Affidavit of Support for a Philippine Visa: Template, Requirements, and Notarization (Philippine Context)

This guide explains what an Affidavit of Support is, when it’s required for Philippine visa or immigration applications, who may sponsor, what to attach, and exact, fill-in-the-blanks templates you can use—plus how to get it properly notarized or apostilled. It’s written for use in or for the Philippines. It’s general information, not legal advice.

What is an Affidavit of Support (AOS)?

An Affidavit of Support (often titled “Affidavit of Support and Undertaking/Guarantee”) is a sworn statement by a sponsor (an individual or company) promising to financially support a foreign national’s stay in the Philippines and, if needed, to shoulder repatriation/exit costs. It also typically includes an undertaking to ensure compliance with Philippine immigration laws and the terms of the visa/stay.

In practice, consulates/embassies and the Bureau of Immigration accept an AOS as proof of financial capacity when the applicant cannot independently show sufficient funds, or when the specific visa type requires a sponsor’s undertaking (e.g., spouse petitions, student visas, certain extensions or conversions of stay).

When is an AOS commonly requested?

Temporary Visitor Visa (9(a)) / Tourist Visa filed abroad Useful when the traveler is invited and hosted by someone in the Philippines, or lacks strong personal finances.
Conversion to/Issuance of Resident or Non-quota visas (e.g., 13(a) by marriage to a Filipino) Often accompanied by the Filipino spouse’s affidavit of support.
Student Visa (9(f)) / Special Study Permit Typically requires a parent’s/guardian’s AOS and proof they can fund tuition and living costs.
Extensions of stay for temporary visitors at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) BI may request an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee for certain applicants lacking funds.
Minors traveling to or within the Philippines in specialized situations A support and consent affidavit may be required (separate rules can apply for Waiver of Exclusion Ground for unaccompanied minors).

Not every case needs an AOS. Requirements vary by post and visa type. If the applicant already shows ample funds, an AOS may be unnecessary; if the rules say a sponsor is required, then it’s mandatory.

Who can be a Sponsor?

Individuals

Filipino citizens (including dual citizens) residing in the Philippines.
Foreign residents in the Philippines with valid long-term status (e.g., ACR I-Card holders).
Family (spouse, parent, adult child, sibling) are the most straightforward sponsors. Some posts limit sponsorship to relatives; others accept close friends—this varies.

Companies

Philippine-registered entities hosting a business visitor, intern, or employee. A board resolution/Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the signatory is typically attached.

General rule of thumb: the sponsor must be legally identifiable, reachable at a Philippine address, and financially capable of what they promise.

Core Contents of an AOS

A strong affidavit clearly states:

Sponsor’s identity – full name, nationality, civil status, date of birth, Philippine address, contact number/email, gov’t ID/passport details.
Beneficiary’s identity – full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, home country address.
Relationship – spouse/parent/child/sibling/relative/friend; or employer/host company.
Purpose & duration – tourism, family visit, study, business; intended length of stay and (if relevant) address of accommodation.
Financial undertaking – which expenses are covered (e.g., round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, internal travel, insurance, tuition/allowance for students, repatriation if needed).
Guarantee of compliance – the beneficiary will follow Philippine laws and depart on or before visa/stay expiry.
Document list – the supporting papers attached.
Signature under oath (jurat) – properly notarized/consularized/apostilled as applicable.

What supporting documents are usually attached?

Attach copies that prove identity, relationship, residence, and financial capacity. Common sets:

For an individual sponsor (Philippines-based)

Valid government-issued ID (and passport, if available).
Proof of Philippine address (utility bill, lease, barangay or residence certificate).
Proof of relationship to the applicant (PSA birth/marriage certificates or other credible evidence). If friends, include an invitation letter explaining the relationship and history.
Financial capacity evidence (any mix of):
- Bank certificate and/or recent bank statements (typically 3–6 months).
- Income Tax Return/BIR Form 2316 (or 1701 for self-employed).
- Certificate of Employment with position, salary, tenure; or business registration (DTI/SEC), Mayor’s Permit.
- Property titles/other assets (optional).
Applicant’s passport bio page and tentative itinerary/flight reservation (if available).
Travel/medical insurance (if required by the post).

For a company sponsor

SEC/DTI registration, business permit, and TIN.
Secretary’s Certificate/Board Resolution authorizing the signatory to execute the AOS.
Company financials or bank certification (if requested).
Invitation on company letterhead with visit purpose and dates.
If sponsoring a student/trainee: include program details and allowance coverage.

