Philippines promotes itself as a retirement destination for Indians

By Abhishek Sharma

The Philippine Government is actively promoting itself as a destination for Indians to settle after retirement.

At the recent Eldercare India Expo 2025 held at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, the Philippines government had set up a stall to promote its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) programme, spearheaded by the Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA).

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Mervin A. Magbuhat, Division Chief of the Client Relations and Program Development Division at PRA, said, “SRRV is more than just a visa; it’s a lifestyle invitation.”

According to Mr Magbuhat, “This visa enables the elderly to become an actual resident of the country. They can bring their families, come in and go out of the country as the visa allows multiple entries and indefinite stay.”

The visa fee is 10,000 US dollars for a retiree who enjoys a pension and 20,000 USD for retirees without a pension.

The visa comes with several other benefits. Enumerating these benefits, Mr Magbuhat said, “SRRV exempts visa holders from numerous things such as the Annual Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) Identity Card, Exit/Re-entry Permits, travel tax, tax on pensions and annuities, separate work/student visa or permit, and customs duties and taxes for one-time importation of household goods and personal effects up to 7,000 USD.”

Mr Magbuhat further informed, “Through partnerships with merchants in sectors like healthcare, insurance, and business, the visa offers valuable privileges, allowing holders to access exclusive services and discounts even without the official senior citizen card.”

He believes that retirement is a deeply personal and long-term decision “We don’t just tell people to retire here,” he says, “We offer them a culture of care.”

The visa, which is promoted by the Philippines Government under the “Love to Live in the Philippines” campaign, caters to two age brackets: 40+ and 50+, depending on the qualification of the applicants.

The documents needed for the visa are a passport with a valid entry visa to the Philippines, a PRA application form, medical certificate, police clearance from the country of origin or residence and a valid proof of pension.”

The Filipino stall sported a huge banner that showcased the testimonials of four Indians who have enrolled themselves in this initiative.

(The writer is a first-year student of media at KCC Institutes in Greater Noida.)

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