Work permits and visas in the Philippines: An employer’s guide

If you are hiring a new employee or relocating a team member to the Philippines, you need to make sure they have the proper work permit and visa under local immigration laws. Your company also needs to stay on top of labor and tax laws for compliant HR.

Known for its booming economy and tropical climate, the Philippines remains a popular work destination for top talent. In this article, Remote walks you through right-to-work checks, work visa types, and visa requirements for your employee to work in the Republic of the Philippines.

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in the Philippines

Work authorization check in the Philippines

When hiring foreign nationals in the Philippines, employers must verify that the individual is legally authorized to work. This involves:

• Securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the company’s behalf
• Applying for a Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa through the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which depends on a valid AEP 
• If needed, obtaining a Provisional Work Permit to allow work during the visa processing period
  
  

A right-to-work check applies to nearly all foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines. Most require both an AEP and a valid work visa, except those exempt under DOLE rules include diplomats, company owners or representatives accredited by the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration, as well as certain permanent and temporary resident visa holders.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in the Philippines?

Yes. Foreign nationals who plan to work in the Philippines must secure two key authorizations:

1. An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which determines eligibility by assessing whether the foreign hire displaces local workers
   
   
2. A 9(g) Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which legally permits a foreign national to work and reside in the Philippines. Extensions (typically ranging from one to three years) are permitted, but they must align with both the employment contract and the validity of the AEP issued by DOLE.
   

If work must begin before the Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa is issued, employers can apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP). Issued by BI, the PWP allows temporary legal employment (up to three months or until the Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa is granted), and is typically processed within three to five working days upon complete submission.

The AEP and 9(g) visa specify the employment type, employer, and duration. Any changes to these details will require updates or new applications to stay compliant.

Eligibility requirements for a work visa in the Philippines

Foreign nationals must secure both an AEP from DOLE and a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa from the BI before working in the Philippines. Both authorizations are employer-driven, meaning that employer (not the employee), is responsible for filing and managing the applications.

While most foreign employees must obtain an AEP, DOLE allows certain categories such as diplomats, accredited international organization staff, specific resident visa holders, and designated corporate officers to qualify for exemptions or exclusions.

Work visas and permits in the Philippines

For employment, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recognizes specific visas, most of which also require an Alien Employment Permit.

Below are different visa types and work permits for foreign nationals:

Temporary Visitor’s Visa: 9(a) visa

The Temporary Visitor's Visa (9(a)) is issued by the BI for short-term visits, including tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or limited business activities. It does not authorize employment.

• Initial stay: Usually 30 days, though some nationals may be granted less or more, depending on reciprocity agreements.
• Extensions: May be extended in increments of one, two, or six months, subject to BI approval.
• Maximum stay: Up to 24 months for visa-required nationals and 36 months for visa-exempt nationals, provided extensions are continuously approved.
  
  

Applications for extensions are filed directly with BI offices or through BI’s online visa extension system.

Pre-arranged employment visa: 9(g) visa

The 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa is the primary work visa for foreign nationals employed in the Philippines. Before this visa can be issued, the employer must first obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which certifies that no qualified Filipino is available for the position.

The visa is usually valid for one to three years, depending on the employment contract, and may be renewed. Its validity is always co-terminous with the AEP, meaning it cannot exceed the length of the work permit. A major benefit of the 9(g) visa is that it allows multiple entries and exits, so the employee can travel abroad without interrupting their work authorization.

If employment needs to start before the visa is finalized, the BI may issue a Provisional Work Permit (PWP), which provides temporary authorization to work while the AEP or 9(g) application is pending.

There are two types of 9(g) visas recognized by the BI:

• Commercial 9(g): For foreign nationals employed by private companies in the Philippines
• Non-commercial 9(g): For foreign nationals employed by the Philippine government or government-owned and controlled corporations 

Treaty trader's visa: 9(d) visa

The 9(d) visa is available only to nationals of the United States, Japan, and Germany, based on bilateral treaties with the Philippines.

• Purpose: For treaty traders entering to carry on trade between their home country and the Philippines, or for treaty investors entering to direct and develop an enterprise in which they have invested (or are actively investing).
• Visa requirements: Must prove nationality, purpose of entry, and provide documentation such as company registration and evidence of trade or investment.
• Validity: Granted and extended by the Bureau of Immigration in line with treaty provisions; employment is tied strictly to the trade or investment activity.

Provisional Work Permit

The Provisional Work Permit (PWP) is a temporary work authorization issued by the Bureau of Immigration. This Philippines work permit allows foreign nationals to begin work in the Philippines while their Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa is pending. In practice, a PWP may also be granted while the required Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment is still being processed.

