply for tourist visa to philppine.my father supponser me.what document i submitted with my file for tourist visa for philpine.i m doing here job in stock market company. i m just apply for 2 weeks tourist visa.wht document i need to apply for tourist visa for philppine.can i need also my father document submitted with my file for tourist visa?
If you do something like take snacks down to the LTO, buy somebody’s lunch or something of the sort, I am certain that they will find a way to get your license to you without a hassle.
Hi Adam,
My partner is filipina.
John, i think you missed my point. You cant compare it to the UK or US, both countries have something to loose when filiipnos turn up, theres a good chance when a filipino arrive as a tourist in the uk or us, they have a secret plan to stay, find work, and slowly become a citizen, which is more of a drain on the system, they will often then briing about 10 family members over with them. I dont care about this because hey, every1 wants a better life, im just saying, In the uk, this means they would now have access to our free healthcare system, which is 100% free, they could simply claim unemployment and receive a free house and free living expenses and food expenses from the gov. they would put their kids into school for free and receive a respected education plus so many more benefits which they would receive.
On the flip side, for example western tourists living in the Philippines, its ALL GOOD for the gov & nothing to gain for the foreigner, we are not really allowed to work here (very strict rules). All us tourists bring UK pounds AND US DOLLAR from OUR COUNTRIES AND pumping it right into the heart of the philippine economy, unlike filipinos who go to the UK and USA turn up with nothing, contribute nothing, then send all the money they earn OUT OF ECONOMY back to the Philippines, they are blood suckers on the economy. We are contributors to the economy.
Also trust me, when you go to immigration every 2 months, all the stuff it says on your receipt, such as the police check etc, none of it happening, they do not have systems in place for that. So it really doesnt effect security in anyway.
I really want to see immigration improve the visas, make them clearer (the pricing etc), easier & fairer, (not even lower the pricing) then it would make such an improvement. Ive seen alot of tourists leave the Philippines because they have very little opportunity here. The immigration rules are very phohibitive to foreigners who have a genuine interest in the country. Many cannot open a business, buy land etc becuase the red tape and paperwork is just too long & too corrupt.
Im not sure i agree with either side. Ive been here for 6 years, and although i dont expect it to be like england here, i do expect some basic fairness to other humans.
For example, blocking all foreign ownership of land? Why not just have a really simple rule, for example if you have lived here for more than 10 years anyone can own land? I think 10 years is enough time to demonstrate you have commitment to the country. The Philippines has so many backwards laws & rules that hold back investors, theres some really obvious, quick and easy fixes to the economy which they just dont do. If i was head of immigration i would open up the doors to the world, its not like they have to worry about people abusing it, schools are not free, hospitals are not free, theres no social welfare. If i was head of immigration i would do what cambodia has done, you simply go on their website and purchase the visa, it takes 2 minutes, your pay about $20 online and then you print it out!!! AWESOME, and thats coming from Cambodia! I would also let foreigners simply buy 2-4-6-8-10-12 months tourist visa, it is just pointless making us all go there every 2 months to renew. Why 2 months? Do we becoming raging maniacs after 2 months? Its just another random number. Im sure their worried about not getting their 500 peso express lane fee, so they could even include that multiple times when people purchase the 12 month visa. Its little common sense things like this that do annoy me about the Philippines. I think its good that foreigners express their frustration to the Philippine gov, we are making a big contribution to the economy now, however, having a tantrum at the airport is not the way to do it KURT VAN.
I just turned 27, i came here when i was 21, in 2005, now i also have a 1 year and 3 month old baby here too, im even stuck in a loop hole to get a drivers license, i cant get one because i have to show the LTO that i will be staying more than 5 months (Even though ive been here for 6 years), but i cant show that as im only able to get 2 months visas.
So now im thinking of returning back to england, where i can move freely and easily. i can open bank accounts, apply to get loans, get mortgages, buy property, have a drivers license, own a business. I really just my freedom & my identity which i just dont have living here in the Philippines, even my businesses here are in my partners name, so i dont have a feeling of ownership.
My advice to anyone thinking of moving to the Philippines, personally i would only recommend it if your planning on living in your little paradise, such as a tropical beach, or mountains, or whatever in your eyes is paradise. If your planning on moving to the Philippines, to live the same life your living now, and do the same things, then i would NOT recommend it. You would probably be better off in your own country.
yer if you have a full license already, unfortunately i left england just as i was about to take my drivers exam.
Hey Bob and Jenny:
Only thnk I might add as a word of caution, something very imoprtan to check out.
Your USA status is “conditional”,…..if you spend to much time outside the USA before the conditional period is over and , you may put getting a permanent green card in danger,…I am not sure exactly what the rules are, but you should find out. Of course if you dont mind losing your green card , then it doesn’t matter
Cheers,
Mark
Generally, if you are outside the USA for a year, your green card can be revoked, even a “permanent green card.”
Here is my $0.02. First Tim it is great for your wife to obtain her American Citizenship I applaud her for that but think things through. If you are planning to relocate here in the Philippines, are you planning to ship any items in a overseas container? If so wait until after you move here to apply for her duel-citizenship to the Philippines. As a returning Filipino who has obtained her citizenship in another country she can ship one container back to the Philippines free of taxes but only if she does not file for her duel-citizen papers. Once she becomes a duel-citizen she is no longer a returning Filipino. After you move here you can take her to Manila to file her duel-citizen papers. I know all this to be factual. I did the same thing when i moved here 5.5 years ago. Just type in your search engine returning Filipino and you can read all about it.
