Working Visa: Can I do the Application by myself, or is it up to the Company?

[andrez]

Hello, I'm from EU and I'm planning to move to Manila because my girlfriend is living there. But I need to find a job there and to get a visa for working.

As far as I understand, I need a job contract and then I need to apply for a 9(G) visa.
I tried to do some research, but I'm still a bit confused about how to apply.

- Is it up to the company that offers me a job to take care of the visa application, or can I do that by myself?
- Do I need to be already in the Philippines in order to be able to apply for the visa or can I do it before moving there?

Thanks for your help :wink:

[raynaputi]

Are you an EU national? I'm not really sure who handles the visa applications for an employee. I think it depends per company. I've worked in a couple of multinational companies in Manila and they are the ones who handle the process for visa applications for their employees from overseas that are on-shore in Manila. They are the sponsor, so they handle it themselves. Although there are some that would let you do all the processing and then they'd reimburse all the cost. There is no standard in the Philippines when it comes to this as far as I know.

With regards to when you need to apply, it's a requirement that you have an employee contract when you apply for the visa. That means you already acquired the job. If you don't have a sure job yet, then you won't be able to apply. The only thing you can apply for is tourist visa.

Have a read on these links I just searched.

http://immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/pre-arranged-employment-visa
https://emerhub.com/philippines/applying-for-a-work-permit-in-the-philippines/

[jonnijon]

As far as I know, unless a company is sending you to the Philippines you cannot work. If you get married and obtain a 13a visa you can work. More info here:-

https://liveinthephilippines.com/philippines-business-visa/

[andrez]

Ok, thank you very much for your help and all the resources.

So, if a company is interested in offering me a job and they ask me about my work permit, can I say that I can apply for the visa if I have a job contract?
Is that correct?
If they offers me a job contract, then can I do the application?

I'm asking this because I would like to find a job and if I make the process as simple as possible for the company it could be easier. If I say to them that they have to take care of my visa it can be harder.
What do you think?

[raynaputi]

You can ask them. They should provide you with information about it.

[fred]

Applying for a Work Permit in the PhilippinesHow to process your work permit in the Philippines?

https://emerhub.com/philippines/applying-for-a-work-permit-in-the-philippines/

[andrez]

Ok, thank you very much - all of you - for your advice :heartshape1: :biggrin: