A plain-English comparison of SRRV Classic and SRRV Courtesy: who qualifies, deposit amounts, annual fees, dependents, and how the Classic deposit can be used.
If you are comparing SRRV Classic vs Courtesy, you are really asking two questions: Which option can I qualify for, and what will it cost me? The PRA currently lists only two options for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV). They share some rules, such as the minimum age of 40, but they differ in who can apply, how much you deposit, and what you pay each year. This guide compares them side by side so you can see where you fit.
Key takeaways
- SRRV Classic is open to principal retirees who are pensioners or non-pensioners, and its deposit depends on age and pension status.
- SRRV Courtesy is for special categories, such as former Filipinos, retired diplomats, officers of recognized international organizations, certain retired military service members, and high achievers.
- Courtesy deposits and annual fees are much lower, but eligibility is narrow.
- Most retirees who do not fall into a special category will look at SRRV Classic.
- Older articles that mention SRRV Smile or Human Touch are outdated, since the PRA’s current page lists only Classic and Courtesy.
SRRV Classic vs Courtesy at a glance
| Feature | SRRV Classic | SRRV Courtesy |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Principal retirees, pensioners or non-pensioners | Special categories: former Filipinos, retired diplomats, officers of recognized international organizations, retired military service members from countries with recognized bilateral relations, and high achievers |
| Minimum age | 40 | 40 |
| Deposit, age 50 and above | USD 15,000 (pensioner) or USD 30,000 (non-pensioner) | USD 1,500 |
| Deposit, age 40 to 49 | USD 25,000 (pensioner) or USD 50,000 (non-pensioner) | USD 3,000 (pensioner) or USD 6,000 (non-pensioner) for foreign nationals; USD 3,000 for former Filipinos |
| Processing fee | USD 1,500 | USD 1,500 |
| Annual fee (principal plus 2 dependents) | USD 360 | USD 100 for foreign nationals; USD 50 for former Filipinos |
| Fee per extra dependent beyond 2 | USD 100 a year | USD 10 a year |
| Pension proof | Required for the pensioner deposit | The PRA page lists no pension requirement |
The figures reflect the PRA’s published information as of November 2026.
What the two options have in common
Both options follow the same core framework:
- Principal applicants must be 40 years old or above and may be foreign nationals or former Filipino citizens.
- Both require a visa deposit held in a PRA-accredited bank.
- Both carry a USD 1,500 processing fee and a yearly PRA fee.
- Dependents include a legally married spouse and unmarried children below 21 at application, whether legitimate or legally adopted. Each joining dependent pays a USD 300 application fee.
- Both lead to the same type of visa: a special non-immigrant visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration with multiple entry and indefinite stay.
- Documents from abroad need an English translation and an apostille or authentication.
SRRV Classic in detail
Who it suits
Classic is the main route for retirees who are not in a special category. You can apply as a pensioner if you can show a lifetime pension of at least USD 800 a month for a single applicant, or USD 1,000 a month for an applicant with dependents. Without that pension proof, the non-pensioner deposit applies.
How the deposit works
Your age and pension status set the deposit, so the difference between age 49 and age 50 matters. Someone aged 50 or above with a qualifying pension deposits USD 15,000, while a non-pensioner aged 40 to 49 deposits USD 50,000.
The PRA describes Classic as the option where you may use the visa deposit for investment purposes allowed under the program. In practice, PRA guidance describes conditions. For a condominium bought from an individual seller, the PRA checklist says:
- The property must be worth at least USD 50,000 in pesos.
- Conversion is allowed only 30 days or more after the SRRV is issued.
- The visa deposit can only be used for the final payment, and the remaining balance must not exceed the deposit.
- The title must carry a PRA annotation, so any later sale, transfer, or encumbrance needs PRA approval.
A secondary source also describes a long-term lease route and a bond requirement for pre-selling units. Because these details come from third parties, confirm them with the PRA before relying on them.
Using the deposit for property also ties up your money, because the PRA annotation limits how freely you can sell. Think through your plans before you decide.
Dependents
For Classic, an additional USD 15,000 visa deposit applies for each dependent beyond two.
SRRV Courtesy in detail
SRRV Courtesy has two groups.
