How to Move to Philippines
Foreign workers need both an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor confirming no Filipino can fill the role, and a 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa from the Bureau of Immigration. New 2026 rules (DOLE Department Order 248) added mandatory Economic Needs Tests, extending typical processing to 3–5 months. Spouses and children apply as 9(g) dependants, not through the 13(a) marriage visa (which is specifically for spouses of Philippine citizens).
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Philippines embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
The Philippines has embassies in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa — full coverage across West, East and Southern Africa's major hubs.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
No. 2 Kainji Street, corner Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja
Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Philippines has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
3–5 months in 2026 (extended by new mandatory Economic Needs Tests under DOLE Department Order 248).
AEP filing fee PHP 8,000–10,000 + 9(g) visa fee PHP 30,000–40,000 + Provisional Work Permit (if needed) PHP 6,000–10,000.
AEP: up to 3 years (tied to contract). 9(g) visa: typically 1–3 years, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Philippine-registered employer.
- Employer proves (via the new Economic Needs Test) that no Filipino worker is able, willing and qualified for the role.
- Notarised employment contract specifying position, salary, and duration.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
Secure an offer from a Philippine employer prepared to sponsor you.
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2
Employer applies for the AEP
Your employer files the Alien Employment Permit with DOLE, including the new Economic Needs Test evidence.
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3
Apply for a Provisional Work Permit (if needed)
While the AEP/visa process completes, a Provisional Work Permit may let you start working sooner.
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4
Apply for the 9(g) visa
With the approved AEP, apply for the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa at the Bureau of Immigration or a Philippine embassy.
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5
Travel & register
Enter the Philippines and complete registration with the Bureau of Immigration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- The 2026 Economic Needs Test has meaningfully slowed processing — plan for 3–5 months, not the shorter timelines quoted in older guides.
- A genuine employer covers the AEP filing — you should not be asked to pay for this step.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
The Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is filed separately by your employer with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) — it is not part of the Bureau of Immigration's eServices portal, which mainly handles visa extensions and related matters after arrival.
View official portalSeveral weeks.
Visa fees roughly $30–40 (varies by nationality) + processing fees.
Tied to your course, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Accepted by a school authorised by the Bureau of Immigration to admit international students.
- Age 18+ at enrolment.
- Proof of financial capability to cover education and living costs.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Apply to a Bureau of Immigration-accredited Philippine school and receive your acceptance.
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2
Prepare your documents
Gather personal, educational, financial and medical documents.
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3
Apply for the 9(f) visa
Submit your application at a Philippine embassy or through your school's liaison office.
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4
Travel & register
Enter the Philippines and complete enrolment.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- English is an official language of instruction in the Philippines, making it accessible for African students without needing a new language.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Bureau of Immigration eServices first
The Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is filed separately by your employer with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) — it is not part of the Bureau of Immigration's eServices portal, which mainly handles visa extensions and related matters after arrival.
Create accountStart your Student visa 9(f) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationProcessed alongside or shortly after the main applicant's 9(g) visa.
Similar fee range to the main 9(g) visa, charged per dependant.
Same duration as the principal applicant's visa, renews together.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Sponsor holds a valid 9(g) work visa.
- Legal spouse or unmarried children under 21.
- Sufficient financial support from the sponsor.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm sponsor eligibility
The main applicant must hold (or be applying for) a valid 9(g) visa.
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2
Gather relationship documents
Prepare marriage/birth certificates.
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3
Apply for the dependent visa
Submit alongside or after the principal applicant's 9(g) application.
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4
Travel & register
Enter the Philippines and complete registration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Dependants cannot automatically work — they need their own separate work visa/permit if they want to be employed.
- Don't confuse this with the 13(a) marriage visa, which is only for spouses of Philippine citizens — not for a foreign worker's own family.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Bureau of Immigration eServices first
The Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is filed separately by your employer with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) — it is not part of the Bureau of Immigration's eServices portal, which mainly handles visa extensions and related matters after arrival.
Create accountStart your 9(g) dependent visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Philippines work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Philippines — both completely free.
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Questions about Philippines visas
How much does the Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) + 9(g) visa cost?
The Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) + 9(g) visa costs: AEP filing fee PHP 8,000–10,000 + 9(g) visa fee PHP 30,000–40,000 + Provisional Work Permit (if needed) PHP 6,000–10,000. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) + 9(g) visa take?
Processing for the Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) + 9(g) visa takes 3–5 months in 2026 (extended by new mandatory Economic Needs Tests under DOLE Department Order 248). This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) + 9(g) visa valid for?
The Philippines Alien Employment Permit (AEP) + 9(g) visa is valid for aEP: up to 3 years (tied to contract). 9(g) visa: typically 1–3 years, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Philippines Student visa 9(f) cost?
The Philippines Student visa 9(f) costs: Visa fees roughly $30–40 (varies by nationality) + processing fees. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Philippines Student visa 9(f) take?
Processing for the Philippines Student visa 9(f) takes several weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Philippines Student visa 9(f) valid for?
The Philippines Student visa 9(f) is valid for tied to your course, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Philippines 9(g) dependent visa cost?
The Philippines 9(g) dependent visa costs: Similar fee range to the main 9(g) visa, charged per dependant. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Philippines 9(g) dependent visa take?
Processing for the Philippines 9(g) dependent visa takes processed alongside or shortly after the main applicant's 9(g) visa. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Philippines 9(g) dependent visa valid for?
The Philippines 9(g) dependent visa is valid for same duration as the principal applicant's visa, renews together. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.