Glossary: acronyms and abbreviations

The permanent resident visa for the foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen, for nationalities with reciprocity. Granted first on a one-year probationary basis, then made permanent.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Divorce, annulment and separation · Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · SRRV retirement visa · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a)

A special visa approved by the Department of Justice, mainly for employees of PEZA or BOI-registered companies, ROHQs and certain government projects or international organisations.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas

The tourist / temporary visitor status. Entry visa-free for 30 days for many nationalities, then extensions at the BI up to 36 months (24 for visa-required nationals).

In the guides: Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

The work visa for a foreigner hired by a Philippine employer. It normally follows the DOLE work permit (AEP) and is tied to that employer.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Divorce, annulment and separation · Starting a business as a foreigner · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines

The BI identity card for foreigners staying beyond 59 days or holding a resident visa. It proves your legal stay and is asked for by banks, the LTO and many offices.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Divorce, annulment and separation · Child born in the Philippines · Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

The immigration agency: it grants and extends visas, issues ACR I-Cards and exit clearances (ECC), and handles overstays and blacklists. Main office in Intramuros, Manila, with field and extension offices.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Divorce, annulment and separation · Child born in the Philippines · Starting a business as a foreigner · SRRV retirement visa · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

The basic immigration law. Visa categories are named after its sections: 9(a), 9(g), 13(a), 47(a)(2)…

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Divorce, annulment and separation · Starting a business as a foreigner · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

The standard BI application form used for most visa applications, extensions and conversions.

In the guides: Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

A BI fee item charged to tourists who stayed 6 months or more, usually paid together with the ECC before departure.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC

The BI clearance you need to leave the country after a long stay: ECC-A for temporary visitors who stayed 6 months or more, ECC-B for residents. Without it, you cannot board.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Child born in the Philippines · SRRV retirement visa · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

A BI extension for tourists covering 6 or 12 months at once, instead of renewing every one or two months.

In the guides: Tourist visa 9(a)

The government agency that issues and manages the SRRV retirement visa and the PRA ID card.

In the guides: SRRV retirement visa · Working in the Philippines

A residence visa granted through the Board of Investments to a foreigner who invests at least US$75,000 in qualifying Philippine activities, valid as long as the investment is kept.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner

The retirement visa issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) against a deposit in a Philippine bank. It allows indefinite stay with multiple entries.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Divorce, annulment and separation · Starting a business as a foreigner · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · SRRV retirement visa · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

A short BI permit (up to 6 months) allowing a foreigner on a tourist visa to work on a specific short-term assignment, filed by the sponsoring company.

In the guides: Working in the Philippines

The residence visa for the foreign spouse of a Filipino when their country has no reciprocity for the 13(a) visa (for example India, Egypt, Bangladesh).

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Spouse visa 13(a)

The DOLE work permit a foreigner needs before working for a Philippine employer, usually followed by the 9(g) visa. Since 2026, processed centrally at the DOLE Bureau of Local Employment (BLE).

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a)

The tax administration: TIN numbers, income tax, VAT, capital gains and documentary stamp taxes, and the tax clearance needed to transfer property.

In the guides: Renting in the Philippines · Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Buying property as a foreigner · SRRV retirement visa · Spouse visa 13(a)

The DOLE bureau that processes Alien Employment Permits (AEP) centrally since 2026.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines

The customs administration: duties and taxes on imports, including vehicles. Its Certificate of Payment is required by the LTO to register an imported or ex-diplomatic vehicle.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO

The investment promotion agency under the trade ministry: registration of incentivised projects and the SIRV investor visa.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas

The central bank. Registering foreign investments with it lets you repatriate capital and profits through the banking system.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Starting a business as a foreigner · Spouse visa 13(a)

The labour ministry: work permits for foreigners (AEP), labour standards, minimum wages and labour complaints.

