Republic of the Philippines · investor · Leads to settlement
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Resident visa for foreign investors who place qualifying capital in an eligible Philippine enterprise, endorsed by the Board of Investments.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Probationary on issue, then indefinite stay for as long as the qualifying investment is maintained.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) entitles a qualifying foreign investor to reside indefinitely in the Philippines for as long as the required investment is maintained. The applicant remits and invests qualifying capital in an eligible Philippine enterprise, and the visa is endorsed by the Board of Investments (BOI) and issued by the Bureau of Immigration. It is typically issued first on a probationary basis before conversion to indefinite status. It is an investment-based residence route rather than an employment visa.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Meeting the minimum age and being free of any disqualifying criminal record or excludable condition.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- ✓Remitting and investing the required qualifying capital into an eligible Philippine enterprise.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- ✓Holding the investment in an accepted form, such as shares in a qualifying corporation.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- ✓Converting the deposit into the qualifying investment within the required period.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
Common blockers
- !Investment below the required threshold or not in an eligible enterprise.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- !Failure to convert the deposit into a qualifying investment within the allowed time.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- !A disqualifying criminal record or restricted nationality where it applies.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- ·Proof of remittance and the qualifying deposit or investment.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- ·Documents evidencing the eligible enterprise and shareholding.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
- ·Police clearance and medical clearance as required.Board of Investments (Philippines) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your intended investment and enterprise qualify and that you meet the personal eligibility requirements.
Build the evidence pack
Remit and place the qualifying deposit and assemble investment, enterprise and clearance documents.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the Board of Investments, which endorses the SIRV to the Bureau of Immigration for issuance.
After approval
Receive the probationary visa, convert the deposit into the qualifying investment within the required period, then move to indefinite status.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV).
Board of Investments (Philippines) · verified
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Related routes
Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)
Special resident visa for foreign nationals who run a sustainable enterprise that employs a qualifying number of Filipino workers.
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Special resident visa for retirees, administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority, offering indefinite multiple-entry stay.
Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13)
The Philippines' numerically limited immigrant visa, capped per nationality each year, for applicants who can contribute to the country.
Frequently asked questions
Who endorses and issues the SIRV?+
The SIRV is endorsed by the Board of Investments (BOI), which administers the investment side, while the Bureau of Immigration issues the visa. Confirm the current process and investment requirements on the official Board of Investments page.
How much do I need to invest for the SIRV?+
The route requires a minimum qualifying investment in an eligible Philippine enterprise, converted from an initial deposit within a set period. The exact amount is set by the authorities and may change, so confirm the current threshold on the official Board of Investments page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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