Philippines Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV)
Overview
The Philippines Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a multi-entry visa with indefinite stay, issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). It can include a spouse and dependents. The program was restructured in September 2025: the minimum age is now 40, and the former Smile and Human Touch categories were abolished for new applicants — only SRRV Classic and SRRV Courtesy remain open.
SRRV categories and deposits (September 2025 rules)
SRRV Classic — the standard category. The required time deposit in a PRA-accredited Philippine bank depends on age and whether you receive a pension:
| Applicant | Age 50+ | Age 40-49 |
|---|---|---|
| With pension | US$15,000 | US$25,000 |
| Without pension | US$30,000 | US$50,000 |
Pensioners must also show proof of monthly pension remitted to the Philippines.
SRRV Courtesy — for former Filipino citizens and retired diplomats/international-organization staff: deposit of US$1,500-$6,000 depending on subcategory.
The Smile (US$20,000 flat) and Human Touch categories no longer accept new applicants — figures you may still see elsewhere for those categories are outdated.
Step-by-step process
- Enter the Philippines (US citizens get visa-free entry) and apply through the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) in Manila or a satellite office
- Open the time deposit in a PRA-accredited bank in the required amount for your age/pension category
- Submit documents: passport, FBI background check (apostilled), medical clearance, pension proof if applicable
- PRA processes the application and issues the SRRV — multi-entry with indefinite stay
- Pay the annual PRA fee and keep the deposit in place to maintain the visa
US tax obligations as expat
⚠️ Critical: as US citizen, you remain obligated to file US federal taxes.
- Form 1040 annual with worldwide income
- FEIE Form 2555: exclude up to $132,900 (tax year 2026) if residing abroad
- Foreign Tax Credit Form 1116: avoid double taxation
- FBAR FinCEN Form 114: if foreign accounts >$10K aggregated
- FATCA Form 8938: if assets >$50K (single) / $100K (married)
Services and banking
As expat in Philippines, consider:
- Local bank account (for daily expenses)
- Maintain US account (for Social Security, Medicare)
- International transfers: use Wise (1% excise tax applies after Dec 2025)
- Credit card: many US ones don’t work; get country one
Healthcare
Medicare generally does NOT cover in Philippines. Options:
- Local insurance: country’s national coverage
- International insurance (Cigna Global, AXA): worldwide coverage
- Traveler’s private insurance (short term)
Related information
Last verified: 2026-06-11.
General information — not legal advice. Consult immigration attorney in destination country for specific cases.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation