Staying compliant with Philippine immigration laws is important for all foreign nationals living in the country. One key requirement for many expats is the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Annual Report, a yearly reporting obligation that helps the government keep track of foreign residents in the Philippines.
What Is the Annual Report Requirement?
Under the Alien Registration Act of 1950 (R.A. No. 562), all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines are required to complete an Annual Report each calendar year. This must be done within the first 60 days of the year - January 1 to March 1, 2026.
The Annual Report is a compliance process where foreign nationals update the Bureau of Immigration with their current status, visa, and identity information. It is not a visa extension, but a mandatory reporting requirement.
Who Is Required to File an Annual Report?
You must file the Annual Report if you are a registered foreign national in the Philippines and fall into any of the following categories:
- Foreign Nationals with an Valid ACR I-Card or Paper-Based ACR — If you hold an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) except for 9A Tourist Visa Holders — you are required to file the Annual Report each year. Even if you haven’t yet received the official plastic ACR I-Card but hold a paper ACR, you are still required to comply with the Annual Report.
- Valid Visa Holders Present in the Philippines - All registered foreigners with any non-tourist visa who are physically present in the Philippines during the reporting period must complete the Annual Report, except for SRRV (Special Resident Retirees Visa) Holders.
Who Is Exempt from Filing the Annual Report?
Not everyone must file. The following are not required to file an Annual Report:
- Tourist visa holders (9A Visitor Visas) — visitors on short stays are generally exempt.
- Special Resident Retirees Visa holders (SRRV) — retired permanent residents on an SRRV are also exempt.
- Philippine citizens and dual citizens — Philippine nationals, including those with dual citizenship, do not need to file an Annual Report.
Where to File
You can complete your Annual Report in one of these ways:
- In person at official Bureau of Immigration office locations (view map of national offices)
- Virtual Annual Report via the BI e-Services portal — this online option allows eligible foreign nationals to file and pay remotely.
The virtual option offers flexibility and convenience for those unable to physically visit an office, though you must still complete an online registration first. The entire process usually takes less than 45 minutes.
Key Requirements for Filing
Before reporting, you typically need:
- Completed online registration through the BI e-Services portal
- Original valid ACR I-Card or original paper ACR
- Valid passport
- Official receipt of the previous year’s Annual Report payment
Fees and Penalties
Failing to file the Annual Report on time can result in late filing fines and other penalties. While amounts vary and government fees may change, common sanctions include:
- Monthly late filing penalties (e.g., PHP 200/month)
- Accumulated fines up to statutory maximums
- Potential issues with future immigration transactions if reporting is persistently neglected
Additionally, you must settle your Annual Report before obtaining an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC-B) if you plan to depart the Philippines.
We're Here To Help
Navigating visas, immigration compliance, and business requirements in the Philippines can be complex. C&G supports foreigners and businesses with visa processing, immigration compliance, business registration and long-term residency planning — helping you avoid costly mistakes and delays. If you need professional guidance or clarity on your next steps, contact C&G to discuss the best solution for your situation.
