Retiring to the Philippines: SRRV rules after the 2025 changes
The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is the Philippines' long-term residence route for retirees, run by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). It works on a simple bargain: keep a qualifying US-dollar deposit in an accredited Philippine bank, and you can live in the country long term with multiple-entry privileges.
The rules were overhauled with effect from 1 September 2025. The headline changes: applicants can now qualify from age 40, deposit requirements were restructured by age band, and documentation requirements tightened. Here is where things stand for anyone planning a move today.
What changed on 1 September 2025
According to an October 2025 briefing by Philippine law firm ACCRALAW, the PRA's new guidelines took effect on 1 September 2025. The minimum age for the main SRRV options came down to 40, with applicants aged 40 to 49 paying higher deposits than those aged 50 and over.
Alongside the age and deposit changes, the principal applicant's fee rose from US$1,400 to US$1,500 (dependants remain US$300 each), a Bureau of Immigration clearance certificate became mandatory, and documentary requirements were tightened - notably apostilled civil documents for some nationalities.
- Minimum age lowered to 40, with a separate 40-49 deposit band
- Principal application fee now US$1,500; US$300 per dependant
- Bureau of Immigration clearance certificate now required
- Deposits must be maintained for as long as you hold the visa
Deposit requirements by age and option
For the SRRV Classic - the option most retirees use - ACCRALAW sets out the current deposits as follows. Applicants aged 50 and over need US$15,000 with a qualifying pension, or US$30,000 without one. Applicants aged 40 to 49 need US$25,000 with a pension, or US$50,000 without.
The SRRV Courtesy, for former Filipinos and for certain categories such as retired diplomats and military personnel, carries a much lower deposit: US$1,500 for those aged 50 and over, rising to US$3,000 - or US$6,000 without a pension in some categories - for the 40-49 band. Bringing more than two dependants costs an additional US$15,000 deposit per extra dependant, except for former Filipinos.
- Classic, age 50+: US$15,000 with pension / US$30,000 without
- Classic, age 40-49: US$25,000 with pension / US$50,000 without
- Courtesy (former Filipinos, ex-diplomats, veterans): from US$1,500
- Extra dependants beyond two: US$15,000 each added to the deposit
What the SRRV gives you
The SRRV is a long-term resident visa: holders can live in the Philippines for as long as the visa and deposit are maintained, and can leave and re-enter on multiple-entry privileges without repeatedly renewing tourist stamps. Spouses and qualifying dependants can be included.
It is a residence visa, not citizenship: it does not confer the right to own land, and voting and other citizen rights are unaffected. Treat the deposit as locked capital - it must stay in place for the duration of your stay under the programme.
Property and the SRRV
Holding an SRRV does not change the Philippines' foreign-ownership rules. You still cannot own land, but you can buy a condominium unit in your own name within the 40% foreign quota that applies to every condo project under the Condominium Act.
The PRA has, over the years, operated schemes allowing certain SRRV deposits to be converted into approved property investments such as condominium purchases. The details have changed repeatedly, so confirm the current conversion rules directly with the PRA before building them into your plans. If you are weighing up where to settle, Habio's Philippines area guides and listings are a useful way to compare condo options open to foreign buyers.
How to apply, and what to double-check
Applications go through the Philippine Retirement Authority, with the deposit remitted to an accredited bank before the visa is issued. Expect to provide a valid passport, police clearances, a medical certificate and - since the 2025 changes - a Bureau of Immigration clearance certificate, with civil documents apostilled where required.
The 2025 overhaul is a reminder that this programme changes. Deposit levels, fees and eligible categories have all moved before and may move again, so verify the current figures on the PRA's official website or through an accredited PRA marketer before committing funds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for the Philippines SRRV?
Since 1 September 2025, applicants can qualify from age 40. Those aged 40-49 pay higher deposits than applicants aged 50 and over, according to guidance published by Philippine law firm ACCRALAW.
How much is the SRRV deposit?
For the SRRV Classic: US$15,000 with a pension or US$30,000 without for applicants aged 50+, and US$25,000 or US$50,000 respectively for those aged 40-49. The Courtesy option for former Filipinos and certain retirees starts at US$1,500.
Can SRRV holders buy property in the Philippines?
Yes, within the normal rules: condominium units can be owned outright inside each project's 40% foreign quota, but land cannot. Ask the PRA about current rules on converting qualifying deposits into approved property investments.
Do I get my SRRV deposit back?
The deposit must be maintained in an accredited Philippine bank for as long as you hold the visa. It is generally returned when you formally cancel the visa, subject to PRA procedures - confirm the process with the PRA.
Where do I apply for the SRRV?
Through the Philippine Retirement Authority (pra.gov.ph), which accredits banks for the deposit and sets the documentary requirements, including police and Bureau of Immigration clearances and a medical certificate.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Markets and rules change — verify the current position with official sources before acting. Published 2 August 2026.