In the guides: Household staff and family drivers · Starting a business as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a)

The trade ministry. It registers business names of sole proprietorships and supervises the BOI.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying property as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines

The law setting how much of a business foreigners may own, with the minimum capital required for 100 % foreign ownership of companies selling to the domestic market.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner

A corporation with a single shareholder, registered with the SEC. Foreigners can form one, subject to foreign-ownership limits.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner

The mandatory housing savings fund. Employers register their employees, including household helpers, and pay monthly contributions.

In the guides: Household staff and family drivers · Starting a business as a foreigner

The agency that runs special economic zones and registers export and IT companies operating there, with tax incentives and simplified visas for their foreign staff.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas

The national health insurance. Employers register their employees, including household helpers, and share the monthly premium.

In the guides: Household staff and family drivers · Starting a business as a foreigner

Licenses regulated professions (doctors, engineers, accountants…). Most are reserved to Filipinos unless reciprocity or a special permit applies.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · Spouse visa 13(a)

Regional offices of multinational companies registered with the SEC; their foreign staff can obtain special visas such as the 47(a)(2).

In the guides: 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas

Registers corporations and partnerships (including One Person Corporations and foreign branches) and receives their annual reports.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines

The social security fund for private-sector workers, including household helpers (kasambahay). Employers must register and pay monthly contributions.

In the guides: Household staff and family drivers · Starting a business as a foreigner

The tax number issued by the BIR. Needed to work, run a business, buy property or open some accounts.

In the guides: Renting in the Philippines · Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a)

The 12 % consumption tax on most sales of goods and services, including many new condominium units sold by developers.

In the guides: Renting in the Philippines · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying property as a foreigner

The title deed of a condominium unit. Foreigners may hold one as long as foreign owners keep no more than 40 % of the units in the project.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Buying property as a foreigner

The housing ministry. A developer must hold its licence to sell before taking reservations; it also handles buyers' complaints against developers.

In the guides: Renting in the Philippines · Buying property as a foreigner

A tax on documents such as deeds of sale, leases, loans and share issues, paid to the BIR (1.5 % on a property sale).

In the guides: Buying property as a foreigner

The title deed of a piece of land kept at the Registry of Deeds (OCT for the first registration). Land titles can be held only by Filipinos or 60 % Filipino-owned companies.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Buying property as a foreigner

The LTO application form for student permits and driver's licences (new, conversion, renewal, duplicate).

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The authority from the DTI Bureau of Import Services required before shipping a used vehicle under one of the import exceptions; without it, the vehicle can be seized.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO

The free online driver's education exam on the LTMS portal, required to renew a licence. Retakes are allowed; the certificate stays 60 days in your account.

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The mandatory insurance covering death or injury to third parties, required to register or renew a vehicle's registration. It does not cover damage to vehicles.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle

Small LTO outlets, often in malls, that handle licence renewals only — not conversions, duplicates or exams.

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The police unit for road crime. Its motor vehicle clearance checks that a used vehicle is not stolen before the LTO transfers ownership.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle

A translation of your national licence, issued by the country that issued it, before you travel. Valid only together with the original and within the 90-day limit.

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The LTO online portal: account creation, appointments, online exams (CDE), licence records, payments and the digital driver's licence.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The agency for driver's licences and vehicle registration. It has a Central Office on East Avenue (Quezon City), licensing centers, district offices and mall-based renewal centers, which do not all offer the same services.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Household staff and family drivers · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The inspection report issued by a PMVIC and sent electronically to the LTMS.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO

The yearly road-use charge paid at each registration, based on the vehicle's weight or engine, type and age. Late surcharges are computed on it; electric and hybrid vehicles get a discount.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO

The two vehicle papers issued by the LTO: the CR names the registered owner, the OR proves the registration fees for the current year were paid. Keep copies in the vehicle.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The 8-hour practical course at an accredited driving school, required before applying for a non-professional licence.

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

Accredited centers that run the emission test and send the certificate of emission compliance to the LTMS; a passing result is needed to renew a registration.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO

Private centers accredited by the LTO that inspect roadworthiness and emissions and send the inspection report (MVIR) to the LTMS. Accepted for renewal as an alternative to the emission test; required in some cases such as first registration or modified vehicles.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO

The 15-hour theory course required before a student permit; free at LTO Driver's Education Centers, capped at ₱1,000 in accredited driving schools.

