As corporate tax regulations continue to evolve in the UAE, more entrepreneurs and business owners are exploring options that give them greater geographical flexibility, lifestyle perks, and tax-efficient residency. One increasingly popular pathway is the Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) – a visa designed not just for retirees, but for forward-thinking professionals and investors seeking a second base in Asia.
Whether you’re looking to legally optimise your tax footprint, enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, or establish a decision-making hub outside the UAE, the SRRV is an excellent option.
What is the SRRV?
The Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) is a long-term visa offered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). It grants indefinite residency to qualified applicants aged 35 and above, with a one-time investment requirement and minimal residency obligations.
Unlike most residency-by-investment schemes, the SRRV is:
- Cost-effective
- Quick to process
- Flexible in income and asset requirements
- Highly advantageous for tax planning
Key Features of the SRRV
Here’s why the SRRV is becoming a favourite among global entrepreneurs and UAE business owners:
Indefinite Residency for Individuals 35+
Applicants as young as 35 years old can qualify, making it one of the most accessible long-term visa programs in Asia. Once granted, your residency is indefinite as long as program requirements are met.
No Tax on Foreign-Sourced Income
Under Philippine tax law, foreign-sourced income is not taxed for resident visa holders who are not classified as “engaged in trade or business” within the country. This includes:
- Offshore dividends
- Capital gains
- Rental income
- Pensions and annuities
This makes the SRRV ideal for UAE residents whose companies or investments generate income outside the Philippines.
Minimum Stay Requirement: 1–2 Months Per Year
To maintain your visa status, you only need to spend a short stay annually in the Philippines — perfect for busy professionals and frequent travellers.
Healthcare Access and Local Privileges
Visa holders enjoy access to local health services, discounts for seniors, and streamlined access to utilities, transportation, and property leasing or purchases.
Why It Matters for UAE-Based Business Owners
With the UAE’s Corporate Tax regime now in effect, business owners and professionals are giving greater thought to how and where key decisions are made within their organisations. While the UAE remains a highly attractive jurisdiction, international residency options like the SRRV provide added flexibility for personal mobility, lifestyle choices, and global business planning.
Establishing a residence in the Philippines through the SRRV can offer several complementary benefits:
- A strategic base for regional business activity in Southeast Asia
- A compliant way to diversify personal residency and gain access to another legal jurisdiction
- An opportunity to separate personal and professional operations across multiple locations
For entrepreneurs, executives, and digital professionals, this kind of jurisdictional diversification is a smart component of long-term planning — not just for tax considerations, but for personal security, lifestyle, and succession strategies.
Is the SRRV Right for You?
If you are:
- A UAE-based business owner or executive
- Seeking strategic global mobility
- Looking for a low-tax jurisdiction to complement your UAE base
- Interested in living or spending time in Southeast Asia
…then the SRRV offers a powerful mix of tax optimisation, lifestyle, and freedom.
How Hensley&Cook Can Help
At Hensley&Cook, we specialise in international structuring, residency planning, and cross-border tax optimisation. We work closely with qualified legal partners in the Philippines to guide our clients through the SRRV application process, bank account setup, real estate considerations, and ongoing compliance.
