Philippines Work Permit Guide for Employers (2026)
AEP: 2–5 weeks | 9(G) visa: 40 working days | End-to-end: 6–12 weeks. AEP authority: DOLE. Visa authority: Bureau of Immigration. New framework: DOLE DO 248-2025, effective 10 February 2025
Major change: DOLE Department Order No. 248
- New Economic Needs Test (ENT): DOLE now assesses whether hiring a foreign national serves a legitimate economic purpose based on labour shortages, industry demands, and national development priorities — in addition to the Labour Market Test
- Strengthened Labour Market Test: Employer (not DOLE) must now post job vacancy on PhilJobNet AND in a newspaper for at least 15 calendar days; ad must include specific required information; ads valid for 45 days
- Understudy Training Program: Employers in priority sectors must implement skills transfer for at least 2 Filipino employees
- 15-day filing deadline: AEP application must be filed within 15 calendar days of signing the employment contract
- AEP is DOLE’s document — the 9(G) visa is BI’s document — the AEP is not a visa and does not alone authorise employment; the 9(G) must follow
The Philippines work permit system for foreign nationals requires two separate authorisations from two separate agencies in strict sequence: an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) and a 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa from the Bureau of Immigration.
The AEP must come first, it is a prerequisite for the 9(G) visa application. DOLE’s DO 248-2025 (effective February 2025) added two new requirements — the Economic Needs Test and the Understudy Training Program, alongside a significantly strengthened Labour Market Test. The employer bears primary responsibility for the job advertisement, application filing, and skills transfer obligation.
Quick answer
Employer posts job vacancy on PhilJobNet + newspaper for 15 calendar days (LMT) → signs employment contract → files AEP at DOLE Regional Office within 15 days of contract → DOLE conducts LMT + ENT evaluation → AEP issued (2–5 weeks; PHP 9,000/1yr or PHP 14,000/2yr) → employer petitions for 9(G) visa at Bureau of Immigration → BI processes in 40 working days → employer may apply for PWP while 9(G) pending → ACR I-Card applied for at BI. AEP is employer- and position-specific: change of employer or role requires new AEP. Maximum cumulative AEP: 5 years. Priority sectors: Understudy Training Program for 2 Filipino employees mandatory.
Who issues work permits in the Philippines
The Philippines work authorisation process involves two separate agencies. Submission to the wrong agency, or applying for the visa before the AEP, causes rejection. The sequence is DOLE first, then BI.
DOLE — Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
Issues the AEP under Article 40 of the Labour Code. Application filed at the DOLE Regional Office or Field Office with jurisdiction over the intended place of work. New framework: DO 248-2025 (effective 10 Feb 2025). Contact: dole.gov.ph / DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila.
Bureau of Immigration — 9(G) Visa & ACR I-Card
Issues the 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa and the ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration). Application at BI Main Office, Intramuros, Manila, or authorised BI offices. Processing: 40 working days. Website: immigration.gov.ph.
Additional clearances for regulated professions
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Special Temporary Permit (STP) for regulated professions. Department of Justice (DOJ) — Authority to Employ Alien for nationalized industries. DENR — for mining sector. These precede or accompany the AEP application.
Labour Market Test, Economic Needs Test, Understudy Training
DOLE Department Order No. 248-2025 (effective 10 February 2025) introduced three critical changes to the AEP framework. All three apply to employers filing new AEP applications. Failure to meet any one results in rejection.
| Requirement | Category / Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Market Test | 15 days | Employer must post job on PhilJobNet + newspaper for min. 15 calendar days before filing AEP; ads are valid for 45 days. |
| Economic Needs Test | New | DOLE assesses whether hiring serves a legitimate economic purpose, such as a labour shortage, industry demand, or national priority. |
| Understudy Training | Priority sectors | Employers in priority sectors must transfer skills to at least 2 Filipino employees; this is mandatory under DO 248-2025. |
The Labour Market Test ad must now include specific mandatory information: employer name, address, and nature of business; position with job description, functions, and objective requirements; qualifications (education, experience, licences); workplace location; foreign national’s name and city of residence; intended employment duration; and the DOLE Regional Office address where the application will be filed.
One ad may cover multiple positions. The 15-day period before filing begins after the job advertisement is published, and the AEP application must be submitted within 45 days of ad publication — otherwise the ad must be republished.
