Moving from Vietnam to the US and What You Need to Know

Getting a work visa in the Philippines in 2025 involves a few key steps that every foreign national should understand before entering the country. Whether you’re relocating for a corporate job, a short-term project, or a remote position under the new digital nomad visa, the Philippines visa process is central to your legal employment. The country has made recent updates to its visa policies, offering more clarity and streamlined steps for applicants. This guide will help you understand which visa type fits your situation, how to apply, and what documentation you’ll need.

Things You Should Know from the Very Start

Many visa applicants underestimate the time it takes to gather approvals and certifications. The process involves multiple government agencies, each with its own timeline and procedures.
Starting early to avoid delays or gaps in your legal employment.
Some employers are unfamiliar with the AEP or 9(g) Visa process, so it’s advisable to work with companies or service providers that have experience hiring foreign staff in the Philippines.
Another issue is staying compliant during the transition. Foreign nationals must ensure that all legal requirements are met while waiting for the visas to be processed. This includes ensuring your stay remains legally authorized and ensuring to secure proper permit or visa before working.
In addition to legal and employment concerns, international moving logistics often get overlooked. To ensure a smooth relocation overseas, it’s important to review international moving process and anticipate shipping timelines, customs, and other potential hurdles.
Planning ahead in these areas will help you avoid setbacks and make your transition to working abroad as seamless as possible.

Types of Work Visas and Permits in 2025

Several visa categories are available for foreigners intending to work in the Philippines. Your eligibility depends on job type, duration, and employer status.
One of the fastest and easier permits to obtain is the Special Work Permit (SWP). It is intended for short-term assignments and is issued to foreigners who already hold a valid tourist visa. It is initially valid for three months and can be extended once for another three months.
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 days. For those pursuing long-term employment, the process begins with securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This permit authorizes foreign nationals to work in the Philippines. However, that the AEP alone doesn’t permit you to work legally; you must also secure the appropriate work visa. The processing time is typically 3 to 4 weeks, and the permit is valid for the duration of the employment contract.
While the AEP application is being processed, you can apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) from the Bureau of Immigration. This allows you to begin working legally while waiting for both your AEP and your 9(g) Visa to be approved. This is an important step to avoid any gaps in legal employment during the transition. PWP processing takes about 3 to 5 days.

The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is the most common option for those who have secured employment for long-term with a Philippine-based company. It allows legal employment for 1 to 3 years and is renewable. It may take 1 to 2 months to be completed.
If your employer operates within a PEZA-accredited zone, you may be eligible for a 47(a)(2) visa may apply. This visa is ideal for workers involved in investment projects approved by PEZA or similar government agencies. Your employer will inform you if this applies to you.
The Special Non-Immigrant EO 226 Visa, also known as the ROHQ EO 226 Visa, is a unique visa issued to those who are working in the regional or area headquarters of multinational companies in the Philippines. Processing usually takes between 1 to 2 months.
The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) is a special visa issued to a qualified non-immigrant foreign national who will employ at least 10 Filipinos in a legitimate and sustainable enterprise, trade, or industry.
Finally, the Digital Nomad Visa, newly launched in 2025, is aimed for remote workers earning and employed by foreign employers, offering a legal way to live in the Philippines while contributing to the local economy through spending and tourism.