Is the 9G Work Visa right for your employment?
The 9G is intended for foreign employees who will be employed by a company or organization in the Philippines. As the petitioner (the official applicant), the Philippine employer has a central role and must actively support the procedure. Without a Philippine employer, a 9G is normally not available.
Which dates and periods of validity must you plan for?
- Before applying: The employment contract, lawful position and employer support must be confirmed.
- Before starting work: Coordinate the 9G residence status issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI – the Philippine immigration authority) with the Alien Employment Permit (AEP – the work permit for the specific position) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE – the Philippine labor department).
- While the 9G is being processed: A Provisional Work Permit (PWP – temporary authorization to work) may allow you to begin work earlier. The pending 9G application by itself does not.
- Processing time: BI states an approximate processing time of 40 days for the 9G. Your existing immigration status must remain valid throughout this period.
- Period of validity: The 9G may be issued for one, two or three years.
- For short paid assignments: Depending on the activity, a Special Work Permit (SWP – authorization for short-term work) may be suitable for three to six months.
- During the first 60 days of each calendar year: Complete the Annual Report (the yearly registration with BI).
- Before expiry: Employer and employee compare the expiry dates of the residence status and work permit, begin both renewal procedures before the earlier date, and confirm the current lead times with BI and DOLE.
- Before every international trip: Ask BI which exit clearance and return authorization you need for your current status.
Which employment does the 9G cover?
The 9G covers genuine, legally permitted employment by a Philippine employer. A specific employment contract must be in place.
Who files the application?
The employer applies together with you and also submits its corporate documents.
Is remote work (work for foreign clients) automatically a 9G case?
No. Work for foreign clients or companies must be assessed separately under immigration law, tax law and any required local business structure.
When is the 9G the right route?
The 9G fits when a Philippine company wants to employ you and actively supports the procedure.
- A specific employment contract is in place.
- The employer is prepared to manage the procedure.
- The position is legally permitted.
- The work permit and residence status are coordinated.
If the employer does not want to participate in the procedure, that is a clear warning sign. The 9G is not a private application that you can complete without the company’s support.
What must you check for remote work?
Working from the Philippines for clients or companies abroad does not automatically give you a right to a 9G.
Clarify these questions separately:
- Which immigration status authorizes your stay?
- Where are you liable for tax?
- Do you need a local business structure?
- Does your work constitute an activity in the Philippines?
- Which rules apply to your clients and contracting parties?
Conversely, entering as a tourist does not make employment by a Philippine employer legal.
What do you need the AEP, 9G, PWP or SWP for?
The AEP is DOLE’s labor authorization for your employment. The 9G is the corresponding BI residence status. In many cases, you need both.
The PWP may allow you to start work while your 9G application is still being processed. The SWP is intended for certain short paid assignments. The authorization you need depends on the activity, duration and employer.
How does the 9G application work step by step?
Once the employment contract has been concluded, the employer and employee prepare their documents together.
- When do you begin? As soon as the employer, specific position, contract and required work permit are confirmed. Your existing immigration status must remain valid throughout the procedure. A pending application does not protect you from an overstay (remaining beyond the authorized period).
- Where are the applications filed? The employer files the 9G application with BI. Effective 9 June 2026, the processing, evaluation and issuance of new and renewal AEP applications are handled exclusively by the DOLE Central Office; DOLE Regional Offices no longer accept or process these applications.
- What does the employer provide? Corporate documents, the formal petition, employment contract, job description, employment records and notarized statements showing the numbers of Filipino and foreign employees.
- What do you bring? Your passport, current proof of authorized stay, evidence of qualifications, passport photographs and completed BI forms.
- What happens at BI? After pre-screening, BI issues the Order of Payment Slip (BI’s payment assessment). After payment, depending on the case, the procedure includes a hearing (a personal interview at BI), photograph, fingerprints, the application for the ACR I-Card (BI’s foreign-national identity card), the decision and entry of the visa in your passport.
- What do you keep? Keep the employment contract, complete application copies, payment assessment, official receipt, AEP, passport with the 9G visa entry and ACR I-Card.
What does the 9G cost?
For ordinary companies that are not among the country’s 1,000 highest-revenue companies, the following BI fees apply in Philippine pesos (PHP – the national currency) and US dollars (USD – the comparison currency):
- one year: PHP 10,130 (about USD 163 at USD 1 = PHP 62)
- two years: PHP 17,170 (about USD 277 at USD 1 = PHP 62)
- three years: PHP 24,210 (about USD 390 at USD 1 = PHP 62)
For companies in the group of the 1,000 highest-revenue companies, the fees are:
- one year: PHP 10,630 (about USD 171 at USD 1 = PHP 62)
- two years: PHP 18,170 (about USD 293 at USD 1 = PHP 62)
- three years: PHP 25,710 (about USD 415 at USD 1 = PHP 62)
Depending on the period of validity, an additional USD 50, USD 100 or USD 150 is charged for the ACR I-Card. Further costs may arise for the AEP, corporate documents, translations, notarizations, government certificates, travel, and legal or administrative support. The current payment assessment is controlling.
Which obligations apply after approval?
After approval, you must keep your ACR I-Card valid, complete the Annual Report according to the timeline, and extend your residence status and work permit together.
Before an international trip, ask BI which exit clearance and Re-Entry Permit (authorization to return) you need. Keep the permits and payment receipts with your visa records.
How do you plan the status of your spouse and children?
You should include accompanying family members in the application planning from the outset. Depending on the requirements, a spouse and children may be included as dependents.
Coordinate their periods of validity and extensions with the principal application. Planning them later often leads to additional appointments and costs.
Which official sources apply?
Use the current BI and DOLE checklists and guidance for the application and employment.
- Bureau of Immigration: Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G)
- Bureau of Immigration: Provisional Work Permit
- Bureau of Immigration: Special Work Permit - Commercial
- Department of Labor and Employment: Centralized AEP Processing
- Bureau of Immigration: Annual Registration
- Bureau of Immigration: FAQ on 9G, Annual Registration and Exit Clearance
What is the bottom line?
The 9G is the right route when a Philippine employer genuinely employs you and supports the procedure. Other immigration routes are usually more suitable for remote work, retirement, marriage or a temporary stay.
Consultation: We assess whether you need a 9G, which work permit goes with it and how the status of accompanying family members should be planned.
Information current as of 15 July 2026. Fees, filing channels and requirements can change; the latest official guidance and the payment assessment issued by the responsible authority are controlling. USD planning rate on this page: USD 1 = PHP 62; conversions are rounded from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reference rate published for 3 July 2026.