Balikbayan Visa. Do's and Don'ts

[Flower025]

Hello Guys..hope everyone's well....

I just have a question about Balikbayan Visa..

If ever me and husband thinking to move and settle in Pinas...balikbayan visa is for my husband to get we are aware of that. I am a British Citizen now and also have Dual Citizenship that lets me live ok in Pinas or UK as long as I want to..

Question:

ASIDE FROM not being allowed to buy a property under the name of husband because he's foreigner and not permitted to have any business.. my question here is... is he allowed to buy a car under his name? Whether it's second hand or brand new?

How long can he use the balikbayan visa to stay in Pinas if we're plannng to settled there..?

Is the Balikbayan Visa correct that he's the one needing?

We have done our research, just want to hear from here fellow forums :)

Thanks to you ALL ... would really appreciate your views. :smile:

P.S
Just thought to put our picture together :)

[fred]

First thing is that a Balikbayan privilege is NOT a visa!! It's not a stamp he can get from the R.P Embassy in London, thats for sure..

If he travels with you (his wife) to the R.P then you can request the Balikbayan stamp for him there, but please take your marriage cert as they may require it before issue.

He can legally be a part of a legitimate business here but can only own 40% of it.. His Filipino partner..(You I assume, will own the other 60%)

Yes..He can own a car or motorbike in his own name!!

If he wishes to stay longer in the Philippines he can apply for a 13a Resident Visa as he is married to you.

I advise that he applies for it at the Philippine Embassy in London as he will get a permanent visa..

If he applies for it here in R.P, it's only temporary for one year.

Once he has this visa the only expenses are 310.00 PHP per year.. After 5 years he will need to renew his ACR card which costs around 3K..

Hope this helps in some way..
Fred.

[Flower025]

Hi Fred :Hellooo: thanks for your sincere effort response. I only have few questions

Are you in Pinas right now or in UK?

Is RP means Embassy?

So we can already apply in Philiippine Embassy in London my husband's Balikbayan privilege or we can apply for permanent residence or whatever you call that all here in Philippine Embassy London??

Thanks Fred should wait your response :smile:

[irishman12]

RP - stands for Republic of Philippines.

You can't apply for balikbayan - as has already been said it's not a visa - he will get the stamp on his passport when he arrives at the Airport in Manila.

Just make sure u ask for balikbayan, its only good for 12 months - so have to leave after a year and re-enter to get new one or get a 2 months' tourist visa after that.

[fred]

RP - stands for Republic of Philippines.

You can't apply for balikbayan - as has already been said it's not a visa - he will get the stamp on his passport when he arrives at the Airport in Manila.

Just make sure u ask for balikbayan, its only good for 12 months - so have to leave after a year and re-enter to get new one or get a 2 months' tourist visa after that.

Just for clarity.

After receiving the 12 month B.B privilege you are allowed to stay for another year without leaving the country (total, 24 months) but you will need to go into a B.I office to secure an exit clearance before leaving.

If you would rather not pay the tourist visa 9a fees for 12 months, then simply leave the country with your Mrs to places like Thailand, Macau, Hong Kong, etc and fly back the next day and request a new balikbayan stamp to start yet another year free visa stay in the Philippines..

Lucky you!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Hi Fred :Hellooo: thanks for your sincere effort response. I only have few questions

Are you in Pinas right now or in UK?

Is RP means Embassy?

So we can already apply in Philiippine Embassy in London my husbands Balikbayan privilege or we can apply for permanent residence or whatever you call that all here in Philippine Embassy London??

Thanks Fred should wait your response :smile:



Are you in Pinas right now or in UK?

Pinas!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:


So we can already apply in Philiippine Embassy in London my husband's Balikbayan privilege

No. As Irishman says, you have to travel with your husband and request it on your arrival at the airport as you pass through immigration together.


or We can apply for permanent residence or whatever you call that all here in Philippine Embassy London??

Yes, you can apply for a 13a residence visa at the Brit Embassy but please be warned, it can take some time to gather all the requirements they ask for..

If your husband is serious about wanting to live here long term though ... it's all well worth it!

You can download an application here..

philembassy-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/visaform3.pdf

[Flower025]

RP - stands for Republic of Philippines.

You can't apply for balikbayan - as has already been said it's not a visa - he will get the stamp on his passport when he arrives at the Airport in Manila.

Just make sure u ask for balikbayan, its only good for 12 months - so have to leave after a year and re-enter to get new one or get a 2 months' tourist visa after that.

Hello Irishman thank you for ur responce. how come i didnt mind RP is for Republic Philippines.. this definitely help bec its exactly same that my husband told me what should we do for his staying in Philippines.

Have a good day:smile:

[Flower025]

Just for clarity.

After receiving the 12 month B.B privilege you are allowed to stay for another year without leaving the country (total, 24 months) but you will need to go into a B.I office to secure an exit clearance before leaving.

If you would rather not pay the tourist visa 9a fees for 12 months, then simply leave the country with your Mrs to places like Thailand, Macau, Hong Kong, etc and fly back the next day and request a new balikbayan stamp to start yet another year free visa stay in the Philippines..

Lucky you!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Hi Fred thanks again... my husband totally right of his research source of you guys tell me i just really want to have others info.

Anyway i think we preffered the going out of country and go in neighbour country once in a yr.. i think he said about 3yrs or so he can apply for a permanent visa ... if were going to do applying permanent visa im not sure if we have enough time. so we probably just do it in philippines..

:Hellooo::smile:

[Flower025]

Just for clarity.

After receiving the 12 month B.B privilege you are allowed to stay for another year without leaving the country (total, 24 months) but you will need to go into a B.I office to secure an exit clearance before leaving.


Btw, What is B.I. Office?? Cheers! :Erm:

[irishman12]

Bureau of Immigration :smile:

[irishman12]

Going out of the country mightn't be all that much cheaper than getting a tourist visa every 2 months, but if you would rather have a holiday abroad that pay to Phil goverment -then :Wave:

[Flower025]

Hello there irishman thanks again...B.I ofcourse is Bureau of Immigration hehe... thanks a lot for your help....:Wave:

[junior02]

Me and my kids got BB Stamp and didn't have to show marriage cert and they didn't even ask for it. The immigration guy just asked if we were husband and wife..

[irishman12]

Me and my kids got BB Stamp and didn't have to show marriage cert and they didn't even ask for it. The immigration guy just asked if we were husband and wife..

Mostly they wouldn't ask for marriage cert - but if they had and you didnt have it, you maybe wouldn't get balikbayan stamp

[Michael Parnham]

When arriving in Cebu with my ex, never once been asked for proof of marriage yet always got Balikbayan Stamp and that is more than 30 entries! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Always better to be compliant and have the marriage certificate available for inspection.
IMO

[Flower025]

Me and my kids got BB Stamp and didn't have to show marriage cert and they didn't even ask for it. The immigration guy just asked if we were husband and wife..

That's easy...thanks Junior :smile:

[Flower025]

When arriving in Cebu with my ex, never once been asked for proof of marriage yet always got Balikbayan stamp and that is more than 30 entries! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Fantastic.. shouldn't be worry then for the hubby entry :Hellooo:
Thanks there :smile:

[Flower025]

Always better to be compliant and have the marriage certificate available for inspection.
IMO

That's right Terpe..it's better to be ready always - especially on this occassion. :doh

Thanks :smile: