What are the requirements of a US citizen retiring to the Philippines? which govt agencies do you notify?

Yak Rider

To get a retirement visa you need to "invest" $50,000 with a special government agency the Philippine Government has set up. This will entitle you to live there. In theory you can get your money back if you decide to leave the country.

I lived there for almost 7 years. The cost of living is much higher than most people think. Just you, or you and your honey-ko, will run at least $1,800 a month in Manila, $1,500 a month in a secondary city like Cebu or Davao. $1,000 a month in a barrio. This is basic living with comforts most Americans expect, nothing fancy.

If your girlfriend has a big family there's a good chance they'll treat you just like an ATM (withdrawals only).

http://immigration.gov.ph//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=37

Special Retiree Resident Visa PDF Print
Who may apply for Special Retiree's Resident Visa (SRRV)?
Aliens or former Filipinos who are at least fifty years of age and who wish to stay in the Philippines. They must also deposit a minimum amount of $50,000.00 in a bank accredited by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

What is the validity of SRRV?
The holder of the SRRV may reside in the Philippines without securing extensions of his stay from the Bureau of Immigration.

Are SRRV holders exempted from Travel Tax?
PRA members who are holders of valid SRRV are exempted from paying travel tax provided they have not stayed in the Philippines for more than one year from the date of last entry into the country.

Can SRRV holder own real property in the Philippines?
No. If he or she is legally married to a Philippine citizen, he or she may construct a residential unit on a parcel of land owned and/or registered in the name of Philippine spouse. Natural-born former Filipinos whose SRRV has been issued may own/acquire a maximum area of 5,000 square meters of urban land and three (3) hectares of agricultural land.

Is the dollar deposit convertible to other currency?
Yes. After six (6) months, the retiree's Dollar Time Deposit under the PRA may be converted to any other acceptable foreign currency time deposit. The interest, however, is subject to twenty (20 %) withholding tax.

Where do I get the approval of the SRRV?
The approval of your application will come from the Bureau of Immigration. The pre-evaluation of the application is made by the Philippine Retirement Authority where applications are filed.

How long is the processing time?
One month, provided all documents are complete.

Can my spouse and unmarried minor children be granted an indefinite privilege to reside in the Philippines?
Yes. Your spouse and a legitimate or legally adopted unmarried child under twenty-one (21) may be given an indefinite status if they are accompanying or joining you soon after your admission into the country as such.

Is there an additional deposit for unmarried children if they are following or accompanying me?
Yes. There is an additional deposit of US$15,000.00 or any equivalent acceptable foreign currency for each additional legitimate or legally adopted unmarried child under twenty-one (21) years of age.

*More information on Special Retiree Resident Visa on the Philippine Retirement Authority website.

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