The 13A Marriage Visa is one of the most sought-after long-term visas in the Philippines. It allows foreign spouses of Filipino citizens to live, work, and stay indefinitely without needing constant renewals.
This 2025 step-by-step guide covers everything — from eligibility and paperwork to costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth application.
1. What Is the 13A Marriage Visa?
The 13A is a non-quota immigrant visa issued to foreigners legally married to a Filipino citizen. It begins as a one-year probationary visa and converts to permanent residence after approval.
Key benefits:
- Live permanently in the Philippines
- Work or start a business without a separate work visa
- Exempt from annual immigration extensions
- Easy re-entry and exit privileges
2. Who Is Eligible?
You qualify for a 13A visa if:
- You’re legally married to a Filipino citizen (recognized by the Philippine Statistics Authority)
- You have no derogatory record or criminal history
- You can support yourself financially
- You live together with your Filipino spouse in the Philippines
If you’re married abroad, your marriage must be reported to the Philippine Embassy and later registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
3. 13A Visa Requirements (2025 Update)
Below is the latest document checklist accepted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI):
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Joint letter request | Signed by both spouses |
| Accomplished CGAF (Consolidated General Application Form) | Available at BI offices |
| Marriage certificate | PSA-issued or authenticated |
| Birth certificate of Filipino spouse | PSA copy |
| Proof of financial capacity | Bank statements, pension slip, or employment certificate |
| NBI Clearance (for foreigners staying 6+ months) | Apply locally |
| Medical certificate | BI-approved clinic |
| Immigration clearance certificate | Issued by BI |
| Passport & ACR I-Card copies | 6-month validity minimum |
| Proof of cohabitation | Lease, utility bills, or barangay certificate |
4. How to Apply for a 13A Marriage Visa (Step-by-Step)
Step 1. Prepare All Required Documents
Make sure all your documents are notarized and properly labeled. If applying from abroad, you’ll need to authenticate them at your nearest Philippine Embassy.
Step 2. Submit to Bureau of Immigration (BI)
Submit your application at the BI Main Office (Intramuros) or any regional branch such as Cebu, Davao, or Angeles City.
Processing time: 4–8 weeks for probationary visa.
Step 3. Attend Interview
You and your spouse will be interviewed to confirm cohabitation and financial stability. Bring original documents.
Step 4. Wait for Approval
Once approved, you’ll receive your ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) and 13A visa stamp in your passport.
Step 5. Convert to Permanent Status (After 1 Year)
Apply for permanent conversion before your probationary visa expires. You’ll need to submit:
- Copy of your probationary 13A visa
- Updated proof of cohabitation
- Latest NBI clearance
- BI clearance and joint affidavit
Processing time: 2–3 months.
5. 13A Visa Costs (2025 Update)
| Item | Cost (PHP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application & processing | ₱8,620 | Payable at BI cashier |
| ACR I-Card | ₱2,000 | Required for all foreign residents |
| Annual report fee | ₱310 | Every January–February |
| Legal fees (optional) | ₱5,000–₱10,000 | If using an accredited agent |
Estimated total: ₱15,000–₱20,000 depending on services.
6. Renewal, Reporting, and Compliance
- Probationary to Permanent: Apply after 12 months
- Annual Reporting: Every January or February (mandatory for all foreigners)
- ACR I-Card Renewal: Every 5 years
- Address Change Reporting: Within 30 days
Failure to comply may result in fines or visa cancellation.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not authenticating foreign marriage certificates
- Missing your annual report
- Incomplete proof of cohabitation (barangay certificate works best)
- Overstaying before converting to 13A
- Paying unverified “fixers” — always deal directly with BI or authorized agencies like FilipinoVisa
8. Processing Locations
Main Office:
Bureau of Immigration, Intramuros, Manila
Regional Offices:
- Cebu – J Centre Mall, Mandaue City
- Davao – Gaisano Mall
- Angeles – Robinsons Balibago
- Iloilo – Gaisano Capital
9. Legal and Practical Tips
- Bring both spouses to all appointments.
- Keep photocopies of all receipts and clearances.
- Apply early — at least 90 days before visa expiry.
- You can travel while your 13A is being processed, but check re-entry rules first.
- For smoother processing, use FilipinoVisa or VisaHQ for document prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does the 13A visa take to process?
Typically 6–8 weeks, depending on location.
2. Can I apply while on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can convert a tourist visa to a 13A without leaving the Philippines.
3. What if my spouse passes away?
Your 13A becomes void, but you may apply for a Resident Visa (13G) if you’ve lived in the Philippines long-term.
4. Can I work with a 13A visa?
Yes, the 13A grants work rights automatically.
5. Do I need to renew it every year?
No, only your ACR I-Card every 5 years and annual reporting once per year.
