The Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) is the Philippines' investment-based residency programme. It offers indefinite multiple-entry residency to foreign nationals who invest a minimum of USD 75,000 in qualifying Philippine investments.
It is less widely discussed than the SRRV — partly because the SRRV is more flexible, and partly because the SIRV's investment requirements are more specific than people expect.
What qualifies as an investment
The SIRV is administered by the Board of Investments (BOI). Qualifying investments are:
- •Shares in companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange
- •Shares in companies registered in priority investment areas under the BOI Investment Priorities Plan
- •Companies in the manufacturing or services sectors qualifying under BOI guidelines
- •Philippine government bonds
What does not qualify
Property. The SIRV cannot be obtained through real estate investment by foreign nationals. This is a common misconception. The 40% foreign ownership cap on condominiums, and the outright prohibition on foreigners owning land, means that property does not constitute a qualifying SIRV investment.
We only process SIRV applications based on listed equities and government bonds. We do not process SIRV applications based on property.
The requirements
Minimum investment: USD 75,000. Minimum age: 21 years. No criminal record. Good health. The investment must be maintained for the visa to remain valid.
Dependents — spouse and unmarried children under 21 — may be included.
Who the SIRV suits
The SIRV is most interesting for people who want to hold Philippine equities or government bonds as part of a broader investment portfolio, and for whom USD 75,000 in that asset class is a natural allocation. It converts an investment you would make anyway into a permanent residency permit.
For people who would not otherwise hold Philippine equities or bonds, the SRRV is generally more practical — the deposit is accessible, earns interest, and can be used for rent or property purchase.
The tax position
SIRV holders are Resident Aliens by virtue of their visa status, regardless of days spent in-country. All foreign income is fully exempt.
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