• Requirements: Applicant must hold a valid temporary visitor visa (9a) and have a pending AEP or 9(g) work visa application. Supporting documents (e.g., employment contract, BI application forms) are required.
• Validity: Up to three months, or until the 9(g) work visa is approved, whichever comes first.
• Purpose: Provides interim legal work status to bridge the gap until full work visa issuance.

Alien Employment Permit (AEP)

The Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is required for most foreign nationals before they can legally work in the Philippines. This document is also a prerequisite for obtaining a Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa.

• Requirements: Applies to most foreign nationals who will be employed in the Philippines. Certain categories (e.g., diplomats, accredited international organization staff, permanent residents, and specific corporate officers) are exempt but must secure a Certificate of Exemption or Exclusion from DOLE.
• Validity: Usually issued for one to three years, depending on the employment contract, and may be extended up to five years for long-term agreements.
• Conditions: The AEP is tied to a specific employer and job position. A change in employer or job role invalidates the permit, requiring a new application.
• Compliance: Employers and employees working without a valid AEP risk penalties, fines, or deportation under Philippine labor and immigration law.

How to get a 9(g) work visa in the Philippines

Once your employee receives the appropriate Philippines work permit, they're eligible to apply for a Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa. Securing a Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa involves a structured, employer-driven protocol with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Step 1: Obtain an Alien Employment Permit 

The employer must apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) with DOLE. The AEP certifies that the position cannot be filled by a qualified Filipino worker and is required before a work visa can be issued.

Required documents generally include:

• The employment contract
•  The company’s Certificate of Registration (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission registration for corporations, Department of Trade and Industry papers for sole proprietorships)
•  Proof of job posting and recruitment efforts (labor market test)
  
  

There is an application fee of ₱9,000 for the first year and ₱4,000 for every additional year, which is paid at the time of filing.

Step 2: Apply for the 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa 

Once the AEP is approved, the employer (or an authorized representative) can apply to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for a 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa. Applications are normally filed with the BI in the Philippines, but in some cases may also be lodged at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad before entry.

• The application uses the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF), available at BI’s Public Information and Assistance Unit.

• Supporting documents include the AEP, employment contract, and company registration papers (e.g., Certificate of Registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry registration for sole proprietorships).

There is an application fee of ₱7,000 – ₱19,000 for the 9G visa, and ACR I-Card fees range from USD 50 to USD 150 depending on validity) are paid after pre-screening, before the hearing.

Step 3: Attend BI interview, submit biometrics

After all visa application forms and supporting documents are submitted, the applicant attends a BI interview and has their fingerprints and photo captured for ACR I-Card issuance.

Step 4: Visa Issuance & ACR I-Card

Upon approval, BI issues an Order of Implementation and stamps the visa onto the applicant’s passport. The applicant can then receive their ACR I-Card, which serves as proof of legal long-term residency. 

Processing time for a Philippines work visa 

Typical processing time for Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa ranges from several weeks to months, depending on documentation and government workload. 

Employee work visa sponsorship in the Philippines

Employers in the Philippines are legally responsible for sponsoring foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. Employer obligations for sponsorship include obtaining:

1. Alien Employment Permit
   The employer must apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) with DOLE on behalf of the foreign employee. The AEP is tied to the employer and job position. Any change in employer or job role requires a new application.
   
   
2. 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa
   Once the AEP is secured, the employer files a petition with the Bureau of Immigration for a 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa. Required documents for Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa include the AEP, employment contract, and company registration papers.
   
   
3. Provisional Work Permit
   If the employee needs to begin work before the Philippines Pre-arranged Employment Visa is finalized, the employer may apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP). The PWP is valid for up to three months, or until the 9(g) visa is approved, whichever comes first.

Eligibility requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions to apply for a DNV in the Philippines:

• Remote Work: Must provide proof of remote employment or freelance work done for clients or employers outside the Philippines.
• Income: Must demonstrate sufficient foreign-sourced income to sustain their stay.
• Criminal Record: Must have clean criminal records and pose no security threat to the Philippines.
• Health Insurance: Must have valid health insurance for the duration of the visa.
• Nationality/Reciprocity: Must be a national of a country that provides similar visas to Filipinos, and where the Philippines has a foreign service post. Nationals from other countries may apply at the nearest location with one.
• No Local Employment: Must not be employed by any Philippine-based entity.
• Initial validity: Up to one year.
• Renewal: May be renewed for an additional year, allowing a maximum stay of two years.
• Entry privileges: DNV holders are granted multiple-entry rights during validity.
  
  

Applications for the Digital Nomad Visa are filed through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, provided that country has a Philippine Foreign Service Post.

How Remote can help with work visas in the Philippines 

To hire or relocate employees to the Philippines legally, you need to have your own entity in the country. You also need to navigate immigration laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll and benefits according to local tax laws. 

That's why Remote’s Employer of Record service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in the Philippines on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local labor and tax laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in the Philippines, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on Philippines work permit applications. 

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.