Philippines
December 2009
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in the Philippines. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
Overview
BUSINESS VISITOR
Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:
- Meetings
- Negotiations
- Seminars and conferences
Type of Business Visas – The Visa type will depend on the nationality of the traveler. The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.
- Temporary visit visa (for business)
Basic Requirements –
- Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
- Good health and character;
- Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to the Philippines
- No intention to permanently reside in the Philippines
- A ticket for onward travel from the Philippines
- Proof of funds
Estimated Processing Times – This varies by diplomatic post and country.
Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to the Philippines for up to three months during your visa validity period. Visas can be extended in country.
Typical Documents Required –
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases
- a valid visa or authority to enter the Philippines
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - The principal visa category for temporary employment in the Philippines is the Alien Employment Permit. This is a Visa Category for employers to sponsor approved skilled workers to work in the Phillipines on a temporary visa.
Who is this visa for? - This visa is for employers who would like to employ overseas workers to fill skilled and quaified positions in the Philippines.
Process Overview - The process for obtaining an Alien Employment Permit and residence authorization involves a three step process summarized below.
- Pre-Arranged Employment Visa application
- Alien Employment Permit ("AEP") application
- Alien Certificate of Registration application
Please note that the type of work authorization application submitted is determined by company registration, registered capital, company activities, and whether there are any special incentives granted to the sponsoring company by a Philippines government agency; for Regional Operating Headquarters work visa applications, a minimum annual salary of USD $12,000 is required. An employment contract or assignment letter must be signed by the sponsoring company and the employee. Where a candidate will be relocating to the Philippines for less than six months they will be required to submit a Special Work Permit application.
Estimated Processing Time – ten to fourteen weeks
Validity periods - With this visa you can employ overseas workers for up to twelve months.
Family Members – Secondary/ family dependants cannot work and study.
