The New FIV Investor Visa (FAB): Fast-Track Permanent Residency

Launched recently via the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), the FAB-Investor Visa (FIV) is the newest and fastest path to permanent residency in the Philippines. It was designed to compete with global "golden visas." It is significantly more expensive than the SRRV retirement visa, but it comes with one massive advantage: full work and business rights.

💡 The Short Answer: The FIV grants immediate Permanent Residency. It requires a $95,000 USD total commitment ($75k deposit + $20k fee). Unlike the SRRV, the FIV allows you to work, start a business, and freelance legally. Processing is incredibly fast (sometimes under a week).

💼 Can I Use the $75,000 to Start My Own Business?

No. A common myth in expat groups is that the FIV lets you use the $75,000 as seed money to open a restaurant, a dive shop, or a consulting firm. This is false.

Your $75,000 must be placed as a fixed deposit with a single AFAB-approved issuer or into a government-approved project operating strictly within the Freeport Area of Bataan. Furthermore, this money is "dead capital"—it will not earn any yield, dividends, or appreciate in value while locked.

It cannot be used to buy real estate. However, the full $75,000 is fully refundable if you ever decide to cancel the visa and leave the country.

Want to actively invest? If your goal is to invest in Philippine stocks, corporations, or start your own business, you should research the older SIRV (Special Investor's Resident Visa) or standard foreign business incorporation instead.

💰 The Real Math: $95,000 USD

Expat groups often call this the "$100k visa" or "$75k visa." Here is the exact breakdown:

$75,000 USD: Fixed deposit into a FAB-approved investment or bank account. (Refundable if you cancel the visa).

$20,000 USD: Non-refundable application and processing fee paid to the government.

Total Out-of-Pocket: $95,000 USD.

FIV vs. SRRV: Which Is Better?

✅ FIV Advantages (Over SRRV)

Full Work Rights: You can take local jobs, open businesses, and freelance. No AEP or DOLE certificates required.
Speed: Processing takes days or weeks, not the 2–6 months required for the SRRV.
Age: Open to adults 18+, whereas the SRRV is strictly for ages 40+.

❌ FIV Disadvantages (Compared to SRRV)

Cost: $95k total vs. the SRRV's $15k–$30k deposit.
Newness: The program is very new. Long-term stability and renewal processes are less tested than the decades-old SRRV.
$20k Sunk Cost: The application fee is non-refundable, whereas the SRRV application fee is only ~$1,400.

🛑 Mythbust: Does the FIV Give You Dual Citizenship?

No. A dangerous rumor is spreading in Facebook groups that the FIV grants a Philippine passport or dual citizenship. This is entirely false. The FIV grants Permanent Residency. You remain a citizen of your home country. The Philippines does not allow dual citizenship for foreigners. If an agent promises you a "second passport" for $95k, walk away.

🗣️ The Reality: What Investors Wish They Knew

Use a lawyer, not a "fixer." Because the FIV is new and involves large sums of money, scammers are targeting applicants. Only use licensed immigration lawyers or official FAB-accredited partners.
The deposit is locked. Just like the SRRV, your $75,000 is locked in an approved vehicle. You cannot use it to buy a house or a car.
It's a residency, not a tax haven. As a permanent resident, you may be subject to Philippine tax laws on your global or local income. Consult a local tax accountant before transferring funds.

🗺️ What Should You Read Next?

Is the Cheaper SRRV Retirement Visa a Better Fit? → What Are My Full Work Rights on the FIV? → Compare All Long-Term Visa Options →

Are you researching the FIV?

Have you been quoted a price by an agent? Share your experience to help protect other investors from inflated fees and scams.

Share Your FIV Research

Latest Field Reports

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

FIV Investor Visa (FAB) Guide