Work Permits for Expats in the Philippines
The Philippines is a country with a rapidly growing economy and a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, business process outsourcing (BPO), and tourism. To work legally in the Philippines, expats must obtain a work permit. In this article, we will provide information on the types of work permits available, the application process, and the required documents.
Do Expats Need a Work Permit to Work Legally in the Philippines?
Yes, expats need a work permit to work legally in the Philippines. The work permit is a legal requirement for all foreign nationals who wish to work in the country.
The employer is responsible for applying for the work permit on behalf of the expat employee. The employer must provide evidence of the expat’s qualifications and experience, as well as evidence that no qualified Filipino is available to fill the position.
Types of Work Permits for Expats in the Philippines
There are several types of work permits available for expats in the Philippines. The type of work permit required will depend on the nature of the work to be performed. The most common types of work permits for expats in the Philippines are:
- 9(G) Pre-arranged Employment Visa: This type of work permit is for expats who have a job offer from a Philippine employer. The permit is valid for up to three years and can be extended.
- Special Work Permit (SWP): This type of work permit is for expats who will be working on a short-term basis (up to six months) for a Philippine employer.
- Provisional Work Permit (PWP): This type of work permit is for expats who have a pending application for a 9(G) visa. The permit is valid for up to six months.
Procedure to Apply for a Work Permit in the Philippines
The procedure to apply for a work permit in the Philippines involves several steps, including:
- The employer must submit an application for a work permit on behalf of the expat employee to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
- BI will review the application and make a decision within 15-20 working days.
- If the application is approved, the expat must visit the BI office to have their biometrics taken and to collect the permit.
Documents Required to Apply for a Work Permit in the Philippines
The documents required to apply for a work permit in the Philippines are:
- Completed application form
- Copy of the expat’s passport
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of the employer’s registration with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission or the Department of Trade and Industry
- Proof of the expat’s qualifications and experience
- Job description
- Evidence that no qualified Filipino is available to fill the position
All documents must be in English. Documents in other languages must be officially translated.
Costs of Applying for a Work Permit in the Philippines
The cost of applying for a work permit in the Philippines depends on the type of permit and the duration of the permit. The fees can range from PHP 2,000 (approximately $40 USD) for a Special Work Permit to PHP 10,010 (approximately $200 USD) for a 9(G) Pre-arranged Employment Visa.
Where to Find Reliable Information on Working Legally in the Philippines
Expats can find reliable information on working legally in the Philippines from the following sources:
- Bureau of Immigration: https://www.immigration.gov.ph/
- Department of Labor and Employment: https://www.dole.gov.ph/
- Department of Foreign Affairs: https://www.dfa.gov.ph/
- Philippine Embassy in the United States: https://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/
