The tropical climate and booming economy of the Philippines make the country a popular destination for expatriates and expanding companies. But like any country, the Philippines has specific laws regarding visas for non-nationals who wish to live and work within its borders.

Types of work visas in the Philippines

There are several types of visas available for international workers seeking entry into the Philippines. Visas and permits for individuals coming to the Philippines for business or employment purposes may include:

  • Temporary Visitor’s Visa for Business Purposes
  • International Treaty Trader / Investor
  • Special Non-Immigrant Visa Under E.O. 226
  • Alien Employment Permit (AEP), generally required for most foreign nationals employed in the Philippines unless an exemption applies
  • 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Commercial Visa
  • Provisional Work Permit
  • Special Work Permit

This guide will focus on the 9(g) Work Visa, as this is the most common type of visa issued to foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines. Employees generally need to obtain an AEP from the Department of Labor and Employment before applying, unless an exemption or another work authorization route applies.

Requirements to obtain Philippines work visas

To obtain an AEP, employees will need to provide the following documents:

  • A completed application form
  • The employment contract and any related documents
  • A copy of the employee’s passport along with a valid visa
  • A copy of the business permit (commonly known as Mayor’s Permit)

Applicants who are applying for a reissued permit will need to provide a copy of their current AEP in addition to the above documents.

Employees generally need pre-arranged employment with a Philippines-based employer or petitioner before applying for a 9(g) Work Visa. They typically also need a valid AEP from DOLE, unless exempt. The following are some of the documents needed to apply:

  • A completed 9(g) Work Visa application form
  • The applicant’s valid passport
  • A notarized certification of the employer’s number of international employees and local employees from the Philippines
  • A certified copy of the AEP issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
  • A newspaper clipping that shows the publication of the AEP application by DOLE
  • A certificate of clearance from the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (B.I.)
  • An Alien Certificate Registration I-Card
  • Copies of the employment contract, the Articles of Incorporation (AOI), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) certification
  • Any additional documents that support the applicant’s employment

Application process

The process for obtaining a Philippines work visa begins with an application for a 9(a) Visitor Visa at the Philippine consular post in the country of residence or nationality. Both the 9(a) Visitor Visa and the AEP application can be filed by the employer in the Philippines or the prospective employee.

The application for a 9(g) Work Visa must be sponsored by the employer and can be filed through the Bureau of Immigration.

It typically takes about 2 to 3 months to complete the 9(g) Work Visa process. The AEP portion usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, assuming the filing is complete and there are no objections or publication-related delays. Employees should plan to apply well in advance of their trip to the Philippines.

Other important considerations

There are a few considerations to keep in mind about work visas in the Philippines:

  • A 9(g) Work Visa may initially be issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the approved employment arrangement and Bureau of Immigration approval. It can generally be renewed in 1, 2, or 3 year increments if eligibility and employer sponsorship continue.
  • If an employee needs to begin working before the visa process is complete, they can apply for a Provisional Work Permit. An application for this permit can be filed as soon as the employee files an AEP application, and the permit can be issued in as little as 2 weeks. Like the 9(g) visa, this permit is issued by the Bureau of Immigration.
  • Employees should note that their AEP is generally valid only for the employer and position stated in the permit. If they change employer, they typically need a new AEP. A material change in position, job title, work location, or assignment may require an amendment or new application.

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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.