What kind of expo is it?
The Overseas Immigration & Investment Expo is Korea's leading immigration fair, held every year by the exhibition company Korea Exhibition Center Co. (한국전람) alongside its study-abroad fair. Immigration and visa consultancies and government agencies from various countries run booths, and country briefings and seminars run over two days. The focus is on study and work-based immigration, but recently there have also been sessions on long-term stays after retirement and retirement visas.
| Event | 49th Overseas Immigration & Investment Expo (held with the Overseas Study Fair) |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (ended) |
| Venue | COEX Hall B (1F), Samseong-dong, Seoul |
| Organizer | Korea Exhibition Center Co. (한국전람(주)) |
| Official site | uhak2min.com (Korean) |
Highlights for retirement relocation
The program most directly related to retirement relocation this time was the participation of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). The two agencies ran two dedicated booths and held official briefings on both days, introducing the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) and the environment for long-term stays in the Philippines. The PRA is the government agency that helps foreigners who want to retire in the Philippines obtain visas and settle in, so visitors could hear directly from a government agency rather than a vendor.
According to press reports, more than 14,000 Koreans hold a Philippine retirement visa, the second-largest group by nationality after China. The short flight, widespread English, and relatively low cost of living are cited as reasons Korean retirees remain interested.
How much is the Philippine retirement visa (SRRV) deposit?
In September 2025 the Philippine Retirement Authority revised the SRRV rules, lowering the minimum age to 40 and adjusting the deposits. According to summaries by law firms and others, the revised SRRV Classic deposits are as follows.
| Applicant | Deposit (US$) |
|---|---|
| 50 or older, with a pension | 15,000 |
| 50 or older, no pension | 30,000 |
| 40–49, with a pension | 25,000 |
| 40–49, no pension | 50,000 |
The deposit must be placed in a PRA-accredited bank and kept for the duration of your stay. The minimum pension needed to qualify as a pensioner (such as US$800 a month for a single applicant) appears only on commercial guide sites and needs confirming, and the rules change often, so check the latest requirements with the PRA or the Philippine Embassy in Seoul before applying.
What you can get out of the expo
- Country comparisons: Compare visa systems and residency conditions for several countries in one place.
- Government briefings: Sessions run directly by government agencies, like the PRA this time, offer more objective information than vendor consultations.
- Free consultations: Get a rough idea of the cost, time, and documents a move would take.
When is the next one?
The expo is usually held twice a year, in the first and second halves. In 2026 it took place on March 28–29 (COEX Hall D, 3F) and September 19–20 (COEX Hall B, 1F). Dates for the first half of 2027 had not been announced at the time of writing, so please check the organizer's official site. The venue and hall change from edition to edition, so check again just before you go.
Tips for visitors
What to watch out for in expo consultations
- Don't rush into a contract: Even with on-site discounts or "today only" offers, take the contract and cost breakdown home and review them with your family before deciding.
- Understand the costs: Get agency fees, extra charges, and refund terms in writing.
- Double-check with official sources: Visa and residency requirements change often. Don't rely on a vendor's word alone; confirm with the destination country's embassy, immigration authority, or the operating agency.
Please keep in mind
- This article is based on information checked as of the date shown at the top. New research or changes in official guidelines may change the details, so please use it as a reference rather than taking it as definitive.
- Details such as schedules, rules, and costs can change, so confirm them with the organizers or the relevant agencies before you decide. For any health-related decision, please see a doctor in person.