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  •  /  Philippines
  • Country Overviews

Philippines

At a Glance

Capital Manila
Language Filipino, English
Population 109,581,000
GDP Total $330.9 billion
GDP Per Capita $3,102.70
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to the Philippines, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to the Philippines, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend meetings or roundtable discussions
  • » Visit a current project site or factory floor for informational purposes
  • » Attend conferences or seminars
  • » Make site visits to internal or client facilities/plants

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for the Philippines?

Nationals of the European Union, the United States, and many other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in the Philippines for a short duration. Additionally, certain nationals may be eligible for a visa waiver for business purposes if they hold a valid tourist, business, or resident visa issued by select countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.

If you are not eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a 9(A) Temporary Visitor Visa from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate prior to travel, or upon arrival, depending on nationality. Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to determine your eligibility for a 9(A) Visa on arrival.

 

Working in the Philippines

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Philippine law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in the Philippines, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • » Auditing
  • » Hands-on technical work
  • » Consulting

 

If I am traveling to the Philippines for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in the Philippines. The most common types of work authorization for the Philippines are:

  • » Special Work Permit (short-term work authorization)
  • » 9(G) Visa (standard long-term work authorization)
  • » PEZA Visa
  • » 47(A)(2) Visa (special work authorization for select groups)
  • » ROHQ Visa (work authorization for executives of regional operating headquarters of multinational companies)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no nationalities that are exempt from work authorization requirements for the Philippines.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

6 Apr 22

Certain Ukrainian nationals permitted entry

Philippines

1 Apr 22

COVID-19: Entry guidelines to be eased

Philippines; COVID-19

2 Mar 22

COVID-19: Quarantine, testing requirements eased

COVID-19 Philippines

2 Mar 22

COVID-19: Additional vaccination certificates accepted

COVID-19 Philippines

9 Feb 22

Reminder: Annual reporting due by March 1

Philippines

1 Feb 22

COVID-19: Travel lists suspended, entry requirements updated

COVID-19 Philippines

19 Jan 22

COVID-19: Travel restriction lists, entry requirements updated

COVID-19 Philippines

9 Dec 21

New Philippine Economic Zone Authority visa introduced

Philippines

19 Nov 21

COVID-19: Country travel lists, proof of vaccination requirements...

COVID-19 Philippines

10 Nov 21

COVID-19: Travel restrictions guide published

COVID-19 Philippines

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At a Glance

Capital Manila
Language Filipino, English
Population 109,581,000
GDP Total $330.9 billion
GDP Per Capita $3,102.70

Related News

  • Certain Ukrainian nationals permitted entry

    PHILIPPINES   6 Apr 22

  • COVID-19: Entry guidelines to be eased

    PHILIPPINES   1 Apr 22

  • COVID-19: Quarantine, testing requirements eased

    PHILIPPINES   2 Mar 22

  • COVID-19: Additional vaccination certificates accepted

    PHILIPPINES   2 Mar 22

  • Reminder: Annual reporting due by March 1

    PHILIPPINES   9 Feb 22

  • COVID-19: Travel lists suspended, entry requirements updated

    PHILIPPINES   1 Feb 22

  • COVID-19: Travel restriction lists, entry requirements updated

    PHILIPPINES   19 Jan 22

  • New Philippine Economic Zone Authority visa introduced

    PHILIPPINES   9 Dec 21

  • COVID-19: Country travel lists, proof of vaccination requirements...

    PHILIPPINES   19 Nov 21

  • COVID-19: Travel restrictions guide published

    PHILIPPINES   10 Nov 21

  • COVID-19: Countries list, entry requirements updated

    PHILIPPINES   20 Oct 21

  • COVID-19: ‘Order to leave’ for temporary visitor visa...

    PHILIPPINES   15 Sep 21

  • COVID-19: Color-coded country lists announced, restrictions updated

    PHILIPPINES   8 Sep 21

  • COVID-19: Work visas to be made available for...

    PHILIPPINES   23 Aug 21

  • COVID-19: Travel restrictions extended for 10 countries

    PHILIPPINES   23 Aug 21

  • COVID-19: Permanent residents permitted entry with expired I-Cards

    PHILIPPINES   12 Aug 21

  • COVID-19: Travel restrictions extended, passport offices closed

    PHILIPPINES   4 Aug 21

  • COVID-19: Quarantine requirements, entry restrictions updated

    PHILIPPINES   2 Aug 21

  • Policies for Alien Employment Permits clarified

    PHILIPPINES   21 Jul 21

  • COVID-19: Travel restrictions extended, Indonesia added

    PHILIPPINES   21 Jul 21

  • COVID-19: Visa grace period announced, health protocols updated

    PHILIPPINES   21 Jul 21

  • COVID-19: Travel restrictions extended

    PHILIPPINES   18 Jun 21

  • COVID-19: Arrival protocols revised, travel restrictions updated

    PHILIPPINES   9 Jun 21

  • Labor market test policies updated

    PHILIPPINES   7 Jun 21

  • COVID-19: Travel ban extended, policies updated

    PHILIPPINES   4 Jun 21

  • COVID-19: Foreign nationals with immigrant, non-immigrant visas permitted...

