Long-Term Visas

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Long-Term Visas: Stay, Work, Retire, or Marry in the Philippines

Tourist visa extensions are great for a year or two. But they hit a hard wall at 36 months. If you want to live in the Philippines permanently, work legally, or stop doing visa runs, you need a long-term visa. This hub breaks down your real options — no sales pitches, just the legal facts.

🚨 The 36-Month Reality: You cannot live in the Philippines forever on a tourist visa. The Bureau of Immigration caps continuous tourist stays at 36 months. If you plan to stay longer, you must choose one of the long-term visas below before your clock runs out.

Choose Your Path

🏖️ SRRV (Retirement)

For ages 40+. Lock a deposit in a bank, get lifetime residency. No work rights without a special permit.

  • Deposit: $15k–$50k USD
  • Age: 40+ (Classic)
  • Work: Requires AEP

💍 13A (Marriage)

For those legally married to a Filipino citizen. The strongest visa available. Full work rights, no locked deposit.

  • Deposit: None
  • Age: No limit
  • Work: Full rights (needs DOLE Certificate)

💼 9(G) (Work)

For those hired by a Philippine company. Tied to your specific employer. They handle the paperwork.

  • Deposit: None
  • Age: No limit
  • Work: Tied to one employer

🏢 FIV (Investor)

The new fast-track permanent residency via the Freeport Area of Bataan. Full work rights, high cost.

  • Cost: $95k total ($75k deposit + $20k fee)
  • Age: 18+
  • Work: Full rights

🎓 9(F) (Student)

For foreign nationals enrolled in a recognized Philippine university or college.

  • Deposit: Tuition & living proof
  • Age: Varies
  • Work: Restricted

🇵🇭 Balikbayan (Former Filipinos)

1-year visa-free entry for former Filipino citizens and their immediate foreign family members.

  • Deposit: None
  • Age: No limit
  • Work: Not authorized

🗣️ The Reality: Don't Buy a Visa From a "Fixer"

  • There is no "buy a passport" scheme in the Philippines. Anyone on Facebook offering you citizenship or a "guaranteed permanent visa" for a quick $5,000 cash payment is running a scam. Real visas require official government receipts and bank deposits.
  • The 13A is the golden ticket (if you qualify). If you are married to a Filipino, the 13A is vastly superior to the SRRV because it grants full work rights and requires no locked bank deposit.
  • The SRRV rules changed in Sept 2025. The popular "Smile" and "Human Touch" programs are discontinued. Only Classic and Courtesy remain. Always check our Field Reports below for the latest PRA updates.
  • Work visas tie you to your boss. A 9(G) visa is legally bound to the company that sponsored you. If you quit or get fired, your visa starts expiring, and you must "downgrade" to a tourist visa immediately.

🗺️ Not Sure Which Visa Fits?

Can I Work or Earn Money in the Philippines? → How Do I Extend My Tourist Visa While I Decide? → What Is the ACR I-Card (Required for All Long-Term Visas)? →

Which long-term visa are you applying for?

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Latest Field Reports

Fresh community updates. Confirmed reports are merged into the guide above at the next review.