Nov. 7 – The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration is responsible for processing and issuing visa requests in the country. For foreigners seeking employment in the Philippines, there are three eligible non-immigrant visa types. These are:
- 9(A): Short-term business visit
- 9(G): Pre-arranged employment
- 9(D): Foreign treaty trader or foreign investor
For individuals planning to visit the Philippines for 30 days or less, no visa is required, but trips in excess of 30 days will require a valid visa. Visa applications can be made through any Filipino Consular Office or by submitting a notarized application via mail to the Philippine Consulate General prior to travel or at the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival.
9(A) Visa
The 9(A) visa covers any short-term business activity pursued by a foreign worker in the Philippines and is valid for 59 days. An “Extension of Authorized Period of Stay” approval will be granted by the Bureau of Immigration on a case-by-case basis for those individuals seeking a longer visit. Required documents:
- Valid passport
- One passport photo (3.5 cm – 4.5 cm)
- Tourist visa extension form no. MCL 07-02
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate
9(D) Visa
The 9(D) visa covers two types of activities by foreigners: international trade and investment. A treaty trader is anyone engaging in cross- border trade with the Philippines and is subject to existing trade treaties. A foreign investor is any non-local engaged in the financing and operation of a Filipino business enterprise. Required documents:
- Valid passport
- One passport photo (3.5 cm – 4.5 cm)
- Consolidated General Application Form from the Bureau of Immigration
- Copy of employment contract
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate
- Company’s Corporate Documents:
- Certificate of Registration
- Articles of Incorporation
- Copy of tax return fillings
9(G) Visa
The 9(G) visa covers any foreign national seeking long-term employment in the Philippines. The applicant’s employer must submit an Alien Employment Permit request with the Bureau of Immigration before a 9(G) visa will be issued. Required documents:
- Valid passport
- One passport photo (3.5- 4.5 cm)
- Consolidated General Application Form from the Bureau of Immigration
- Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of employment contract
- Copy of Alien Employment Permit
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate
- Company’s Corporate Documents:
- Certificate of Registration;
- Articles of Incorporation; and
- Copy of tax return fillings.
Special Investment Visas
There are two special visa categories for foreign nationals involved in investment or endorsed businesses within the Philippines. The Pro-Investment Visa Upon Arrival program allows Board of Investment approved employees to receive a visa upon arrival in the Philippines for a duration of 30 days to six months. The Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV) will be awarded to foreign nationals who have invested US$50,000 or more in tourism and retirement park projects.
Portions of this article came from the September/October 2013 issue of Asia Briefing Magazine titled, “Work Visa and Permit Procedures Across Asia,” which is currently available as a complimentary PDF download on the Asia Briefing Bookstore until the end of October. In this edition of Asia Briefing Magazine, we outline the specific documents required for foreign nationals working in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as highlight the relevant application processes in each of these countries.
Dezan Shira & Associates is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in emerging Asia. Since its establishment in 1992, the firm has grown into one of Asia’s most versatile full-service consultancies with operational offices across China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Vietnam as well as liaison offices in Italy and the United States.
For further details or to contact the firm, please email asia@dezshira.com, visit www.dezshira.com, or download the company brochure.
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