Asia Pacific
Philippines immigration and visa guide
The Philippines offers the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Visa, Alien Employment Permit (AEP), Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), and Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV).
Bureau of Immigration (BI) & Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Processing time
- 4 – 10 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Philippines
Key requirements
- Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by DOLE confirming no Filipino was willing/competent for position
- Employment contract with Philippine corporate entity or regional operating headquarters (ROHQ)
- ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) biometrics at Bureau of Immigration headquarters
How to apply for a Philippines visa: step by step
- 1
DOLE Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
Philippine employer submits AEP petition to regional Department of Labor and Employment office.
2 - 3 weeks
- 2
9(g) Visa Petition at Bureau of Immigration
Submit joint petition with employer at Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila.
4 - 6 weeks
- 3
ACR I-Card Biometrics & Order of Approval
Appear for biometric capture and receive microchip Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card).
1 - 2 weeks
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is the ACR I-Card in the Philippines?
The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is a microchip-based ID card proving that a foreign national has registered with the Bureau of Immigration and holds legal resident or temporary worker status.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Philippines. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) & Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Bureau of Immigration (BI) & Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the official website before applying.