Philippines family visa

Section 13 visas cover permanent residence. Several routes are for relatives of Filipino citizens, returning residents, former Filipinos and their families.

Ways to get a Philippines family visa

Section 13 quota immigrant visa
Visa needed
Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence under the quota immigrant category.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(a) visa for a Filipino citizen's spouse or child
Visa needed
The spouse or unmarried child below 21 of a Filipino citizen.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(b) visa for children born during a mother's visit abroad
Visa needed
Children born during a temporary visit abroad to mothers granted permanent residence in the Philippines.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(c) visa for children born after a parent's visa was issued
Visa needed
Children born after the visa was issued to the parents they are accompanying.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(d) visa for women who lost Filipino citizenship through marriage
Visa needed
Women who lost Filipino citizenship through marriage to a foreign spouse, and their unmarried children below 21.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(e) visa for returning permanent residents
Visa needed
Permanent residents returning from a temporary visit abroad to resume permanent residence in the Philippines.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(f) visa for certain permanent residents' families
Visa needed
The spouse or unmarried children below 21 of a foreign national admitted for permanent residence before the Philippine Immigration Act was approved.
Stay
Permanent residence.
13(g) visa for former natural-born Filipinos and dependants
Visa needed
Natural-born Filipinos who became citizens of another country and wish to live permanently in the Philippines, and their dependants.
Stay
Permanent residence.

Who needs it

Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence use an appropriate Section 13 visa. Some temporary and special visa classes also cover dependants.

Good to know

The seven Section 13 subcategories are outside the annual nationality quota.
Dependant coverage is also listed under 9(e), 9(g), 47(a)(2), investor, employment-generation, retiree, multinational-headquarters and offshore-banking visas.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for the Philippines?

Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence use an appropriate Section 13 visa. Some temporary and special visa classes also cover dependants.

What are the ways to get a family visa for the Philippines?

There are 8 options: Section 13 quota immigrant visa (a visa from an embassy); 13(a) visa for a Filipino citizen's spouse or child (a visa from an embassy); 13(b) visa for children born during a mother's visit abroad (a visa from an embassy); 13(c) visa for children born after a parent's visa was issued (a visa from an embassy); 13(d) visa for women who lost Filipino citizenship through marriage (a visa from an embassy); 13(e) visa for returning permanent residents (a visa from an embassy); 13(f) visa for certain permanent residents' families (a visa from an embassy); 13(g) visa for former natural-born Filipinos and dependants (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a the Philippines family visa?

Permanent residence under the relevant Section 13 class.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for the Philippines?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Philippines visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for the Philippines be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the Philippines family visa rules?

On the Philippines's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in the Philippines?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck