How to Apply for a Work Permit in the Philippines for Foreign Nationals [Infographic]

If you are a foreign national seeking to work in the Philippines, acquiring a work permit is the first step to starting your career in the country. 

Step #1: Identify the Kind of Permit You Need to Acquire

There are three kinds of work permits you can acquire in the Philippines, namely:

• Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
• Special Work Permit (SWP)
• Provisional Work Permit (PWP)

The most common permit granted to foreign workers is the AEP, which allows you to engage in long-term employment in the Philippines, renewable for a maximum of five years. 

Step #2: Gather the Necessary Requirements

As mentioned above, the AEP is the most common permit granted to foreign nationals and is a requisite to attain the 9(g) or Pre-Arranged Employee Commercial Visa. Your hiring company must serve as your petitioner so you can be eligible for this visa. To obtain an AEP, you must provide the following documents:

1. A duly accomplished AEP application form
2. Original copy of notarized employment contract and any related documents 
   1. Job description, annual salary, benefits, etc.
3. Photocopy of employer’s valid business permit: 
   1. For CEZA-Registered and PEZA-Registered Companies (must present original copy)
      1. PEZA Registration
      2. Ecozone Authority
   2. If under Construction Company (must present original copy)
      1. Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) License
      2. DO 18-A Registration 
4. Two pieces of 2×2 ID picture with white background
5. Proof of Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
6. Authorization Letter from the Company or Foreign National and photocopy of valid IDs

Step #3: Locate Your Closest DOLE Regional Office

It is required to apply for an AEP with the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) regional office closest to your work address. This allows your employer to easily access your application if ever DOLE requires additional documents or ask for clarifications. This also applies for a 9(g) Work Visa.

Step #4: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you must file your application through an authorized representative or your petitioning employer. The documents must be filed at DOLE’s regional office with an application fee of ₱9,000. 

Step #5: Wait For Your Work Permit Approval

The approval time of the AEP is 24 hours from the time of submission. DOLE’s regional office will notify you whether your application has been approved or not. If your employer urges you to work before your permit or visa process is complete, you can apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP), which allows you to work while such documents are in process. 

Start Your Career in the Philippines With Ease

Being one of the fastest-growing economies in the ASEAN region, the Philippines is a gateway for tremendous career growth opportunities. The country has also become a melting pot for international organizations, providing many opportunities for local and foreign workers alike. 

If you wish to have a smooth and worry-free application, seeking help from visa consulting firms is one way to ensure a successful work visa application. They can also guide you with applying for other visas and permits if you wish to change them in the future.