A question I get from many guys who plan to live here long term is which visa should they get, the 13a or SRRV? In case you didn’t know 13a is the official name for the Philippine marriage visa and the SRRV stands for Special Resident Retiree Visa. Actually, there are many types of SRRV visas but for this article we’ll only talk about the two most commonly used ones. The SRRV Classic and the SRRV Expanded Courtesy for Veterans.
The SRRV is Best for Vets
If you are a vet with an honorable discharge, a pension, and are 50 or older then the SRRV Expanded Courtesy is definitely your best bet. Why? Because the SRRV is yours whereas the 13a is attached to your wife which means if your relationship goes south you could face immigration challenges. On top of that, it only costs $10 a year to renew and you have all the permanent residency rights and privileges.
Benefits of the SRRV Vets Visa
- Multiple Entry/Exit Privileges (come and go as you please)
- Exemption from normal Bureau of Immigration Requirements allowing your work, study, or invest in the Philippines
- Discounts at PRA-Accredited Partners
- Free PRA Newsletter Subscription
- Free Assistance with Gov Agency Transactions
- Access to PhilHealth Benefits
Requirements to Get the SRRV Vets Visa
- Be at least 50 or older
- Have an apostilled copy of your DD-214
- Have apostilled evidence of a pension that’s at least $800 a month
- Apostilled police clearance
- Deposit $1,500 in an accredited bank
- $1,400 application fee
- $10 annual renewal fee
The 13A is Best for Almost Everyone Else
If you’re not a Vet then the SRRV Classic would have to be the option and its requirements are a bit onerous. The 13a is pretty straightforward and has some strong advantages. Let’s talk about the benefits of a 13a marriage visa.
Advantages of the 13a Visa
- No age requirement
- No deposit necessary
- Gain permanent residency in the Philippines
- No income requirement (although they may ask you to prove you can support yourself and your family)
- Affordable (only costs about $130)
13a vs SRRV Comparison Chart
| Feature / Benefit | SRRV Classic | 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Age Restriction | Foreign nationals aged 50 and above | None |
| Investment Requirement | $10,000 to $20,000 plus pension or other requirements | None, but must prove genuine marriage |
| Validity and Renewal | $360 renewal fee but permanent | Initially 1 year, renewable for 1 to 10 years, then indefinite |
| Can work? | Yes | Must apply for a separate Alien Employment Permit (AEP) |
| Dependents | Can include spouse and unmarried children under 21 | Can include minor children |
| Multiple Entry Privilege | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Exemptions | Exempt from customs duties and taxes for one-time importation of personal effects up to $7,000 | None specifically for visa holders |
| Repatriation of Funds | Allowed | Allowed |
| Conversion to Other Visa Types | Not typically applicable | Not typically applicable |
| Educational Benefits | Access to educational institutions for dependents | Access to educational institutions for dependents |
| Travel Restrictions | None | None |
| Healthcare | Can participate in the national health insurance (PhilHealth) | Can participate in the national health insurance (PhilHealth) |
| Other Privileges | Exemption from securing the ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) | Requires securing the ACR I-Card |
| Application Fee | $1,400 | P8,620 ( ≈$135) |
As you can see the 13a is a lot cheaper, easier to get and has nearly identical benefits for the average retiree.
Who The SRRV Classic is Good For
The only people who I think the SRRV is good for is a well-off single retiree who wants to buy a condo in Manila or Cebu. I say that because the only thing the Philippine Retirement Authority allows you to use your 20k deposit for is to buy a condo that costs at least $50,000. Otherwise, the benefits of the SRRV don’t outweigh the costs. That is unless your relationship with your wife isn’t so strong. LOL!
Additionally, those who are not married and don’t want the precariousness of constantly extending a tourist visa might also benefit from the SRRV Classic
Requirements for the SRRV Classic
- Be at least 50 years or older
- $20,000 deposit in an accredited bank
- $1,400 application fee
- $360 annual renewal fee
- Apostiled proof of pension
- Apostiled police clearance
Benefits of the SRRV Classic
- Multiple Entry/Exit Privileges (come and go as you please)
- Exemption from normal Bureau of Immigration Requirements allowing your work, study, or invest in the Philippines
- Discounts at PRA-Accredited Partners
- Free PRA Newsletter Subscription
- Free Assistance with Gov Agency Transactions
- Access to PhilHealth Benefits
How to Apply for the 13a and SRRV Visas in the Philippines
So the next logical question would be, “how do I apply for these visas”. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for both.
Applying for the 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa
The 13a visa is designed for foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens. It allows the holder to reside permanently in the Philippines.
Requirements:
- Marriage Certificate: Original and photocopy.
- Birth Certificate of Filipino spouse: Original and photocopy.
- Passport: Valid passport with at least six months of validity and photocopy of the biographical page.
- NBI Clearance: For applicants who have stayed in the Philippines for over six months.
- Police Clearance: From the applicant’s home country, authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.
- Proof of Financial Capacity: Evidence of the ability to support oneself and dependents.
- Medical Examination: Completed by a Bureau of Quarantine-accredited physician.
- Application Form: Completed and signed.
Procedure:
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, ensuring they are authenticated where necessary.
- Submit Application: Visit the Bureau of Immigration (BI) office. Submit the application form along with the required documents.
- Interview: Attend the scheduled interview with your Filipino spouse.
- Pay Fees: Pay the necessary fees for processing and issuance.
- Wait for Processing: The initial visa is valid for one year, during which the application for permanent status is processed.
- Receive Visa: After one year, apply for permanent residency. If approved, the visa will be converted to permanent status.
Applying for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
The SRRV is a visa for foreign nationals who wish to retire in the Philippines. It is managed by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
Requirements:
- Deposit: Required bank deposit based on age and pension:
- $10,000 for those with a pension and aged 50+.
- $20,000 for those without a pension but aged 50+.
- Passport: Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- Application Form: Completed and signed.
- Medical Examination: Completed by a Bureau of Quarantine-accredited physician in the Philippines
- Police Clearance (apostilled): From the applicant’s home country, authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.
- Proof of Pension (apostilled): From the applicant’s home country, authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.
- Photos: Passport-sized photographs.
Procedure:
- Open a Bank Account: Deposit the required amount in a PRA-accredited bank.
- Submit Application: Visit the PRA office. Submit the application form and required documents.
- Pay Fees: Pay the processing fees.
- Medical Examination: Complete the medical examination and submit the results.
- Receive SRRV: Once approved, you will receive the SRRV, which allows multiple entries and indefinite stay in the Philippines.
Conclusion:
By far most married retirees are on the 13a Marriage Visa. It’s easier to get, cheaper, and has the same benefits as the SRRV. The only people the SRRV would be a good fit for are single, well-off retirees, or veterans. The SRRV just doesn’t make sense for anyone else. Those who are under 50 can extend their tourist visas for up to 36 months. The Philippine immigration system is just a bit archaic and hasn’t caught up with the current trend of younger working-age expats coming here to live.
Have your SRRV or 13a done for you
