Permanent residency in the Philippines for foreign spouses
The 13A visa grants long-term residency to foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens, as long as the marriage is valid, without the need for frequent visa renewals.
Visas & immigration
Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A)
For Foreigners married to Filipino spouses
The 13A Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (Spousal Visa) allows foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens to obtain permanent residency in the Philippines, enabling them to live, work, and stay indefinitely as long as the marriage remains valid.
About the visa
Key Benefits of the Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A)
The 13A visa process is a 2-tier system: (1) The initial application grants a probationary 13A visa valid for 1 year. (2) After 1 year or as early as 3 months before expiration of the probationary, you apply for 13A Permanent Residency, securing long-term stay rights in the Philippines.
Multiple entry and exit privileges without special permits
13A visa holders can travel freely in and out of the Philippines without applying for exit clearances or re-entry permits.
Right to work or do business in the Philippines
Foreigners with a 13A visa can work, invest, or establish a business without securing a separate work visa or permit.
Pathway to Philippine citizenship
Continuous residence on a 13A visa helps meet the requirements for naturalization or dual citizenship applications.
Simplified, stable immigration status for foreign spouses
The 13A visa removes the hassle of tourist visa extensions or temporary stay permits, providing peace of mind and long-term security.
Who can apply
Eligibility Criteria
Basic qualifications for the Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A):
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✓
The applicant must be legally married to a Filipino citizen with a valid marriage recognized under Philippine law.
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✓
The foreign spouse must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
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✓
The applicant must have no criminal record and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
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✓
The foreign spouse must intend to live with the Filipino spouse in the Philippines on a permanent basis.
How it works
Application Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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1
Consultation & document checklist
We start with a detailed consultation to assess your eligibility and provide a personalized list of required documents for the 13A visa. -
2
Document preparation & review
Our team assists in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, including your marriage certificate, proof of financial capacity, police clearance, medical certificate, and other required forms. -
3
Filing your application at the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
We handle the filing process on your behalf, ensuring all paperwork is complete and submitted correctly to avoid delays. -
4
Interview coordination
We help you and your spouse prepare for the BI interview and guide you through the process to ensure a smooth experience. -
5
Probationary visa approval
Upon approval, you will receive a 1-year probationary 13A visa. We monitor your case to ensure you’re ready for the next step. -
6
Upgrade to permanent residency
Before your probationary visa expires, we’ll manage your 13A permanent residency application, making sure all updated requirements are met for a seamless transition.
FAQs
Questions?
You 13A Spousal Visa is tied to your marriage to your Filipino spouse, should your marriage no longer exist your 13A Spousal Visa also becomes void.
Yes, you can either file at your nearest Philippines Embassy or if you wish to file in the Philippines, you will need to register your marriage at the Department of Foreign Affairs before being able to apply for a 13A Spousal Visa.
No, unfortunately, the Philippines does not recognize same-sex marriage, so a Foreigner spouse married to a Filipino spouse in a same-sex marriage cannot get a 13A Spousal Visa.
It depends, you can buy property limited to the restrictions of property ownership in the Philippines for Foreigners. However, outright, Foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines.
Application assistance
If you’d like help with the process.
C&G can prepare the documents, coordinate the application and keep you informed from onboarding through completion.
Itemized quoteProfessional and government fees are shown separately.
Dedicated contactA communications manager keeps you updated.
Online paymentEvery C&G invoice can be paid securely online.
In-person supportWe meet you at government appointments when required.
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