What are important factors to consider when trying to arrange a long stay visa for the Philippines?

Visa application and requirements tend to change regularly in the Philippines. It is therefore advisable to always check beforehand what the current ways of application are by consulting the appropriate governmental institution.

What kind of visas 

The visa requirements for the Philippines depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. For example, the necessary documents for a pre-arranged employment visa include:

• A passport valid for at least six to twelve months
• Two completed Application forms (fill in N/A Not Applicable, so all questions are answered on the Form)
• A copy of your employment contract
• Your curriculum vitae
• Several passport-sized pictures (white background, signed on front bottom)
• A medical and physical examination report by an authorized physician (including a chest X-ray, lab reports, and a certificate that you are HIV-negative)
• The visa application fee

If you are planning to move to the Philippines with your family, you should also attach any birth certificates and a marriage certificate. These documents must be notarized. If you apply in a language other than English, remember to submit your paperwork with certified English translations.

Temporary stay

• Foreign nationals who are admitted with an initial stay of thirty (30) days may apply for a visa waiver first, granting an additional stay of twenty nine (29) in the Philippines. Thereafter, you may apply for one (1) month, two (2) months or six (6) months extensions at least one week prior to the expiration of your valid stay. 
• Non-visa required nationals may extend their stay up to thirty six (36) months while visa required nationals may extend their stay up to twenty four (24) months. 
• Visa extension requirements: you need to bring your passport and submit a filled out visa extension form at any Bureau of Immigration (BI) offices. It is possible to send a representative to file for your visa extension, given that you will provide a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

Long stay & permanent stay

• For long stay visa's there are generally two options to consider:
  • A non-immigrant visa is available for people that have a pre-arranged employment. The application process requires cooperation with the employer/company so it should be made clear when signing the contract that the company will provide the required documents for this type of visa application.
    • If your spouse and/or unmarried children are going to join you, then a copy of the marriage certificate and birth certificates will be needed along with photocopies of the relevant passports.
  • The special resident retiree (SSR) visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple entries and indefinite stay. Applicants are required to make a deposit depending on their age, health and retirement pension (variable from US$10.000 up to US$50,000). The minimum age to apply is 50.
• Immigrant visa are also available for foreigners who want to stay in the Philippines permanently without giving up foreign citizenship. A foreigner may achieve immigrant status if his or her country has a reciprocal agreement allowing Filipinos to become immigrants. However, the Philippines has an immigrant quota of 50 people of any one nationality per calendar year. Foreign spouses or unmarried children under 21 years of age of Filipino nationals can apply for a non-quota immigrant visa.

What is the general process for visa application when you want to live in the Philippines for a longer time period?

General tips when applying for visa:

• When visiting the bureau of immigration (BOI) remember to wear appropriate attire. Entry will be denied to persons wearing slippers and shorts.
• Expect long waiting lines and procedures. Experience has taught us that it is best to not make any other important plans on the day of your application.
• Bring all the required documents. If possible print out and fill in required forms before visiting the BOI as this will speed up the process. Checking the application form before you visit will also allow you to be aware of all the necessary information and documents. Application forms can be found on their official website.
• Even the most experienced foreigners come across problems with their application as regulations change regularly. When visiting the BOI don't expect miracles, even if you are well prepared. It is best to go in with an open-mind and try to be flexible.
• Treat government officials with respect. Being friendly and handling concerns with a smile can make a big difference.
• When filling in forms put N/A in all parts that are blank. The assumption will be that you forgot to fill in blanks and you will be required submit again, increasing waiting time.
• Applications require passport photos. Make sure to bring extras just in case.

What are factors to pay attention to when travelling inside and outside of the Philippines?

• With a non-immigrant visa or SRRV you can enter and leave the country without any extra clearance requirements. Make sure your documents are in order before leaving the country.
• Non-immigrant visa holders are required to pay travel tax and airport fees. Make sure to bring enough local currency to have a smooth transition for your departure.
• Make sure to check the Bureau of Immigration for up-to-date information.

Are there specific (visa) requirements concerning health, medical exams, and vaccinations when living and working in the Philippines?

• For the non-immigrant visa and SRRV a medical examination is required. For SRRV applicants there are specific places that are accredited to carry out your medical examination. For your work visa the place of examination depends on your company.
• It is possible to have the medical exam done in your own country before departure (usually the exam is valid for one year).
• Check for an up-to-date advice on vaccinations the up to date rules and regulatuons.

Do you need to translate or legalise Dutch documents for use in the Philippines, and vice-a-versa?

Dutch documents in the Philippines

• Legalising Dutch documents for use in the Philippines is done at the Ministry’s Consular Service Centre.
• Commonly legalised documents for use in the Philippines are; birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, and death certificate.