You yourself can file for duel-citizenship but you must research it well. You have to be careful or you can loose your U.S.A. benefits like SS retirement and such. I am in the process of researching this now. I too want duel-citizenship but I am not willing to give up my benefits.
Good luck, retirement here in the Philippines is what you make of it. The people here live a different life style and you must adapt to it. They will not change their way of thinking to yours no matter how hard you try. Many men have tried and many men have failed. PASTOR BUD
Hi Bud – In the interest of accuracy, I would like to point out a few things….
On bringing in an overseas container, you get the same benefits under any of these conditions:
1. A former Filipino coming back under the Balikbayan Program.
2. A former Filipino coming back with dual citizenship.
3. A former Filipino with spouse having a 13(a) or 13(g)
All of those can bring in up to $7,500 worth of household goods, tax free. Whether she files for Dual Citizenship in Manila or in the USA, she gets the same benefit.
Also, an American Citizen (foreigner) cannot legally get dual citizenship in the Philippines. Under the laws of the Philippines, in the Constitution, a foreigner MUST renounce his/her foreign citizenship before they can become naturalized in the Philippines.
My wife and i live here in Philipppines now. My wife is filipina, but wth a danish Citizenship. When we entered Philippines 2 months ago, we both got a Balikbayan stamp in our passport, in the airport. Valid fo 1 year, no fee, no problem.
When i read here it seems like it is not usual to do that, so i need to ask: Is our stamp valid?
Nothing unusual about getting a Balikbayan Visa, I see no reason why the stamp would be invalid. If your wife is a former Philippine Citizen, then both you and she qualify for a BB stamp in your passport. Maybe I am mis-understanding your question?
Thank you Bob. Just that i haven’t read about others that did it this way, or maybe i just haven’t read all posts 🙂
No, i can see that you don’t misunderstand my question.
Have a nice day.
hello,
my question is: If i have a 13a Visa can i open a small business in the philippines and and work in the business? some people tell me i cant, that i have to put the business on my wife name and not have my name in any peppers? and cant use the money of the biz to live on..make no sense to me..is that correct?
is it better to open the small biz with 2 other associattes and not my wife then?
I am confuse, i dont know what to do because im going there and will open a biz and live with the income of it.
thank you..
Generally, Only a Philippine Citizen can own a business in the Philippines.
Steph, good luck on creating a business that you can live on here in the Philippines. Many have tried but only a few have succeded. First you must realize that the money does not flow here like it does in the States. The people here spend their money wisely as they do not have much wealth. I know of at least 3 Americans here in the Dipolog City area who thought they could make a living here just fine but are now indeed starving. Its rough if you do not have a steady retirement pay to live on. My question to you would be why do you not want to put your business in your wife’s name. She is your partner for life and should share in all that you have or do………………………Pastor Bud
I agree with you, Bud, most people have a very hard time making a living here. Personally, I find it very easy to do so, so I know it can be done.
thanks for ur answer BUD, what about a business in a touristic place like boracay and open a little pizza/pasta place kinda like to go place near a beatch? that would bring me some money all day..just an idea:)
Steph you are welcome to try any business you want but remember it will be in your wife’s name. Unless you find some Filipino business men that want to start a corp. with you. Pizza is fine, I have a friend here in Dipolog City who has the best pizza in town and he is doing good. The problem here is when the Filipino sees a business doing good, making money they open up many businesses just like it to cap on your good fortune then no one makes money. Just the other day three Chicken places open up in my little town of Polanco and now they are in a price war to drive each other out. They are down to P99 per cooked chicken while in Dipolog City you pay P120 for a live chicken. Now no chicken place in Polanco is making money. Go figure. God Bless you and good luck. Pastor Bud
hahaha ok i see, but what about your friend his still doing good with his pizza so it means even the other try to open pizza place like him, they not making the pizza as good as your friend so people still going to your friend place because the pizza test better so even you have lots of pizza place if the pizza are not so good then they will go where they are good 😉
steph
by the way does anyone know a reputed site where i can talk to lawyers that know about the law for foreigner to open a biz? so i can know everything and do it the right way.
thank you
sg
Hi Bob just reading this article about the 13 a visa it stated 14,000 is that in
Australian or American Dollars or Philippine monies. Also what is the difference
of becoming a Resident over there and a Citizen over there if you are an Australian Citizen, can you become a dual resident of Australian and the Philippines if you marry over there to a Philippine Citizen?
Kind Regards
Philip
That is 14,000 Philippine Pesos, Philip.
The difference between a resident and a citizen is that a resident is a person who lives in the country, but is a citizen of a different country (Australia, for example). A citizen is a person who is a citizen of the Philippines, can vote, own land and such.
One other thing to consider. If your wife plans to obtain US citizenship she will not want to be out of the US for more than six months. My friend and his Pinay wife stayed in the Philippines for 12 months. She had to start over her time period for citizenship. Three years if married to US citizen.
They had lived in US for one year prior to moving to Philippines for a year. Their intention was to live in both places a year at a time; they now will be in US for the next three years until she can get US citizenship.
Wow! that is sign of clear power of abuse. I am hearing more of this happening now days.
If the information given is what truly happened, it would certainly seem to be an abuse.
I just completed this today, Oct 17th, 2013. Have lived here for several years, married for the last two. First thing is you apply for a 13-A “probationary” visa, requirements are strict, but if the list of needed papers are done correctly , no problem. Rq are…BC of both spouses, letter of request from Filipina spouse, Philippine Bank Info (not USA), must have p100,000 pesos, marriage certificate, divorce papers and CENOMAR from US Embassy, finger prints, etc. After one year, requirements are NBI report, 2 photographs, copies of passport and ACR card…..then the interview. If all the paperwork is correct, no problems what so ever.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Dale.
Dale. Where does it say you have to have Php100,000 in the bank?
Bob ‘s information is correct. There is one more, and that is for investors.
Hi. I just wanna ask if what should i do of going back to the philippines. I arrived here last december 29 of 2012. I have a plan, im applying for a job now and i should work for 1 year before im going back to my country which is in the philippines. I just wanna ask if what should i do? I am a green card holder now . Can i visit the philippines ? What papers do i need? Oh by the way, i have a passport but it will expire this coming march. Im planning to apply american passport . Is it okay forbgoing back to my country? I want to stay there for 6 months. Please, i need your answers through yahoomail.
Thank you so much.
Hi Angela – You do not qualify for a US Passport, since you are not a US Citizen. You need to renew your Philippine Passport. Also, if you have only been in the USA for about 1 month, and you leave and go back to the Philippines for 6 months, I would guess that your green card will be revoked.
Where should i go to renew my philippine passport?
My plan is, ill work here for 1 year and i want to visit philippines just for 4 to 5 months. Would that be possible? What should i do? If example, i only have us passport . What should i need to visit my country? I have a green card now. Please help me . Im looking forward for my plans.
Okay here, i want to make it clear.
Since im still looking for a job. my plan is I’ll be working here for 1 year and after that i want to visit philippines . But my passport will expire next month . My tito is planning to have my us passport . Can i use the us passport to visit my country? I am a green card holder now. Can i sign the I-130 ? So that they will believe me for not abondoning my residence here in us if ever ill visit my country next year . What should i do? Please help me.
Thank you.
You should renew your Philippine Passport at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves your area. You keep talking about your US Passport.. but you say you are a green card holder. Green card holders cannot get a US Passport. Passports are only for citizens. You are not eligible for a US passport and will not be until you become a naturalized US Citizen.
Thank you for your advice . Now, i know what to do. Once again, thank you :))
Hello Bob!
Thank you for all your knowledge shared and services. Need to ask. My husband and I both dual USA and Phil.citizens with our small kids are scheduled to move back for time being, hoping for good in Phils. Very soon. We are both in our early 40s and been here in USA for almost 20yrs. And want to live and raise our kids and enjoy life back in our native country. My question, 1st-a lot of preparations but, 1st Taxes-IRS, what do we do if we still have remaining property in USA ( want to keep our property for 1-2 yrs. to test grounds if everything works out) and home base business in USA, 2nd- want to take our early retirement accts. with huge penalty I believe, thought about it, and we want use this hard earned money for our future here in Phils. start our lives and our kids future, instead of waiting for our retirement in USA which we do not want wait. 3rd- our important mails and bills in USA? How can we redirect those important MAILs if we are not here in USA?
Hello Share – So, you are ready to make the move! Good luck to you! Here are my answers to each of your questions:
1. As a US Citizen, even if you sell your property, you will always have to pay US taxes, no matter where you live. Any money that you earn anywhere in the world will be taxable by the USA.
2. Not sure I see any question there. If you want to take your money from your retirement accounts early, you can do it, but indeed, there are heavy penalties for doing so.
3. Set up a mail forwarding account with a company like My US, they will send it to the Philippines for you.
Good luck with your move, and enjoy life in the Philippines.
Thank you Bob! Appreciate your input, indeed a big move but with Gods’ grace, in His perfect time we can do it.
My lady friend from the Philippines wants to come to America what do we have to do first
The first thing that you will need to do is come here to the Philippines, meet her and get pictures together, which will be useful in getting her a visa. The US is very selective in issuing visas to Filipinos.
So you just buy your ticket, go to the airport and they scan your ID card? I heard that 13a holders pay more fees to leave the Philippines than those on other visas? Is that true? How much more do 13a holders have to pay in fees to leave on a trip outside of the Philippines than holders of other visas like the Balikbayan or tourist visa?
Hi Craig – Yes, if you have a 13 series resident visa (a, g or any other type) you must pay the Travel Tax when you leave. Generally, it is about $100.
Those on Balikbayan and Tourist visas have other costs which Resident Visa holders do not have.
Balikbayan Visa holders must leave the country once per year, which costs a lot more than $100.
Tourist visa holders must pay to renew their visa every couple of months, and also must take a trip out of the country every 16 months.
Overall, for cost, in my opinion, a 13 Series resident visa is the cheapest overall.
Hi Bob!
I came across your site and I would like to few questions too about moving back in the Philippines.
My husband and I are moving back in the Philippines and our target date is this coming November. After recovering from Breast Cancer, we decided that maybe its time to start a new life back home. He is a US citizen and I’m in the process of getting my dual citizenship. After seeing your post about the 13(a) visa I will surely apply for my husband’s 13(a)visa.
