For foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines, obtaining a work permit is a multi-step process involving several government agencies.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are the primary authorities.
This guide explains the requirements for securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and the subsequent work visa, emphasizing the new stricter guidelines under DOLE Department Order No. 248, series of 2025, which prioritizes Filipino workers while allowing foreign employment only when necessary.
Understanding the Philippines Work Permit System
Foreigners cannot simply arrive in the Philippines and start working. They must secure two main documents: (1) An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE, which proves there is no qualified Filipino available for the job, and (2) A valid work visa (such as a 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa) from the Bureau of Immigration.
Under DO 248, series of 2025, employment contracts only become effective upon AEP issuance, and stricter compliance measures are now enforced to prioritize local workers [citation:6][citation:10].
Step-by-step guide to getting a work permit
Step 1: Employer secures a job offer and passes labor market tests
The process begins with your prospective Philippine employer. Under the new guidelines, employers must pass three tests before hiring a foreigner.
First, the Labor Market Test requires the employer to publish job vacancies in a newspaper of general circulation to determine if qualified Filipinos are available.
Second, the Economic Needs Test assesses whether hiring a foreign worker is necessary and beneficial.
Third, the Understudy Training Program requires the foreign worker to train a Filipino counterpart to eventually take over the role [citation:6][citation:10].
If a qualified Filipino is available, the AEP will not be approved.
Step 2: Employer applies for Alien Employment Permit (AEP) at DOLE
Once the tests are satisfied, your employer applies for an AEP at the DOLE Regional Office where the company is located.
Required documents include: (1) AEP Application Form, (2) Employment contract (which becomes effective only upon AEP issuance), (3) Passport copy of the foreign national, (4) Proof of publication of the job vacancy, (5) Understudy training program outline, and (6) Company registration documents.
Under the "Complete or Return" policy, incomplete applications are immediately returned – no affidavits are accepted in lieu of missing documents [citation:6][citation:10].
Processing takes 5-10 business days. The AEP is typically valid for one year and renewable.
Step 3: Apply for 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa at Bureau of Immigration
After securing the AEP, you (or your employer) apply for a 9(g) visa at the Bureau of Immigration.
This visa allows you to stay and work in the Philippines for one to three years, depending on the employment contract.
Requirements include: (1) Approved AEP, (2) Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended stay, (3) Completed visa application forms, (4) Photographs, (5) Police clearance from your home country, (6) Medical examination results, and (7) Proof of payment of visa fees.
If you are already in the Philippines on a tourist visa, you may convert it to a 9(g) visa without leaving the country.
Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
Step 4: Secure Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I Card)
Once your 9(g) visa is approved, you must register with the Bureau of Immigration and obtain an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR-I Card).
This card serves as your official government ID while working in the Philippines and contains your biometric information.
You must carry this card at all times. The ACR-I Card is valid for the duration of your visa.
Step 5: Comply with reporting and renewal requirements
As a foreign worker, you must comply with annual reporting requirements at the Bureau of Immigration between January 1 and March 1 each year.
Your AEP must be renewed annually through your employer, and your 9(g) visa must be renewed before expiration.
Failure to renew or report results in fines, visa cancellation, and potential deportation.
DOLE and BI conduct joint monitoring to ensure foreign nationals work only in the location and position specified in their permits [citation:6][citation:10].
Exemptions from AEP requirements
Certain foreign nationals are exempt from securing an AEP, although they still need appropriate visas.
These include: (1) Members of the diplomatic service and accredited international organizations, (2) Foreign nationals working for registered multinational corporations in executive or supervisory positions for a limited period (three months or less), (3) Foreign nationals granted exemption by the DOLE Secretary under specific conditions, and (4) Foreign nationals covered by special laws or regulations.
Additionally, a Certificate of Exclusion or Exemption may apply in certain cases – check with DOLE for eligibility [citation:10].
Common industries hiring foreign workers
Based on DOLE records, approved AEPs are most common in: (1) Information Technology (software engineers, IT consultants), (2) Education (foreign language teachers, professors), (3) Manufacturing (technical experts, engineers), (4) Hospitality (executive chefs, hotel managers), (5) Healthcare (specialist doctors, nurses in shortage areas), and (6) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO executives and trainers).
In the Cordillera region, 28 AEPs were approved in 2025, while six were canceled or revoked due to violations [citation:6].
Penalties for working without a permit
Working in the Philippines without a valid AEP and 9(g) visa is illegal and carries severe penalties.
The foreign worker faces deportation, blacklisting (prohibition from re-entering the Philippines), and fines.
The employer faces administrative fines, suspension of business permits, and potential criminal charges.
DOLE and BI conduct regular inspections of workplaces to verify compliance [citation:6][citation:10].
Special categories: Investors and retirees
Foreign nationals who wish to invest in the Philippines may qualify for a Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) issued by the Bureau of Investments (BOI) or a Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) issued by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
These visas allow residency but do not automatically permit employment. If you intend to work for a Philippine company (including your own), you still need an AEP and 9(g) visa unless you qualify for an exemption under the 2025 rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in the Philippines on a tourist visa? No. Working on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited and results in deportation and blacklisting.
You must secure an AEP and 9(g) visa before starting any work.
How long does the entire work permit process take? From initial employer application to receiving your ACR-I Card, expect 3-4 months.
The AEP takes 5-10 days, visa processing takes 4-8 weeks, and ACR-I card issuance takes another 2-3 weeks.
Can my employer deduct AEP and visa costs from my salary? Under Philippine labor laws, the employer typically bears the cost of securing the AEP and work visa.
However, some employers may have reimbursement agreements – check your employment contract.
What happens if I change employers? Your AEP and 9(g) visa are employer-specific.
If you change employers, your new employer must apply for a new AEP and visa.
You cannot transfer your existing permit to a new company.
Is there a quota on foreign workers? There is no fixed quota, but DOLE strictly applies the "Filipino First" policy.
AEPs are denied if qualified Filipinos are available for the position [citation:10].
Takeaway: Securing a Philippines work permit requires your employer to obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE under stricter 2025 guidelines, followed by a 9(g) visa and ACR-I Card from the Bureau of Immigration.
The process takes 3-4 months and prioritizes Filipino workers through labor market tests and understudy training requirements.
Working without a permit results in deportation and blacklisting. Always ensure your employer initiates the AEP application – you cannot apply independently – and comply with annual reporting requirements to maintain legal status.