Permanent residency program
Philippines SIRV
The Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) lets you live in the Philippines with no end date by backing Philippine companies with $75K. If you want an Asian base built on an investment you own, start here.
- Contribution from
- $75K
- Processing time
- 3 months
- Citizenship path
- 10 years
- Presence required
- None
As featured in
Why the Philippines SIRV?
If Asia is the missing region in your plan, most people look at Thailand or Malaysia first. I'd put the Philippines on that list too.
The SIRV is a residence visa with no end date, earned by backing Philippine companies with $75K. It's open from age 21, and you don't have to live there to retain it.
It's awfully similar to the FAB Investor Visa, which also starts at $75K. The difference is control. With the SIRV, you choose the Philippine company or shares, and your money can earn dividends. With the FAB Investor Visa, your $75K goes into an approved project we source and vet, comes back in full after 5 years, and gets you residence in about a month.
We reverse engineer your ideal life, then trace the path back. If you'd like to pick your own investment in an English-speaking corner of Asia, the SIRV is the one I'd look at.
James NuveenFounder of the Freedom Files
Benefits of the Philippines SIRV
Residence with no end date
Once your investment is in place, the SIRV lets you live in the Philippines indefinitely, with multiple entries, for as long as the investment remains.
No minimum days
There's no presence rule. Your annual report to the Board of Investments can be filed by an authorized representative.
An investment you own
Your money buys shares in Philippine companies, listed or private. It remains your asset, and it's yours to sell with the Board's consent when you leave.
Foreign income outside Philippine tax
The Philippines taxes foreign residents only on Philippine income, so your income from abroad remains outside Philippine tax.
Duty-free household move
You can bring in your household goods and personal effects once, free of customs duties and taxes.
Is the Philippines SIRV Right for You?
Right for you if
- Investors 21 or older with $75K for Philippine shares
- Anyone who wants residence in Asia with no end date
- Business owners who'd like to back or start a Philippine company
- Applicants of any nationality
Look elsewhere if
- You want residency through real estate: The SIRV counts company shares only, and property doesn't qualify.
- You want to cash out early: Selling your qualifying shares ends the visa unless you replace them.
- You want a passport soon: Philippine naturalization is a court process after 10 years of residence.
- You'd rather not travel to file: The Board of Investments takes applications in person in the Philippines.
Who Your Philippines SIRV Application Covers
One investment covers your spouse and unmarried children under 21. Each person files their own application and pays the visa fees.
| Family member | Condition |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Legal marriage |
| Children under 21 | Unmarried |
Are You Eligible for the Philippines SIRV?
Answer 3 quick questions. In 2 minutes, you'll know whether you're likely to qualify, and what fits better if you don't.
Philippines SIRV Investment Options
There's 1 investment of at least $75K, made in one of 3 ways. Each buys shares, which you retain for as long as you want the visa. Real estate doesn't qualify.
- Popular
Listed shares
$75K
How this route works
You buy at least $75K in shares of companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, through a broker. The share certificates note that they can't be sold without the Board of Investments' consent.
Existing company
$75K
How this route works
You buy at least $75K in shares of an existing Philippine company in manufacturing, services, or a sector the government lists as a priority. Your file shows the company's registration, tax records, and your name on its shareholder list.
New company
$75K
How this route works
You fully invest at least $75K in a new Philippine company you form, in manufacturing, services, or a priority sector. Your file shows its registration, tax records, and office or plant site.
Philippines SIRV Cost
Estimated total for 4 people
$77,168
- Qualifying investmentListed shares
- $75,000
- Application feePaid directly to the Board of Investments
- $1,200
- Probationary visa feePaid directly to the Bureau of Immigration
- $616
- Indefinite visa filing feePaid directly to the Board of Investments
- $128
- Indefinite visa feePaid directly to the Bureau of Immigration
- $64
- Criminal record checkPaid directly to your country's police authority
- $40
- Apostilles on your documentsPaid directly to the issuing authority
- $120
Government and official fees only. Visa and filing fees are set in pesos and shown at today's rate. The medical exam, the Bureau of Immigration's ID card, and company setup costs on the new company route aren't included. Freedom Files fees aren't included. All amounts are subject to change.
Get your numbers on the call. We price your route for everyone applying before you commit.
Philippines SIRV Costs at a Glance
| Qualifying investment | $75K in shares of Philippine companies |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $300 per person |
| Probationary visa fee | About $160 per person |
| Indefinite visa fees | About $48 per person |
| Company setup, new company route | Registration, accounting, and local permits |
| Medical exam and translations | Depends on the clinic and the number of documents |
| The Freedom Files | A fixed quote in writing before you commit |
Philippines SIRV and Taxes
The basics below are for planning only, and each one is pending licensed review. Your own position depends on your income, your assets, and where you spend your time. Our team provides US and Philippines tax planning, so you can have your plan reviewed before you commit.
