Consider the Philippines for Your Retirement: The Special Resident Retirees Visa for Military Veterans

The Philippines is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination for military veterans, thanks to its tropical climate, low cost of living, and visa options like the Special Resident Retirees Visa (SRRV). As a Filipino lawyer, I wanted to provide an overview of the SRRV and why it may be a good fit for military veterans looking to retire abroad.

Overview of the SRRV

The SRRV is a special retiree visa offered by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration to foreigners who want to retire in the Philippines.

Key benefits include:

• Being able to stay indefinitely with multiple entry privileges
• Exemptions from customs duties for personal belongings
• Guarantees against deportation

There are different SRRV options based on your pension amount, with the Courtesy option being the most popular for veterans.

Why Military Veterans May Want to Consider the SRRV

Low Cost of Living. The Philippines has a significantly lower cost of living compared to the US, making your retirement pension go further. Housing, healthcare, and day-to-day expenses are very affordable.

Tropical Climate. With its thousands of islands and beaches, the Philippines offers an ideal climate for retirees wanting to enjoy their later years. There’s warm weather year-round.

Established Expat Communities. There are large veteran and expat communities, especially in cities like Manila and Cebu. It’s easy to meet others and get settled.

Quality Healthcare. The Philippines has experienced doctors and dentists, many U.S.-trained. You can access quality care at very reasonable prices compared to the U.S.

English Speaking. As a former U.S. territory, English is widely spoken in the Philippines, making it easy to get around and conduct daily life.

Why Work with a Lawyer on your SRRV Application

Most veterans stay in the Philippines, simply extending their visa over and over again. This actually costs more than getting the SRRV. Working with a Filipino lawyer can make the process of getting the SRRV much smoother. You will know the documents you need even and get yourself approved even before you step into the Philippines. Here are some key reasons to have legal support:

• Ensure Eligibility. We can review your background and paperwork to guarantee you meet the SRRV requirements before applying. This avoids potential rejections down the line.
• Handle Documentation. There is quite a bit of documentation required for the SRRV, including certifications, bank statements, birth certificates, etc. We know exactly what is needed and can work to obtain it all.
• Liaise with Government Offices. We have connections with the right government officials and can follow up on your behalf if anything gets held up or questions come up.
• Avoid Problems. Immigration issues can happen when moving countries. We can help preempt any potential snags and resolve them promptly if they do occur.
• Peace of Mind. The SRRV process involves a lot of time, paperwork, and coordination. Having a lawyer handle it for you provides confidence everything will go smoothly.

While an extra expense, legal support can save you time, stress, and hassle during the SRRV application. Let me know if you would like assistance! Just send an email to kpborra@borralaw.com