Foreign nationals planning to work, live or invest in the Philippines can choose among several visa categories. The right one depends on your purpose of stay, nationality, family ties and employer. The summary below is general; requirements change, so confirm current rules and fees with the Bureau of Immigration or a lawyer before applying.
Work and business
The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is the work visa for foreign nationals employed in the Philippines, with commercial and non-commercial variants. The 9(d) Treaty Trader’s Visa is for commercial purposes. The ROHQ Visa is a special non-immigrant visa for regional or area headquarters under Executive Order 226, and the 47(a)(2) Visa covers employees of PEZA-registered companies. The SVEG is a special visa for employment generation.
Family and returning Filipinos
The 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is granted by marriage to a Filipino citizen, and the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is for spouses of Filipino citizens. The 13(g) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is for returning former natural-born Filipino citizens.
Retirement, investment and tourism
The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) and the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) are special resident visas. The 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa is the tourist visa.
Get help
As a Bureau of Immigration-accredited law office, we help with visa applications, work permits and immigration compliance. Send us an inquiry to discuss your situation.
Need help with this?
Learn about our immigration assistance or send us an inquiry.
General information only, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change; consult a lawyer about your specific situation.
Keep reading
Annulment, legal separation and foreign divorce: how they differ
A short overview of family law remedies in the Philippines: annulment, declaration of nullity, legal separation and recognition of foreign divorce.
Read article →Lost in a lower court? Understanding appeals
What to do after losing a case at a first-level court or the Regional Trial Court in the Philippines, and why appeals are time-sensitive.
Read article →