Work Permits in the Philippines

What is a work visa?

A work visa is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to enter and work in a country. It specifies the type of employment the holder can engage in and is usually issued for a specific period. A common question is whether a foreign national can enter and work in the Philippines without a work visa. The answer depends on your nationality and your planned activity in the Philippines. 

If you come from a country with diplomatic ties to the Philippines, you can enter without a visa and stay for up to 30 days, as long as you have a valid passport and a return ticket. If you are from other countries, you must get a visa before you arrive. 

What is a work permit?

A work permit is called an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) in the Philippines. It is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) once the employer has sufficiently proved that no available Filipino has the qualifications or skills required for the job. Obtaining a work permit involves a detailed application process to verify the qualifications and intentions of the foreign worker. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the article. 
 

Work permit exceptions 

Certain foreign nationals may be exempt from getting a work permit. These include diplomats, treaty traders, and representatives of international organisations in the Philippines. Also, investors with significant capital in Philippine enterprises might qualify for special investor visas that do not require a separate work permit. Always check the specific requirements for your situation, as these exemptions can vary.

Types of work visas in the Philippines

The following are the main types of work visas available for foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines:

• Temporary Visitor’s Visa for Business Purposes (9(a) visa): For foreigners visiting the Philippines for business, leisure, or health purposes. It can be extended every two months for up to 16 months.
   
• International Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (9(d) visa): For nationals of the United States, Japan, and Germany who wish to enter the Philippines for trade purposes or to develop and manage the operations of an enterprise they have invested in.
   
• Special Non-immigrant Visa under EO 226: For executives of regional or area headquarters of multinational companies operating in the Philippines. It is valid for three years and can be extended.
   
• Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9(g) visa): This is the most common work visa, allowing multiple entries and exits while the foreign national is employed in the Philippines. It requires an Alien Employment Permit and is typically valid for one to three years.

If your job title or activities fall under the professions regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), you might also need to undergo a foreign credential evaluation to obtain a local professional licence, a Special Temporary Permit, or a Certificate of Non-Practice of Profession from the PRC before applying for a Philippine work visa.

Types of work permits in the Philippines

The types of work permits in the Philippines include:

• Special Work Permit (SWP): For foreign nationals who have gained short-term employment in the Philippines lasting up to six months. This permit is initially valid for three months and can be extended for another three months.
   
• Provisional Work Permit (PWP): This permit allows you to start working while your 9(g) or 9(d) visa application is pending. It is valid for three months or until your work visa is approved. 
   
• Alien Employment Permit (AEP): For foreign nationals engaged in long-term employment. It is valid for one to three years and is specific to the employer and job position. You must secure the AEP before applying for a 9(g) visa.

Philippine work permit application process

To apply for a work visa or permit in the Philippines, you need a sponsor from a Philippine-registered entity. This local entity's corporate registration will determine the type of visa you are eligible for. The sponsoring entity, which will be your employer during your stay, must provide all necessary corporate documents for your application and ensure all your activities are legal before your permit can be approved.
 

Preparing the documentation

You must provide the following documents to apply for a work permit: 

1. The completed application form for the specific work permit type you are applying for.
2. A copy of your passport.
3. A notarized copy of your employment contract detailing your job responsibilities, salary, benefits, and duration of employment.
4. Company documents, including business permits, SEC or DTI registration certificates, and the company’s Income Tax Return (ITR) with proof of payment.
5. Special permits from the PRC (if applicable).
6. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
7. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate.
    

Submitting the application

Where to apply for a Philippine work permit:

• Applications for an AEP must be submitted to the Regional DOLE Office which has jurisdiction over your intended place of work.
• Applications for a special or provisional work permit must be submitted to the Bureau of Immigration.

How to apply for a Philippine work permit:

1. Collect all necessary documents listed above.
2. Fill out the relevant application forms accurately and completely.
3. Submit your documents for pre-screening at the appropriate office (DOLE or BI) to ensure they meet all requirements.
4. After pre-screening, get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) from the processing unit and pay the necessary fees at the designated payment centres. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
5. Submit a copy of the official payment receipt.
6. Wait for the processing of your application. This can take several weeks, depending on the type of permit.
7. Once your application is approved, collect your work permit from the issuing authority.

How can Translayte help?

At Translayte, we understand the challenges of travelling abroad, especially when dealing with the necessary legal documentation in a foreign country. That's why we offer high-quality certified translation services to ensure that your important documents like educational certificates, professional references, and employment records are accurately translated to meet the strict requirements of immigration authorities in the Philippines. 

We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround times and our ability to handle certified translations in multiple languages. Whether your original documents are in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, or any other language, our team of professional translators is always ready to assist you. Our services are easily accessible online, allowing you to submit and receive your documents anywhere in the world.

Work permit application costs in the Philippines 

The following are the costs of different work permit types in the Philippines:

• Alien Employment Permit: The cost is approximately PHP 9,000 for one year. If your contract extends beyond a year, there is an additional charge of PHP 4,000 for each subsequent year or part of a year.
   
• Provisional Work Permit: The base fee for the permit is PHP 400. However, with additional mandatory fees included, the total comes to approximately PHP 4,040.
   
• Special Work Permit: This permit costs PHP 6,440. If you have an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-card), you must pay an additional annual fee of $50.
   

Processing timeframe 

The time it takes to obtain a work permit in the Philippines varies depending on the type of permit and whether your documentation is complete. Here's what to expect:

• Alien Employment Permit: Typically takes two to three weeks to process once you have submitted all the required documents.
• Provisional Work Permit: Generally takes about two weeks to obtain.
• Special Work Permit: The processing time is generally shorter compared to other types of work permits, typically taking one to two weeks.

It’s crucial to start the application process early to account for potential delays and ensure you can legally resume work on your planned start date.

Visa requirements for digital nomads in the Philippines

The Philippines currently doesn't offer a specific visa category for digital nomads. However, digital nomads can enter the country using a tourist visa, which initially lasts for 30 days but can be extended up to 36 months. To work legally as a digital nomad, it's important to make sure that your activities don't breach the conditions of your tourist visa.

If you plan to stay longer or enter into more formal employment arrangements, you may need to consider applying for one of the work permits discussed earlier in this article. Consulting with an immigration expert is advisable to determine the most suitable visa option for your specific needs.

Related posts

How to Get a Malaysian Work Permit in 2024

Comprehensive Guide To U.S. Work Visa Options For Mexican Citizens

UK Work Visas: Learn About The Types And How To Apply