The three required authorisations
Legal employment as a foreign national in the Philippines requires three authorisations obtained in strict order. The AEP must precede the 9(G) visa application; the 9(G) visa must precede the ACR I-Card. None is optional.
1. AEP (DOLE)
Alien Employment Permit, applied for by the employer at the DOLE Regional Office. Requires Labour Market Test, Economic Needs Test (ENT), and Understudy Training Programme (priority sectors). Processing: 2–5 weeks. Fee: PHP 9,000 (1 year) / PHP 14,000 (2 years). Valid 1–3 years; max 5 years cumulative. Position- and employer-specific.
2. 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (BI)
Applied for by the employer at BI after AEP approval. Processing: 40 working days. Initial validity: 1, 2, or 3 years (must not exceed AEP duration). Extendable 1, 2, or 3 years. PWP (Provisional Work Permit) available from BI during the 40-day wait.
3. ACR I-Card (BI)
Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card — issued by BI to all registered foreign nationals. Annual report to BI required within first 60 days of each calendar year. Biometric data captured at initial application; reused for 9(G) extensions. Provides SSRN (Special Security Registration Number).
AEP and visa fees in the Philippines
| Item / Requirement | Duration / Validity | Fee | Notes / Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEP | 1 year | PHP 9,000 | DOLE fee; paid at time of AEP application filing |
| AEP | 2 years | PHP 14,000 | DOLE fee; must align with employment contract duration |
| 9(G) Visa Processing | 40 working days | — | Bureau of Immigration — from submission of complete documents |
| AEP Max Cumulative | 5 years | — | Total AEP period across all renewals — new AEP cycle cannot exceed this |
BI visa and ACR I-Card fees are assessed at time of application and vary depending on the visa period and applicant’s nationality. The Provisional Work Permit (PWP) may be applied for from the BI while the 9(G) is pending, it allows the foreign national to begin work and is valid until the 9(G) is approved.
The Special Work Permit (SWP), issued by BI for short-term assignments of up to 3 months (extendable once for 3 months) is an alternative for assignments of 6 months or less that do not require an AEP.
How to hire a foreign national in the Philippines
Employer posts job vacancy — Labour Market Test
Before filing the AEP, the employer must publish the job vacancy on PhilJobNet (DOLE’s designated job portal) AND in a newspaper of general circulation for at least 15 calendar days. The ad must contain all DO 248-2025 mandatory information. The 15-day LMT period begins from the date of publication.
The job ad is valid for 45 days — the AEP application must be submitted within this window, or the ad must be republished and the 15-day wait repeated. For regulated professions, the employer must also obtain the Special Temporary Permit (STP) from the PRC or Authority to Employ Alien from the DOJ before or alongside the AEP application.
Employer and foreign national sign employment contract
The employment contract must be signed, and the AEP application filed within 15 calendar days of contract execution — a new deadline introduced by DO 248-2025. The AEP application is submitted to the DOLE Regional Office with jurisdiction over the intended place of work.
Required documents include the completed application form, passport copy, employment contract (notarised, signed within 15 days of filing), proof of job advertisement, and employer registration documents. The AEP fee (PHP 9,000 for 1 year; PHP 14,000 for 2 years) is paid at submission.
DOLE conducts LMT and ENT evaluation
DOLE evaluates the application for Labour Market Test compliance (no qualified Filipino available) and the new Economic Needs Test (whether the hire serves a legitimate economic purpose). DOLE publishes the application details to allow any qualified Filipino to object. If no objections and documents are complete, DOLE issues the AEP.
Processing: 2–4 weeks for standard applications; 3–5 weeks including ENT evaluation. For priority sectors, DOLE also confirms that the employer has committed to the Understudy Training Programme for at least 2 Filipino employees.
Employer petitions for 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa at Bureau of Immigration
With the approved AEP, the employer submits the 9(G) visa petition at the BI Main Office. The foreign national typically enters on a 9(A) tourist visa and the employer files for conversion to 9(G) status at BI.
Processing: 40 working days from submission of complete documents. While awaiting 9(G) approval, the employer may apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) from BI, this allows the foreign national to begin work legally during the 40-day wait. The 9(G) initial validity may be 1, 2, or 3 years but cannot exceed the AEP duration.
ACR I-Card applied for at BI — annual report obligation
The foreign national registers with the Alien Registration Programme (ARP) at BI and obtains the ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card), which bears their Special Security Registration Number (SSRN).
All foreign nationals in the Philippines must report in person to the BI Main Office or nearest BI field office within the first 60 days of every calendar year — this is the annual report obligation. Failure to comply results in fines. Biometric data captured at the initial application is reused for subsequent 9(G) extensions (except applicants aged 10 and below).
Employer maintains AEP and 9(G) compliance
The AEP is position- and employer-specific. If the foreign national changes employer, or changes position within the same company, a new AEP must be applied for from the beginning — including a new LMT, ENT, and the 15-day filing window. The 9(G) visa must also be updated when the AEP changes.
The employer must maintain Understudy Training Programme records (priority sectors) and ensure the AEP is renewed before the 5-year maximum cumulative period is reached. AEP renewal must be filed before the current permit expires.
Work permit types in the Philippines (confirmed from DOLE and BI official sources)
| Permit / Visa type | Issuing agency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEP (Alien Employment Permit) | DOLE | 1–3 years; max 5 cumulative | Required for all foreign nationals in gainful employment. Prerequisite for 9(G). Position- and employer-specific. DO 248-2025: LMT + ENT + Understudy Training. Fee: PHP 9,000/yr; PHP 14,000/2yr. |
| 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (Commercial) | Bureau of Immigration | 1, 2, or 3 years; extendable | Most common work visa for skilled foreign employees. Requires approved AEP. Processing: 40 working days. Duration cannot exceed AEP validity. ACR I-Card issued alongside. |
| PWP (Provisional Work Permit) | Bureau of Immigration | Up to 6 months (with AEP) | Issued during pendency of 9(G) visa application. Allows legal work while 9(G) is being processed. Applied for at BI Main Office. |
| SWP (Special Work Permit) | Bureau of Immigration | Up to 3 months; extendable once | For short-term assignments of 6 months or less. Valid with 9(A) tourist visa. AEP not required. Suitable for athletes, performers, artists, emergency technical services. |
| 9(D) Treaty Trader’s Visa | Bureau of Immigration | Up to 2 years | For nationals of countries with bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines. Requires minimum investment in Philippines trade; supervisor or executive position; must leave upon contract termination. |
| 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV) | Office of the President / BI | Varies | For foreign nationals of PEZA-registered companies and special economic zone enterprises. Streamlined processing. PEZA coordinates with BI. Requires AEP from DOLE. |
| AEP Exemption Certificate | DOLE | N/A | For exempt categories: diplomatic officials; international organisation staff; POEA-accredited company representatives; university lecturers; board members without operational roles. Must obtain certificate confirming exemption. |
Documents required for AEP and 9(G) visa
Employer documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed AEP application form | Available from DOLE; filed at Regional Office with jurisdiction over the workplace. Must be filed within 15 calendar days of contract signing under DO 248-2025. |
| Proof of job advertisement — Labour Market Test | Clipping or screenshot from newspaper AND PhilJobNet posting; must show 15+ calendar days before filing; ad must include all DO 248-2025 mandatory content |
| Notarized employment contract | Must be notarized and signed within 15 calendar days before filing; outlines position, responsibilities, salary, and employment duration |
| Company registration documents | SEC Certificate of Incorporation or DTI Business Name Registration; Articles of Incorporation; Notarized certification of number of foreign and Filipino employees |
| Mayor’s permit / business permit | Current; for the registered place of business or intended workplace |
| Economic Needs Test documentation | Supporting evidence of labour shortage, industry demand, or national development priority justifying the hire, new under DO 248-2025 |
| Understudy Training Programme commitment | Plan for transferring skills to at least 2 Filipino employees; required for employers in priority sectors under DO 248-2025 |
Employee documents — submitted to DOLE and BI
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport copy | Photo page and any valid Philippine visa. At AEP stage: copy. At BI stage: original required for conversion/endorsement. |
| Passport-sized photographs | Recent; conforming to BI specifications; typically 3.5cm × 4.5cm |
| Copy of AEP (for 9(G) application) | Approved AEP issued by DOLE — certified copy submitted to BI as mandatory prerequisite for 9(G) petition |
| Proof of publication of AEP (for 9(G) application) | Evidence that the AEP application was published by DOLE as part of the LMT process |
| BI Clearance Certificate (for 9(G) application) | Alien Certificate of Registration (or clearance from BI confirming no derogatory record) |
