Wondering where to spend your retirement in the Philippines? 


Cebu City has been the top choice for foreign retirees looking for a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. It offers the perfect mix of urban convenience and island charm, with shopping malls, diverse restaurants, and stunning beaches all within reach. The city also has high-quality hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff, making it even more appealing to foreign retirees.


Learn how you can apply for a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) to legally stay in the Philippines and discover the other places in the Philippines where you can spend your retirement journey. 

Reasons to Retire in Cebu Philippines

.To help you decide whether you should spend your retirement journey in the Philippines, here are the following reasons you should consider:


  • Affordable Cost of Living. The cost of living in Cebu City is more affordable than living in Western countries and other Asian countries. Retirees can maintain a high quality of life without worrying about their expenses, allowing them to enjoy the country. 

  • English Proficiency. English is considered as the second language in the Philippines, which eliminates the language barrier that often hinders retirees from fully engaging with their community and services abroad. 

  • Excellent Healthcare. There are a lot of private clinics and hospitals available in Cebu City, offering more affordable fees than in other countries. The majority of the doctors are trained in the US and Europe, and all of the staff are English speaking, making it easier for you to communicate with them and ensure a high standard of care. 

  • Tropical Climate. The Philippines is a tropical country. If you are into warm weather, then retiring in the country is perfect for you. The country experiences a wet season from June to November. 

  • Exquisite Cuisine. Cebu City offers different types of cuisines from around the world, making you feel like you have traveled the world without even booking a flight to other countries. 

Tax Requirement of Foreign Retirees in the Philippines

As a foreign retiree, the pension or income you receive outside the Philippines is essentially tax-free. However, any earned income in the Philippines is subject to tax between 20% to 30%, depending on its amount.

What is a Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)?

A Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a special non-immigrant visa offered to foreign retirees aged at least fifty (50) years old. It allows them to travel, invest, and live permanently in the country.

Types of Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) Available in the Philippines

  • SRRV Smile is given to active and healthy foreign retirees maintaining a visa deposit of US $20,000 in any of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) accredited banks. 

  • SRRV Classic is offered to active and healthy foreign retirees who use their visa deposit for investment, such as purchasing a condominium unit or for a long term lease of house and lot. The required visa deposit are as follows:

    • US $20,000 for applicants aged fifty (5) years old and above without pension

    • US $10,000 for applicants aged fifty (50) years old and above and currently receiving pension

    • US $800 per month for applicants without dependents

    • US $1,000 per month for applicants with dependent/s

  • SRRV Human Touch is for ailing foreign retirees who need medical care. Applicants should receive a monthly pension of at least US $1,500, and have health insurance accepted in the Philippines. They must also remit a visa deposit of US $10,000. 

  • SRRV Courtesy is issued to former Filipino citizens and foreign nationals who have served as ambassadors and diplomats in the Philippines. The required visa deposit is US $1,500.

  • SRRV Expanded Courtesy is offered to foreign honorary consuls, retirees of international organizations and former military officers. Applicants must be at least fifty (50) years old and receiving a monthly pension worth at least US $1,000. They must also remit a visa deposit of US $1,500. 

Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) Requirements

All applicants and dependents must provide the following required documents to initiate the visa application process:

Requirements for SRRV Applicant

  • Duly accomplished SRRV application form 

  • Medical Certificate

  • Police Clearance

  • NBI Clearance

  • Bank Certification

  • Original passport with valid Tourist/Balikbayan Visa in the Philippines

  • Additional documents, if required

Requirements for SRRV Dependent/s

  • Duly accomplished SRRV application form 

  • Application form for dependents or joining spouse and child/children

  • Medical Certificate

  • Police Clearance and NBI Clearance, if necessary 

  • Apostilled/Authenticated Marriage Certificate for joining spouse

  • Apostilled/Authenticated Birth Certificate for joining child/children

  • Original foreign passport with valid tourist visa in the Philippines

  • Application fee worth US $300 for each joining dependent 

  • Additional documents, if required

Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) Application Process

Applying for the SRRV may sound overwhelming. You may follow this procedure to be guided:


  • Seek Visa Assistance. Get assistance from a service provider to be guided with the requirements and application process. They can also help you identify whether your intended visa is suitable for you and offer solutions in case an issue arises along the way. Having their assistance can increase your chances to obtain a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) from the Bureau of Immigration (BI). 

