SERVICES
Key administrative procedures
in the Philippines
Moving to the Philippines with an SRRV visa involves a lot of steps. Here are the main organizations you'll interact with, their roles, and when they'll be involved in your expat journey.
PRA – Philippine Retirement Authority
The PRA is the government agency responsible for issuing and administering the SRRV visa. It is through this agency that you submit your application, make the required bank deposit, and obtain your SRRV identity card. It is the starting point for your legal settlement in the Philippines.
PhilHealth – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
PhilHealth is the public health insurance system in the Philippines. Although not mandatory with the SRRV, it can be useful as a local supplemental coverage. You can enroll after receiving your SRRV card if you wish to benefit from access to public care at a reduced rate.
Bureau of Immigration (BI)
The Bureau of Immigration is responsible for controlling the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners from the Philippines. Although the SRRV is administered by the PRA, holders of this visa are also registered with the BI.
LTO – Land Transportation Office
The LTO is responsible for converting your foreign driver's license into a Philippine one. This conversion is recommended if you plan to drive locally. It can be done after obtaining the SRRV visa and the Barangay Residence Certificate.
Barangay (local government unit)
The barangay is the smallest local administrative entity. It issues residence certificates, which are essential for other procedures such as opening a bank account or applying for municipal permits. You will interact with your local barangay once you have settled in at your address.
BIR – Bureau of Internal Revenue
The BIR is the equivalent of the Philippine tax authorities. It issues the TIN (Tax Identification Number), required to issue invoices if you have a business activity or local income. This process applies if you charge for services or monetize partnerships.