My questions are, what fees do we need to pay to claim our cargo in the Philippines, how can we avail exemptions? We are shipping our few furniture’s and most of his work tools so he can start a small business. I am starting to worry that the fees will be more than the value of our old goods.
I will greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanks and God bless!
Cynthia
Hello Cynthia – Given that you will be a Philippine Citizenship when you move back (since you said you are in the midst of getting your dual citizenship) and also because of your husband’s 13a Visa status, you will be allowed to bring your household goods, up to $7,500 in value to the Philippines duty free. In most cases, even if you go over $7,500 in value, no custom duties are charged.
Hi Bob again!:)
I was told that I have to pay a TARA to claim my stuff at the Philippine port. Do you know anything about this? Because I was told that it will be around P160,000 to 180,000 pesos to claim my stuff. I’m starting to get confused about this. pls your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia – I brought in 2 container loads when I came, and I know many people who brought in large amounts as well. I have never heard of anybody needing to pay anything. Just make sure that you are entering the Philippines as a Balikbayan or have a 13 series resident visa. An SRRV also allows for duty free shipment of your goods.
Thank you Bob!
Your website is really a great help! I told my husband about your website and he is very grateful for your help too. Hopefully our moving will not be that stressful!:)
Cynthia
Bob, I could tell you and Dave are good friends by my observations of other stories you’ve shared. Thanks for the information. I’m taking your advice from earlier and going with a Tourist Visa. I truly enjoy all your writings. I have two three ring binders with printed information from you and others. Thanks for the info!! Can’t wait to be swinging on my own hammock over there! haha
Thank you Bill. Yes, I have known Dave for a number of years now, and he is a good guy!
Good people gravitate around good people. 🙂
I completely agree about the 13a visa
That’s true, Bill, I believe it anyway.
It may not be right for everybody, Keith Belongia, but it was the right choice for me.
Bob;
No one person is right nor wrong, get the visa that floats your boat. Mine is the 13G that I’ve had since 1995.
My sentiments exactly, Paul! That’s what is so great about having so many visa choices, it gives almost everybody a chance to find what is right for them! I am also 13g and it fits me like a glove!
Bob;
It is no different with a visa than with the many other topics.
Buy a house- Rent a house?
Live in Region 1, 2 or 3 which is the best? (They all are)
Buy a new or used car, or you don’t need a car at all.
Ride a motorcycle or not
How much money you need to live here and the list of all the other subjects goes on.
To each, their own; we find what fits our needs and that is what is good for each of us. And we can change our mind at anytime
Just enjoy the life!
So true, Paul. Every aspect of life offers a lot of choices, and each individual gets to choose what is best for him. That is only of the reasons that I originally got others to write on this site, because with a lot of different viewpoints it helps point out to readers all of the options available!
Bob;
Knowing both sides of the coin can aid a person in their choice. You just wrote about both sides of the issue fairly.
I only get miffed when someone (NOT YOU) lectures me that their way is the only or best way. Thus taking away our right to decide on our own.
Thanks, Paul.
I actually started the process on my 13a Visa today. We contacted the Philippines Embassy/ Consulate in Washington D.C. I was inquiring about what to get tested for on the medical lab work and how long after I get an approved visa do I have to travel to the Philippines. The very nice lady told me that there was no definite answer on the lab work “just the normal stuff”. SHe also told me that I have a year to travel to the Philippines after the Visa gets approved. I now have my physical scheduled for next week and am going tomorrow for my background check. This will all line up with our upcoming move to the Philippines. The next step will be seeing how much to ship our HHGs. I know that Army will pay for some but I am curious about how much.
Hi Gary – I had thought that the allowed time to use the Visa was just 6 months. If she said it was a year, though, she is probably right. I would double check that, though, just to be certain. It would be a shame to go through all it takes to get the visa and then have it expire before you use it! Good luck on your coming move!
I will double check. I will probably just call a different consulate to confirm. Thanks, we are looking forward to it. There is a lot of moving parts this year and next. I know that it is going to be stressful but will be worth it in the end.
Hi Gary, yep, I think double checking on the expiration is the right thing to do. Exciting times ahead for you!
Thanks for the confirmation, Gary.
Bob:
I also consider Dave a friend (He’s a really decent guy), and though I may not agree with everything he says, he does tend to write in a “common sense” manner.
I think many people over think the visa… What is “right” depends on your circumstances.
As frequently as I’m in and out of the country for work, the decision for me was actually pretty difficult. The ECC (or exit tax) that I pay (and every other 13a pays each time they leave) means that I probably spend a couple of hundred thousand pesos per year in tax with heavy travel. About six months ago, the immigration officer at NAIA actually noticed this and called over a supervisor, who told me about the Balikbayan privelege when they noticed how much I was paying… This is why I take all of the “corruption at NAIA” stuff that is written with a grain of salt. They didn’t need to do that. They were genuinely trying to be helpful and were concerned that I perhaps did not know my options. Unfortunately, Balikbayan is not much use to me, given my frequency of travel.
I lived here for two years perfectly fine on a tourist visa… Only extended onhce in that time period. The hassle for me was actually the return ticket requirement. Though it was only enforced irregularly, I always needed to be prepared. I think Tiger Air got at least a couple of hundred thousand pesos from me in tickets that were never used.
