The Philippines is a tropical paradise full of opportunities and adventures. Whether you’re planning to visit its stunning beaches, build a career in its thriving economy, or settle down in its vibrant cities or provinces, there’s a visa option for you.

From short-term tourist visas to work permits and long-term residency options, the Philippines offers a range of visas tailored to different needs. But which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the different visa types available and why the Philippines is an incredible place to travel, work, and live.

What are the Available Visas in the Philippines?

There are different types of visas available in the Philippines. Whether you are going to travel, work, invest, or live, the country has various visas suitable for you:

Short-Term Visas in the Philippines

If you are planning to stay in short-term in the Philippines, here are the perfect visas for you:

  • Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is offered to foreign nationals married to a Filipino citizen, but whose country doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement with the Philippines. Their unmarried child/children under twenty-one (21) can apply for this visa to live legally in the country. It allows them to stay in the country for one (1) year during probationary status and five (5) years if converted to permanent status and renewable for another five (5) years. 
  • Temporary Visitor Visa (9A) is commonly known as Tourist Visa. This is given to foreign nationals who visit the Philippines for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Most of them can stay in the country for thirty (30) days upon arrival, but initial stay can be seven (7) days to fifty-nine (59) days. The required stay duration depends on their home country. 
  • Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) is commonly known as Work Visa. It is given to foreign nationals who want to work or seek employment in the Philippines. The validity period of this visa usually depends on the foreign worker’s employment contract.
  • Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA 47) is issued by PEZA to foreigners holding executive positions, employees, and administrative positions by PEZA-registered enterprises, with a validity of one (1) year. 
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Long-Term Visas in the Philippines

If you are planning to stay in long-term in the Philippines, here are the perfect visas for you:

  • Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG) Visa is given to qualified foreigners who are employed in at least ten (10) lawful and sustainable business, trade, or industry in the Philippines. Their spouse and their child/children below eighteen (18) years old can also apply for this visa. This is valid as long as their investments and other requirements are maintained. 
  • Spouse Visa (13A) is granted to foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens, and their child/children under twenty-one (21) years old. It grants them a permanent residence in the country. 
  • Non-Quota Immigrant (13G) is issued to a Filipino citizen’s spouse, their child/children who are under twenty-one (21) years old, and to natural-born Filipinos returning to the country after acquiring a different citizenship.
  • Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is offered to foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens who are at least fifty (50) years old and wish to retire and reside in the country permanently. They must have a clean criminal record, medical clearance, proof of financial capability, and meet the required visa deposit.
  • Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) allows its holder to live in the country indefinitely, provided that they are maintaining the investment requirements, which is at least US$75,000 or approximately PHP4,405,000.00.
  • APECO Special Permanent Residency Visa (ASRV) is authorized directly by the Philippine government within the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Free Port Authority (APECO) Economic Zone. It allows individuals to establish permanent residence in the Philippines and to access various financial services, such as high-interest bank accounts, credit cards, life insurance, securities, and loans for homes or vehicles.

Why Should You Travel in the Philippines?

Here’s the reasons why you should travel in the Philippines:

  • Budget Friendly. The Philippines is a great destination if you’re on a budget but want to travel somewhere. There is a range of affordable accommodations—hostels, airbnb, hotels and apartelle. However, the cost of your travel in the country may still vary depending on where you choose to stay. 
  • Various Cuisines. With its diverse culture, the country offers various cuisines from different countries. This will help you ease your homesickness and a great opportunity for you to try different cuisines for other countries without even going to them.
  • Weather. The Philippines is a tropical country. The best time to visit the country is from January to May because the weather is nicer during those months. The country starts to get cold from November to February and warm from March to May.
  • Language. You won’t have to worry about knowing a few Filipino words or none at all. Filipinos can fluently speak in English since it is widely used in the country and even taught in education. 
  • Tourist Spots. With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines is known for its various beautiful beaches, mountains, and other natural attractions that are perfect for nature lovers. 

Why Should You Work in the Philippines?

Here’s the reasons why you should work in the Philippines:

  • Work Hours. According to Article 83 of the Labor Code, employees should not work more than eight (8) hours a day, unless they will be required to perform paid overtime work. 
  • Compensation Benefits. This includes basic salary, which is paid monthly. Some companies provide allowances to their employees for transportation, meals, and housing, and also offer performance-based bonuses and other incentives.
  • Mandatory Government Benefits. Employees in the Philippines are entitled to mandatory government benefits, such as Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund). 
  • Holidays. The Philippines has a number of regular and special non-working holidays throughout the year. On regular holidays, employees are entitled to their regular daily wage even if they do not work. While on special non-working holidays, employees are entitled to 30% of their regular daily wage if they do not work.
  • Career Growth. Many companies in the Philippines offer opportunities for career growth and development. These opportunities may include training programs, mentorship programs, and opportunities for promotion.

Why Should You Live in the Philippines?

Here’s the reasons why you should live in the Philippines:

  • Low Cost of Living. Living in the Philippines is more affordable than living in Western countries and other Asian countries. Locally produced goods and services are cheaper due to lower labor costs, but expect the imported goods to be a little more expensive because of the shipment rates and currency exchange.
  • People. The Philippines is known for its hospitable citizens. It became part of their culture practice to be respectful and generous towards their visitors. Even if you are a resident in their country, you will still feel their warm and welcoming nature. 
  • Language. English is widely used in the country and even taught in schools. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about knowing a few Filipino words or none at all. Even the signage in the country has an English translation. However, it would still be appreciated if you will try to learn their language or know a few words. 
  • Lifestyle. With its natural scenery and outdoor entertainment, the country offers various activities that you might be interested in. The country also has several festivals that they celebrate, which really bring all of the neighbors together. If you like socializing, the Philippines is perfect for you with their friendly spirit. 
  • Transportation. The country has a lot of transportation choices—jeepneys, tricycles, buses, etc. Other than its public transportation, you may also drive in the country even if you are an expat. However, you should consider converting your foreign driver’s license into a Philippine driver’s license if you are staying longer in the country. Note that you can only use your foreign license ninety (90) days from the date of your arrival. 
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What are the Visa Free Countries in the Philippines?

Under Executive Order No. 408, s. 1960, individuals from countries listed below are allowed to enter the Philippines without a tourist visa, with a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less.

Andorra

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bhutan

Bolivia

Botswana

Brazil*

Brunei Darussalam

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

Colombia

Comoros

Congo

Costa Rica

Cote d’Ivoire

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador 

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Fiji

Finland

France

Gabon

Gambia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Ireland 

Israel*

Italy 

Jamaica

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kiribati

Kuwait 

Kyrgyzstan

Lao People’s Democratic Republic 

Latvia

Lesotho

Liberia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Madagascar

Malawi

Malysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Marshall Islands 

Mauritania

Mauritius 

Mexico

Micronesia

Monaco

Mongolia

Morocco

Mozambique

Myanmar

Namibia

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Norway 

Oman

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru 

Poland 

Portugal

Qatar

Republic of Korea

Romania

Russia

Rwand

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samao

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Seychelles

Singapore

Slovak Republic

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

South Africa

Spain

Suriname

Swaziland

Sweden 

Switzerland

Tajikistan

Thailand

Togo

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkemenistan

Tuvalu

Uganda

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 

United Republic of Tanzania

United States of America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Vatican 

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe 

     

Brazilian and Israeli citizens are given fifty-nine (59) days stay based on existing agreements. Additionally, you must have a valid return journey ticket and passport for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the period of your stay.

Need further information and assistance regarding Immigration and Philippine Visa? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 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.

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