Service · Visas & Immigration

Visas & immigration

We get you and your team legally cleared to work in the Philippines — the right visa, the right permits, in the right order.

What it is

Match the right visa to how you'll actually work

Working legally in the Philippines is rarely a single document. A foreign employee usually needs an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor first, then a 9G pre-arranged employment visa from the Bureau of Immigration, and finally an ACR I-Card. Investors, retirees, and short-term assignees follow different tracks entirely.

We work out which visa fits your situation — 9G for employees, SIRV or SVEG for investors, 47(a)(2) for PEZA-registered firms, 9A for short visits — and handle the permits, petitions, and renewals so nobody on your team is working out of status.

The process

From arrival to working legally

1

Assess & plan

Confirm the right visa category for each person and the documents each one requires. ~1 week.

2

Alien Employment Permit

File the AEP with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) — the prerequisite for most work visas. ~2–4 weeks.

3

Visa petition

File the 9G (or applicable) petition with the Bureau of Immigration and attend any required appearances. ~1–3 months.

4

ACR I-Card & renewals

Secure the ACR I-Card and put renewal dates on the calendar so status never lapses.

What you'll need

Documents and details

Not sure which visa applies to your situation? That's what the consultation is for.

FAQs

Common questions

Do I need an AEP and a 9G visa, or just one?

For most foreign employees, both. The Alien Employment Permit (DOLE) establishes your right to work; the 9G visa (Bureau of Immigration) is the actual immigration status that lets you stay and work. They're filed in sequence.

How long does a 9G work visa take?

Plan for roughly 2–4 months end to end once the AEP is secured, depending on Bureau of Immigration processing and document readiness. We track each stage so there are no surprises.

Can my spouse and children join me?

Yes — dependents of a 9G holder can generally apply for derivative 9G visas tied to the principal. We file these alongside the main petition where possible.

What's the difference between an investor visa and a work visa?

A work visa (9G) is for employment; an investor visa such as the SIRV or SVEG is tied to a qualifying investment in a Philippine company. The right one depends on whether you're being employed or investing — we'll confirm during the consultation.

Keep reading

Related guides

Need to get your team cleared to work?

Book a free consultation and we'll map the right visa route for everyone you're bringing in.

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