Foreign nationals in special categories include retired diplomats, officers of international organizations recognized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, retired military service members from countries with recognized bilateral relations with the Philippines, and high achievers in academics, business, arts, culture, music, sports, and philanthropy. You will need proof of qualification, such as proof of military service or a certificate of employment from a recognized international organization.
Former Filipinos are Filipino retirees naturalized in another country who have not re-acquired Filipino citizenship. You will need an old Philippine passport or a Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate.
The deposits are lower: USD 1,500 for age 50 and above, and USD 3,000 to USD 6,000 for ages 40 to 49, depending on your group and pension status. Yearly fees are also lower, at USD 100 for foreign nationals and USD 50 for former Filipinos, each covering the principal plus two dependents.
The trade-off is eligibility. If you do not belong to a listed category, Courtesy is not available to you, whatever your budget.
Which option fits you?
These examples are general illustrations, not advice on your case.
- A 55-year-old retiree with a qualifying pension and no special category: SRRV Classic with the pensioner deposit is the likely route.
- A 52-year-old self-funded retiree with no pension: SRRV Classic with the non-pensioner deposit applies.
- A 45-year-old early retiree: The younger age band applies, and Classic deposits are higher. Whether you qualify as a pensioner depends on your pension proof.
- A naturalized foreign citizen who was born in the Philippines: SRRV Courtesy for former Filipinos may apply, subject to the PRA’s rules.
- A retired diplomat or international organization officer: SRRV Courtesy for foreign nationals may apply, with proof of qualification.
If you sit between categories, the PRA decides, so a pre-assessment before you pay anything can save time.
What happened to SRRV Smile and Human Touch?
Many online guides still describe SRRV Smile and SRRV Human Touch. The PRA’s current SRRV page lists only Classic and Courtesy, so treat those older options as outdated unless the PRA says otherwise. If you read a guide quoting a USD 20,000 Smile deposit or a USD 1,400 processing fee, check its date.
Common mistakes when choosing an option
- Choosing based on an outdated article.
- Assuming you qualify for Courtesy because the deposit looks low.
- Overlooking the age 49 and age 50 boundary, which changes your deposit.
- Treating the Classic deposit as freely available for property without reading the conditions.
- Forgetting the yearly fee and the extra deposit for a third or later dependent.
Choose with confidence, with Prism
The right option depends on your age, pension, citizenship history, and plans for the deposit. Prism Visa and Immigration Consultancy Philippines OPC, part of Prism Consultancy, helps retirees and their families check eligibility, organize documents, and prepare clear, compliant applications. This article is general information and not legal, tax, or financial advice.
To discuss your situation, book a consultation or send an inquiry through prismvisas.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SRRV Classic and SRRV Courtesy?
SRRV Classic is open to principal retirees who are pensioners or non-pensioners, with deposits of USD 15,000 to USD 50,000. SRRV Courtesy is for special categories, such as former Filipinos and retired diplomats, with lower deposits and annual fees. Both require applicants to be at least 40.
Which SRRV option is cheaper?
SRRV Courtesy has lower deposits and yearly fees, from USD 1,500 and USD 50 to USD 100 a year. However, only special categories qualify. Both options carry the same USD 1,500 processing fee. Most retirees outside those categories apply under SRRV Classic, so check eligibility before comparing costs.
Who qualifies for SRRV Courtesy?
Courtesy covers former Filipinos naturalized elsewhere, retired diplomats, officers of international organizations recognized by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, certain retired military service members, and high achievers in fields such as business, arts, and sports. You must provide proof that you fit the category.
Can I use my SRRV Classic deposit to buy property?
The PRA says Classic holders may use the deposit for allowed investments. For a resold condominium, PRA guidance says the unit must be worth at least USD 50,000, conversion comes 30 days after issuance, and the deposit covers only the final payment.
Are SRRV Smile and Human Touch still available?
The PRA’s current SRRV page lists only SRRV Classic and SRRV Courtesy.
Does my age change which SRRV deposit I pay?
Yes. Both options use two age bands: 40 to 49, and 50 and above. For SRRV Classic, a pensioner pays USD 25,000 in the younger band and USD 15,000 from age 50. Deposits are higher for non-pensioners.
