Immigration Law

The Philippines has long been known for its warmth, hospitality, and vibrant culture, making it a desired destination for foreign nationals seeking to retire, invest, work, or build a family. Whether you are drawn by its tropical beauty, its economic potential, or its personal connections, making this country your new home is a significant and exciting life decision. The journey, however, involves navigating a complex landscape of immigration laws and bureaucratic procedures. Having a knowledgeable and reliable legal partner can make all the difference, transforming a potentially confusing process into a smooth and successful transition.

At the Mamangun Law Office, we serve as your trusted counsel in all aspects of Philippine immigration law. We understand the aspirations and challenges of our international clients and provide clear, strategic, and efficient legal services to help you achieve your goals. From securing the appropriate visa to resolving complex immigration issues or even pursuing the path to citizenship, our firm is committed to providing the expert guidance you need to confidently start your new chapter in the Philippines.

Special Visas: SRRV, SIRV, & SVEG

For those looking to retire, invest, or generate employment, the Philippines offers several special non-immigrant visas that provide long-term residency and other privileges. Our firm provides comprehensive assistance in securing these visas, from determining eligibility to preparing the extensive documentation and liaising with the relevant government agencies.

• Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV): Issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), the SRRV is ideal for foreign nationals and former Filipinos who wish to retire in the Philippines. It grants the holder the right to reside in the country indefinitely with multiple entry/exit privileges, making it a popular choice for those seeking a permanent home in their golden years.

• Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV): For those looking to do business, the SIRV allows foreign nationals to reside in the Philippines for as long as their investment of at least US$75,000 is maintained. This visa is perfect for entrepreneurs and investors who want to actively participate in the country's dynamic economy.

• Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG): This unique visa is granted to foreign nationals who employ at least ten (10) Filipino workers in a legitimate enterprise. It provides a path to residency for foreign entrepreneurs who are committed to contributing to local job creation.

Spouse or Fiance Visa

Uniting families is one of the most rewarding aspects of our immigration practice. We provide compassionate and diligent assistance to Filipino citizens and their foreign partners in securing the visas necessary to build their lives together in the Philippines.

• Spouse Visa (13A Non-Quota Immigrant Visa): This visa is available to a foreign national who is legally married to a Filipino citizen. It is the primary pathway to permanent residency for foreign spouses, allowing them to live and, with the proper permits, work in the country indefinitely.

• Fiance(e) Visa: This visa allows a foreign national to enter the Philippines for the express purpose of marrying a Filipino citizen. We guide couples through the entire process, from proving the authenticity of their relationship to ensuring a smooth transition to a permanent resident visa after the marriage is solemnized.

Determination & Lifting of Blacklist Orders

Being placed on the Bureau of Immigration's Blacklist (also known as a watch list order) can be a distressing and prohibitive experience, preventing entry into or departure from the Philippines. A foreign national can be blacklisted for various reasons, including overstaying a previous visa, being a fugitive from justice, or being deemed a public charge. Our firm provides critical assistance in these urgent situations. We first work to determine if a client is on the blacklist and the specific grounds for their inclusion. We then file the necessary petitions and legal arguments with the Bureau of Immigration to have the Blacklist Order lifted, presenting evidence and advocating for our client's right to travel.

Administrative & Judicial Naturalization

For many foreign nationals who have come to love the Philippines, becoming a Filipino citizen is the ultimate goal. Naturalization is the formal legal process by which a foreign citizen is granted Filipino citizenship. There are two primary avenues:

• Judicial Naturalization: This is the traditional court-based process available to foreign nationals who meet the stringent requirements on residency, character, financial capacity, and language as set forth in the Revised Naturalization Law.

• Administrative Naturalization (R.A. 9139): This is a more streamlined, non-court process available only to foreign citizens who were born in the Philippines, have resided here their entire lives, and meet a specific set of qualifications.

This is a profound, life-altering step, and our firm provides expert guidance through every stage of the rigorous application process, from filing the declaration of intent to taking the final Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.