Philippines Work Visa 2026 -- 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment & AEP
Foreign nationals who want to work in the Philippines need a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa and an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Here is everything you need to know.
Two Requirements for Working Legally
To work legally in the Philippines, you need BOTH of these:
9(g) Work Visa
Issued by: Bureau of Immigration (BI)
Purpose: Legal immigration status to reside and work
Validity: 1-3 years, renewable
Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
Issued by: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Purpose: Permission to engage in gainful employment
Validity: 1-5 years, tied to employer
9(g) Visa Requirements
Documents from the Employer
- Petition letter from the Philippine employer
- Board Resolution or Secretary's Certificate authorising the petition
- SEC/DTI registration and Articles of Incorporation
- Latest General Information Sheet (GIS)
- Latest audited financial statements
- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Certificate of Registration
- Employment contract (notarised, stating position, salary, and duration)
- Justification for hiring a foreign worker (proof that no qualified Filipino is available)
Documents from the Employee
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond the visa period)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Resume/CV with qualifications relevant to the position
- Authenticated educational credentials
- Police clearance from home country (authenticated)
- Medical examination results from a Bureau of Quarantine-accredited clinic
- NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance
Application Process
- Employer files AEP application with DOLE -- typically takes 5-10 working days. Fee: PHP 9,000 for initial application
- Upon AEP approval, employer petitions BI for 9(g) visa -- submit all documents to the Bureau of Immigration main office in Intramuros, Manila
- Employee enters Philippines on tourist visa (if from visa-free country) or obtains temporary work visa at embassy
- BI processes 9(g) petition -- typically 2-4 weeks
- Employee attends BI hearing (if required)
- 9(g) visa issued -- stamped in passport and ACR I-Card issued
Work Visa Costs
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AEP Application (DOLE) | PHP 9,000 | Initial; PHP 7,000 renewal |
| 9(g) Visa Petition Filing | PHP 8,000-10,000 | Bureau of Immigration |
| 9(g) Visa Approval | PHP 15,000-20,000 | Varies by duration |
| ACR I-Card | PHP 3,600 | Alien Certificate of Registration |
| Annual Report | PHP 310 | Due every January |
| ECC (on departure) | PHP 2,880 | Exit Clearance Certificate |
| Legal/processing fees | PHP 20,000-50,000 | If using immigration lawyer |
Exemptions from AEP
The following foreign workers are exempt from the AEP requirement (but may still need a work visa):
- Members of diplomatic corps and international organisations
- Officers and staff of offshore banking units
- Foreign nationals employed by BOI-registered enterprises in pioneer status
- Workers in PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) zones
- Foreign nationals under bilateral/multilateral agreements
Alternative Work Permits
Special Work Permit (SWP)
For short-term work assignments (up to 6 months). Issued by the Bureau of Immigration. Suitable for consultants, project-based workers, and temporary assignments. Fee: approximately PHP 5,000-8,000.
Provisional Work Permit (PWP)
Temporary permit allowing work while the 9(g) visa application is being processed. Valid for 3 months. Employer must have a pending 9(g) petition.
PEZA Visa
For foreign employees of companies registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Processed directly through PEZA with a streamlined process.
Work Visa Summary
- Visa type: 9(g)
- Also need: AEP from DOLE
- Processing: 2-6 weeks
- Validity: 1-3 years
- Total cost: PHP 30,000-80,000+
- Employer-sponsored: Yes, always