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PhilippinesWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Pre-arranged Employment Visa 9(g) (Commercial) with DOLE Alien Employment Permit

Foreign nationals working for a Philippine-based employer generally need an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa from the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The AEP is governed by Department Order 248 (2025) and its amendments 248-A and 248-B (2026); 248-B centralised AEP processing. The employer petitions for the 9(g) visa, which is issued for 1, 2 or 3 years with an ACR I-Card.

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1 entry rule for Philippines based on recent travel

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Life in Philippines

Money

3

Currency

Philippine Peso

PHP

Philippine Peso

Cost of living

36

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

15–35%

Income tax (national)

VAT 12%

Income up to PHP 250,000 is exempt; 35% applies above PHP 8 million (TRAIN schedule from 2023).

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.2

#54 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals with a confirmed job at a Philippine-based company, especially in roles where local skills are scarce.

Eligibility

  • Pre-arranged employment

    The applicant must already be hired by a Philippine-based company, which acts as petitioner for the 9(g) visa.

  • Alien Employment Permit

    A DOLE AEP (or a certificate of exclusion or exemption where it applies) is needed before working. The BI 9(g) checklist asks for the AEP and proof it was published.

  • Labour market test by publication

    The employer must publish the vacancy in a newspaper of general circulation at least 15 days before filing for the AEP.

    Publication timing

    Before AEP filingminimum publication period
    15 days
    Publication validity
    45 days
    Official wording

    The employer publishes the vacancy in a newspaper of general circulation at least 15 days before filing for the AEP. The publication is valid for 45 days.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementCorporate officer exemption from publication
  • Document checklistAEP application form
  • FeesAEP filing fee, 1-year validity

The full requirements are for members

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  • 6 more requirements
  • 12 documents
  • 6 fees
  • 9 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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