VISAS & IMMIGRATION

STAYING LEGAL IN THE PH

A practical guide to visa options for digital nomads and long-stay visitors. Always verify with the Bureau of Immigration or a licensed attorney.

VISA OPTIONS AT A GLANCE

TOURIST VISA (9A)

DURATIONUp to 36 months

COSTFree on arrival (most passports)

Initial 30 days, extendable monthly at BI offices.

SPECIAL RESIDENT RETIREE VISA (SRRV)

DURATIONIndefinite

COSTFrom $10,000 deposit

Requires PRA membership. Best for long-term residents 35+.

13A PERMANENT RESIDENT

DURATIONPermanent

COSTVia marriage to Filipino national

Quota immigrant visa also available.

SPECIAL INVESTOR'S VISA (SIRV)

DURATIONIndefinite

COST$75,000 minimum investment

For those investing in Philippine business.

VISA DISPATCHES

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How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in Cebu: A Complete Guide

Bureau of Immigration, fees, timelines, and what to do when you want to stay longer. The practical guide that every digital nomad in Cebu needs before their first 30 days are up.

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visa · manila ·

Extending Your Philippine Tourist Visa: The Fastest Way in 2026

Your 30-day tourist visa expired. Here's exactly what you need to do, where to go, how much it costs, and what actually happens if you overstay (spoiler: not what you think).

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Visa Runs from Manila: The Easiest Border Run in Southeast Asia

Your 59-day tourist visa is expiring. Instead of flying to another country, try the easiest visa run in SE Asia — a quick trip from Manila that takes 48 hours and costs less than ₱5,000.

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visa · Mar 29, 2026

Philippines Tourist Visa Explained: Everything Digital Nomads Need to Know (2026)

Most Western passport holders get 30 days visa-free on arrival. Those days are extendable up to 36 months. Here's exactly how the system works, what it costs, and how to stay legally in the Philippines as a digital nomad.

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