So for me, the benefits of 13a were:
1. no need for return ticket
2. on Juanito’s adoption, residency was a requirement, in no uncertain terms
3. getting things like opening bank accounts and postpaid mobile accounts done was far easier (I did this stuff under both statuses… nearly everything CAN be done without it, but there are certainly far fewer hassles once I had 13a)
4. Were I to work in the Philippines, any permits from the DTI and DOLE are much easier
Hi John – I have often thought that a tourist visa would be just fine for you, given that you come and go so often. However, the reasons that you spelled out sure make a lot of sense for you.
After confirming with now two different consulates I will have up to one year to turn in the documents to immigration in Manila. This coming from the Washington DC consulate and the Los Angeles Consulate.
I have followed the debate about visa types (flavours…he he) and was fine with my Balikbayan visa, until now.
John Miele say: “no need for return ticket”
That was my turning point. As John writes I also use some money every time -wasted to Tiger Air or whatever company, to have a ticket out of Philippines. Since it is one time every year it is somehow a unneeded expense. Next time i’m back in my birth country i will apply for a 13 visa – a or g…not that important i think. maybe i do it here…we’ll se how much hassle it can be.
I have the same feeling about my stay here, Balikbayan or 13x – no change in that. I feel i belong here and a visa doesn’t change that for me, but as you say Bob, that’s an individual feeling.
Now…i surely go for a 13 visa, and the main reason is the stupid expense to a ticket out, every year. I guess We travel out at least once a year – no matter visa type, but i can save money 🙂 Love that…
Thank you
Hi Axel – My 13 Series visa has served me well, and I am still very happy with it after 14 years. I don’t feel you can go wrong with it. Whatever you settle on, I hope that it all works out for you.
What if you have a police record and you still want the 13 visa? Any info on that? Wild youth.
Hi Robert G – It depends on the offense. In the past, I have always found the Philippines to be fair about this, and actually slightly lenient in fact. If you have committed violent offenses, and sexually based stuff, that is usually a no-no. Now, that said, I recently heard, but have no verification, that the country is tightening up on accepting people with convictions for additional types of crimes. If this is true, I am sure I will be hearing more about it, and I will post more about that here if I get verification.
Bob,
Is it possible to get an SRRV, or a Balikbayan visa, and then at a later date get a 13a, if I change my mind, or is a one time only kind of thing, whatever I come into the country on, is what I will have to have for as long as we live there. We will be doing a lot of traveling outside of the Philippines as well as inside. The travel tax will get expensive each time we leave the country, I know my wife will have to pay it since she is a Philippine citizen.
Do any of the different kinds of visa’s allow us to come and go when we please, without obtaining a certificate to leave the Philippines?
Thanks!
Hi Bill – Absolutely, you can change visa types whenever you wish!
On the Exit Clearance Certificate – ECC – if you are in the country for more than 6 months you need an ECC to leave, except on the Balikbayan Visa. Now, on an 13 series resident visa, you don’t have to go obtain an ECC, though, that is part of your I-Card. I have heard, though, that changes are coming with the ECC, and should be implemented soon, so things will be changing soon, I believe.
Thank you, Bob!
You’re welcome, Bill. Have a great day!
Bill:
I would add that my costs every time I leave:
Airport tax: P550
Tieza Tax (The one your wife pays): P1620
Exit Tax (ECC): P2170 (P2880 your first departure of the calendar year)
Total: P4340
Not needing to go to the BI in person every time, since the ECC is part of your I-card, does reduce the hassle. I might add that when you pay the tax at passport control, they send you to the normally empty diplomat’s queue to get stamped out, also saving a tiny bit of hassle.
If you look at it in pure economic terms, you really need to figure out how often you will be travelling and the expense of return tickets, etc, and how much your time is worth in getting the ECC. Were I retired and had the time, or only travelled one or two times per year, it might be a very different scenario with me (I might have chosen Balikbayan, for instance)
Good info there, John. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you for the info John, that put a dollar value to the question for sure. Looks like we just need to add apx. $100.00 to each time we leave the country. We wont be traveling anywhere close to as much as you do though, 8-12 places a year, at best,, is about all we would be doing I think, if even that. Sounds like you leave 45-50 times a year, thats a lot of traveling! The SRRV is kinda sounding better to me in the beginning stages of a visa anyway, now that I know I can change it to an 13a at a later point.
Thanks again for the info Bob and John!
Glad you got some useful info, Bill.
Thanks Bob! eye opener! now I know what to do while still here in the States, thanks again my friend!
Hello Heinz – That’s great to hear, glad that it was helpful for you! You have to cook me a dinner after you get here, looking forward to trying out your chef skills! 😉
You’re on my friend, can’t wait to meet you and your family!
That will be nice, my friend… I’m going to hold you to it! 😉
Thanks Bob , very informative and saved me lots of questions.
You are most welcome, Philip. Glad you found the article useful.
awesome article Bob … thank you
Thank you Tavo, glad you enjoyed it.
always my friend, always read you
I appreciate that, my friend!
Good info Bob thanks.
I’m still of the opinion that the Balikbayan visa is best for me at the moment as we only tend to stay for one or two weeks at a time in the PHI and maybe three or four times a year. As such, I always have a return ticket so that is never a problem.
Once I retire I will do the deed for a 13A but cannot see the benefit at the moment especially with the 1620PHP every time I would travel.
