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  • Philippines 9g Employment Visa 2026 — Complete Guide

    Employment-based visa issued after DOLE grants an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and BI approves the 9(g) petition. Valid 1-3 years.

    Best For

    Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

    Not Ideal For

    Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

    Known Issues

    Tied to specific employer; requires labor market test proving no qualified Filipino available; processing takes 8-14 weeks

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    36 months
    Processing Time
    60–90 days
    Min Income
    Path to PR
    Difficulty
    6/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €220

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Education RequiredBachelor's degree
    Profession RequiredYes
    Experience Required2 years in field
    Job Offer RequiredYes
    Sponsorship RequiredYes
    Language RequiredEnglish (B2)
    License / Recognition RequiredNo
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredNo
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Application Fee€220
    Est. Total Relocation Cost€4,200

    Application Timeline

    1
    Employer AEP Application
    14–28 days
    Employer applies for Alien Employment Permit with DOLE, including labor market test
    Blocker: Labor market test must prove no qualified Filipino available
    2
    9G Visa Application
    7–14 days
    Submit 9G visa application to BI with approved AEP and employment contract
    Blocker: Requires approved AEP from previous phase
    3
    Visa Processing and Biometrics
    21–42 days
    BI processes application, conducts interviews, biometrics capture for ACR I-Card
    Blocker: May require additional interviews or documentation
    4
    Visa Implementation and Work Start
    3–7 days
    Visa stamped in passport, ACR I-Card issued, can commence employment
    Blocker: Must start work within contract dates

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkNo
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsemployer-specific
    RenewableYes

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Manila
    Single (monthly)€1,200
    Family (monthly)€3,000
    Rent 1BR (center)€550
    Groceries€350
    Transport pass€80
    Cebu
    Single (monthly)€1,050
    Family (monthly)€2,625
    Rent 1BR (center)€480
    Groceries€320
    Transport pass€70
    Davao
    Single (monthly)€950
    Family (monthly)€2,375
    Rent 1BR (center)€400
    Groceries€300
    Transport pass€60
    Quezon City
    Single (monthly)€1,100
    Family (monthly)€2,750
    Rent 1BR (center)€500
    Groceries€330
    Transport pass€75
    Makati
    Single (monthly)€1,400
    Family (monthly)€3,500
    Rent 1BR (center)€700
    Groceries€380
    Transport pass€90
    Manila (Metro Manila)
    Single (monthly)€850
    Family (monthly)€2,100
    Rent 1BR (center)€450
    Groceries€212
    Transport pass€51
    Cebu City
    Single (monthly)€650
    Family (monthly)€1,600
    Rent 1BR (center)€320
    Groceries€162
    Transport pass€39
    Davao City
    Single (monthly)€580
    Family (monthly)€1,400
    Rent 1BR (center)€280
    Groceries€145
    Transport pass€35

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa?

    Employment-based visa issued after DOLE grants an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and BI approves the 9(g) petition. Valid 1-3 years.

    Who is the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications.

    Who should not apply for the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications.

    How long does it take to process the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa?

    Processing typically takes 60 to 90 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents.

    What are the known issues with the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa?

    Known issues and warnings: Tied to specific employer; requires labor market test proving no qualified Filipino available; processing takes 8-14 weeks. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to Philippines?

    Yes. Philippines offers 5 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Philippines country page.

    What is the cost of living in Philippines?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Manila: €1,200/month; Cebu: €1,050/month; Davao: €950/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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    Official source: https://immigration.gov.ph/visa/9g-working-visa/