    PHILIPPINES   5 May 21

  • COVID-19: Entry to foreign nationals to be suspended

    PHILIPPINES   18 Mar 21

  • COVID-19: Revised travel restrictions announced

    PHILIPPINES   19 Feb 21

  • COVID-19: Travel ban for many countries lifted

    PHILIPPINES   5 Feb 21

  • COVID-19: Foreign investors allowed to enter soon

    PHILIPPINES   28 Oct 20

  • COVID-19: Antigen test requirement for outbound travel lifted

    PHILIPPINES   28 Oct 20

  • COVID-19: Foreign spouses of Filipinos can enter the...

    PHILIPPINES   20 Aug 20

  • COVID-19: Entry to be allowed for foreign nationals

    PHILIPPINES   20 Jul 20

  • COVID-19: Quarantine extended in Manila

    PHILIPPINES   6 Jul 20

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    PHILIPPINES   1 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Metro Manila, other regions under modified enhanced...

    PHILIPPINES   19 May 20

  • COVID-19: Departure procedures modified

    PHILIPPINES   21 Apr 20

  • South Korea travel ban partially lifted

    PHILIPPINES   5 Mar 20

  • Outward travel ban lifted for Filipino workers, students,...

    PHILIPPINES   19 Feb 20

  • Taiwan removed from entry ban

    PHILIPPINES   17 Feb 20

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    PHILIPPINES   12 Feb 20

  • Temporary travel ban expanded to all Mainland China,...

    PHILIPPINES   7 Feb 20

  • Government suspends visas upon arrival for Chinese nationals...

    PHILIPPINES   31 Jan 20

  • Annual reporting open through end of February

    PHILIPPINES   16 Jan 20

  • AEP applications will not be accepted week of...

    PHILIPPINES   17 Dec 19

  • Update: most AEP applicants can continue using third...

    PHILIPPINES   21 Nov 19

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    PHILIPPINES   15 Oct 19

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    PHILIPPINES   30 Sep 19

  • Taxpayer identification number now required for all foreign...

    PHILIPPINES   2 Jul 19

  • New work permit guidelines announced

    PHILIPPINES   13 May 19

  • Update: work permit regulation

    PHILIPPINES   21 Mar 19

  • Reporting period for foreign nationals to close Mar....

    PHILIPPINES   14 Jan 19

  • Additional procedures to be implemented for 2 work...

    PHILIPPINES   12 Oct 18

  • Authorities issue advisory on temporary visitor visa sticker...

    PHILIPPINES   25 Sep 18

  • Additional documents required for Alien Employment Permits

    PHILIPPINES   21 Mar 18

  • Reporting period for foreign nationals to open Jan....

    PHILIPPINES   21 Dec 17

  • Government offices to close Dec. 26, Jan. 2

    PHILIPPINES   18 Dec 17

  • Employment permit rules amended

    PHILIPPINES   1 Dec 17

  • Offices to close during ASEAN Summit

    PHILIPPINES   9 Nov 17

  • Taiwan to extend visa-free status to the Philippines...

    PHILIPPINES, TAIWAN   17 Oct 17

  • Taiwan to extend visa-free status to Philippines

    PHILIPPINES, TAIWAN   5 Oct 17

  • New rules set for Chinese nationals seeking visas...

    CHINA, PHILIPPINES   27 Sep 17

  • Philippines to offer visas on arrival to Chinese...

    PHILIPPINES   24 Aug 17

  • Passport validity to get 10-year extension

    PHILIPPINES   8 Aug 17

  • New requirement added to 9(g) conversion

    PHILIPPINES   25 Jul 17

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    PHILIPPINES   28 Jun 17

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    PHILIPPINES   20 Jun 17

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    GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL, JORDAN, PHILIPPINES, QATAR   8 Jun 17

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    PHILIPPINES   23 May 17

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    PHILIPPINES   17 May 17

  • Immigration office hours curtailed, delays expected

    PHILIPPINES   9 May 17

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    PHILIPPINES   8 May 17

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    PHILIPPINES   5 Jan 17

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    PHILIPPINES   22 Aug 16

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    PHILIPPINES   19 Jul 16

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    PHILIPPINES   29 Jun 16

  • Authorities strictly enforcing annual report requirements

    PHILIPPINES   5 Jan 16

  • Exclusions from employment permits may require separate certification

    PHILIPPINES   15 Oct 15

  • Details released on employer understudy and notice rules

    PHILIPPINES   6 Oct 15

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    PHILIPPINES   16 Sep 15

  • Emigration Clearance Certificates now being issued at airports

    PHILIPPINES   24 Apr 15

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    PHILIPPINES   13 Mar 15

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    PHILIPPINES   16 Feb 15

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    PHILIPPINES   10 Feb 15

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    PHILIPPINES   23 Dec 14

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    PHILIPPINES   9 Dec 14

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    PHILIPPINES   9 Dec 14

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    PHILIPPINES   21 Oct 14

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    PHILIPPINES   14 Oct 14

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    PHILIPPINES   13 Oct 14

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    PHILIPPINES   3 Sep 14

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    PHILIPPINES   1 Aug 14

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    PHILIPPINES   19 Jun 14

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    PHILIPPINES   10 Jun 14

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    PHILIPPINES   26 Feb 14

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    PHILIPPINES   21 Feb 14

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    PHILIPPINES   21 Feb 14

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    PHILIPPINES   6 Jan 14

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    PHILIPPINES   19 Aug 13

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    PHILIPPINES   26 Jul 13

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