For someone like myself who moves from country to country for work, there could be one big hassle in trying to get police clearance for each country. In the last five years I have worked in the UK, Norway, South Korea, Singapore, South Korea (again!) and Thailand. If I took the full requirements for the 13A I would have to obtain the required clearance for each of those countries.
All I need now is for someone to write an article on the retirement visa then I think we have a full set.
Keep up the informative posts chaps and chapesses!
Cheers
AJ UK
Hi AJ – Yeah, the way you travel, a Balikbayan, even a tourist visa is more appropriate. I see no reason to do a 13a unless your travel requirements change in the future.
Bob,
Great info for anyone getting a Visa. I’m so glad I got my 13a in the US. Took only one day to complete at the Philippine Consulate in Chicago. Fee was $150.00. Had my physical completed in the Philippines before going to the US. Upon arriving back in the Philippines had to turn over all my medical paperwork over to the Dept of Quarantine and than go to BI and apply for my I Card which took 2 weeks to receive. The less you have to deal with the BI Manila the easier it is. Have a nice weekend my friend.
Hi PapaDuck – Nice to hear from you, as normal. Yes, like you, I found it very simple to get my 13g visa, no fuss, no muss. And, after going through the task, it has now served me well for 14 years!
Crystal clear Bob !! Wraps it up in a nut-shell.
Roberto.
Glad I could lay it out in a sensible manner for you, Roberto.
I have not carefully read through all the comments so pardon me if it has already been asked. I’m wondering if you can take your balikbayan visa and upgrade to a permanent resident or if you first have to downgrade to a tourist visa before upgrading?
Back when I was in the Philippines I never tried to switch from a missionary visa to a permanent resident because I would have to downgrade to a tourist visa first before upgrading to a permanent resident. It was easier just to renew my missionary visa since we were planning to move back to the USA. That’s one of the many strange rules and I wondered how it applied to the balikbayan privilege.
Hi Kevin – As far as I know, you can apply for a 13 series visa while on a Balikbayan Visa. However, to be honest I am not 100% certain. I have never heard of that being a problem, though.
Are there any restrictions on a 13 series visa about how long you can be away from the Philippines on vacation or other travel?
Three must be some limit of time, Peter, but I am not sure what it is. I mean, I don’t think you could leave the country and come back 20 years later and have your visa still valid. I just am not sure what the time limit is.
Bob: When I got my 13a, this was an issue when they saw my amount of travel. I was told at the BI that you can spend no more than 6 months outside of the Philippines in a calendar year. Any more than that, and they consider you no longer a resident. He needs to check with the BI. I believe they may have a re-entry permit or something if he makes arrangements in advance (Like a known seven month trip)
Somebody else said that there is a 1 year allowance for being out of the country. Hmm… I wonder if the rules have changed or if he was wrong? I am quite sure that with the amount that you travel you have a good idea on the rules.
Bob: I may be incorrect. It has been several years since I got the 13a now….And there have been many immigration changes recently
He should probably check with the BI to be certain. I’m never out continuously more than six months, but combined time away probably get me close.
Hi John – There have been a ton of Immigration changes just in the past 5 months or so! It’s a job keeping up with it all! I hear there are more coming soon too!
If you leave the Phl and have 13a you pay for a re-entry permit (at the same time you pay for your exit clearance) and that is good for 1 year. If you are going to be out of the Phl longer than 1 year you have to apply for an extension on your re-entry permit. I don’t know how long an extension can be nor do I know where you apply for the extension (but I guess it would be at a Phl embassy or consulate).
John Miele made reference to the “Exit Tax” above. Here is the cost breakdown the first time you leave in a given year:
Legal research fee 30
ECC Fee 700
Head Tax 250
RP/SRC Fee 1,400 (This is your Re-entry Permit)
Express Lane fee 500
Total P2,880
Ok..another point of my confusion..please bear with me?
I plan to move there as a single man…Well separated but not divorced. I had been planning on just doing the tourist visa route.
While I do have a GF and might/maybe plan on being married again to her (given time to know for us both)..what would be my options here?..As a single man and then as maybe as married to a filipina?
I realize this article is geared mostly to the foreigner who is already married to a filipina. I just wonder what options I have..BI every couple of months and leaving the country each year sounds like a major pain in the ass to me.
As I have said before..I am feeling sort of dense about this sort of thing…lol
btw..I am sorry if this has already been covered in previous articles..I hope I am not asking for redundancy. 🙂
No problem, Richard.
Hi Richard – As a single man, you basically have two options. Tourist Visa or SRRV. SRRV is the retirement visa, and Dave Starr will be having an article about that coming out at some point in the near future. Once you become married to a Philippine Citizen, or former Philippine Citizen, that opens up the 13 series and also the Balikbayan Visa for you.
Sounds like that 13g visa was the right decision for you Bob, for sure. It probably would be for us too. I also like the thought of having Philippine citizenship, but I don’t think it could ever be for me, as I believe you have to stay in the country (without leaving at all, even for short trips) for a VERY long time before you are eligible to apply. Something like ten years IIRC. It seems that this regulation probably exists to prevent foreigners applying, as very few people could stay in the country continuously for that length of time.
In any event, if we do decide to move to the Phils., I don’t think it would be until our youngest finished school and was ready for Uni, and that’s still 9 years off.
Does anybody nknow if an arrest, but no conviction will not let you pass the police clearance?
