Thinking about moving to the Philippines or planning an extended stay in 2026? The Philippines offers a range of visa options suited for different lifestyles, whether you’re an expat seeking long-term residency, a retiree looking for a tropical home, a digital nomad working remotely, or a student ready for an island adventure.

However, navigating all the visa options can get a bit confusing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Philippine visa options and requirements for 2026.

Visa-free entry and travel for certain nationalities

If you’re from one of over 150 visa-exempt countries, you can visit the Philippines without a visa for short stays. Nationals from countries like the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most of Europe can enter the Philippines visa-free.

What this means

• Initial stay: Up to 30 days without a visa (extendable).

• Extension: You can apply for visa extensions at the Bureau of Immigration for up to 59 days at a time, and stay for up to 36 months in total depending on nationality.

• Requirements: Valid passport (6 months beyond stay) and proof of onward or return ticket.

Visa options for long-term stays

If you’re planning to stay longer, work, retire, or study in the Philippines, here are the most common visa options for 2026:

1. Tourist Visa (9A Visa)

Who it’s for: Visitors from non-visa-exempt countries or travelers wanting to extend beyond their initial visa-free period.

Duration: Initially valid for 59 days; can be extended multiple times.

How to apply: Apply online or at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

2. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

Who it’s for: Foreign retirees aged 50 and above who wish to live in the Philippines indefinitely.

Requirements:

• Time deposit in a Philippine bank (varies):

  • $20,000 for those without a pension.

  • $10,000 for those with a monthly pension of at least $800 (single) or $1,000 (couple).

• Proof of good health and no criminal record.

Benefits:

• Indefinite stay with multiple-entry privileges.

• Exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported household goods.

• Access to local investments and property leasing.

3. Work Visa (9G Visa)

Who it’s for: Foreign nationals employed by a Philippine company.

Requirements:

• A job offer and employment contract from a Philippine-based employer.

• An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Duration: Typically 1–2 years, renewable.

Process: The employer sponsors the visa and assists with the application through the Bureau of Immigration.

4. Digital Nomad Visa 

Who it’s for: Remote workers employed by companies outside the Philippines who want to live and work from the country.

Expected requirements (based on proposed rules):

• Proof of remote work for a non-Philippine company.

• Minimum monthly income (estimated at USD 2,000–3,000).

• Private health insurance valid in the Philippines.

Duration: Initially valid for 1 year, renewable for another year.

This new visa is part of the government’s 2026 initiative to attract digital nomads and tech freelancers to the Philippines’ thriving coastal and urban hubs like Cebu, Siargao, and Metro Manila.

5. Student Visa (9F Visa)

Who it’s for: Foreign students enrolled in accredited Philippine schools or universities.

Requirements:

• Letter of acceptance from a recognized Philippine institution.

• Proof of financial means and health insurance.

• Police clearance and medical certificate.

Duration: Valid for the duration of your course and renewable annually.

Required documentation for Philippine visas

While requirements vary by visa type, most applications in 2026 will typically include:

• Completed visa application form

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond stay)

• Passport-sized photos

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, pension slips, etc.)

• Medical and police clearances

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, lease, or sponsor letter)

• Travel insurance (recommended, especially for long stays)

• Visa-specific documents (e.g., job offer, pension certificate, or school admission letter)

Visa costs in the Philippines

Note: Fees are non-refundable, and costs may vary slightly depending on your nationality and the embassy handling your application.

Long-term residency and citizenship

• Permanent residency: After staying legally in the Philippines for five years under eligible visas (such as the SRRV or work visa), you can apply for permanent residency.

• Citizenship: Generally available after 10 years of continuous residence, though this may vary depending on your country of origin.

• Dual citizenship: The Philippines allows dual citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 (“Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003”), especially for former Filipino citizens.

Final notes on Philippine visas

Living in the Philippines offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, friendly communities, and a relatively low cost of living. While visa processes can seem bureaucratic, they’ve become more streamlined in 2026 with online applications and digital tracking.

Whether you’re dreaming of island-hopping in Palawan, setting up a startup in Manila, or enjoying retirement by the beach, the Philippines has a visa option for you.

Start early, prepare your documents, and enjoy the warm welcome that awaits in the Pearl of the Orient