
Yes, The Non-Quota Immigrant visa by marriage (13a visa) permits the foreign national to have local employment in the Philippines without getting a Special Work Permit (SWP). However, while the 13a visa is still in process the foreign national needs to secure a SWP that is valid for 3 months and can be renewed if necessary.
Can I work in the Philippines with a 13A spousal visa?
Foreign nationals with an approved 13a Spousal Visa, either probationary or permanent, are exempt from the Alien Employment Permit requirement needed for foreign nationals to work in the Philippines.
Where can I apply for a 13A visa in the Philippines?
Q. Where can I apply for the 13A visa? A. You can apply in Cebu, Manila, and Davao. While you can’t apply in any other city as of the time of writing you can ask for further information there and immigration officers will be happy to help.
Where can I find the 13A law in the Philippines?
A quick Google search for ‘Philippine Immigration Act 1940, Section 13’ will bring up the exact law. You can see for yourself exactly what it says. Alternatively click here. Q. Where can I apply for the 13A visa?
What are the requirements for a 13A resident visa?
The only other requirement for a 13A resident visa holder is that we must go into the Bureau of Immigration once each year to pay our head tax. Generally, this takes about 15 to 30 minutes each year and must be done in either January or February.

Can you work on a 13a visa?
The 13(a) visa holders are exempt from securing an alien employment permit. While the 13(a) visa is being processed, a Special Work Permit (SWP) is advisable if engaged in local employment. SWPs are valid for 3 months and renewable for another 3 months.
Can a permanent resident work in the Philippines?
Foreign nationals planning to work in the Philippines are required to secure a work visa, which can be obtained from the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration (BI), as well as an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by DOLE.
Can I enter the Philippines with a 13a visa?
other visa categories. Once the BI approves your amendment from probationary to 13a Permanent, you can stay in the Philippines indefinitely without renewing your visa.
How much is 13a visa Philippines?
Payment of Immigrant Visa Fee of $150.00 cashier's check if in person; if by mail cashier's check or US Postal Money Order. Proof of Philippine citizenship of Filipino spouse (e.g. Philippine passport or Philippine birth certificate) Marriage Certificate, both the original and a photocopy.
How long can a permanent resident stay in the Philippines?
Usually, foreigners can stay up to 30 days, sometimes extended to 59 days in the Philippines. The spouses of Filipino citizens can also get a Balikbayan visa-free can stay for up to 1 year. But with a resident visa, you can stay up to a year or even more.
Do I need a work permit to work in the Philippines?
Work Visas and Permits for the Philippines Regardless of the source of compensation and duration of assignment in the Philippines, all foreign nationals seeking admission to the country for employment purposes are required by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to secure a work visa.
How long can I stay in the Philippines with a 13a visa?
The 13a probationary allows you to stay in the Philippines for up to one year as the foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen.
Can foreign spouse work in Philippines?
Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens are also allowed to enter the country if they have a valid 9(g) working visa or a Special Retiree's Resident Visa (SSRV). Foreign spouses with these visas do not need to apply for a new entry visa from Philippine consulates abroad.
How do I renew my Philippine visa 13a?
How to apply?Secure and fill out an application form and attach required documents.Submit application with complete requirements.Check the database for any derogatory record.Get an Order of Payment Slip (OPS).Pay the required fees.Submit copy of Official Receipt.More items...
Can I work in the Philippines if I marry a Filipina?
In order to stay in the Philippines after marrying a Filipina, you have to apply for a Residence Visa for Spouse of a Filipino Citizen, also called the 13A Non-Quota Immigrant Visa.
How long does it take to get a Filipino spouse visa?
The entire process for obtaining a CR1 Marriage Visa takes about 12-14 months from the date that you first file your CR1 Marriage Visa application. The application must first be filed with USCIS for approval. This takes about 3 ½ to 4 months.
What are the requirements for permanent residency in Philippines?
To qualify for this visa, the applicant must prove that: He contracted a valid marriage with a Philippine citizen. The marriage is recognized as valid under existing Philippine laws. There is no record of any derogatory information against him in any local or foreign law enforcement agency.
