Imiatlas

🇵🇭 Philippines

Philippines Work Visa: requirements and how to apply

Primary work visa for foreign nationals engaging in gainful commercial employment in the Philippines.

Official Philippines work visa page

9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Visa

Primary work visa for foreign nationals engaging in gainful commercial employment in the Philippines.

Typical duration
1 to 3 years renewable
Path to permanent residency
Permanent residence (Quota Visa / Section 13) after holding status

Main requirements

  • DOLE AEP Card
  • Corporate SEC registration
  • ACR I-Card

Official page

Documents usually needed for Philippines

  • 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
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    DOLE Alien Employment Permit (AEP)

    Philippine employer submits AEP petition to regional Department of Labor and Employment office.

    2 - 3 weeks

  2. 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. 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

Other ways to move to Philippines

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.