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

A PSA certificate stating that a person has no recorded marriage in the Philippines, required from the Filipino partner to marry.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Child born in the Philippines · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Spouse visa 13(a)

The social welfare ministry: travel clearances for minors travelling without a parent, adoption, and protection of children and vulnerable people.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Child born in the Philippines

A certificate from your embassy stating that you are free to marry, required by the local civil registrar for a foreigner's marriage licence.

In the guides: Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner

The civil registry office of each city or municipality: marriage licences, birth registration and annotations before records go to the PSA.

In the guides: Child born in the Philippines · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner

Keeps the national civil registry: birth, marriage and death certificates and the CENOMAR. 'PSA copy' means a certified copy on its security paper.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Household staff and family drivers · Child born in the Philippines · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · SRRV retirement visa · Spouse visa 13(a)

The law punishing physical, psychological and economic violence against women and their children, including withholding financial support; it allows protection orders.

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation

The regional group of ten Southeast Asian countries. Driver's licences issued by member countries are recognised in the Philippines without an IDP, within 90 days.

In the guides: Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The foreign ministry. For foreigners, mainly the apostille of Philippine documents used abroad and the handling of diplomatic status.

In the guides: Child born in the Philippines · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Spouse visa 13(a)

The justice ministry. It supervises the BI and approves 47(a)(2) visas; it also handles appeals of some BI decisions.

In the guides: Starting a business as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas

The national bar association: every practising lawyer must be a member. Ask for the lawyer's IBP and roll numbers before hiring one.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Renting in the Philippines · Divorce, annulment and separation · Household staff and family drivers · Child born in the Philippines · Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · SRRV retirement visa · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

The detailed rules adopted after a law to explain how it is applied; they often contain the practical requirements.

In the guides: Household staff and family drivers · Buying property as a foreigner

A rule issued jointly by several agencies; JAO 2014-01 sets the schedule of traffic fines.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The city, municipality or barangay. It issues mayor's and business permits and collects local transfer and property taxes.

In the guides: Child born in the Philippines · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner

An administrative rule issued by an agency (LTO, BI, DOLE…) to apply a law: fees, documents, deadlines. It changes more often than laws, so check its date.

In the guides: Vehicle registration at the LTO · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

The national investigation bureau. It issues the NBI clearance (criminal record certificate) requested for many visas, jobs and the SRRV.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Household staff and family drivers · SRRV retirement visa · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

Metro Manila: the 16 cities and one municipality around Manila. Many agencies' main offices are there, and minimum wages are highest.

In the guides: Household staff and family drivers · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner

The official receipt every government office must issue for a payment. Always ask for it: no OR, no proof you paid.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Spouse visa 13(a) · Tourist visa 9(a)

A decree with the force of law issued by the President during martial law (1972–1986); many are still in force, such as PD 1083 (Code of Muslim Personal Laws).

In the guides: Divorce, annulment and separation · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner

The national police. A police report (blotter) is useful for stolen documents or vehicles.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle

A law passed by Congress, cited by number (for example RA 10930 on driver's licences). Check the number on lawphil.net or the Official Gazette.

In the guides: ACR I-Card, Annual Report and ECC · Renting in the Philippines · Divorce, annulment and separation · Household staff and family drivers · Child born in the Philippines · Starting a business as a foreigner · Vehicle registration at the LTO · Buying or selling a used car or motorcycle · Getting married in the Philippines as a foreigner · Driving in the Philippines as a foreigner · Buying property as a foreigner · Working in the Philippines · 47(a)(2) and PEZA visas · Spouse visa 13(a)

A notarised document authorising someone to act for you for a specific act (sign a sale, collect a document, file at an office). Signed abroad, it must be apostilled or consularised.

In the guides: Tourist visa 9(a)