It is confirmed that you have one year from getting the 13A visa to enter into the Philippines. I got my passport back today with the 13a visa sticker inside along with a real manila envelope. The visa expiration date is one year from when it was issued.
That’s good to know, thanks for sharing that, Gary.
IF MY HUSBAND IS GOING TO STAY HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES,HOW COULD HE PAY HIS TAXES IN AMERICA?PLEASE GIVE ME AN ADVISE
Hi Jonalyn – He will just continue doing what he does in the States. Either mail it in through the post office, or file electronically.
Foreigners may know the “system” in their country-of-origin, but should reasonably expect that each country has it’s own “system”, both the legal and the practical. If you’re going to be in a new country for long enough to want things like extended visas, drivers licenses, etc, then do yourself a HUGE favor and LEARN the system you will be dealing with in the here and now.
For example, when I finally decided it was time to get a first local DL , I asked my best friend to help since I knew that I was only marginally clued back 10 years ago. We went to the main LTO office in Manila, he handed over my foreign DL and a suitable but reasonable amount of my cash for fees and “expedite”. I did the drug test and medical, and had my Phils DL about 2 hours later. I’ve since progressively learned how to make renewals painless and cheap – last year (my 3rd renewal) I gave the right person the requisite fees and told him to “keep the change” (about 60 pesos change). Went back the next morning to pick up my newly renewed DL. Funny that now when my Pinoy wife needs something at the LTO (recently renewal of her jeepnie registration), she asked _me_ to take care of it.
Another example, as a “permanent visa – immigrant status” holder, whatever the “section” is, last Jan I learned about the changes and new annual reporting paperwork requirements. Went to Davao with everything ready, handed it over, had some nice chats and said ‘hi’ to the officials who remembered me from prior attendance, and was in-and-out at ludicrously minimal fees within an hour. I paid more to get to BI in Davao then back home in the province than I spent _at_ BI in 2014.
Point is – if it’s costing you too much money and aggravation, maybe just maybe there’s some combination of lack-of-knowledge and possibly attitude problem on your part? Start with this – you want to live in Phils? You _do_ make the effort to communicate in at least pidgin Tagalog, yes, and then learn more? No? How far would you get as a foreigner in _your_ country-of-origin without communicating sensibly and then being publicly ticked off because you insisted on playing the part of the ignorant tourist?
You get what you exhibit, and the natives own their country, not you. You’ll know you belong once you can meet someone new without any introduction, and be accepted within 1 minute as if you had been born here.
Hi bob!
I would like to ask, regarding citizenship..my Auntie is a dual citizenship US & Philippines ..she already retired from America then she go back in the Philippines last march 2013 ..then now she planning to go back to US again by next year..
My question is, is their anything she need to pay to US or Philippines embassy? Or any where regarding of her citizenship..except for her plane ticket & travel tax..
Thank you and I’ll wait for you response ..
Godbless
There is nothing to pay, nothing to do. All she has to do is show her US Passport and everything is OK.
That was some very good information on the VISA’s Bob. I’m planning on retiring in about nine years and moving to the PI at that time. My wife is Filipina and she is trying to get her Dual Citizenship so she won’t have to get the 13(g) VISA. The only two questions I have is the cost of the VISA and do I have to wait until just before I retire to apply for it or can I apply anytime. Thanks for all you do for us guys back here in the USA.
Hi Roy – The cost of the visa is documented here on the site. It varies and changes regularly, but figure on spending a few hundred dollars to get it done. It is also a bit different depending on where you do it (here in the Philippines vs. in your home country).
You do not have to wait until you retire for a 13a visa. You can apply any time! But, once it is issued you must move to the Philippines within 90 days.
Hi all, which items do i need to file for a 13a visa? My wife is a filipino citizen, what documents do i need to file from the u.s?
Read this article, Anthony: http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
Hi All,
Would you be able to advise if my husband needs a medical certificate for a 13A application?
And if he needs an NBI or FBI clearance (police clearance), he’s been here more than 6 months so he needs NBI but does he still need the police/FBI clearance? In the checklist the police clearance is needed if he’s less than 6 months in the country. It’s confusing.
Thank you.
Regards,
Mindy
Hi Bob,
great article! I really want to apply for 13G next year. I just wanted to know if the visa will involve other fees? Like for example an Exit Clearance when I leave the country for vacation?
I remember being told about the 300+ fees yearly + securing a clearance before leaving the country.
Thanks
Hello Misa – If you are here on a 13 series visa there are a few costs, but they are minor. There is a P310 annual “head tax” that you must pay every January or February. If you have been in the Philippines for longer than 1 year there are also some fees that you must pay upon exit, which include ECC and Travel Tax.
Thanks for answering, Bob!
With the balikbayan visa (former Filipino citizen) I unfortunately am not allowed to seek work in the Philippines. That’s why I was thinking of 13G, the only problem is the exit clearance because I am a “frequent traveller”.
I have experienced paying travel tax 1,600 + terminal fee 550.00 + ECC 2,800 PHP ———————————— all in one swoop, at the airport with the 9G Visa and I never want to go back to the 9-series visa again.
Hi bob,
I am a philippine citizen living here in US with a 10 year green card ,my question is i am planning to live again in the philippine maybe after 10 years from now,do i really need to apply for philippine dual citizen?
