Permanent Residency Options in the Philippines for Foreign Nationals With Dependents

This article explains the main pathways to permanent (or indefinite) residence in the Philippines that allow family members to accompany or “derive” status from the principal applicant. It reflects general practice and statute/regulatory frameworks commonly applied by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), the Board of Investments (BOI), and related agencies. Specific requirements, fees, deposit amounts, and processing times change periodically; always confirm the latest implementing rules directly with the relevant agency before filing.

Key concepts you’ll see across categories

Principal vs. dependents. “Dependents” usually means the lawful spouse and unmarried minor children (commonly under 21) of the principal. Some categories (notably retirement visas) recognize additional dependents (e.g., parents) subject to conditions.
Immigrant vs. special resident visas. Classic Section 13 “immigrant” visas are under the Philippine Immigration Act (Commonwealth Act No. 613) and lead to true permanent residence after a probationary period in some cases. “Special resident” visas (e.g., SRRV, SIRV, SVEG) are indefinite as long as conditions continue to be met (e.g., investment maintained, retirement deposit kept, employment generation sustained).
ACR I-Card & Annual Report. Most long-stay foreign nationals must hold an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card and complete an Annual Report to BI (typically within January–March each year). Children may need their own ACR cards once issued derivative status.
Exit & re-entry permits. Check if you or your dependents need an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) or Re-Entry Permit (RP)/Special Return Certificate (SRC) before departure. Rules vary by status and length of stay.
Work authorization. “Immigrant” residents may work without a separate visa, though Aliens Employment Permit (AEP) rules from DOLE and other sectoral licenses can still apply. Most “special resident” visas are not work visas by themselves; if the holder will engage in employment, an AEP and sometimes a visa conversion/change of status or additional authority may be required.
Tax basics. A resident alien is generally taxed on Philippine-sourced income only, while a non-resident alien is taxed differently. Immigration status is not identical to tax residency; coordinate immigration planning with tax advice.
Good moral character & clearances. Police/NBI clearances, medical exams, and proof of financial capacity are common across pathways.

A. Section 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (Marriage to a Filipino)

Who qualifies (principal): A foreign national legally married to a Filipino citizen (valid, subsisting marriage). Dependents: The foreign spouse is the principal; the Filipino spouse is not a “dependent.” Unmarried minor children (often including the foreign spouse’s minor children) can usually be included as derivative 13(a) holders.

Key points

Probationary then permanent. If applying in-country (e.g., from a tourist visa), BI commonly grants a one-year probationary 13(a); after compliance and continued cohabitation, it can be converted to permanent.
Documents typically required: Marriage certificate (PSA copy if married in the Philippines or duly authenticated if abroad), proof of cohabitation and financial capacity, police clearance from country of residence and NBI clearance (if already in PH), medical exam, passport with sufficient validity, photos, and BI forms/fees.
Work & study: Once admitted as an immigrant, the foreign spouse may engage in work or business (subject to AEP and sectoral rules). Derivative children may study.
What can derail the visa: Annulment/divorce (if recognized), separation in fact, failure to maintain good standing, or criminal/immigration violations can trigger cancellation. Children age out (commonly at 21) and must shift to their own status.

Typical path for dependents

File derivative 13(a) for each eligible child with birth certificates and proof of custody/consent where applicable.
Renew ACR I-Cards and complete Annual Reports for each dependent.

B. Section 13 (Quota) Immigrant Visa

Who qualifies (principal): Foreign nationals who meet stringent suitability criteria (e.g., high education, special qualification, or exceptional ability, plus financial capacity and good moral character) and who fall within the annual quota (traditionally up to 50 per nationality, subject to availability).

Dependents: Spouse and unmarried minor children may obtain derivative immigrant status.

Key points

Genuine permanent residence. Once admitted under the quota, the status is permanent, with standard ACR/BI obligations.
Practical challenge: Quota slots are limited and requirements are comparatively strict. Strong documentary evidence and, often, in-country presence help.
Loss of eligibility: Fraud/misrepresentation, criminal conduct, or becoming a public charge can jeopardize status. Children age out as usual.

C. Returning Former Filipino / Certain Other 13-Series Categories

Some 13-series immigrant categories exist for children of Filipino citizens, certain returning former Filipinos (including those who became foreign citizens before the advent or use of dual citizenship), and other specific family-linked situations. Where a foreign national principal qualifies (e.g., under a category allowing a former Filipino or child to immigrate with foreign family), derivative status for spouse and minor children may be available.

Note: Since these sub-categories are highly fact-specific (birth circumstances, citizenship history, timing), seek individualized advice and verify the exact subsection that applies and what evidence BI currently requires.

D. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) — PRA

Who qualifies (principal): Foreign nationals meeting age and deposit/income requirements under the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) programs (e.g., SRRV Classic, Courtesy, Human Touch, etc.). Each program type sets a time deposit (or property/investment substitute) and sometimes pension thresholds.

Dependents: Usually the spouse and unmarried minor children can join under the principal’s SRRV. Certain programs allow additional dependents (e.g., parents) under stricter conditions or higher deposits.

Key points

Indefinite stay while compliant. SRRV grants multiple-entry and indefinite stay as long as PRA membership, the qualifying deposit/investment, and program conditions are maintained.
Conversion to property. Some SRRV options allow using part of the time deposit to purchase a condominium (subject to floors/ceilings and PRA approval).
Work/business. SRRV is not a work visa. Employment generally requires an AEP (and sometimes a change/augmentation of status). Business ownership without employment is treated differently—get advice before acting.
Education & domestic life. Dependents can study; families can live long-term in the Philippines without frequent renewals typical of tourist visas.
Program variations. Deposit amounts and admissible dependents vary by SRRV type and are subject to change; confirm current charts with PRA before deciding.

E. Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) — BOI / Related Regimes

Who qualifies (principal): Foreign nationals who invest at least the minimum qualifying amount (traditionally a USD-denominated threshold) in qualified enterprises (e.g., in manufacturing, certain services, or publicly listed securities that meet program rules). The program is administered with the Board of Investments (BOI) and coordinated with BI.

Dependents: Spouse and unmarried minor children usually qualify as SIRV dependents.

Key points

Indefinite residence while investment subsists. The visa remains valid as long as the qualifying investment is maintained and reporting conditions are met.
Due diligence on targets. Investments must comply with Foreign Investment Negative List restrictions and SIRV guidelines. Maintain evidence of remittance, purchase, and ongoing compliance.
Exit of investment. Disposing of, or falling below, the qualifying threshold can end the residence. Plan transitions early to avoid a gap for dependents.

F. Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)

Who qualifies (principal): Foreign nationals who directly employ at least ten (10) full-time Filipino workers in a lawful and sustainable business in the Philippines, subject to documentary proof and monitoring.

Dependents: Spouse and unmarried minor children can be granted dependent SVEG.

Key points

Residence tied to jobs. The visa’s validity hinges on continuing employment generation. Falling below the threshold risks cancellation for the principal and dependents.
Compliance & audits. Expect periodic verification (payroll, SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG contributions, contracts). Maintain meticulous HR and tax records.

G. Special Economic/Freeport-Based Resident Visas

Certain investment promotion agencies and freeport authorities (e.g., Subic, Clark, others) administer resident visas for qualifying investors, executives, or employees. These may allow dependent visas for spouse and minor children.

Key points

Jurisdiction-specific rules. Eligibility, documentary requirements, and the durability of residence (often tied to continued employment/investment within the zone) vary by authority.
Portability. Some freeport visas are geographically or employer-linked; moving outside the zone or changing employers can trigger a status review.

H. Humanitarian, Refugee, and Statelessness Pathways

The Philippines recognizes refugees and stateless persons under international and domestic frameworks. Successful recognition can lead to long-term or permanent residence solutions, and family unity principles often support derivative status for spouses and minor children.

Key points

Case-by-case adjudication. These are non-routine and documentation-heavy (UNHCR/DOJ participation may occur). Legal representation is advisable.

I. Practical Planning for Families (What to expect and how to prepare)

Choose the right anchor. If married to a Filipino, 13(a) is usually the most straightforward path to permanence. If not, consider Quota 13, SIRV, SVEG, SRRV, or a freeport option matching your profile.
Sequence & location. Many pathways can be filed in-country (visa conversion) or from abroad (consular filing). Consular issuance followed by entry can simplify some steps; in-country conversion is convenient for those already present.
Gather core documents early.
- Passports (with ample validity), birth/marriage certificates (PSA or apostilled/legalized), police clearances, medical certificates, proof of funds/income, and—if applicable—investment/retirement proofs (bank certificates, remittance slips, share purchase docs, corporate registrations).
- Parental consent/custody papers for children traveling without both parents or where prior marriages exist.
Mind age-outs. Derivative child benefits generally end at 21 (check your category). Plan a status shift (e.g., student visa, work route, or independent resident option) in advance.
Keep everyone in status. Calendar ACR I-Card validity, Annual Report window, and any program filings (PRA updates, BOI/SIRV reports). Maintain health insurance and consider letters of guarantee where programs require them (e.g., certain SRRV types).
Know when employment triggers extra steps. If the principal or spouse will work, expect AEP requirements and, sometimes, visa amendments—especially under special resident categories.
Travel smart. Before international trips, check if you need an ECC and ensure your RP/SRC (for re-entry) is current. Keep dependents’ documents synchronized with the principal’s.
Tax & corporate coordination. Align immigration choices with tax residency, withholding, corporate structuring, and property ownership (foreign ownership rules differ for land vs. condominium units).
Name and civil status consistency. Ensure passports, birth/marriage certificates, and local civil registry entries match; discrepancies can delay or derail filings.

