The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to attract foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens to make the Philippines their second home or retirement destination. Its core product is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) – a special non-immigrant visa that allows long-term residence in the Philippines.
If you enjoy warm weather, a low cost of living, and friendly people, retirement in the Philippines is a great option. The SRRV lets you live in the Philippines indefinitely, with multiple-entry privileges and a range of benefits.
What is the SRRV?
The SRRV is a long-term, multiple-entry visa issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority. It is available to foreign nationals and former Filipinos who want to retire or live permanently in the Philippines.
Unlike tourist visas, which have stay limits and frequent renewals, the SRRV allows holders to enter and leave the country freely while enjoying residency privileges. It is valid for life, provided holders comply with PRA requirements.
SRRV benefits
The SRRV is more than just a visa – it comes with exemptions from immigration paperwork, tax breaks on pensions, duty-free import of personal goods, and free entry and exit privileges. Holders also get PRA assistance with government documents and enjoy partner discounts and services.
Multiple-entry privileges – come and go freely without reapplying for visas.
Exemptions from:
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card
- Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), Re-entry Permit (RP), and Special Return Certificate (SRC)
- Customs duties and taxes for one-time importation of household goods and personal effects up to US$7,000 (within 90 days of SRRV issuance)
- Taxes on pensions and annuities
- Travel tax if staying less than one year from last entry
- Student Visa/Special Study Permit for children-dependents
- Requirement to purchase a return ticket
Free PRA Newsletter subscription and discounts with accredited PRA merchant partners
Assistance with government documents, such as:
- Alien Employment Permit (DOLE)
- Driver’s License (LTO)
- Tax certificates (DOF and BIR, including TIN for business setup)
- NBI clearance
SRRV options
There are several SRRV categories to suit different retirees, from the Classic option for those buying property to Courtesy programs for former Filipinos, diplomats, and retired officers. Deposit amounts range from USD 1,500 to USD 50,000 depending on age and pension status.
1. SRRV Classic
For active/healthy retirees who may use their visa deposit to purchase a condominium or long-term house lease.
- US$50,000 – ages 40–49 without pension
- US$25,000 – ages 40–49 with pension (min. US$800/month single, US$1,000 with dependents)
- US$30,000 – age 50+ without pension
- US$15,000 – age 50+ with pension (same pension levels as above)
2. SRRV Courtesy
For former Filipinos, as well as honorary consuls, retirees of international organizations, and former military officers.
- US$3,000 – ages 40–49 without pension
- US$1,500 – age 50+
- US$6000 – ages 40-49 without pension (expanded courtesy)
- US$3000 – ages 40-49 with pension (expanded courtesy)
- US$1,500 – age 50+ (expanded courtesy)
SRRV requirements
Applicants must submit a complete set of documents, including medical and police clearances, passport, bank certification of the visa deposit, photos, and application fees. The PRA requires original copies, valid clearances, and proper apostilles or authentication. Dependents can be included with their own forms and a reduced fee.
Applicants must submit an extensive set of documents, including:
- Accomplished SRRV Application Form (typewritten, downloadable from PRA site)
- Medical Certificate from any PRA-accredited clinic in the Philippines.
- Police Clearance (ages 18–69) from country of origin or last residence abroad, apostilled or authenticated; exempt if 70+, 5+ years continuous stay, or retired from DFA-recognized international orgs
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate (BICC)
- NBI Clearance if applicant has stayed in the Philippines 90+ days before application
- Bank Certification confirming visa deposit remitted from abroad to a PRA-accredited bank (DBP, PNB, BDO Pacific/Cebu IT Park branches, KEB Hana, UnionBank, Bank of Commerce, Shinhan). Deposit varies by SRRV option and must follow inward remittance rules
- Original Passport with valid tourist/balikbayan visa (at least 1 month validity); downgrading required if applicant holds another visa type
- 6 photos (2×2, recent, decent clothing)
- Application fee of US$1,500 (non-refundable, covers BI and PRA processing)
- PRA Annual Fee (PAF):
- US$360 for principal + up to 2 dependents; US$100 per extra dependent
- Courtesy/Expanded Courtesy: US$ 100 for principal + 2 dependents, US$ 50 for Former Filipino citizens as principal + 2 dependents; US$ 10 per extra dependent
Additional documents may be required depending on category (e.g. proof of pension, military service, birth certificates, etc.). Dependents must submit their own forms, medicals, clearances, and pay US$300 application fee.
Application process
The SRRV application takes about a month and requires the applicant to stay in the Philippines while documents are verified. Once approved, the Bureau of Immigration implements the visa and the PRA finalizes it with an Oath of Affirmation and release of ID cards and stamped passports.
Applicants must be physically in the Philippines during the entire application process, which typically takes at least 1 month. All documents must be submitted in original plus 2 photocopied sets (A4 size).
Once approved, the Bureau of Immigration implements the SRRV. The PRA then requires the presence of the retiree for the Oath of Affirmation and to release stamped passports and SRRV ID cards.
How Prism Visas can help
Applying for the SRRV can be complex, but Prism Visas makes it simple. We guide you through choosing the right category, preparing documents, handling deposits, and liaising with PRA. With local presence and global experience, we help retirees secure their new life in the Philippines smoothly and without delays.
At Prism Visas Philippines, we simplify the SRRV process and ensure smooth relocation. We provide:
- Consultation to identify the right SRRV option
- Assistance with medical exams, clearances, and notarizations
- Guidance on making your visa deposit with PRA-accredited banks
- Submission and follow-up with PRA to avoid delays
- Post-approval support, including renewals, ID cards, housing, tax planning, and insurance
We work with clients worldwide, offering transparent pricing, local presence, and over 20 years of expertise in global immigration and retirement programs.
Ready to retire in the Philippines?
Ready to retire in the Philippines? The SRRV is one of the most flexible and expat-friendly visa options in Asia. Let Prism Visas handle your application from start to finish. Contact us today for a consultation.
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