Residency
Philippines — Residency: Work Visa
Working in the Philippines needs an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE after a labour market test, then a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa from the Bureau of Immigration.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceDOLE Department Order 248 (2025) and Bureau of Immigration — Alien Employment Permit and 9(g) visaLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- The DOLE AEP is a prerequisite for the 9(g) visa: the Bureau of Immigration will not issue it until the AEP is obtained, and a foreigner cannot start work without a valid AEP unless exempt.
- DO 248 requires a labour market test showing no competent, able and willing Filipino is available; the employer publishes the vacancy (a 2026 DOLE FAQ says at least 15 days before filing) and supplies a notarised affidavit and employment contract.
- An AEP is valid for one year unless a shorter or longer period fits the employment, and never more than three years.
- Two sequences exist: enter on a 9(a) visa and then obtain the AEP and 9(g), or the employer applies for the AEP while the worker is abroad and then applies for the 9(g).
- The BI checklist for the pre-arranged employee visa asks for a photocopy of the AEP and a notarised count of foreign and Filipino employees.
- Intra-corporate transferees and certain others may be excluded and need a Certificate of Exclusion; confirm the categories under DO 248.