What is permanent resident visa in the Philippines?
Yes, under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 13 (a) you are eligible for permanent residency in the Philippines. This visa is issued to an alien on the basis of his valid marriage to a Philippine citizen.
How do I get a work permit in the Philippines?
The following documents are needed to apply:A completed 9(g) work visa application form.The applicant's valid passport.A notarized certification of the employer's Number of Foreign and Filipino Employees.A certified copy of the AEP issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)More items...
How long can a foreigner stay in the Philippines without visa?
However, unrestricted foreign nationals can travel to the Philippines without an entry visa. Most foreign nationals are given a 30-day period to stay in the country upon arrival, but that initial stay can be as few as 7 days and as many as 59 days, depending on the visitor's country of origin.
How can I move to the Philippines permanently?
If you wish to settle in The Philippines and you are at least 35 years old, you may apply for a Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV). The SRRV is granted by the Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA), and you may reside indefinitely in the Philippines with free entry and exit.
How do I get the required documents for my visa application from the PSA in the Philippines?
You can request copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philip...
Who can apply for a 13a Philippine Spouse Visa?
Any foreigner with a Philippine citizen spouse, who is in good health, free of disease, passes a police clearance, has sufficient financial support...
What is the difference between the Philippine Marriage Visa 13(a) and the Balikbayan Visa 13(g)?
Both the 13(a) and the 13(g) are considered Philippine Marriage Visas for foreign passport holders. The main difference is that the Balikbayan 13(g...
Am I allowed to work in the Philippines on a 13a visa?
Yes. A foreign national with an approved 13a marriage visa can work for a company in the Philippines without an Alien Employment Permit. Under Depa...
Do I apply for the 13a Marriage Visa in my home country or the Philippines?
You can apply to the Philippines Consulate in your home country or at a BI office in the Philippines. I recommend submitting in your home country,...
How do I get the required documents for my visa application from the PSA in the Philippines?
You can request copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philip...
Who can apply for a 13a Philippine Spouse Visa?
Any foreigner with a Philippine citizen spouse, who is in good health, free of disease, passes a police clearance, has sufficient financial support...
What is the difference between the Philippine Marriage Visa 13(a) and the Balikbayan Visa 13(g)?
Both the 13(a) and the 13(g) are considered Philippine Marriage Visas for foreign passport holders. The main difference is that the Balikbayan 13(g...
Am I allowed to work in the Philippines on a 13a visa?
Yes. A foreign national with an approved 13a marriage visa can work for a company in the Philippines without an Alien Employment Permit. Under Depa...
Do I apply for the 13a Marriage Visa in my home country or the Philippines?
You can apply to the Philippines Consulate in your home country or at a BI office in the Philippines. I recommend submitting in your home country,...
How long is a 13A visa valid?
The 13A Resident Visa you are issued is valid for one year, and probationary. In other words, don’t do anything stupid and break the law. After one year (90 days before it expires… IMPORTANT!), you can petition for the probationary visa to become permanent. You still have to appear at the BI during the first two months of the new year and pay the fee.
How often do you need to renew a 13A visa?
The 13A Resident Visa is a lifelong visa. There is never a need to renew it, there is no expiration date. Some people, in fact many, get confused about this and insist that a 13A resident visa must be renewed every 5 years. This is incorrect.
How long do you have to extend your visa for an alien spouse?
(You can make copies at the BI. Bring your spouse’s passport for ID also. If you need to extend, do this first and ask for at least two months extension to allow for any delays.)
Do you have to leave the country to re-start a 13A visa?
As I said in point #1, if you are living here on a 13A resident visa you don’t ever have to make a visa run. You never have to leave the country to re-start your visa. Once you are here, this is where you live and you can come and go as you please, and only when you wish to.
Do I need a notary for my Filipino spouse?
Duly notarized letter of application by the Filipino spouse; ( Your spouse is actually requesting your admittance on your behalf. The BI website has the sample text to download and they have a notary inside the BI building. Just like anywhere else, notarized documents must be signed in the presence of the notary).
Is a permanent visa good for the rest of your life?
It is a permanent visa that is good for the rest of your life.
