That’s according to Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) general manager Bob Zozobrado, who believes the country is closer to its goal of becoming one of the world’s top retirement destinations.
“We aim to become the leading retirement destination in Southeast Asia,” he said at a recent gathering of partners and stakeholders.
For years, the Philippines has quietly positioned itself as a retirement haven in Southeast Asia. And just recently, that campaign finally reached a major milestone: the country was named Best Retirement Destination in Asia at the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025 — the first time the Philippines has earned the distinction.
The award, according to the PRA, is an early answer to the question it has been confronting for decades: Can the Philippines realistically become a top global retirement destination?
Since its creation in 1985, the PRA has worked to promote the Philippines as a long-term home for foreign nationals and former Filipinos. Its centerpiece is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), which offers multiple-entry privileges, an indefinite stay, and the ability to invest in the country.
The process used to be little known and loosely understood. PRA officials now emphasize tightened security protocols and streamlined vetting to reassure both retirees and local communities.
Applicants must undergo police, medical, and FBI clearances and—under newly enhanced rules—secure a Non-Derogatory Record from the Bureau of Immigration. Every retiree is interviewed by a Security Risk Officer before their documents are forwarded for visa approval.
These measures, Zozobrado said, respond to past concerns involving certain nationalities and aim to protect the integrity of the program.
“Once approved, retirees take an oath of affirmation before the PRA chief, receive their PRA ID, and are subject to annual monitoring. We maintain satellite offices in Baguio, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao to widen access and improve processing,” the PRA head added.
The recognition from TripZilla—based on votes from more than 100,000 frequent travelers in Asia—signals that global perceptions of the Philippines are shifting.
“Malaysia still ranks high for its structured retirement visa. Thailand remains a classic option. Vietnam grows more competitive each year. But according to the survey, the Philippines pulled ahead by a comfortable margin,” Zozobrado shared, adding that their agency attributes this to three factors: affordability, the country’s strong caregiving workforce, and the Filipino brand of hospitality.
“Our brand of hospitality is a cultural export the government cannot manufacture but can amplify,” Zozobrado emphasized.
Retirees in recent years have also shown greater confidence in the country’s healthcare infrastructure, a point the PRA has highlighted in its promotions abroad.
Still, the agency notes a gap between perception and reach. Retirees from China, South Korea, India, the United States, Taiwan, Japan, and Europe account for much of today’s SRRV population, but Europe and the Americas remain underdeveloped markets.
The PRA plans to focus aggressively on those regions, banking on the growing number of retirees seeking warmer climates, affordable living, and reliable caregivers.
“We know there is huge potential there,” Zozobrado said, noting that the Philippines’ reputation as the world’s leading exporter of caregivers resonates strongly with Western retirees.
Are the government’s efforts paying off?
The numbers suggest progress. In four decades, the Philippines has welcomed more than 80,000 retirees, who now form communities across Metro Manila, Central Visayas, and Central Luzon. These areas offer a mix of hospitals, leisure hubs, and established expatriate networks—ingredients that help sustain long-term settlement.
More importantly, the country is gaining international visibility. TripZilla’s award may not be the industry’s most rigorous metric, but it signals a shift in sentiment: the Philippines is no longer a fringe choice. It is entering mainstream consideration.
For a country that has spent decades trying to compete with its neighbors, that shift matters. Recognition alone does not guarantee long-term success—but it confirms that the PRA’s campaign, from tighter screening to stronger global promotion, is resonating.
