Eligibility Quiz
Does your country of citizenship have diplomatic relations with the Philippines and grant reciprocal permanent residency to Filipinos?
Application Process
The Section 13 Quota Visa is a prestigious permanent residency pathway that allows you to live and work in the Philippines indefinitely. Because the government only issues 50 visas per nationality each calendar year, timing is your most important factor. You must be physically present in the Philippines to complete this process, and it is highly recommended to have your documents prepared by December so you can submit your application as soon as the window opens in January.
Step 1: Document Preparation
Before visiting the Bureau of Immigration (BI), gather your dossier. You must prove you are a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with the Philippines and grants reciprocal residency rights to Filipinos.
- Form CGAF-001-Rev 2: Complete the Consolidated General Application Form.
- Financial Proof: Gather bank statements or investment certificates showing at least $50,000 USD (or equivalent) or proof of a stable, high-level recurring income.
- Medical Clearance: Obtain a medical certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) confirming you are free from contagious diseases.
- Police Clearances: You need an Apostilled police clearance from your home country. If you have been in the Philippines for six months or longer, you also need a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Step 2: Pre-Screening and Filing
Take your completed dossier to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office in Intramuros, Manila. An officer will review your documents to ensure you meet the "special qualifications" or financial requirements. If your application is accepted, you will be issued a payment slip.
Step 3: Payment and Hearing Schedule
Pay the required filing and processing fees at the BI cashier. Once paid, you will be assigned a date for your formal hearing before the Board of Special Inquiry (BSI).
Step 4: The BSI Hearing
Attend your scheduled interview at the BI Main Office. This is a formal session where the board verifies your intent to reside in the Philippines, your financial capacity, and your potential contribution to the national interest.
Step 5: Biometrics Capture
After your hearing, you will proceed to the image and fingerprint capturing station. This data is used for your Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card, which serves as your official ID and proof of permanent residency.
Step 6: Final Approval and Stamping
Your application is forwarded to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for final approval. Once approved, you must return to the BI Main Office to have the Quota Visa stamp placed in your passport and to collect your ACR I-Card.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application and Processing Fees | PHP 20,000 – PHP 30,000 |
| Annual Report Fee (Paid every Jan-Mar) | PHP 310 |
| ACR I-Card Renewal (Every 5 years) | Variable (approx. PHP 2,500) |
| Minimum Required Investment/Capital | $50,000 USD |
Total Estimate: Approximately PHP 30,000 in government administrative fees, plus the $50,000 USD financial capacity requirement.
Note: This does not include costs for the NBI clearance, Bureau of Quarantine medical exam, document Apostille/legalization, or professional fees if using legal counsel.
Processing Time
- Initial Filing to Hearing: 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the volume of applications in January.
- Hearing to Final Approval: Usually 2 to 4 months.
- ACR I-Card Issuance: 2 to 4 weeks after approval, though backlogs may occasionally extend this.
- Document Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining at the time of application. The ACR I-Card itself is valid for 5 years and must be renewed to maintain your physical proof of status.
- Annual Requirement: You must complete an Annual Report in person or online between January 1 and March 1 every year to keep your visa in good standing.