  • Choose the SRRV Type. Determine which SRRV type is suitable for you. Please note that each category has specific financial and eligibility requirements.

  • Prepare and Submit the Requirements. To initiate the visa application, you should prepare the required documents to ensure a smooth processing. You will be required to fill out an application form which must be submitted along with the other requirements to the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) office or any authorized agent. 

  • Review and Verification of Requirements. Upon submission of requirements, the PRA will review your visa application and verify the submitted documents. An incomplete requirement may be subject to rejection. To avoid this, ensure that the requirements are complete before submitting it to the PRA. Additionally, having a visa assistance from a service provider can ease the process as they have experience on processing a visa application. 

  • Attend the PRA Interview. Once your application has been reviewed, the PRA will schedule a short interview with you to formally confirm your intent and clarify any information. If you have availed a visa assistance from a service provider, they will guide you on how you may answer the immigration’s questions, ensuring that your application will be approved. 

  • Endorsement of Application. If your visa application is complete and approved, the PRA will endorse your application to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). 

  • Issuance of Visa. Upon the approval of your application by the BI, you now claim your passport with a SRRV stamped and enjoy your benefits in the Philippines. 

Can You Travel While Your SRRV Application Still Processing?

You may travel in and out the Philippines while your Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is still being processed if:


  • You have a valid visa status during your stay in the Philippines

  • You have a communication with your assigned Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Liaison Officer or Marketer to avoid delays 

  • You have completed the biometric screening, orientation, and visa implementation


Please note that traveling abroad does not automatically cancel your visa application, but multiple absences may cause delays or require revalidation of certain documents. 

Where to Retire in the Philippines 

The Philippines has become a popular retirement destination for foreign nationals due to its tropical climate, affordable cost of living, and warm hospitality. While Cebu City is a well-known hub for retirees, there are several other areas across the country that offer ideal living conditions for those looking to enjoy their retirement years.


  • Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It offers excellent accessibility with multiple international and domestic airports. It is close to top-tier hospitals, large shopping malls, and a variety of restaurants. If you’re looking for a lively urban setting that combines leisure, culture, and history, Manila is a great option.

  • Dumaguete City is located on Negros Island. It is a popular retirement spot for its low cost of living, walkable neighborhoods, and growing expat community. It also has its own airport which is connected from Manila and Cebu City. If you prefer to live in a coastal lifestyle in a small-town setting, Dumagete City is the perfect place for you.

  • Baguio City is known for its cool climate, which is ideal for retirees who prefer to live in a cold environment, especially for foreigners who are used to living in cold countries. It is a walkable city with charming parks, local markets, and a vibrant central district filled with culture and history.

  • Makati City is one of the country’s premier business and lifestyle districts. It has a lot of luxury malls, restaurants that offer international cuisines, and healthcare facilities. Makati is close to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), another modern urban center, making it attractive to retirees who enjoy city living with modern amenities.

  • Iloilo City is a great place to live in for its well organized safe city. It has several beaches where you can go fishing, scuba diving, boating, or swimming. With ferry terminals and bus routes readily available, Iloilo is also a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations, making it a best place for someone who is adventurous and a nature lover. 

  • Davao is a paradise for nature lovers and food enthusiasts. It has beautiful white sand beaches and volcanic mountains that are surrounded by jungles. It also has night markets where you can get a taste of the local foods. If you enjoy outdoor adventures and a rich local food culture, Davao is a compelling choice.

Need further information and assistance regarding Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law in Metro Manila, Philippines 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.