Philippine documents in the Netherlands

• Legalising Philippine documents for use in the Netherlands is done at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.
• Commonly legalised documents for use in the Netherlands are; birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, and death certificate.

Are there rules concerning expiration of passport when working and living in the Philippines for a longer period?

• Your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months on the day you plan to arrive in- or depart from the Philippines.
• If your passport is not valid for more than six months when you leave the Philippines you have to apply for a new passport at the Dutch Embassy in Manila.

How can you extend expiring Dutch documents in the Philippines?

Passport extension

• If your passport expires you will have to apply for a new passport at the Dutch Embassy in the Philippines.
• You have to make an appointment with the Dutch Embassy before visiting if you want to apply for a new passport.
• Make sure to wear decent attire in order to be allowed inside the Embassy. Applications are to be done in person.
• Documents you will need to bring:
  • completed and signed application form
  • a recent photograph which is a true likeness
  • all your Dutch and foreign travel documents
• Bear in mind that after application it can take up to 45 days before you can pick up your new passport. It takes a while, since your pasport will be made in the Netherlands and will be send back to the Philippines (the embassy) by courier. 

What to do when you lose your passport in the Philippines

Whether you lose it or it gets stolen you will have to take immediate action when losing your passport.

• Immediately file a police report. You will do this at the police station that covers the area where you lost your passport.
• After filing a police report you can apply for a new passport at your Embassy.

Is a certificate of conduct necessary when living and working in the Philippines?

Depending on your visa and type of job you might be required to provide a certificate of conduct.

• For the SSRV you are required to provide a certificate of conduct. If you have stayed longer in than 1 month in the Philippines you have to apply for the Philippine certificate of conduct called the National Bureau of Investigation Clearance (NBI).
• For the non-immigrant (work) visa you are not required by the government to provide a certificate of conduct. In this case it depends on the company, as they can decide to make it a requirement for you. Companies that work in fields that handle sensitive information or deal directly with people usually require their employees to provide this type of certificate.

The National Bureau of Investigation Clearance:

• You can apply for this online by filling in their online form.
• After successfully registering online you should print out the form and take note of your registration number.
• As a foreigner you have to visit the main NBI Clearance office on UN avenue, other offices cannot process the application for foreigners. When you arrive you will need to provide 2 valid ID's, the registration number, and the payment for your clearance (ranging from 150-450php).

Are international documents valid in the Philippines?

Driver's license

• The International Driver's License is valid for 90 days after you enter the country.
• You should apply for a local driver's license before the 90^th day of your stay in the Philippines.
• You can convert your international driver's license into a Filipino driver license.

When applying for a local driver's license:

• Bring your original driver's license together with one photocopy.
• Passport and photocopy of your passport's bio-page and visa stamp that shows the latest date of arrival in the Philippines.
• Bring your original visa or ACR-card and one photocopy.
• Bring an original medical certificate with official receipt from an LTO accredited physician.
• (Negative Drug test result issued by Department of Health or governmental hospital).
• Filled in application for Driver's license form.
• Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) if employed in the Philippines.

Marriage Certificate

• Legalising a Dutch marriage certificate for use in the Philippines is done at the Ministry’s Consular Service Centre.

Organ Donor Card

• An organ donor card identifies your wish to become an organ donor and legalizes the donation. This card should express your wish to donate your organs and should be signed by you and 2 witnesses. You can make this card yourself.
• The Organ Donor card can now also be incorporated with the Philippine Driver's License.

Euthanasia declaration

• Euthanasia in the Philippines is illegal.

What are important factors to consider in regards to recognition of professional qualifications in the Philippines?

• Requirements for legalisation of documents depends on the company and sector you work in.
• Ask the company you are working for to advise you.
• Always check up-to-date information on what specific documents are required for your job and visa application.

How can you get you driver's license in the Philippines?

• Driver's license applications are always processed at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
• If you don't have a driver's license yet you have to apply for a student license first, which you can converse after one month into the official Philippine driver's license.

When conversing your student driver's license the similar conversion application process is followed compared to conversing an international license:

• Bring your original driver's license together with one photocopy.
• Passport and photocopy of your passport's bio-page and visa stamp that shows the latest date of arrival in the Philippines.
• Bring your original visa or ACR-card and one photocopy.
• Bring an original medical certificate with official receipt from an LTO accredited physician.
• (Negative Drug test result issued by Department of Health or governmental hospital).
• Filled in application for Driver's license form.
• Taxpayer's Identification Number (TIN) if employed in the Philippines.
• Application processes change regularly; you should always check their website for up-to-date information on the application process.
• The official LTO website can be found here.