Philippines SRRV Classic visa requirements
The Philippines' retirement visa, the SRRV Classic, is open from age 40: a lifetime pension of $800 a month and a $15,000 bank deposit from age 50, or $30,000 with no pension.
What the law asks for, what the government charges, and how the application runs. Checked against the Philippines' official sources on Oct 7, 2026.
- Minimum income
- $800/mo A lifetime pension, such as US Social Security, the UK State Pension or a company pension, plus a $15,000 deposit from age 50 ($25,000 at 40 to 49). Philippine Retirement Authority; PRA citizen's charter; PRA Citizen's Charter 2025. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Alternative
- $1,000/mo If your spouse or children apply with you. Philippine Retirement Authority; PRA citizen's charter; PRA Citizen's Charter 2025. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Savings
- $30,000 a deposit in a PRA-accredited Philippine bank if you have no pension, from age 50; $50,000 at 40 to 49. Philippine Retirement Authority; PRA citizen's charter; PRA Citizen's Charter 2025. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Residency
- Indefinite stay Philippine Retirement Authority; PRA citizen's charter; PRA Citizen's Charter 2025. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Government fees
- $1,500 PRA processing fee. Philippine Retirement Authority. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Per dependent
- $300 PRA processing fee, each spouse or child. Philippine Retirement Authority. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
Who qualifies for the SRRV Classic visa
The Philippine Retirement Authority's SRRV Classic is open from age 40 and gives an indefinite stay. Everyone places a dollar deposit in a Philippine bank: $15,000 from age 50 with a lifetime pension, $30,000 without one, and twice that at 40 to 49.
You need $800 a month: a lifetime pension, such as US Social Security, the UK State Pension or a company pension, plus a $15,000 deposit from age 50 ($25,000 at 40 to 49). If your spouse or children apply with you, the minimum is $1,000.
The deposit must reach the PRA-accredited bank as an inward remittance from a bank abroad.
After the visa is issued, the deposit can be turned into a condominium bought in your name or a lease of at least 25 years, worth at least $50,000.
Holders of a 9A visa marked 'No Conversion', and people who entered on the visa for holders of US, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or UK visas, cannot apply directly.
SRRV Classic visa documents
This visa
- Passport, with a tourist visa valid for at least 30 days that can be converted
- SRRV application form, typed and signed
- Medical certificate on the PRA form, with results, from any hospital in the Philippines or abroad, valid 6 months
- Police clearance from your country of origin or last residence abroad, for every applicant 18 and over, valid 6 months
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate
- NBI clearance, only if you stayed in the Philippines 90 days or more before applying
- Certificate of the visa deposit from a PRA-accredited bank
- Proof of a lifetime pension of at least $800 a month (single) or $1,000 (with dependents), if you apply as a pensioner
- Marriage certificate for a spouse, birth or adoption papers for a child
- 8 ID photos, 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 3 months
Philippine Retirement Authority; PRA citizen's charter. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
Documents issued abroad, such as the police clearance, proof of pension and marriage or birth certificates, must be translated into English if needed and apostilled by the issuing country or authenticated by the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate. Ask your lawyer whether a document must also be translated.
SRRV Classic visa fees
| PRA processing fee, principal applicant | $1,500 |
| PRA processing fee, each spouse or child | $300 |
| PRA annual fee, covering you and up to 2 dependents | $360 |
| Annual fee for each dependent beyond 2 | $100 |
Philippine Retirement Authority. Checked Oct 7, 2026. Lawyer and agency fees are not set by law; ask for a fixed written quote.
How the application runs
- Gather documents at homePolice clearance and proof of pension, translated into English and apostilled.
- Enter on a tourist visaYou must be in the Philippines for the whole application, on a tourist visa valid at least 30 days.
- Medical and clearancesMedical exam on the PRA form and the Bureau of Immigration clearance; an NBI clearance if you stayed 90 days or more.
- Send the depositRemit it from a bank abroad to a PRA-accredited bank, which issues the deposit certificate.
- File with PRA and payFile at PRA's office, attend a short interview and pay $1,500 plus the first $360 annual fee. PRA states 30 to 45 working days.
- Oath and visaPRA endorses you to the Bureau of Immigration, then you take an oath and receive the visa and PRA ID card.
Spouses and children
Your spouse (any age) and unmarried children under 21 can join you. The deposit covers you and 2 dependents; each further dependent adds $15,000. If the principal retiree dies, the spouse may keep the resident retiree status.
Philippine Retirement Authority; PRA citizen's charter; PRA Citizen's Charter 2025. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
Other ways to live in the Philippines
SRRV Courtesy
For former Filipino citizens and for retired diplomats, officers of international organisations recognised by the Philippines, retired military personnel who gave military aid or training to the Philippines under a defense treaty, and high achievers. Deposit $1,500 from age 50; at 40 to 49, $3,000 to $6,000. Annual fee $50 to $100.
Philippine Retirement Authority. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
SRRV Classic visa questions
Can I retire in the Philippines on Social Security alone?
Yes, if it pays at least $800 a month ($1,000 if a spouse or children apply with you): Social Security is a lifetime pension, which is what the SRRV Classic asks for. You also place a $15,000 deposit from age 50, or $25,000 at 40 to 49.
What are the requirements for retiring in the Philippines?
For the SRRV Classic: age 40 or over, a deposit in a PRA-accredited bank, a police clearance and a medical certificate, and either proof of a lifetime pension or a larger deposit ($30,000 from age 50 without a pension). Fees are $1,500 plus $360 a year.
Do I need a lawyer or agent?
No. You file at the Philippine Retirement Authority's office yourself; applicants who use an accredited marketer add a registration form signed by both.
Can the deposit be used to buy property?
Yes, after the visa is issued: PRA can convert the deposit into a condominium bought in your name, or a lease of at least 25 years on a condominium, townhouse or house, worth at least $50,000.
