Philippines SIRV in 2026: Residence for a US$75,000 Investment

01

Who runs the SIRV?

The Board of Investments (BOI) runs it under Book V of the Omnibus Investments Code (Executive Order 226). You file with BOI's Incentives Administration Service in Makati (BOI Q&A).

02

Who can apply?

Any foreign national aged 21 or over who has no conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude, meets the health tests, can invest at least US$75,000 in an eligible form, and holds a tourist visa with at least one month left. Nationals of countries the foreign affairs department rules out are excluded (BOI FAQ).

03

How the investment works

Step 1: remit. You write to BOI saying you intend to apply. BOI gives you a letter to an accredited bank, and you remit the money into a time deposit there. The Q&A names Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank, EastWest Bank and Security Bank branches. The deposit earns interest at the bank's rate.

Step 2: probationary visa. The probationary SIRV lasts six months. You must show proof of investment at least 30 days before those 180 days run out. Late investment carries a penalty of P1,000 plus P100 a day.

Step 3: invest. The bank pays the money by check straight to the company you invest in, or to a stockbroker. Eligible investments are shares in:

• publicly listed companies;
• companies in areas on BOI's Strategic Investment Priorities Plan;
• companies in manufacturing or services;

or government securities, held for at least one year.

Wholesale trading and condominium units no longer qualify. Nor do restaurants, which count as retail.

Step 4: convert. With proof of the investment, BOI converts you to an indefinite SIRV.

Already invested? If you remitted at least US$75,000 in the 12 months before applying, BOI may issue the indefinite visa straight away, subject to Board approval.

04

What does it cost?

The application fee is the peso equivalent of US$300 per person. An SIRV ID card costs P2,000 per person, and you show it to immigration on every exit and entry.

05

Which family members are included?

Only your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as dependants.

06

How does the SRRV compare?

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is for retirees aged 40 and over. Under SRRV Classic, you place a dollar deposit with a PRA-accredited bank, sent from a bank abroad (PRA).

The pension test is US$800 a month for a single applicant, or US$1,000 with dependants. The deposit covers you and two dependants, and each extra dependant adds US$15,000. PRA charges an application fee of US$1,500 for the principal and US$300 for each dependant, plus an annual fee of US$360 (PRA checklist).

In our view, the SRRV suits retirees who want a simple deposit. The SIRV suits younger families who are ready to own shares in a Philippine business.

07

FAQ