Project Introduction:

Brief Introduction to the Philippine Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV)

The SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa) of the Philippines is a long-term residency "quasi-green card" introduced by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). New regulations came into effect on September 1, 2025, with the core being the relaxation of age restrictions to 40 years old and an increase in deposit tiers. Upon approval, individuals can reside in the Philippines for an extended period, freely enter and exit the country, and enjoy multiple benefits. It is a popular choice for Chinese individuals seeking low-cost residency status in Southeast Asia.

I. Core New Regulations (Effective from September 1, 2025)

1. Age for application

• Main applicant: Aged 40 or above (previously 50 years old, significantly relaxed)
• Accompanying family members: spouse + unmarried children under 21 years old (can be approved together)

2. Deposit Requirements (in different tiers, deposited in a designated bank in the Philippines as a fixed deposit, not to be withdrawn at will)

3. Key expenses

• Application fee: $1500 for the principal applicant (originally $1400)
• Annual fee (ID card renewal): $300 per family (3 people), with an additional $100 for each additional person

II. Core Rights and Interests ("Green Card" Level Treatment)

1. Indefinite residence: No "immigration residency requirement", as long as the deposit is maintained, one can permanently reside, live, study, and work in the Philippines (no additional work visa required)
2. Free entry and exit: Multiple round trips without the need for re-entry permits, and no restrictions on departure or stay
3. Family Reunion: Spouse + unmarried children under 21 years old can be approved simultaneously, allowing the entire family to obtain citizenship
4. Tax and customs clearance benefits:
   • Pension/annuity tax-free
   • No customs duties for the first import of household/personal items within $7,000
   • Exemption from annual immigration office registration, ACR card, exit and entry permit fees, and travel tax
5. Convenience in daily life: Can open bank accounts, purchase property, engage in business (with restrictions in certain industries), enjoy local medical/educational resources, and children can apply for the Joint Examination for Overseas Chinese Students (subject to relevant domestic policies)

III. Application Process (Simplified Version)

1. Preparation of materials: passport, police certificate, medical report, bank statement, photos, pension certificate (if applicable)
2. Submit PRA for review → Deposit into designated account after approval → Collect SRRV visa label + identity card
3. Cycle: Approximately 1–2 months (regular), expedited service available for faster processing

IV. Important Reminder

• Identity maintenance: The deposit must be maintained in a designated account and cannot be withdrawn in advance (transferring to purchase a house, etc., must comply with the PRA special policy)
• Overdue/bad record: There was a history of overdue Philippine visa (especially if an MR has been processed), which needs to be declared in advance, otherwise it may affect the approval
• Transition to Permanent Residency/Naturalization: SRRV is a long-term residence visa (not a direct permanent residency). After meeting certain residence and other requirements, one can apply for permanent residency in the Philippines (such as 13A) or naturalization (subject to compliance with the Nationality Act)
• Fees and Policies: Subject to the latest announcement on the official website of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) (pra.gov.ph). Intermediaries handling applications must verify their qualifications to avoid additional charges

V. Suitable for

• Individuals aged 40 and above who seek to obtain residency status in Southeast Asia at a low cost, for retirement, accompanying their children to study, or conducting business
• Families who wish to enjoy the freedom of entering and exiting the country, the low cost of living in the Philippines, an English-speaking environment, and American-style education
• People who have stable pensions or idle funds and are willing to invest in fixed deposits in exchange for the convenience of long-term residence