| Articles of Incorporation and employment contract copy | Certified copy of employment contract; Articles of Incorporation of the petitioning company; for 9(G) application at BI |
| Current AEP copy (for renewal) | Copy of expiring or expired AEP; Tax Clearance Certificate required for renewals under DO 248-2025 |
Philippines work permit at a glance. 2026
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| AEP issuing authority | DOLE — Department of Labor and Employment (dole.gov.ph) |
| Visa and ACR I-Card authority | Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) — BI Main Office, Intramuros, Manila |
| Governing legislation | Labour Code, Article 40 (PD 442); DOLE Department Order No. 248, Series of 2025 (effective 10 February 2025) |
| Labour Market Test — DO 248-2025 | Employer posts job on PhilJobNet AND newspaper; minimum 15 calendar days before AEP filing; ad valid 45 days |
| Economic Needs Test — new under DO 248-2025 | DOLE assesses whether hire serves legitimate economic purpose — labour shortage, industry demand, national priority |
| Understudy Training Programme — DO 248-2025 | Priority sector employers must transfer skills to at least 2 Filipino employees |
| AEP filing deadline | Within 15 calendar days of signing the employment contract — new under DO 248-2025 |
| AEP processing time | 2–4 weeks (standard); 3–5 weeks (including ENT evaluation) |
| AEP fee | PHP 9,000 (1 year); PHP 14,000 (2 years) |
| AEP validity | 1–3 years aligned with employment contract; maximum 5 years cumulative |
| AEP portability | Position- and employer-specific; change of employer or role = new AEP from scratch |
| 9(G) visa processing | 40 working days — confirmed from BI FAQ (immigration.gov.ph/faqs/) |
| 9(G) visa validity | Initial 1, 2, or 3 years; extendable 1, 2, or 3 years; cannot exceed AEP duration |
| Provisional Work Permit (PWP) | BI — issued during 9(G) pendency; allows legal work while 9(G) is processed; valid until 9(G) approval |
| Special Work Permit (SWP) | BI — for short-term assignments up to 3 months; extendable once; AEP not required; valid with 9(A) tourist visa |
| ACR I-Card | BI — required for all foreign nationals; annual report within first 60 days of each calendar year |
| Regulated professions | PRC Special Temporary Permit (STP) and/or DOJ Authority to Employ Alien required before or alongside AEP |
Acumen International — your Employer of Record in the Philippines
The Philippines is a strong hiring market, but local employment must be handled through the correct employer structure. Foreign workers may require an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor and Employment, while all employees must be managed through compliant payroll, tax withholding and statutory benefit contributions.
Acumen International acts as your Employer of Record in the Philippines, allowing your business to employ local or foreign talent without creating your own Philippine entity.
What Acumen manages in the Philippines
- Local employment structure for eligible hires
- Employment contract preparation and onboarding support
- Work authorisation coordination for foreign nationals where required
- Payroll processing and salary administration
- Tax withholding and statutory contribution handling
- Social security, healthcare and housing fund contribution administration
- 13th-month pay and local statutory employment requirements
- HR records, renewals and employment lifecycle administration
- Support for one Philippines-based hire or a wider regional team
- Coordination with broader global hiring across 190+ countries
Official government resources
The official DOLE NCR page for AEP applications — confirms Article 40 Labour Code basis, DO 248-2025 applicability, and submission requirements. DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila.
2. Bureau of Immigration — 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
Official BI page for 9(G) visa applications including commercial and non-commercial categories, extension procedures, and ACR I-Card requirements.
3. Bureau of Immigration — FAQs (9(G) processing time confirmed)
Official BI FAQ page confirming: 9(G) Commercial visa processing time is 40 working days; initial validity of 1, 2, or 3 years; extension for 1, 2, or 3 additional years depending on employment contract.
4. Bureau of Immigration — Provisional Work Permitimmigration.gov.ph — Provisional Work Permit
Official BI page confirming the PWP is issued to foreign nationals during the pendency of their 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa application — applied for at the BI Main Office.
5. DOLE — AEP Exemptions and Revised Rules (CAR Regional Office)car.dole.gov.ph — Revised AEP Rules
Confirms the revised AEP framework under DO 248-2025 including new LMT requirements, ENT, and the full list of AEP-exempt categories (diplomatic officials, international organisation staff, POEA-accredited company representatives, etc.).
Your business manages the employee’s role, work and performance. Acumen manages the local employer responsibilities needed to keep the employment arrangement compliant in the Philippines.