A work permit in the Philippines is necessary to ensure foreign nationals can conduct employment activities there. Knowing the steps involved, requirements, and considerations in applying for a work permit is vital to living and working in the Philippines as a foreign national.
This article will discuss the complete process of applying for a work permit in the Philippines, its costs, and processing time.
Work permit in the Philippines
A work permit is a document that foreigners need to obtain to live and work in the Philippines. The work permit, officially called the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) in the Philippines, allows foreign nationals to work in the country and to do job-related transactions. It should not be confused with a work visa. A work permit is legal proof of a foreign worker’s intent to stay for an extended period and to ensure they comply with immigration laws.
Requirements for a work permit in the Philippines
No matter the type of work the applicant wants to perform, the Bureau of Immigration mandates that foreigners first need to obtain an Alien Employment Permit in the Philippines. Here are the requirements for applying for an AEP:
- A filled-in Alien Employment Permit application form.
- Employment contract and relevant documents.
- A copy of the applicant’s passport and a valid visa.
- A copy of the business permit (Mayor’s Permit).
The most commonly used visa with an Alien Employment Permit is a Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9g visa), allowing foreigners to work in the Philippines for 1 to 3 years. The following are the other requirements for a 9g visa:
- A certified copy of the AEP from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
- A filled-in Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9(g) work visa) application form.
- A photocopy of the applicant’s valid passport.
- A notarized certification of the employer’s number of international and Filipino employees.
- A certificate of clearance from the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (B.I.).
- An Alien Certificate Registration I-Card.
- A copy of the employment contract, the Articles of Incorporation (AOI), and the business’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) certification.
- Supplementary documents that support the applicant’s employment.
How to get a work permit in the Philippines?
Applying for a work permit in the Philippines requires applicants to secure a job from a Philippine employer. The employer will comply with and process the necessary permits to show the applicant’s legitimacy of employment. Moreover, the applicant must follow the requirements and submit documents mandated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration to get a work permit.
How much is a work permit in the Philippines?
The application costs of a work permit in the Philippines varies on the type of employment and the duration of stay.
An Alien Employment Permit costs around ₱ 9,000 ($162) and is valid for one year. The following years cost ₱ 4,000 ($72).
Meanwhile, the costs of a 9g visa are as follows;
- One year : ₱ 10,130 ($182)
- Two years: ₱ 17,170 ($309)
- Three years: ₱ 24,210 ($436)
Since applying for a 9g visa also includes applying for an Alien Certification Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), here are the additional fees for the ACR I-Card:
- One year: 50 USD
- Two years: 100 USD
- Three years: 150 USD
Work permit processing time in the Philippines
According to the Bureau of Immigration, the processing time for an Alien Work Permit is around two to three weeks. Meanwhile, processing a 9g visa can take up to seven (7) months.
However, the processing time for a work permit in the Philippines may not be set, as other factors may affect the application’s processing time, such as the completeness of documents and the speed of the government office processing the application. Because of that, applicants need to prepare ahead of time and ensure all documents are complete to avoid further delays.
Get your work permit in the Philippines with Own Property Abroad
Navigating the complexities of work permits and visas in the Philippines can be challenging. Own Property Abroad supports those who want to apply for a work permit in the Philippines. You can leave your details below or email us at [email protected] for more information or assistance with your work permit in the Philippines.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can you get a work permit in the Philippines?
You can get a work permit in the Philippines through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (B.I.). In addition to these government agencies, applicants can seek assistance from immigration agencies specializing in immigration.
What is the difference between a work visa and a work permit?
The difference between a work visa and a work permit is that a work visa grants authority for foreigners to live in a country while work permits authorize them to engage in employment activities once inside the country.
Can foreigners work in the Philippines?
Yes, foreigners can work in the Philippines. The Philippine government is open to foreign investments and skilled labor, provided businesses and employees obtain the necessary permits and documents.
What is the Alien Employment Permit in the Philippines?
The Alien Employment Permit or AEP is a document issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that serves as a clearance for foreign nationals who want to work in the Philippines. The AEP also ensures that foreign workers comply with immigration and labor regulations.
