How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Philippines (2025 Edition)

Expanding into the Philippine market in 2025 offers a strategic leap for global companies—accessing skilled, English-speaking professionals and fueling business growth regionally. The country’s robust sectors and fast-growing digital economy make it a prime target for international hiring and cross-border operations.

Yet, untangling the Philippine visa and work-permit maze is daunting. Sponsorship demands, labor-market tests, and rigorous compliance checks slow down hiring and introduce legal risks. Even a minor paperwork error can trigger costly delays, overstaying penalties, or failed relocations.

These barriers frustrate both employers and top talent, limiting how fast you can scale and eroding competitive edge. Deel Immigration solves this complexity: we automate document collection, track every step, and provide flat-fee sponsorship so you skip the confusion and focus on growth. With Deel, hiring or relocating talent in the Philippines is streamlined, compliant, and worry-free, freeing your team to unlock the market’s true potential.

How easy is it to get a work visa and work permit in Philippines?

The Philippines offers six main work-permit categories including the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Visa and Alien Employment Permit. The process is generally straightforward with clear government guidelines, though applicants must clear a labor-market test and meet basic eligibility criteria to secure approval.

See also: Best Work Visa Services for Global Teams: What To Look For

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Philippines?

Yes, the Philippines provides several types of entry visas and work permits such as:

• Special Work Permit (SWP): For foreign nationals engaged in short-term, non-regular employment in the Philippines, typically valid for up to six months.

• Alien Employment Permit (AEP): For foreign nationals seeking long-term employment in the Philippines, required before applying for certain work visas.

• Working Holiday Visa: For eligible young travelers from partner countries who wish to holiday and work in the Philippines temporarily.

• 47(a)(2) Visa for Temporary Visitors: For foreign nationals entering under a special arrangement or bilateral agreement for limited stay and employment.

• Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV): For foreign nationals employed by companies registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority or similar special projects.

Each category suits different durations and employment circumstances, but companies working with Deel primarily use the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa and Dependent Visa.

Pre-Arranged Employment 9(G) Visa (Commercial)

The Pre-Arranged Employment 9(G) Visa (Commercial) suits foreign nationals with a valid job offer from an employer in the Philippines. Core eligibility requires a registered sponsor, approved Alien Employment Permit, and a minimum salary as per DOLE guidelines. It supports initial stays of up to 2 years and can be renewed annually thereafter. This visa is ideal for full-time employees in industries from IT to manufacturing, offering stability and legal work status.

Dependent Visa

The Dependent Visa is designed for spouses and children of 9(G) visa holders who wish to accompany the principal applicant. Eligibility hinges on proof of relationship, the principal’s valid 9(G) visa, and sufficient financial support. Dependents receive approval for the same validity as the principal’s work visa, usually 1–2 years, and renew simultaneously. This route keeps families united and compliant under Philippine immigration law.

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Philippines visa and work-permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Applicants must meet several requirements to qualify for a Philippine work permit.

Leverage Deel Immigration’s fast, expert visa assessments with detailed cost breakdown delivered within 48 hours to check your eligibility before applying.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Philippines visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered Philippine entities to sponsor work permits, holding valid business permits and demonstrating a genuine need for foreign labor under local labor laws. The sponsoring company must show DOLE that no qualified Filipino can fill the role and comply with minimum wage and benefits requirements. A legal entity incorporated in the Philippines must file the application with the Bureau of Immigration and DOLE.

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) allows companies without a local branch to obtain sponsorship on their behalf. The EOR becomes the legal employer, handling all filings, payments, compliance monitoring, payroll taxes, and labor-law obligations. This arrangement frees companies to hire talent swiftly without setting up a domestic entity.

Deel Immigration, a G2-leading EOR in 150+ countries, can sponsor employees in the Philippines and beyond. We manage over 200 permit types across 40 countries, streamlining high-volume caseloads with expert local teams. Our platform offers real-time compliance alerts, self-serve document uploads, and dedicated support for spouse and child visa services—all backed by transparent, flat pricing.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Philippines work-permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your work permit Philippines and visa.

Step one: Obtain an AEP

Obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) by securing labor market clearance from the Department of Labor and Employment. The applicant submits academic credentials and employment contract, while the sponsor files the AEP through the Deel platform, which auto-populates DOLE forms and tracks approval.
Tip: Notarize all educational documents before uploading them to the Deel portal.

Step two: Employer submits application

Submit the AEP application along with supporting documents to DOLE or its regional office. Sponsors must provide proof of business registration, company profile, and financial statements; applicants supply medical and police clearances.

Step three: Candidate submits application

Once the AEP is approved, apply for the corresponding work visa such as the Pre-Arranged Employment 9(G) Visa at the Bureau of Immigration. The applicant books an appointment online, completes form BI-103, and uploads the approved AEP via Deel Mobility.

Step four: Candidate complete biometric data

Complete biometric data collection and other procedural requirements as mandated by immigration authorities. The candidate attends the BI office for fingerprints and photo capture, while Deel assigns local experts to guide document submission.

Tip: Use Deel’s document checklist to prepare your biometrics session without hiccups.

Step five: Wait for processing and receive decision

Receive the work visa and comply with any additional post-arrival registration or reporting requirements. New arrivals must register at the Bureau of Immigration within 30 days of entry, which Deel can facilitate through in-country partners.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Philippines?

Visa and work-permit costs in the Philippines vary based on permit class, applicant nationality, and number of dependents. Fees are driven by government filing schedules, optional expedite surcharges, and service fees for supporting documentation and platform access.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Philippines?

Deel Immigration stands out as the premier solution for navigating the complexities of hiring foreign talent in the Philippines, thanks to its seamless integration of compliance, expert guidance, and technology-driven efficiencies. Companies leveraging Deel benefit from a simplified, transparent process that accelerates work-permit approvals while ensuring full adherence to local labor laws.

• End-to-end immigration management covering Alien Employment Permits and 9(g) visas
• Fast, free visa assessments delivered within 48 hours to confirm eligibility and costs
• Personalized expert support from local immigration specialists familiar with Philippine rules
• Self-serve document uploads and real-time application tracking for full visibility
• Dependent visa support and automated renewal reminders to keep families compliant

With these advantages, Deel Immigration empowers employers to hire confidently and compliantly in the Philippines.

Hire employees in Philippines faster with Deel Immigration

Speed up your hiring timeline in the Philippines by booking a free consultation with Deel Immigration today. Our end-to-end immigration management means we handle everything from the labor market test clearance to visa issuance, removing administrative bottlenecks and reducing processing times. With our personalized expert support, you gain a dedicated partner who understands your unique hiring needs and guides you through every step.

Our platform’s self-serve document upload feature and real-time application tracking keep you informed and in control, eliminating guesswork and delays. Don’t let complex immigration processes slow your talent acquisition—partner with Deel to hire faster, smarter, and fully compliant. Book your free consultation now and unlock hassle-free hiring in the Philippines.