Thank you,and i’ll wait for your response
Hi Aby – You certainly are not required to. For example, I live in the Philippines and I am not a citizen – I am a US citizen. However, since you are a former citizen, you have the right to dual citizenship, and there is no harm in doing so. I believe you should take advantage of all of your rights and get the dual citizenship. There is no downside to it. If you don’t, it will be somewhat of a hassle to live here.. you will have to get visas, pay fees for your visa each year, etc. But, it is not required, and your decision to make.
Hi Bob, I have lived her in Guimaras for almost twenty years now. I did several years of tourist visas. I travel often to Europe. But several years back I got tired of going to immigration all the time and applied for an SSRV Visa. I put 10,000 $ in a bank account and the rest was easy. Come and go at will and not pay the 1600Peso travel whatever. I renew the ID card every three years and it cost 10$ US a year. My brother moved out here from Costa Rica and he applied for the same visa. In the sixties he spent a year here in Subic in the military and his SSRV fee was only 1500$. Seems like the way to go , My neighbor has a 13a and it has been a bit of a pain with all the id cards ,ACR’s, and renewals. Just sayin’.
Jerry
Hi Bob, I have lived her in Guimaras for almost twenty years now. I did several years of tourist visas. I travel often to Europe. But several years back I got tired of going to immigration all the time and applied for an SSRV Visa. I put 10,000 $ in a bank account and the rest was easy. Come and go at will and not pay the 1600Peso travel whatever. I renew the ID card every three years and it cost 10$ US a year. My brother moved out here from Costa Rica and he applied for the same visa. In the sixties he spent a year here in Subic in the military and his SSRV fee was only 1500$. Seems like the way to go , My neighbor has a 13a and it has been a bit of a pain with all the id cards ,ACR’s, and renewals. Just sayin’.
Jerry
You say you deposited the required $10,000 and “the rest was easy” but am I correct Jerry that you have to have a certain annual income from pensions plus you have to apply for the SSRV from inside your home country and get a medical and police clearance? Also think there are different types of SSRV and some require different financial arrangements.
You say you deposited the required $10,000 and “the rest was easy” but am I correct Jerry that you have to have a certain annual income from pensions plus you have to apply for the SSRV from inside your home country and get a medical and police clearance? Also think there are different types of SSRV and some require different financial arrangements.
Good morning all,
I received my 13 a in Aug 2013. I use San Francisco Philippine Consule for processing my papers before heading to our home in the Philippines. And I did need the police report. Luck for me I had them or it would have been a second trip to San Francisco. DO not know if they were looked at in Manila or not. Hope this helps someone.
Good morning all,
I received my 13 a in Aug 2013. I use San Francisco Philippine Consule for processing my papers before heading to our home in the Philippines. And I did need the police report. Luck for me I had them or it would have been a second trip to San Francisco. DO not know if they were looked at in Manila or not. Hope this helps someone.
Regarding dual citizenship: A person born in the Philippines and subsequently became a citizen of another country and hence established dual citizen ship. In reference to a 13 series VISA, does that dual citizen (per Philippine Immigration law) have the choice to apply for a 13g for themselves and foreign spouse/children or must they avail of a 13 a for their spouse/child? Is their any disadvantage/benefit with one over the other?
A citizen does not need and is not eligible to get a visa for the country of his citizenship. A citizen can live in his country of his citizenship forever without a visa. That is what being a citizen us all about.
So if my fiance comes here, we get married, and she becomes a US citizen, which one would we get later down the road when we go back to the Philippines to live? If she got dual citizenship then would we get 13A or 13G?
If she is a dual citizen you are eligible for A or G.
I’m confused about the word former citizen. If she becomes a US citizen then to me it means she is a former citizen of the Philippines whether she gets dual citizenship or not. So I’m thinking that I get 13g. But if dual citizenship to them means it cancels out the “former” then it would be 13a. I think of 13a as meaning she never leaves and losing her Philippine citizenship.
I am sorry if it confuses you.
Think of this:
If a person is a Philippine Citizen they are a Philippine Citizen.
If that person becomes naturalized in the USA they are no longer a Philippine Citizen, thus they are a FORMER Philippine Citizen.
If that person goes and applies for re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship, they are a citizen of both the USA and the Philippines at the same time.
Now that the person is again a citizen of the Philippines, the person is a current citizen of the Philippines (while remaining an American Citizen) and thus is no longer a former citizen of the Philippines.
Seems fairly simple and straight forward to me.
Yeah, I pretty much figured that out now. There’s not much online about it. I just didn’t know what former meant in regards to the laws. But I understand it now. Thanks for all the quick replies.
I have a couple of questions if you have the time. You said that the 13a is when the “sponsor” is a Filipino citizen. Since my wife is now a dual citizen then I can come on the 13a right? What happens when my passport expires? Does the new passport have to have the visa re-stamped? BTW, thanks for the article. Very informative.
Since your wife is a dual citizen, yes, you do qualify for a 13A Visa.
When your passport expires, just renew it, and for a small fee they will transfer your visa from your old passport to your new passport, it’s no problem at all, they do it all the time.
Good luck to you.
Thank you so much for the article! We are planning to go home for good in October and this is just what I need!
Out of topic, but what are the other taxes the Phil government requires the 13A holders to pay?
Thank you Ivy. The only tax required of 13(a) Visa holders is P310 per year that you must pay during your annual report in Jan/Feb of each year.