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Simplified Visas
Simplified Visas in the Philippines
Immigration

Simplified Visas

The Philippines offers one of the most accessible visa systems in Asia. Clear procedures, reasonable costs, and multiple options for all profiles.

12+
Visa types
30d
Free tourist
95%
Approval rate
50%
Cheaper than elsewhere

Available Visa Types

An option for every situation: tourism, work, retirement, marriage, investment or studies.

✈️

Tourist Visa

Duration: 30 daysVery easy
Extension:Up to 3 years
Processing:On arrival
Cost:Free

Requirements:

Passport + return ticket

Ideal for:

DiscoveryShort stayTesting the country
Learn more
🏖️

SRRV (Retirement)

Duration: PermanentModerate
Extension:Renewable
Processing:2-3 months
Cost:$1,400-5,500

Requirements:

50+ years + deposit $10-20k

Ideal for:

RetireesPermanent residenceInvestment
Learn more
💑

13A (Marriage)

Duration: PermanentModerate
Extension:Permanent
Processing:6-12 months
Cost:$300-500

Requirements:

Marriage to Filipino

Ideal for:

Mixed couplesFamilyIntegration
Learn more
💼

Work Visa

Duration: 1-3 yearsModerate
Extension:Renewable
Processing:2-4 months
Cost:$500-1,000

Requirements:

Job offer + diplomas

Ideal for:

ProfessionalsCareerExperience
Learn more
💰

Investor Visa

Duration: PermanentDifficult
Extension:Permanent
Processing:3-6 months
Cost:$2,000-5,000

Requirements:

Investment $75k+

Ideal for:

EntrepreneursBusinessInvestment
Learn more
🎓

Student Visa

Duration: Study durationEasy
Extension:Per program
Processing:1-2 months
Cost:$200-400

Requirements:

University admission

Ideal for:

StudentsTrainingLearning
Learn more

Regional Comparison

Philippines vs other popular Southeast Asian destinations.

CountryTourist VisaWork VisaResidencyInvestmentScore
🇵🇭
Philippines
Excellent
Free 30d2-4 monthsSRRV from 50 years$75,000
9.2
🇹🇭
Thailand
Good
30d (conditions)3-6 monthsVery difficult$500,000+
7.5
🇲🇾
Malaysia
Medium
90d4-8 monthsMM2H suspended$350,000+
6.8
🇮🇩
Indonesia
Difficult
30d paid6-12 monthsVery complex$350,000+
5.5
🇻🇳
Vietnam
Difficult
45d (e-visa)3-6 monthsVery difficult$500,000+
6
🇵🇭Philippines
Free tourist visa
Easy extensions
Accessible SRRV
Fast procedures
🇹🇭Thailand
Visa runs required
Property restrictions
Expensive Elite Visa
Complex bureaucracy
🇲🇾Malaysia
MM2H program suspended
Tightened conditions
Complex work visa
High costs
🇮🇩Indonesia
Heavy bureaucracy
Frequent corruption
Unpredictable delays
Many restrictions
🇻🇳Vietnam
Mandatory visa runs
Near-impossible residency
Strict controls
High investment required

Step-by-Step Process

From tourist arrival to permanent residence: a clear and progressive path.

✈️
Step 1
0 days

Tourist Arrival

Start with a free 30-day tourist visa

Requirements:

Valid passport 6 months
Return or onward ticket
Proof of funds (optional)

Tips:

No prior application required
Automatic stamp on arrival
Free for most nationalities
📋
Step 2
1-2 days

Tourist Extension

Extend your stay up to 3 years without leaving

Requirements:

Original passport
Extension form
Extension fee ($30-60)

Tips:

Local immigration offices
Multiple extensions possible
No theoretical limit
🎯
Step 3
1-6 months

Long-Term Visa Choice

Select the permanent visa suited to your situation

Requirements:

Visa-specific documents
Financial proofs
Medical certificates (if required)

Tips:

SRRV for retirees 50+
13A for mixed couples
Investor visa for entrepreneurs
🏠
Step 4
Variable

Permanent Residence

Obtain your permanent resident status

Requirements:

Complete validated file
Interviews (if required)
Payment of final fees

Tips:

Professional support recommended
Patience for administrative delays
Prepare documents in advance

Why Philippine Visas Are Simpler

Four key advantages that make your immigration process easier.

📝

Simplified Procedures

70% less paperwork

Less bureaucracy, more efficiency

Forms in English
English-speaking agents
Standardized procedures
Respected deadlines
💳

Transparent Costs

50% lower fees

Fixed and predictable fees

Published official rates
No hidden fees
Secure payments
Official receipts
🗣️

Multilingual Support

95% speak English

Assistance in multiple languages

Widely spoken English
Translators available
Multilingual guides
Community support
🔄

Maximum Flexibility

12 visa types

Options adapted to every situation

Multiple visa types
Easy extensions
Status changes possible
Reasonable delays

Success Stories

Discover the real experience of expats who obtained their Philippine visa.

👨‍🏫

Jean-Pierre, 58

France

SRRV3 months
Retired teacher, I obtained my SRRV in 3 months. The process was clear, the agents very helpful. Today I live peacefully in Dumaguete.

Main challenge:

Gathering apostilled French documents

Solution:

Help from a local agent for translation and legalization

9.5/10
👫

Sarah & Mark

Canada

13A (Marriage)8 months
Married to a Filipina, we obtained the 13A visa. Despite some back and forth, the process was predictable and costs reasonable.

Main challenge:

Proving marriage authenticity

Solution:

Complete documentation and family testimonials

8.8/10
👨‍💻

Lucas, 32

Germany

Work Visa2 months
IT developer, I found a job in Manila. The work visa was processed quickly thanks to my local employer who knew the procedures well.

Main challenge:

Validation of European diplomas

Solution:

Apostille and certified translation

9/10

Expert Practical Tips

Optimize your chances of success with these proven tips.

📄

Document Preparation

Apostille all official documents before leaving
Have them translated into English by a sworn translator
Digitize everything and keep multiple copies
Check expiration dates (passport, certificates)

Optimal Timing

Start procedures 3-6 months before departure
Avoid holiday periods (December-January)
Schedule appointments on weekdays
Allow extra time for unexpected delays
🤝

Local Support

Contact an experienced local immigration agent
Join expat Facebook groups
Consult specialized forums
Ask for recommendations from other expats
⚠️

Avoid Pitfalls

Beware of unofficial "fixers"
Pay only in official offices
Keep all receipts and documents
Never give your original passport without receipt

Ready to Start Your Visa Journey?

Explore our detailed guides for each type of visa and find the one that suits you.