When people first hear about the Philippine Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), the most common questions are:
How many times do I need to enter the Philippines?
Will my money go into someone else’s account?
If my stock investment loses value, do I need to top it up?
How long can I keep my status?
Unlike the retirement visa (SRRV), the SIRV is a long-term residency pathway designed specifically for investors. As long as you are 21 years old and above and remit USD 75,000 legally from overseas to the Philippines, you can secure residency status by purchasing stocks, registering a company, or taking equity in a local business.
The requirements may sound simple, but the process is full of hidden pitfalls. Today, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step procedure and clear up the most frequently asked questions.
01. Preparation Before Entry
Before formally entering the Philippines, applicants only need to prepare two key documents themselves:
A police clearance certificate (no criminal record)
A birth certificate notarized and legalized with an Apostille
All other paperwork can be handled with our assistance. The overall preparation period is about two weeks.
① Document Preparation
We help applicants verify and compile all necessary documents in advance, including passports, visa application forms, photos, and the two certified core documents mentioned above.
② Endorsement Letter
Before opening a bank account in the Philippines, the main applicant must obtain a recommendation letter from the Board of Investments (BOI). This step does not require the applicant’s presence—we can act as the authorized representative and submit the documents to the BOI. The endorsement is usually approved before the applicant’s arrival, saving valuable time after entry.
02. Processing After Entry
First Entry: Open a Bank Account & Obtain Proof of Deposit
⏰ Stay: 1-2 weeks
Applicants may enter on a tourist visa. The first visit mainly focuses on banking procedures:
1. Bank Account Opening
With the BOI endorsement letter, applicants open an account at a designated bank. Based on our research, EastWest Bank is recommended due to its flexibility and efficiency in handling large international remittances. The applicant must appear in person for identity verification.
2. Fund Remittance
After opening the account, the applicant remits USD 75,000 from abroad. Once the bank confirms receipt, it issues a remittance/deposit certificate and reports the result to the BOI. This step also requires the applicant to be physically present.
This stage usually takes about a week. Once completed, applicants can depart while we follow up on document submission and approval.
Second Entry: Medical Exam & Temporary SIRV Card
⏰ Stay: 4-8 weeks
During the second entry, it is advisable to bring family members (if they are applying together) to complete the following steps:
1. Medical Exam
Conducted at the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for the main applicant and dependents. This must be done in person and is usually completed within the same day.
2. Submission of Documents
Medical results and supporting documents are submitted to the BOI.
3. Temporary SIRV Issuance
After submission, we compile and deliver all documents to the BOI. The BOI reviews the application and issues a temporary SIRV visa valid for 6 months within 5–8 weeks. The applicant must personally collect the temporary card, which is why staying until issuance is necessary.
👉 Note: After obtaining the temporary SIRV card, applicants may proceed to invest immediately if they wish to remain in the Philippines. However, most choose to leave at this stage and return later to complete the investment.
Third Entry: Complete Investment & Obtain Permanent SIRV Card
⏰ Stay: 4-8 weeks
On the final entry, applicants must allocate the funds to an actual investment project for final approval. The most common and fastest method is stock purchase:
Stock Investment
Open a stock account, transfer the USD 75,000 from the bank account, and purchase approved shares.
Submission of Investment Proof
Obtain shareholding certificates and related documents, submit them to the BOI for verification, and then forward them to the Bureau of Immigration.
Permanent SIRV Issuance
After the Bureau of Immigration stamps the passport and clears the paperwork, the documents return to the BOI, which issues the official SIRV card.
✅ Note: The first card is valid for 1 year. Renewal is required within the year, and subsequent renewals occur every 3 years. Each renewal requires the applicant’s presence.
03. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where does the investment money go? Does it enter a third-party account?
A1: The funds must be remitted from abroad into the applicant’s personal Philippine bank account and then transferred into a stock or company account. The funds remain under the applicant’s name throughout and never enter a third-party account.
Q2: What if the investment loses value? Do I need to top up?
A2: Dividends are credited regularly. As long as the same shares are maintained, a drop in market value does not require replenishment.
Q3: What if I want to withdraw the funds?
A3: The investment can be withdrawn, but the SIRV status must be canceled first.
Q4: How is legal status maintained during processing?
A4: Applicants remain in the Philippines on tourist visas. If the visa expires, we can assist with extensions to ensure legal stay.
Q5: How long is the card valid? Do I have to update it personally?
A5: The initial card is valid for 1 year, followed by 3-year renewals. Annual updates during the validity period can be handled by professional representatives, without requiring the applicant’s presence.
Conclusion
Compared with the SRRV, the SIRV is more suitable for applicants with real investment plans:
Faster approval process
Lower entry threshold
Ability to include spouse and minor children
However, it also has its limitations:
Funds must be deployed in the Philippines
Investment projects must be registered
Returns are subject to market risks
It is not a “zero-risk” immigration route.
👉 If you’d like to know whether you qualify, or to compare different investment strategies in detail, leave a comment with “SIRV” to receive the complete SIRV Application & Investment Guide Package.
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