Permanent residency
Live in the Philippines indefinitely as a permanent resident.
Visas & immigration
Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizen (13G)
The 13(g) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is for former natural-born Filipinos who became citizens of another country and now want to return to the Philippines to live permanently. It grants permanent resident status with no deposit and no investment.
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- Who it is for
- Former natural-born Filipinos
- Deposit
- None
- Government fee
- About $200 plus ACR I-Card
- Processing time
- Typically 3 to 4 months
About the visa
Key Benefits of the 13G Visa
The 13G suits former Filipinos who want to come home for good without re-acquiring Philippine citizenship. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included, and holders are exempt from the Alien Employment Permit.
No deposit
Unlike the retirement visa, there is no bank deposit or investment requirement.
Keep your current citizenship as it is
You stay a citizen of your adopted country only, which matters where that country restricts dual nationality.
Work without a work permit
As permanent residents, 13G holders are exempt from the Alien Employment Permit, subject to any DOLE certificate of exemption that applies.
Family included
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as dependents.
Dual citizenship stays open
You can still re-acquire Philippine citizenship under RA 9225 later.
Who can apply
13G Visa Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for a 13G visa if all of the following apply.
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You were previously a natural-born citizen of the Philippines.
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You have since become a naturalized citizen of another country.
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You intend to return to the Philippines for permanent residence.
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You are in the Philippines with a valid authorized stay when you file.
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You can prove your former citizenship, normally with a PSA-issued Philippine birth certificate.
How it works
13G Visa Application Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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Eligibility check
We confirm your eligibility and current immigration status, and whether the 13G or dual citizenship is the better fit. -
Forms and supporting documents
We prepare the application forms, the letter request and any affidavits for you and each dependent to sign. -
Clearances
You secure an NBI clearance if you are filing six months or more after arrival, and the BI clearance certificates are obtained. -
Filing and payment
The application is pre-screened at the Bureau of Immigration main office, the order of payment is issued and the assessed fees are paid. -
Hearing
You attend the scheduled hearing with your original passport. -
Biometrics
Your image and fingerprints are captured and the ACR I-Card requirements are submitted. -
Visa implementation
Once approved, your passport is submitted for visa implementation and you claim your ACR I-Card when it is ready.
What the C&G 13G Service Includes
Since 2019 we have helped more than 1,500 clients secure their Philippine visas. Our service fee covers everything below, from the first document to the final approval.
- Civil documents requested for youWe help you request your NBI clearance and your PSA birth certificate.
- Documents prepared and notarizedWe prepare every document your application needs, and our in-house attorneys notarize them.
- With you at government officesOur staff assist you on site at your government appointments, so you never face an agency alone.
- We deal with the agenciesWe coordinate with the agencies, follow up on your application and keep you updated at every step.
- Accredited with PRA, DOLE and BIC&G is accredited with the Philippine Retirement Authority, the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Immigration.
- An experienced teamOur team, including two attorneys, has more than 10 years of experience in immigration and business consulting.
- No hidden feesYour quote shows our service cost and the government fees separately, so you know the full cost before we begin.
- Manila, Cebu or remoteMeet us at our Manila or Cebu office, or work with us remotely from anywhere.
In detail
13G document checklist
Principal applicant
Letter request addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration
Two original copies of the Consolidated General Application Form for Immigrant Visa
Photocopy of your passport bio-page
Photocopy of your latest Philippine admission stamp showing a valid authorized stay
Original PSA-issued Philippine birth certificate
NBI clearance, if you are filing six months or more after your first arrival
BI clearance certificate
Bureau of Quarantine medical clearance, only for nationals of certain countries listed by the Bureau of Immigration
Documents to have ready
These are not on the standard checklist, but the Bureau of Immigration may ask for them to establish identity, civil status or eligibility:
Your foreign passport and proof of foreign naturalization
Marriage certificate
Government-issued photo ID
Additional proof that you were a natural-born Filipino, such as an old Philippine passport
Each dependent
Two original copies of the application form
Passport bio-page and latest admission stamp
Proof of relationship: a PSA-issued marriage or birth certificate, or an apostilled foreign certificate with an English translation where needed
NBI clearance for dependents aged 15 or over, if filing six months or more after first arrival
BI clearance certificate
Document rules
Philippine civil registry documents must be original PSA-issued copies.
Foreign documents must be original and apostilled or authenticated, with an English translation if written in another language.
Sworn statements and affidavits must be original and notarized.
Bring your original passport to filing and to the hearing.
In detail
13G Visa fees and processing time
Estimated government fees
Principal applicant: about $200
Dependent spouse: about $200
Dependent child aged 14 or older: about $170
Dependent child below 14: about $150
ACR I-Card: an additional $50
These are estimates, and government fees may change without notice. The amount on your order of payment is the final government assessment. Our service fee is separate and is quoted during your consultation.
How long it takes
There is no official processing time. Three to four months is a reasonable working estimate, and timing varies with document completeness, hearing schedules and additional requirements.
Where to file
13G applications are filed at the Bureau of Immigration main office in Intramuros, Manila.
FAQs
13G Visa Frequently Asked Questions
The 13G gives you permanent resident status as a foreign national. RA 9225 gives you back full Philippine citizenship and the rights that come with it. The 13G is the better fit if you do not want, or cannot hold, dual citizenship.
The SRRV Courtesy for former Filipinos is an alternative to the 13G. It needs a small deposit and is processed by the Philippine Retirement Authority. We can compare both routes with you.
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in a 13G application, each with their own set of documents.
The Bureau of Immigration does not publish a guaranteed processing time for the 13G. In our experience three to four months is typical, depending on hearing schedules, clearances and BI workload.
Government fees for a 13G are about $200 for the principal applicant and the same for a dependent spouse, $170 for a dependent child aged 14 or older and $150 for a child under 14, plus $50 for the ACR I-Card. The amount on your order of payment is final.
Yes. The 13G is applied for while you are in the Philippines with a valid stay, usually after arriving as a visitor.
The 13G is filed at the Bureau of Immigration main office in Intramuros, Manila.
For the 13G, you prove that you were a natural-born Filipino with your original PSA-issued birth certificate. The Bureau may also ask for your foreign passport, proof of naturalization or other evidence of your former citizenship.
A 13G applicant needs an NBI clearance only when applying six months or more after first arriving in the Philippines. The same rule applies to dependents aged 15 and over.
Yes. Documents issued abroad for a 13G application, such as a foreign marriage or birth certificate for a dependent, must be apostilled or authenticated, with an English translation if they are in another language.
Yes. After the 13G fees are paid you attend a scheduled hearing, then have your photograph and fingerprints taken for the ACR I-Card. Bring your original passport.
Yes. We can file your 13G application as your representative under a Special Power of Attorney. Your original passport is still presented at filing, and you attend the hearing in person.
Yes. After a 13G is approved, apply for visa implementation and claim your ACR I-Card within 90 days. Missing either can lead to cancellation of the visa or deactivation of the card.
Yes. 13G holders are permanent residents and are exempt from the Alien Employment Permit, subject to any certificate of exemption DOLE requires.
Yes. Holding a 13G does not prevent you from re-acquiring Philippine citizenship under RA 9225 in future.
Written and reviewed by the C&G immigration team. Last updated . Government requirements and fees change, so confirm the details for your case before filing.
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