SIRV Minimum Investment Breakdown 2026 (Philippines Investor Visa Guide)
The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) remains one of the Philippines’ primary residency programs for foreign nationals who want to obtain long-term residence through investment. Managed by the Board of Investments and implemented with the Bureau of Immigration, the SIRV allows qualified investors to reside indefinitely in the Philippines as long as the required investments are maintained.
This 2026 guide explains the updated SIRV minimum investment requirements, allowable investment types, application process, and important rules foreign investors should know before applying.
What Is the SIRV?
The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) is a Philippine resident visa granted to foreign nationals who invest in approved Philippine businesses or industries.
Unlike retirement visas, the SIRV is investment-based and tied directly to maintaining a qualifying investment in the country.
Official government resources:
Board of Investments Philippines
Bureau of Immigration Philippines
Minimum SIRV Investment Requirement in 2026
The standard minimum investment requirement for a Philippine SIRV in 2026 remains:
USD 75,000 Minimum Investment
Applicants must remit at least:
USD 75,000
into the Philippines through accredited banking channels and invest the funds into approved economic activities.
The investment must remain active and compliant to maintain SIRV residency privileges.
SIRV Investment Breakdown (2026)
Here is a simplified breakdown of where the required USD 75,000 investment may go.
| Investment Category | Minimum Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Publicly Listed Philippine Companies | USD 75,000 | Shares must meet SIRV eligibility rules |
| BOI-Registered Companies | USD 75,000 | Must operate in approved sectors |
| Manufacturing Businesses | USD 75,000 | Eligible under SIRV regulations |
| Service Sector Businesses | USD 75,000 | Subject to BOI approval |
| Government Priority Industries | USD 75,000 | Must comply with investment rules |
Allowed Investments Under the SIRV Program
The SIRV does not allow all types of investments.
Eligible investments commonly include:
- Shares in publicly listed Philippine corporations
- Investments in BOI-approved enterprises
- Manufacturing businesses
- Service sector companies
- Government-priority industries
The investment must comply with Philippine foreign ownership laws and Board of Investments rules.
Investments That Are NOT Allowed
Certain investments do not qualify for SIRV purposes.
Generally prohibited or restricted investments include:
- Condominium purchases for personal use
- Residential real estate ownership
- Wholesale trading businesses
- Informal lending arrangements
- Passive personal assets
The SIRV is designed to encourage productive business investments rather than personal property ownership.
Additional Costs Beyond the USD 75,000 Investment
Applicants should also prepare for additional expenses beyond the required investment amount.
1. Visa Processing Fees
Government filing and immigration fees apply during the application process.
2. Bank Charges
Applicants must remit funds through accredited Philippine banking channels.
3. Legal and Documentation Costs
Potential costs include:
- Apostille authentication
- Translation services
- Notarization
- Legal assistance
4. Annual Reporting and Compliance
SIRV holders may need to comply with:
- Immigration reporting
- BOI monitoring requirements
- Investment maintenance verification
Step-by-Step SIRV Investment Process
Step 1: Enter the Philippines on a Tourist Visa
Applicants commonly enter using a 9A tourist visa or valid tourist entry status.
The applicant must usually maintain valid tourist status during initial SIRV processing.
Step 2: Open an Accredited SIRV Bank Account
Funds must be remitted through accredited Philippine banks.
The money is initially placed into a special SIRV deposit account pending investment conversion.
Step 3: Deposit the USD 75,000 Investment
Applicants transfer the required investment funds into the Philippines through lawful banking channels.
Step 4: Apply for Probationary SIRV
The applicant submits:
- Passport
- Police clearance
- Medical clearance
- Bank certifications
- Investment documents
- Application forms
A probationary SIRV may first be issued.
Step 5: Convert Deposit Into Approved Investment
Applicants generally have approximately:
180 days
to convert the deposit into an approved Philippine investment.
Failure to complete the investment conversion may result in visa cancellation.
Step 6: Obtain Full SIRV Status
After successful investment verification, the applicant may receive full SIRV residency privileges.
SIRV Eligibility Requirements in 2026
Applicants generally must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Be physically and mentally healthy
- Maintain valid immigration status
- Complete the required investment
- Comply with Philippine laws
Some nationalities may be restricted under Philippine immigration regulations.
Can Family Members Be Included?
Yes. The following may usually be included:
- Legal spouse
- Unmarried children below 21 years old
Dependents may receive derivative visa privileges under the principal investor’s SIRV.
Benefits of the SIRV
The SIRV offers several advantages for foreign investors.
Indefinite Residency
Investors may stay in the Philippines indefinitely as long as qualifying investments are maintained.
Multiple Entry Privileges
Visa holders may freely enter and leave the Philippines.
Easier Long-Term Residency
Compared to tourist visa extensions, the SIRV provides more stable immigration status.
Investment Opportunities
The program allows foreign nationals to participate in approved Philippine industries and businesses.
Important Risks and Considerations
Before applying, investors should carefully evaluate:
- Foreign ownership restrictions
- Business risks
- Investment liquidity
- Compliance obligations
- BOI approval requirements
- Industry eligibility changes
Not all Philippine businesses qualify for SIRV investment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum SIRV investment still USD 75,000 in 2026?
Yes. Current references and BOI guidelines continue to cite:
USD 75,000
as the standard minimum investment threshold.
Can I buy a condominium for SIRV qualification?
Generally, personal condominium ownership alone does not qualify as an eligible SIRV investment.
How long must the investment remain active?
The investment must remain compliant and active to maintain SIRV residency status.
Can SIRV holders work in the Philippines?
SIRV holders may engage in business and investments, though employment rules may still require additional permits depending on circumstances.
Final Thoughts
The Philippine SIRV program continues to provide foreign investors with a pathway toward long-term residency through approved investments. With a minimum required investment of:
USD 75,000
the program remains attractive for individuals seeking residency while participating in Philippine business opportunities.
Before investing, applicants should consult directly with the Board of Investments, the Bureau of Immigration, and qualified legal or financial professionals to verify the latest requirements and investment eligibility rules.