Tax residency in Philippines
A foreign national living in the Philippines with no set date to leave is a resident alien. After 180 days in a year, a nonresident is treated as doing business there.
US income tax treaty
The US and the Philippines have an income tax treaty that lowers withholding on cross-border income. If you're a US citizen, you file US taxes too.
SIRV presence vs tax residency
The SIRV has no minimum days. The Philippines taxes foreign residents only on Philippine income, so time spent there doesn't bring your foreign income into Philippine tax. Dividends from your Philippine shares are Philippine income.
Special tax regimes
Foreign nationals, resident or not, are taxed only on Philippine income, so income from abroad is outside Philippine tax. SRRV pensions are exempt.
Philippines SIRV Document Checklist
Here's the typical file for the Philippines SIRV. Your country and your case can change the list, and we confirm yours on the call.
Main applicant
- Valid passport with a current visitor visa
- SIRV application form and personal history statement
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance from your country of residence
Investment proof
- Proof of your $75K inward remittance
- Listed shares: Broker receipts, a broker's certification, and the annotated share certificate
- Private company: Registration, bylaws, tax registration, and the shareholder list showing your investment
Spouse and children
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate for each child
Prepared in the Philippines
- NBI clearance
Philippines SIRV Process and Timeline
Total: 3 months to your probationary visa, and your indefinite visa within 6 months after that. Plan 1 or 2 trips to the Philippines.
- 1
Freedom Consult
A call with our founder. We confirm the SIRV fits your goals, your investment, and anyone applying with you, or we point you to a better route. You leave with a clear plan and a quote in writing.
- 2
Engagement and document file
You sign the engagement and we send your checklist. You gather your police clearance, medical certificate, and civil records, and we arrange the apostilles.
- 3
Remittance
You wire at least $75K to an accredited bank in the Philippines, which certifies the inward remittance for your file.
- 4
Probationary visa
You travel to the Philippines, and we file with the Board of Investments. The Bureau of Immigration issues a 6-month probationary visa with multiple entries.
- 5
Your investment
We help you place the funds in listed shares or a private company, and gather the proof the Board needs.
- 6
Indefinite visa
We file your proof of investment. The Board endorses you to the Bureau of Immigration, which converts your visa to the indefinite SIRV.
- 7
Annual reports and ID renewals
Each year, we file your report to the Board of Investments, and we renew your ID card when it's due. Contact us to renew.
Milestones to residency and citizenship
Probationary visa
3 months
Indefinite SIRV
Within 6 months of that
Naturalization petition, if you choose
After 10 years of residence
“I love the way the Freedom Files team present themselves and show up for our family. I much prefer their honest, on-the-ground-experience approach than the suited-up lawyers with bookshelves of textbooks behind them.”
Philippines SIRV vs Alternatives
| Philippines SIRV | Malaysia MM2H | Panama Qualified Investor Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum financial requirement | $75K | $32K | $300K |
| Processing time | 3 months | 3-6 months | 4 months |
| Presence required | None | 90 days, none if 50yo | 1 visit every 2 years |
| Time to citizenship | 10 years | Not a path | 5 years |
| Language test for citizenship | Not published | See program page | Spanish + civics |
| Family included | Spouse, children under 21 | Spouse, children to 34, parents | Spouse, children to 25, dependent parents |
| Capital returned | Yes, when you sell, which ends the visa | Yes, the deposit is returned | Yes, after 5 years |
Undecided between these programs? We compare them for you on the call.
Other Routes into Philippines
How the Freedom Files Helps You with the Philippines SIRV
You get one team from your first call to your arrival in Philippines. We prepare, check, and file your application, and we're your single point of contact from start to finish.
- Clients served
- 200+
- years in investment migration
- 10+
- Americans educated
- 2M+
| This program only | Private Client Engagement | |
|---|---|---|
| An eligibility review before you pay a government fee | ||
| Your document file, assembled and optimized | ||
| We prepare and submit your application | ||
| Consular coordination and liaising | ||
| Qualifying investment vetting and due diligence | ||
| Your case manager | Through arrival | Long term |
| A global Plan B strategy across residency, citizenship, tax, asset protection, and more | ||
| Residency and/or citizenship in more than one country | ||
| US and foreign tax strategy, with introductions | ||
| Banking and asset protection strategy, with introductions | ||
| Healthcare, schools, and relocation, with introductions | ||
| Book a consult | Learn more |
Other Freedom Files Services in Philippines
We can take on each of these for you, alongside your application or on its own. Our Philippines team provides legal, tax, financial, immigration, and investment advice and services.
