So, you’ve got your SRRV. What now?

Congratulations. With your Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, you now have the freedom to live in the Philippines long-term with very little paperwork.

One of the biggest advantages of the SRRV is the flexibility it gives you. You can travel in and out of the country anytime without immigration clearances, open a Philippine bank account, and apply for a local driver’s license. It’s designed to make life in the Philippines simple and convenient.

If you plan to work in the Philippines, that’s allowed—but a work permit is required if you will be employed by a Philippine company. The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) can guide you through that process when the time comes.

Aside from the convenience of living in the Philippines, the SRRV also comes with practical perks. As a holder, you’re entitled to discounts at PRA-accredited establishments across the country. These include selected medical clinics, restaurants, hotels, insurance providers, and other partner businesses. You can find the updated list on the PRA website.

Speaking of insurance, SRRV holders have the option to enroll in PhilHealth for around ₱15,000 per year. It’s not a comprehensive, all-inclusive health plan, but it is widely accepted and can help cover basic hospital costs. Think of it as a way to get your foot in the door if you ever need treatment.

If you’re looking for broader coverage, we can also connect you with reliable insurance providers that offer plans suited for retirees. Some of these companies even give special rates or discounts for SRRV holders. Just reach out, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

How to Keep Your SRRV Active?

Although the SRRV itself is a lifetime visa, your SRRV ID card has a validity period. The initial ID is valid for one year, and you should carry it when visiting the PRA, availing of discounts, opening bank accounts, or traveling internationally. After the first renewal, the ID can be issued with a two-year validity. Renewals are straightforward—you don’t need to visit the PRA office, and both the application and payment can be done online or through LandBank.

Traveling with SRRV

As for travel tax, this only applies if you stay in the Philippines continuously for one full year without leaving. The travel tax is at P1,620 for economy flights. You can easily pay this at the airport on the day of your departure.

If you travel abroad at least once within the year, there is no travel tax to pay when you depart.

About Your Visa Deposit

If you don’t have a Filipino spouse or child, it’s wise to prepare a Philippine will and include your SRRV deposit in it. This makes the process much easier for your beneficiary in case something happens to you.

For those under the SRRV Classic program, you also have the option to use your visa deposit while keeping the visa active. You can either purchase a condominium unit or lease a ready-for-occupancy property for 25 years, as long as the property value is at least ₱3 million. Many retirees choose this option later, once they’ve lived in the country for a while and are sure where they want to settle.

For now, the most important thing is simple: enjoy your new life in the Philippines. Your SRRV is designed to give you stability, flexibility, and peace of mind—so you can focus on living, not paperwork.

If you ever need help with renewals, deposit conversion, or future visa concerns, just reach out. That’s exactly what we’re here for.