Immigration

Working in the Philippines: AEP, 9(g) visa and the alternatives

Find out which permit your job needs, get the AEP and the 9(g) work visa in the right order, renew, change position or employer, leave cleanly, and avoid working on a tourist visa.

Last verified: 2026-10

Situations covered (12)

AEP first, then the 9(g) visa: allow several months
Assignment of 6 months or less: Special Work Permit from the BI
No AEP, but a DOLE Certificate of Exclusion and a visa
Licensed profession or reserved sector: extra permit or not allowed
Renewal: file early, AEP before the 9(g) extension
Promotion: notify the BI before taking the new role
New employer: new AEP and new 9(g), no work in between
End of job: cancel, downgrade or leave with an ECC
Remote work for abroad: grey zone, no nomad visa open yet
Resident visa: no AEP, but a Certificate of Exemption
SRRV holder: work is possible with an AEP
Working on a tourist visa: deportation and blacklist risk

ImportantEducational and methodological guide. It does not replace a consultation with a lawyer registered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). Since June 2026, AEP processing has moved to the DOLE Bureau of Local Employment in Manila and DOLE has not yet published all the new procedures: confirm fees and steps with the BLE and the Bureau of Immigration before filing.

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