Is it hard to get a visa?
It takes time and patience with the process. (Though it is not difficult, it could be a hassle if you are living far from an immigration office.)
How to apply for a Filipino visa?
A. You’ll need the following: 1 A notarized letter of application from your Filipino spouse. 2 A notarized general application form (yes, it should be filled in). 3 An authenticated birth certificate for your Filipino spouse. 4 A copy of your passport showing your current visa (date of arrival must be visible). 5 A clearance certificate issued by the department of immigration. 6 A barangay certificate attesting to the fact that you and your spouse live together as husband and wife. 7 Police clearance from your own country if you have been in the Philippines less than 6 months. A clearance certificate from the NBI will also be required if you have been here more than 6 months. Source. 8 The appropriate fees, totaling around 20,000 pesos.
How long do you have to be in the Philippines to get a police clearance?
Police clearance from your own country if you have been in the Philippines less than 6 months. A clearance certificate from the NBI will also be required if you have been here more than 6 months. Source. The appropriate fees, totaling around 20,000 pesos.
How long do I have to renew my ACR card in the Philippines?
You are then free to stay in the Philippines for as long as you wish. You will also need to renew your ACR card every 5 years and report to your local BI every year as per normal. Q.
What is a barangay certificate?
A barangay certificate attesting to the fact that you and your spouse live together as husband and wife.
How many nationalities are allowed in the Philippines?
Nationals of countries which have diplomatic relations with the Philippines and grant the Filipinos the same immigration privileges under the principle of reciprocity which shall not be in excess of fifty (50) of any one nationality or without nationality for any one calendar year.
How long does it take to get a job after applying for a job?
A. Generally, you can estimate about 1 month from the time of application. This can vary so give or take a week.
How to apply for a 13A marriage visa?
STEP 1: Gather all requirements for your application. STEP 2: Go to the BI Main office or any office to process this kind of visa. Submit it to the staff in charge of the pre-screening. You will receive an Order of Payment Slip.
How often are biometrics captured for permanent visa?
However, for the biometrics for the permanent are: Biometrics data previously captured shall be used. For aged 10 and below, biometrics are captured every here. For applicants 11 and above, biometrics are captured every after 5 years.
Is marriage legal in the Philippines?
Marriage is recognized as valid under Philippine laws. No record of derogatory information by an enforcement agency. Without a dangerous or contagious disease. Has the financial capacity to support a family and will not become a public burden. Allowed entry to the Philippines and authorized to stay.
ROVER
I keep seeing this asked on the net over and over and just read where some foreigners (musicians) in Thailand were fined for performing in public even though they were not being paid.
JamesMusslewhite
You can work here once you receive the finalized 5-year 13a Permanent Residency Visa, but you also are then required to file a yearly tax return in the Philippines.
GoHuk
Er, I read that as 'Yes' - foreign residents (i.e. 13A holders) are exempt. Did your 'No' mean that residents do not need an AEP?
spooks
13 a does not need a work permit, they do need a TIN if working and must file annualy
GoHuk
The question title was: " Does 13a Permanent Resident Need permission/permit to work in the Philippines or Not?" Answer is: No....
spooks
My bad. I didn't look that far up; I was too busy reading the OP's text.
GoHuk
I am surprised i got mine at the las pinas BIR, they gave it to me within 5 minutes of asking
Work
Sure, you’re exempt from a work visa, but what does that mean in the Philippines? A low-paying $300 a month job unless you have skills or experience.
Marriage Tips
Here are two tips for keeping a healthy marriage to a person from the Philippines.
Obtaining a 13a Visa
You can only apply for a 13a visa if you’re married to a Filipino. Knowing or engaged doesn’t count. The marriage has to be recognized by the government of the Philippines.
Timeline
A 13a visa is two to three months of processing. I have also heard of it taking only one month, and this information is from personal accounts.
Probationary Period
If you file for the 13a visa in the Philippines, you’ll receive a one-year probationary period. After this period, you’ll return to immigration and obtain your permanent visa.
ACR I-Card
You’ll be issued an ACR I-Card that needs renewal every five years. Probationary is light purple while the permanent is pale yellow.
