Have you ever imagined being with someone who lives miles away? Whether you met while traveling, studying, working, or even through a dating app, fate had a plan for you and your loved one to cross paths. Distance can be tough, but look at how far you’ve come—from planning your next visit to now planning where to build your life together.
However, if you want to live together permanently, a Spouse Visa or 13A Visa is a must. Every country requires a foreign spouse to have the proper visa to legally stay. But applying for one is not as simple as saying “I do.” Different countries have different rules, paperwork, and waiting times. But do not worry—we are here to help!
In this guide, we will walk you through the requirements and application process for a Spouse Visa. Plus, we will explore why the Philippines might just be the perfect place to settle down and start your married life.
13A Visa / Spouse Visa
A Spouse Visa or 13A Visa is a non-quota immigrant visa by marriage offered to foreign nationals married to a Filipino citizen. It grants them to live in the Philippines with their spouse. It is offered to their child/children who are unmarried and under twenty-one (21) years old.
More importantly, foreign spouses are required to apply for this visa since the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) monitor the travel purpose of foreigners in the country and whether they comply with the country immigration regulations.
13A Visa / Spouse Visa Requirements in the Philippines
The following are the documentary requirements for foreign spouses and their child/children who are unmarried and below twenty-one (21) years old.
Requirements for Foreign Spouses
- Joint letter of request addressed to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner from the applicant and the petitioning Filipino spouse
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) or BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 2
- Marriage Certificate or Marriage Contract
- Birth Certificate of the Filipino spouse issued by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA)
- Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
- Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, if application is filed six (6) months or more from the date of first arrival in the Philippines
- BI Clearance Certificate
- Original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014
- Other additional documents, if necessary
Requirements for Dependent Child
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) or BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 2
- Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
- Proof of filiation with the petitioner
- Valid NBI Clearance for each dependent fifteen (15) years old or above, if application is filed six (6) months or more from the date of first arrival in the Philippines
- BI Clearance Certificate
- Original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014
- Other additional documents, if necessary
13A Visa / Spouse Visa Application Process in the Philippines
To process an application for a Spouse Visa or 13A Visa, you must follow this procedure:
- Consult with an Immigration Lawyer. This is optional, but necessary for a hassle-free and smooth process. A lawyer who specializes with immigration law provides assistance from gathering the required documents to the post-application process. They will ensure that there will not be delays and offer solutions in case of any issues along the way.
- Prepare the Requirements. Once you and your spouse have decided to settle your marriage in the Philippines, you must prepare the required documents and other supporting documents from government agencies, such as the PSA Birth Certificate of your Filipino Spouse and NBI Clearance.
- Submission of Documents. All documents must be submitted to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI). If you are outside the Philippines, you may submit the requirements through the Philippine embassy or consulate in your respective country.
- Interview and Biometrics. Aside from submitting the requirements, you are required to attend an interview with your Filipino spouse to verify the authenticity of your marriage the residence claims. A biometric capturing will also be required.
- Payment of Fees. You must settle your application fees. To be updated with your fees, you may check the official website of the BI or contact them.
- Probationary Period. This initial stage involves converting the existing Tourist Visa to 13A Probationary Residency, allowing you to stay in the country under certain probationary conditions. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa along with an Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACR I-Card).
- Re-evaluation for Permanent Residence. After the probationary period, you will be re-evaluated to determine if you are eligible for visa conversion to permanent residency. You must apply for the amendment or upgrade three (3) to four (4) months before your probationary visa expires. Once approved, you will be granted a permanent visa and an ACR I-Card. Note that an ACR I-Card must be renewed every five (5) years.
- Maintain Residency. You must continue to reside in the Philippines to maintain your Spouse Visa status. Any changes in residence or status must be reported to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to avoid any immigration consequences.
Duration of 13A Visa / Spouse Visa Application Process in the Philippines
Processing a Spouse Visa or 13A Visa takes two (2) to three (3) months, or even longer depending on the review of the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Once the application is approved, you will be given a 1-year probationary status to determine if you are qualified for the conversion of the visa to permanent resident status. It is recommended to have physical presence in the Philippines while your visa application is being processed to avoid the need for re-validation.
Benefits and Privileges of a 13A Visa / Spouse Visa Holder in the Philippines
The Philippines offers various benefits and privileges to Spouse Visa or 13A Visa holders, including:
- Permanent Residency. With a Spouse Visa, you are granted to live permanently with your Filipino spouse in the Philippines, provided that the marital status is maintained.
- Employment Opportunities. You are eligible to seek employment and work in the Philippines without any restrictions.
- Investment Opportunities. The Philippine economy has a steady gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.6% in 2024. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country is projected to sustain a robust economic growth rate of 6.2% in 2025, making it an ideal country for investors.
- Property Ownership. Under Republic Act No. 4726, foreign nationals are allowed to own 40% of the property in the Philippines, while the remaining 60% must be owned by the Filipino citizens. Since you are married to a Filipino citizen, the land title will be in your spouse’s name, and you will be listed as a co-owner.
- Access to Basic Services. You have the right to access public services, such as healthcare, education, and other basic services in the public and private sectors.
- AEP Exemption. An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for foreign employees in the country. However, having a Spouse Visa exempts you from being required to have this work permit.
Reasons Why You and Your Filipino Spouse Should Settle in the Philippines
Are you and your spouse still unsure about where to settle down and begin your new life together? If so, there’s no need to worry!
Here are the reasons why the Philippines could be the perfect place to start your married life:
- Low Cost of Living. Living in the Philippines is cheaper than living in Western countries and other Asian countries. The cost of transportation, food, and housing is affordable, making the country a best option to live and have a comfortable lifestyle even on a budget.
- Variety of Cuisines. The country has numerous restaurants that offer different types of cuisines. Filipino food has a mix of Western and Asian influences, which is perfect for anyone’s taste buds.
- Language. Filipino and English are two official languages in the Philippines. Filipino is the national language, while English is widely used as a medium of communication. Therefore, you do not have to worry if you do not know or only know a few Filipino words to communicate with locals.
- Weather. If you and your Filipino spouse prefer to live somewhere with warm weather, then the Philippines is perfect for you. It is considered a tropical country, meaning there is only a wet and dry season. Expect the country to be warmer from March to May, while cold in December, January, and February.
- Culture. The Philippines has a mixed blend of cultures because of the colonialization of the Americans, Japanese and Spaniards. It also has several festivals that you and your Filipino spouse would not want to miss out on, which highlights the country’s rich heritage and artistry of its people.
- Business Hours. Business operating hours in the Philippines are typically Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to noon. Some establishments operate 24 hours a day. These hours make it convenient to run errands any time.
In Case of Death, Separation, or Divorce with a Filipino Spouse
In case of death, separation, or divorce with your Filipino spouse, your Spouse Visa or 13A Visa must be canceled, and you may need to revert to a Tourist Visa status if you wish to continue to visit the Philippines. However, if you are an employee in the country, you are required to revert to a Work Visa.
Need further information and assistance regarding Spouse Visa or 13A Visa? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