J. Comparison Snapshot (family-centric view)

Pathway	Nature of Stay	Typical Family Coverage	Core Ongoing Condition	Work by Principal
13(a) (spouse of Filipino)	Permanent after probation	Children as derivatives	Good standing; valid marriage	Allowed (AEP/sector rules may apply)
13 (Quota)	Permanent	Spouse + minor children	Maintain admissibility; quota slot	Allowed (AEP/sector rules may apply)
SRRV (retiree)	Indefinite while compliant	Spouse + minor kids (some allow parents)	Maintain deposit/investment; PRA compliance	Not a work visa; AEP/changes needed for employment
SIRV (investor)	Indefinite while investment subsists	Spouse + minor children	Maintain qualifying investment/BOI reporting	Business/board roles common; employment may need AEP
SVEG (employment generation)	Indefinite while employing ≥10 Filipinos	Spouse + minor children	Sustain required jobs; compliance checks	Centered on operating business
Freeport/IPA visas	Typically indefinite/long-term but tied to zone/employer	Spouse + minor children	Stay employed/invested in the zone	Usually permitted within program terms

K. Filing Mechanics (BI/PRA/BOI essentials)

Bureau of Immigration (BI)
- Where: Main office (Intramuros, Manila) or authorized field offices; some filings via accredited liaison officers.
- How: Submit application forms, supporting docs, pay fees, biometrics for ACR I-Cards; attend interview as required.
- Processing: Probationary/permanent grants, I-Card release, Annual Report.
Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
- Where/How: PRA offices; open an account for time deposit (unless using eligible substitution), PRA membership, endorsement to BI for SRRV stamping/I-Card.
- Ongoing: Maintain deposit/investment, report changes in dependents, renew ID as required.
Board of Investments (BOI) / SIRV
- How: Pre-clear investment type; remit funds through proper banking channels; documentary proof of investment; BOI endorsement to BI for SIRV; periodic reporting.

L. Common Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Expired or mismatched civil docs. Use PSA copies where applicable; apostille/legalize foreign-issued records. Names/birth dates must match across all documents.
Overstays/visa gaps. Convert status before tourist/admission expires. Keep I-Cards current.
Assuming kids can “ride along” indefinitely. Plan for the 21st birthday well ahead.
Working without proper authority. Secure an AEP and check if your visa class allows it or needs amending.
Letting deposits/investments lapse. For SRRV/SIRV/SVEG, your status ends if the qualifying condition ends.
Ignoring Annual Report/ECC rules. These are frequent stumbling blocks at departure or during compliance checks.

M. Strategic Recommendations for Families

If married to a Filipino: Pursue 13(a) for the foreign spouse and derivatives for the children. It’s the clearest route to permanence with broad rights.
If not married and seeking permanence: Consider Quota 13 if qualified; otherwise, compare SIRV (investment-oriented), SVEG (business with job creation), or SRRV (retirement profile).
If already investing or employing locally: Align the visa with your existing economic footprint (SIRV/SVEG/freeport), then bolt on dependents.
If your children are teens: Factor in the age-out horizon—some families stagger filings or plan transition routes (student/work) for older children.
If considering work: Choose a path that minimizes friction with AEP and sectoral licensing (13-series often best).

N. Document Checklist (family version – general guide)

Passports (≥12–18 months validity recommended) for all applicants
Birth certificates of each child; marriage certificate of spouses
Police clearance(s) from country of residence; NBI clearance if in the Philippines beyond threshold stay
Medical certificate(s) as required by program/BI
Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, income letters)
For SRRV: PRA membership forms, time deposit/pension proofs or property documents
For SIRV: bank remittance proofs, investment contracts, share certificates, BOI filings
For SVEG: payroll/SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG proofs, employment roster, business permits, tax filings
Photos, completed application forms, fee payments, and (if applicable) letters of consent for minors

O. Final Notes

“Permanent” in Philippine immigration law can mean immigrant status (13-series) or indefinite residence granted by special programs (SRRV/SIRV/SVEG), each with different rights and conditions.
Dependents generally mirror the principal’s validity and lose status if the principal’s basis ends.
Because thresholds (deposits, investment amounts, fees) and documentary rules change, verify the latest BI/PRA/BOI circulars before filing.
Coordinate immigration steps with tax, employment, and corporate compliance from the outset—especially for families operating businesses or employing staff in the Philippines.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For personalized planning, consult a Philippine immigration practitioner with your family’s documents and goals in hand.