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PH · Work Visa

Philippines
9(g) Work Visa

The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa allows foreign professionals to work in the Philippines. An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is required.

Pathfinder
9(g) Work Visa
AuthoritiesDOLE + BI
AEPRequired
FamilyYes
Validity1–3 Years

Last updated: 10/2026

Overview

Why a 9(g) Work Visa?

The 9(g) Visa is the standard work visa of the Philippines for foreign professionals with a local employer. It requires an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The order is fixed: first the Department of Labor (DOLE) issues the AEP, then the Bureau of Immigration grants the 9(g). We put together the documents for both applications with you and your employer; the authorities decide.

What the 9(g) lets you do

Legal work in the Philippines
Renewable up to 3 years
Family reunion possible
Earlier start with a Provisional Work Permit

Process

01

AEP Application

Application for Alien Employment Permit at DOLE.

02

9(g) Visa Application

Submission of visa application to Bureau of Immigration.

03

Processing

Processing by Bureau of Immigration.

04

Issuance

Issuance of 9(g) Visa and ACR I-Card.

The authority sets the timeline; we tell you the current state in the call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AEP?
The Alien Employment Permit is a work permit issued by DOLE. It is a prerequisite for the 9(g) Visa.
Can I change employers?
Yes, but you need a new AEP and must go through the visa process again.
I work for my own company abroad: do I need the 9(g)?
The 9(g) requires an employer in the Philippines. If you only need a company in Asia and do not want to live in the Philippines, you need no visa; a company in Hong Kong or Singapore can be formed and run from home. If you want to live in the Philippines, settle beforehand which visa fits and where the company is run, because the tax depends on it too.
What taxes will I pay in the Philippines?
The Philippines levies income tax on income from Philippine sources, which includes your salary from the employment. The rate is progressive at 0–35%. What still applies in your home country depends on your residence there.
Can my family come along?
Yes, your spouse and children can obtain a Dependent Visa based on your 9G Work Visa. Children can be enrolled in international schools.
What is the path to Permanent Residency?
The 9(g) is tied to your employment and does not by itself lead to permanent residence. The SIRV (investors) and the SRRV (retirement) are separate visas with their own requirements, not a step after the 9(g); the authority decides on each application separately.
Which industries require a 9G Work Visa?
The 9G Work Visa is required for all foreign employees working in a Philippine company. Exceptions apply for certain PEZA zones and special economic zones.
What is the difference between the AEP and the 9G visa?
The AEP (Alien Employment Permit) comes from the Department of Labor and confirms you may work; the 9G is the visa itself, issued by the Bureau of Immigration. The AEP is obtained first, the 9G builds on it.
How long does 9G processing take?
Several months in total, since AEP and 9G run in sequence. A Provisional Work Permit can bridge the waiting time so work can start earlier.
Who sets the AEP and 9G fees?
DOLE and the Bureau of Immigration set their own fees and adjust them from time to time; we confirm the current fee schedule at the start of your application. We quote our own fees in a written offer before any engagement; government fees are shown separately.
Can I start working before the 9G is issued?
Yes, with a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) while the 9G application is in process. We file the PWP alongside the main application.

Check your case in a first call

Free initial consultation, 60 minutes, no obligation.

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Required Documents

Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
Employment contract
Passport (6+ months valid)
Police clearance

Work visas in the Philippines compared

Target Audience

9(g) Pre-arrangedProfessionals, Managers
PEZA VisaPEZA zone employees
SWPShort-term workers

Validity

9(g) Pre-arranged1-3 years
PEZA VisaCo-terminus with job
SWP3-6 months

Employer Required

9(g) Pre-arrangedYes
PEZA VisaYes
SWPYes

Family Inclusion

9(g) Pre-arrangedYes
PEZA VisaYes
SWPNo

Renewable

9(g) Pre-arrangedYes
PEZA VisaYes
SWPNo

The SIRV is deliberately not in this table: it is a residence visa for investors, not a work visa. See the SIRV

Guide values for standard cases; we check the requirements for your case before every application. Subject to change.

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