How to Obtain a Philippines Retirement Visa

Updated November 26, 2022 -- Please see editor’s note at the bottom of the page 

Record numbers of foreign retirees have flocked to the Republic of the Philippines in recent years, drawn by low costs, high living standards, and exotic tropical settings.  The country is comprised of more than 7,000 islands featuring crystal-blue waters, white sandy beaches, and warm weather year-round.  English is widely spoken in the Philippines; making is easy to communicate with most locals.  Eleven international airports provide convenient access to Southeast Asia and the world, while affordable local airlines make domestic travel easy.

The Philippine government encourages foreigners to take up residence in the country through dedicated retirement visa programs.  The republic issued a record 6,437 retirement visas in 2018 (10 percent more than the prior year) and has issued more than 63,000 since the program began in 1987, according to the Philippine Retirement Authority (https://pra.gov.ph).  More than 200,000 expats currently live in the country.  Many retirees come from Asia, but the top 10 sources also include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.

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