Philippines Permanent Residency for Investors: A 5-Step Process to Obtaining an Investor Visa
The Philippines has opened its doors to foreign investors with the launch of the Philippines Investor Visa (FIV) Program, officially known as the Philippines FIV Program, in August 2022. This visa offers a unique opportunity for investors to gain permanent residency, access the local business economy, medical care, education system, and thriving culture.
To be eligible for the Philippines Investor Visa, applicants must have a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and make the required investment of $75,000 USD. Once the application is pre-approved, the investment can be made to an approved government fund. The application process is one of the fastest for investor visas, with a review time of just one week.
Applicants must submit their application through a registered agent, who will guide them through every step of the process. After the application is submitted, it takes about one week to receive a pre-approval. Once approved, the investor can travel to the Philippines to take the oath and receive their permanent residency card.
The application process involves scheduling a consultation, preparing and signing documents, and submitting the application through the registered agent. All applications are processed in the Free Area of Bataan (FAB), a free trade zone offering great tax benefits to corporations.
Family members, including a spouse and children under 21, can be included in the Philippines Investor Visa application. While it is not required to work with an immigration lawyer, you do have to submit your application through a registered agent or approved firm. You may not submit your application on your own.
After ten years of living in the Philippines, meeting certain requirements, and passing language tests, applicants may be eligible for citizenship through naturalization. English is an official language in the Philippines, making communication easier for English speakers.
One of the advantages of the Philippines Investor Visa is its low investment requirement, which is one of the lowest among golden visas worldwide. The program requires an investment of $75,000 USD in an approved government fund after application approval.
Your registered agent will organize your trip and 5-day/4-night itinerary in the Philippines, which may include a visit to the hospital for a medical exam, fingerprinting at the immigration office, and other essential relocation services.
It's important to note that after becoming a citizen, you may get your initial investment refunded to you. However, if you wish for a refund on your investment before becoming a citizen, you will lose your permanent residency.
The Philippines allows dual citizenship, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors. With its fast application process, low investment requirement, and numerous benefits, the Philippines Investor Visa is a valuable opportunity for those looking to invest and reside in the Philippines.