For a parent/guardian of a student

Passport/ID, proof of income (COE with salary, bank statements, ITR), and relationship (PSA birth certificate).
If guardian (not parent), legal guardianship papers and consent from parents, if applicable.

There is no universal “minimum amount” published for sponsors; officers look for credible, sufficient capacity for the stated coverage and duration.

Notarization, Apostille, and Consularization

If the AOS is executed in the Philippines (to be used in the Philippines)

Sign the affidavit before a Philippine notary public (jurat).
Bring original ID the notary can verify; the notary will record Doc. No./Page/Book/Series.
Documentary stamp and notarial fee are handled by the notary; fees vary.

If the AOS is executed in the Philippines but will be used abroad (e.g., submitted to a Philippine embassy/consulate)

After local notarization, obtain a DFA Apostille so it will be recognized abroad (for Apostille-partner countries).
If the destination country is not in the Apostille Convention, route through DFA authentication and the relevant foreign embassy/consulate for consular legalization.

If the AOS is executed abroad for use in the Philippines

Two standard paths (confirm which the receiving office prefers):
1. Philippine Embassy/Consulate notarization (consular notarization), or
2. Local notarization + Apostille by that country’s competent authority (if it’s an Apostille country).

Wet-ink signatures are safest. Some offices accept e-notarization if valid in that jurisdiction, but many still require original signed copies.

Filing & Submission Tips

Exact names and numbers. Match full names, passport numbers, and dates across all documents.
Be specific in your undertakings (which expenses you cover, where the guest will stay, dates).
Keep it consistent with the visa application form and invitation letter.
Include contact details the officer can use to reach the sponsor quickly.
Translations. If any attachment isn’t in English or Filipino, attach a certified translation.
No false statements. Perjury and misrepresentation can lead to denial, blacklisting, and potential criminal/immigration exposure for both applicant and sponsor.
Originals vs. copies. Many posts accept notarized originals plus photocopies. Keep duplicates for your records.

Clean, Fill-in-the-Blanks Templates

Tailor the bracketed fields. Keep the text concise and truthful. Use Template A for most visitor cases, Template B for student/child support, and Template C for company sponsors.

Template A — Individual Sponsor (Visitor/Tourist)

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT AND UNDERTAKING

I, [FULL NAME], of legal age, [nationality], [civil status], with residence at [FULL PH ADDRESS],
and with [ID/Passport No. ____], after having been duly sworn, depose and state:

1. That I am the [relationship: spouse/parent/child/sibling/relative/friend] of
   [BENEFICIARY’S FULL NAME], [nationality], born on [DOB], holder of Passport No. [_____].

2. That [BENEFICIARY] intends to travel to the Philippines for [purpose] from approximately
   [start date] to [end date], and will stay at [accommodation and full address/contact].

3. That I undertake to faithfully and fully support [BENEFICIARY] during the said visit,
   including, as needed: round-trip airfare, accommodation, daily subsistence, domestic travel,
   travel/medical insurance, and any other necessary and incidental expenses.

4. That I further undertake to guarantee [BENEFICIARY]’s compliance with Philippine laws and
   immigration regulations, and to shoulder costs of repatriation/return travel if required.

5. Attached are copies of my identification and documents evidencing financial capacity,
   residence, and relationship to [BENEFICIARY].

I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing and for submission to the
[Philippine Embassy/Consulate/Bureau of Immigration] in support of [BENEFICIARY]’s [visa/extension] application.

[City], Philippines, [date].

____________________________
[NAME OF SPONSOR]
Contact: [mobile/email]

JURAT

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [date] in [city/province], Philippines,
affiant exhibiting [ID Type/No., date & place of issuance]. I further certify that I
personally examined the affiant and that he/she voluntarily executed and understood this affidavit.

Doc. No. _____;
Page No. _____;
Book No. _____;
Series of _____.

Template B — Parent/Guardian Sponsor (Student/Minor)

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT (PARENT/GUARDIAN)

I, [PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME], of legal age, [nationality], [civil status], residing at [address],
with [ID/Passport No. ____], after being duly sworn, state:

1. I am the [father/mother/legal guardian] of [STUDENT/MINOR NAME], [nationality],
   born on [DOB], Passport No. [_____].

2. [He/She] intends to [study/visit] in the Philippines at [school/program or purpose]
   from [start date] to [end date].

3. I undertake to provide full financial support for tuition/fees, books, board and lodging,
   daily allowance, insurance, travel expenses, and any emergency or repatriation costs.

4. Attached are proof of my identity and financial capacity [bank certificate/statements,
   certificate of employment/ITR/business papers], and proof of relationship [PSA certificate/guardianship order].

Executed for submission to the [Philippine Embassy/Consulate/BI] in support of [application type].

[City/Country], [date].

____________________________
[NAME OF PARENT/GUARDIAN]
Contact: [mobile/email]

[JURAT/CONSULAR NOTARIZATION/LOCAL APOSTILLE BLOCK, AS APPLICABLE]

Template C — Company Sponsor (Business Visitor/Training)

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT AND GUARANTEE (CORPORATE)

I, [AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY NAME], of legal age, [nationality], with office at [company address],
after being duly sworn, state:

1. I am the [position] of [COMPANY NAME], a corporation duly organized under Philippine law,
   with SEC Reg. No. [____], TIN [____].

2. [COMPANY NAME] is inviting/hosting [BENEFICIARY FULL NAME], [nationality], Passport No. [____],
   to the Philippines for [business meetings/training/project], expected from [start] to [end].

3. The Company undertakes to shoulder [accommodation/allowance/internal transport/insurance/
   airfare/repatriation as needed] and to ensure compliance with Philippine immigration laws.

4. Attached are corporate documents (SEC/DTI, Mayor’s Permit), a Secretary’s Certificate/Board
   Resolution authorizing me to execute this affidavit, and itinerary/visit program.

Executed for submission to the [Philippine Embassy/Consulate/BI] in support of the [visa/extension] application.

[City], Philippines, [date].

For and on behalf of [COMPANY NAME]:

____________________________
[AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY]
[Position] | Contact: [email/phone]

[JURAT / NOTARIAL BLOCK]

How to Execute and Legalize Properly

Draft the affidavit using the right template; keep statements truthful and specific.
Prepare attachments (clear copies; originals for inspection if asked).
Sign before a notary (Philippines) or at a Philippine embassy/consulate abroad, or use local notary + Apostille if abroad and accepted.
If the document will cross borders, obtain the DFA Apostille (Philippines-issued) or the foreign apostille/consular legalization (foreign-issued), depending on where it will be used.
Bundle the affidavit and attachments with the visa/immigration application package.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Vague promises → Clearly list expenses covered and the dates/places.
Missing proof of relationship → Attach PSA documents or credible evidence (photos, messages, prior travel) if allowed.
Insufficient capacity → Provide multiple proofs (bank + COE/ITR + business papers).
Inconsistent details across forms, tickets, hotel bookings → Cross-check before filing.
Wrong legalization path → If in doubt, choose consular notarization at a Philippine embassy/consulate or the Apostille route that matches where the document will be filed.
Expired IDs/old bank statements → Use recent documents.
False or exaggerated statements → Risk of refusal, blacklisting, and possible criminal liability for perjury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is an Affidavit of Support always required? No. It’s case-specific. It is crucial when the visa type requires a sponsor (e.g., spouse/student) or when the applicant’s own finances are weak.

Can a friend sponsor me? Sometimes yes, but **some posts accept only relatives as sponsors. If friends are allowed, provide a convincing relationship history and strong financials.

Is there a fixed amount the sponsor must show? No published universal minimum. Officers look for realistic coverage for the entire stay (and flight home).

Do we need original signatures? Best practice is wet-ink originals. Some offices allow scanned copies initially but require originals later.

How long is an AOS valid? There’s no formal validity period, but using it within 3 months of notarization is common sense. Refresh financial statements if they age out.

What if the beneficiary overstays? The sponsor’s credibility can be affected in future filings; false statements can attract liability. Always sponsor responsibly.

Quick Checklists

Individual Sponsor

Signed, notarized AOS (Template A)
Sponsor ID & proof of address
Proof of relationship / invitation letter
Financial proofs (bank/COE/ITR/business)
Applicant’s passport copy, itinerary, insurance (if required)
Apostille/consularization if document will be used abroad

Parent/Guardian for Student

AOS (Template B) + proof of relationship
Financial proofs (bank + COE/ITR)
School acceptance/supporting papers
Notarization + Apostille/consularization as needed

Company Sponsor

AOS (Template C)
SEC/DTI, permits, TIN
Secretary’s Certificate/Board Resolution
Itinerary/visit program; if covering airfare/insurance, say so clearly
Proper notarization/legalization

Final Notes

Always align the affidavit wording with the visa category and the receiving office’s checklist.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
When in doubt about legalization (Apostille vs. consular notarization), use the option that matches where the affidavit will be filed.

If you want, I can adapt one of the templates to your exact case (visa type, relationship, dates, and what you’ll cover) and format it as a ready-to-print PDF.