Who Needs It & How to Get It

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If you plan to stay in the Philippines for more than 59 days, you will need an ACR I-Card. This stands for “Alien Certificate of Registration.” Think of it as your mandatory local ID card. Before you pack your bags for a long-term move, you need to understand exactly who needs this card, how much it costs, and how to get it.

💡 The Short Answer: Any foreigner staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days must have an ACR I-Card. It costs about $50 USD (paid in Pesos) and is valid for one year. You apply for it at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the exact same time you do your visa extension.

Who Exactly Needs This Card?

🧳 Tourists Staying Past 59 Days

If you enter on a standard 30-day visa-free stamp and extend your stay beyond 59 days, the BI will automatically require you to get an ACR I-Card during your next extension.

🏡 Long-Term Visa Holders

If you are moving here to retire or work, you need this card regardless of your visa type. This includes:

• SRRV (Retirement) Visa holders
• 13(A) (Marriage) Visa holders
• 9(G) (Work) Visa holders
• Student Visa holders

How Do You Get It? (Step-by-Step)

You do not need to make a separate trip or fill out a special application just for the card. It is bundled into your visa extension process.

1. Go to the BI Office: Visit a Bureau of Immigration office to process your visa extension (the one that pushes you past the 59-day mark).
2. Pay the Fee: The cashier will add the ACR I-Card fee (approx. ₱2,800 to ₱3,000) to your total visa extension bill. You must pay in cash.
3. Do Your Biometrics: The BI staff will call your name to take your digital photo and scan your fingerprints. Dress neatly—no sleeveless shirts or flip-flops.
4. Get Your Paper Receipt: The physical plastic card takes a few weeks to print. The BI will give you an official paper receipt. This receipt acts as your temporary ID.
5. Pick Up the Plastic Card: Return to the BI office a few weeks later with your receipt and passport to claim your physical ACR I-Card.

🌏 Cultural Heads-Up: Practicing “Pakikisama” at the BI Office

When you go to the BI office for your biometrics, expect long lines and crowded waiting rooms. This is the perfect time to practice the Filipino concept of pakikisama (maintaining smooth, harmonious relations with others). A simple smile, a polite “Salamat po” (Thank you, respectfully) to the staff, and a patient attitude will make your visit much smoother. Getting frustrated or raising your voice will only slow things down. Just relax, observe the local rhythm, and wait for your turn.

🗣️ The Reality: What Expats Wish They Knew Before Arriving

• The “Paper Phase” is normal. Many newcomers panic when they don’t get the plastic card immediately. Do not worry. The official paper receipt is legally recognized by banks, landlords, and local police while you wait for the plastic.
• It expires every year. The ACR I-Card is only valid for one year. When you do your annual visa renewal, you must surrender the old card and pay for a new one.
• Keep it safe. The card is the size of a credit card and very easy to misplace. If you lose it, the replacement process is expensive and stressful. (See our guide:  What Should You Do If You Lose Your ACR I-Card?)

How are you planning your first 60 days?

Are you planning to do your first visa extension immediately, or wait until day 55? What other hidden costs are you trying to budget for before your move?

Share Your Questions & Plans