Expats wishing to work in the Philippines must obtain a valid work visa. This should be arranged before arriving in the country and the hiring company will usually take responsibility for the application process. The company will need to prove that the services of the foreigner are indispensable to the management, operation, administration or control of local or locally based firms.
If the duration of the assignment is less than six months, a Special Work Permit application may be submitted to the authorities. If the assignment is for more than six months, the assignee may apply either in the Philippines or via a Philippines consulate.
An application for a separate Philippines Alien Employment Permit is required in addition to the principal work visa application. This is not a travel document; it is issued by the Philippines Department of Labour and Employment and allows a foreign national to work in the Philippines.
An employee must be petitioned by his/her company and it must be shown that no person in the Philippines is willing or competent to perform the service for which the foreign national is hired.