At Duran & Duran-Schulze Law, we specializes in immigration and investment law. With our assistance, we can streamline your application process and increase the chances of your approval from the Bureau of Immigration (BI). We also provide legal advice on the eligibility criteria and requirements for obtaining a Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV).
Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
The Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon endorsement by the Boards of Investment. It grants foreign investors to live in the Philippines with multiple entry privileges, providing that their investments within the country are being maintained.
To obtain this visa, investors are required to remit a minimum of US $75,000 into the Philippines and invest this capital in economically beneficial activities outlined in Book V of the Omnibus Investments Code as amended by Executive Order No. 226.
The SIRV applicant can remit their investments through any accredited depository banks in the Philippines, such as the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible to apply for a Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)?
Foreign nationals aged twenty-one (21) or above are eligible to apply for an SIRV and must meet the following qualifications:
- No convictions for morally unjust crimes;
- No presence of dangerous or contagious diseases;
- No history of institutionalization for mental disorders or disabilities;
- Holder of a tourist visa with at least one (1) month validity; and
- Able to invest a minimum of US $75,000.
Can a dependent apply for a Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)?
Yes, you may include your dependents or beneficiaries, such as spouses and child/children under twenty-one (21) years old. However, if your child/children reaches the age of 21, the SIRV will no longer be honored and they will be required to downgrade their visa or secure another visa if they wish to continue residing in the Philippines.
What are the allowable forms of investment under the SIRV program?
For purposes of securing an SIRV, investments/shares of stocks in existing, new or proposed corporations shall be allowed/accepted as eligible forms of investment:
- Publicly-listed companies;
- Companies engaged in areas listed in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) of the Board of Investments;
- Companies engaged in the manufacturing and services sectors;
- Companies whose activities fall in any of the major sectoral classifications under the services sectoral classification lists which are based on the UN Central Product Classification; and
- Government securities.
Can I invest in a restaurant business?
No. A restaurant business is considered retail trading which is not included in the eligible forms of investment.
What is the validity period of a Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)?
The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) is valid for three (3) years and can be renewed for every three (3) years whose investments are in any of the following:
- Companies registered with the Board of Investment (BOI), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Authority (CDA), and other economic zones; or
- Condominiums (SIRV holders under the old rules) and shares of stocks in publicly-listed corporations with annotation of a lien on Condominium Certificate of Titles/Stock Certificate.
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Can Help
Documentation Assistance
We assists our clients with the preparation and compilation of required documentation for the SIRV application. This may include drafting and reviewing investment plans, supporting financial documents, and other necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Board of Investments (BOI) requirements.
Legal Representation
Our competent lawyers represent our clients before government agencies involved in the SIRV application process, such as the BI and BOI. They also advocate for our clients’ interests, address any inquiries or issues that may arise during the application process, and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
Investment Guidance
With our expertise and knowledge, we provide guidance on investment options and assists our clients in navigating the investment landscape in the Philippines. We also help our clients identify suitable investment opportunities that meet the criteria for the SIRV program and ensure that investments are structured appropriately.
