Is a Work Permit Required in The Philippines?
In the Philippines, the requirement for a work permit for foreign nationals is shaped by the country’s economic policies and labor market conditions. One of the primary reasons for this requirement is to protect employment opportunities for Filipino citizens. With a large and growing population, the Philippine government prioritizes local employment to ensure that its citizens benefit from economic activities. By requiring work permits, the government regulates the employment of foreign workers, ensuring they are hired only for positions where there is a clear shortage of local expertise, thus safeguarding jobs for Filipinos.
The work permit system also supports the Philippines’ goals of economic development and diversification. The country is focused on developing various sectors such as business process outsourcing (BPO), technology, manufacturing, and tourism to drive economic growth. The work permit process allows the government to attract skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these critical sectors, filling skill gaps and promoting innovation. This targeted approach is vital for enhancing productivity and fostering sustainable economic growth in the Philippines.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is a key aspect of the Philippines’ work permit system. The government uses this process to ensure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that adhere to Philippine labor regulations. This includes guaranteeing fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring that all employees in the Philippines are treated with respect and fairness.
Security considerations are also integral to the work permit requirement. The Philippine government conducts thorough background checks and verification of qualifications to ensure that foreign workers do not pose any security risks and possess the necessary skills and credentials. This scrutiny helps maintain the integrity of the Philippine workforce and ensures that foreign workers contribute positively to the economy and society.
About the Philippines Job Market
Number of Expats:
177,000
Expats Job Websites:
Philippines Expat Jobs, Philippines Foreigner Job Finder, Filipino, and Expat Job Seeker, Philippines English Teaching Jobs
Popular Industries for Expats:
Mining, Construction, Food Processing, Tourism Industries
Types of Philippines Work Visa Available
Here are the main visa types available in the Philippines which allow a foreign visitor to enter the country.
Temporary Visitor’s Visa For Business Purposes 9 (a)
This visa is issued to foreign employees visiting the country for business, leisure, or health purposes. The visa can be extended every two months up to 16 months. Extending beyond this period and up to 24 months requires the approval of the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
To extend the visa beyond 24 months, one has to take the approval of the Commissioner of the BI.
International Treaty Trader/ Investor 9 (d)
This visa is granted to a foreigner coming to the country for trade purposes between the Philippines and their home country. Or if they are visiting to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they have invested a lump sum amount. (at least USA 30,000 for individuals and USD 120,000 for corporations).
The Treaty Trader Visa is only issued to nationals of Japan, the United States & Germany. The registration process for the visa takes 4-6 weeks, and the visa is granted after 10-15 days.
The visa validity is 1-2 years, and it can be extended up to 2 years.
Special Non-Immigrant Visa Under EO. 226
This visa is issued to foreign individuals of regional or area headquarters or the multinational company’s regional operating headquarters.
The processing time of this visa is between 3-4 weeks which is the duration from filing to submitting the documents.
The Special Non-Immigrant Visa Under EO. 226 is valid for three years and can be extended up to an additional three years.
Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
The Alien work permit of Philippines is granted to foreign nationals who intend to work in the country. Under the Art 40 of the Labour Code, except for specific categories, all the foreign employees have to apply for the Alien Employment Permit at the DOLE Region office or Field Office. The AEP is required before a foreign employee can file an application for the section 9(g) work visa. The duration for this is 2-3 weeks.
Requirements for a Philippines Work Permit and by Philippines Employers
To get the Alien work permit of Philippines, you have to provide the following documents mandatorily:
- You must submit a completed application form
- You must submit an employment contract and any other related documents
- You must submit a copy of the employee’s passport with a valid visa
- You must submit a copy of the business permit
Requirements for 9(g) Work Visa:
- You must complete a 9(g) work visa application form.
- You must submit a valid passport.
- You must share a notarized certification of the employer’s total number of Filipino and Foreign Employees.
- You must share a certified copy of the AEP approved by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
- You must submit a newspaper clipping that has the publication of the AEP application issued by DOLE.
- You must submit a certificate of clearance from the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI).
- You must submit an alien certificate of registration.
- You must share a copy of the employment contract along with the Articles of Incorporation (AOI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) certification.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Art of Hiring in APAC
Philippines Work Permit Application Process
The process of getting a work permit in Philippines starts by submitting an application for an AEP issued by the Department of Labor and Employment. Then, either the respective employer can file the application in the Philippines, or it can be filed by the prospective employee.
After this, the employee has to be granted a 9(g) visa sponsored by the employer and can be filed through the Bureau of Immigration.
Timeframe for Work Permit Application
The timeframe for getting the Philippines 9(g) work visa can take at least two to three months. This includes getting the AEP, which takes approximately two to three weeks. Therefore, the employees must plan their arrival accordingly.
Work Permit Exceptions and Special Cases
There are some special cases for foreign nationals, which one should keep in mind while applying for a work permit in the Philippines.
- Initially, the 9(g) work visa may be issued for one to three years based on the duration of the employment contract. It can later be extended to a further one to three years.
- If an employee must join work before the visa process is complete, they can apply for a Provisional Work Permit. For this, an application needs to be filed as soon as the employee files for the AEP application. Unlike the AEP, this permit will be issued in less than two weeks by the Bureau of Immigration.
- The employees must also know that the AEP is valid for their current position. If they change their company or accept a different position, they will have to apply for a new AEP.
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