Can Foreigners Work In The Philippines?

Foreigners are allowed to work in the Philippines, but they must follow strict legal requirements. The Philippine government closely regulates foreign employment to protect local jobs and ensure only qualified or highly skilled foreign workers enter the labor force.

Work authorization required for foreigners

To work legally, foreigners must secure two main documents before starting any job in the country.

Alien Employment Permit (AEP)

Issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the AEP confirms that a foreign national is authorized to work for a specific employer and position.

• The employer applies for the AEP.
• The role goes through a labor-market test to confirm no qualified Filipino candidate is available.
• Additional documentation may include items normally prepared for processes like NBI online appointment.

Work Visa or Immigration Status

After securing the AEP, the foreigner needs a proper work visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

• The most common is the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (9g).
• Short-term foreign workers may be issued a Special Work Permit (SWP) or Provisional Work Permit (PWP).

Some documentation may also include supporting papers similar to those used for clearance nbi gov com ph, depending on the agency requirements.

Who does not need an AEP?

Some foreigners are exempt, such as:

• Diplomats and foreign government officials
• Employees of international organizations
• Certain investors and executives under special visa categories
• Some foreign workers inside special economic zones, depending on their visa classification

Even if exempt from AEP, they may still need specific immigration permits.

2025 updated regulations

Recent policy updates have made the process stricter:

• Employers must publicly advertise the job to allow Filipino applicants first.
• Documentation requirements increased to demonstrate genuine need for a foreign hire.
• Some industries now require training programs to ensure skills transfer to Filipino employees.
• Processing times are longer due to intensified verification.

Penalties for illegal employment

Foreigners working without proper permits or visas may face:

• Large fines
• Deportation and blacklisting
• Cancellation of employer privileges
• Criminal liability in serious cases

Working on a tourist visa is not allowed under any circumstances.

Jobs foreigners commonly get

Foreign nationals usually find roles in:

• Highly technical fields
• Senior management or executive positions
• Specialized consulting
• Industries with documented talent shortages
• Foreign companies needing international staff

Entry-level roles are difficult for foreigners because priority is always given to Filipino workers.

Practical guidance for foreigners planning to work in the Philippines

• Secure a job offer with an employer willing to process your permits.
• Ensure the employer completes the labor-market test requirements.
• Never work on a tourist visa.
• Prepare all documentation completely and accurately.
• Monitor regulatory updates to avoid delays or compliance issues.