Tax strategy and filing
Bank account opening
Investment vetting
Real estate and accommodations
Healthcare enrollment
Residency renewals
“We came in with a complicated global setup and needed special attention. What we got from the Freedom Files team was direct, honest, and personal responsiveness at every turn. Exactly what we needed! Very impressed.”
Mike · New York“The Private Client Engagement has been perfect for our unique situation. James is the total quarterback of our whole Plan B strategy.”
Kenneth · Illinois
Why Philippines?
More than 7,000 islands
Limestone lagoons in Palawan, the white beaches of the Visayas, and surf towns in Siargao, with warm water all year.
Spanish, American, and Asian heritage
Centuries of Spanish rule and decades of American ties left stone churches, a love of fiestas, and a culture that feels familiar from the first day.
English everywhere
English is an official language, used in business, government, schools, and hospitals, so daily life and paperwork are easier than almost anywhere in Asia.
Cool mountains and rice terraces
The terraces of the Cordillera and the pine hills of Baguio offer cool mountain air, a short trip from the coast and the cities.
Philippines SIRV FAQs
Cost and qualifying routes
How much do you need to invest for the SIRV?
At least $75K, remitted to an accredited Philippine bank and then invested in shares of Philippine companies. The fee calculator adds the government fees for anyone applying with you.
What investments qualify for the SIRV?
Shares in companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, or in private companies in manufacturing, services, or a priority sector. Real estate and bank deposits don't qualify.
Can you sell your SIRV investment?
Your qualifying shares can't be sold or transferred without the Board of Investments' consent. Selling them without a replacement ends the visa, so we plan your exit with you.
What does the SIRV cost in fees?
A $300 application fee per person, about $160 per person for the probationary visa, and about $48 per person for the indefinite visa. The fee calculator adds them up.
Timeline and presence
How long does the SIRV take?
Plan on 3 months to your probationary visa. You then have 6 months to make the investment, and the indefinite visa follows within a month of filing the proof.
How much time do you need to spend in the Philippines?
None. The SIRV has no minimum days. You'll travel to file and to receive your visa, and an authorized representative can file your annual report.
Citizenship
Does the SIRV lead to Philippine citizenship?
Not directly. Naturalization is a court petition after 10 years of residence, with language and other requirements, and it means giving up your other citizenship. Most investors choose the SIRV for residence alone.
Family, tax and living
Who can join your SIRV?
Your spouse and your unmarried children under 21. One investment covers them all, and each person files their own application.
How does the Philippines tax SIRV visa holders?
Foreign residents are taxed only on Philippine income, which includes dividends from your Philippine shares. The US and the Philippines have an income tax treaty, and if you're a US citizen, you file US taxes too. We review your position before you invest.
Can you work in the Philippines on a SIRV?
The SIRV lets you live there and manage your investment. Employment with a Philippine company needs a separate work permit, which we can arrange.
Is it right for you?
Philippines SIRV vs SRRV: Which is better?
The SIRV is open from age 21 and needs $75K in shares. The SRRV starts at 40 and needs a deposit from $15K, returned when you leave. We compare both on a Freedom Consult.
Documents and approval
What documents does the SIRV require?
Your passport, a medical certificate, an apostilled police clearance, proof of your remittance, and later proof of your investment, plus civil records for anyone applying with you. The document checklist on this page lists each one.
Working with the Freedom Files
What does the Freedom Files do on your application?
We review your eligibility, assemble and check your documents, and optimize your application for approval. We have a 100% approval rate so far. We prepare and file your application, liaise with the government, coordinate your consular appointments and communication, and support you through your arrival in Philippines, when your residency or citizenship is formalized. We're your single point of contact from start to finish.
Who does the legal work?
Our Philippines team can provide any legal, tax, financial, immigration, or investment advice and services you need. You work with one team from your first call to your arrival.
What does the Freedom Files charge?
Prices differ by program, because each program has its own costs and its own currency. You get a fixed quote in writing before any work begins. Government fees and third-party costs are listed separately, and you pay them directly.
How does the Freedom Files get paid?
We accept card, wire or ACH transfer, Bitcoin, USDC, and most other payment methods. You choose whether to pay for our services up front or monthly through the end of your engagement.
What if you need more than one country, or help with tax and banking?
That's what the Private Client Engagement is for. A long-term case manager with global expertise, always reachable on WhatsApp, manages your whole Plan B: Residency and citizenship in more than one country, tax strategy, banking and asset protection, and introductions for your move.
What if this program is the wrong fit?
Compare it with the alternatives on this page. Then book a Freedom Consult: If you're ready to move forward, we tell you which programs are best for you.
How do I start?
Book a Freedom Consult. There's no charge.
Start Your Philippines SIRV
If Philippines is the wrong fit, we tell you on the first call.