Our Emigration Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC) application assistance ensures a smooth and legally compliant departure from the Philippines. We provide expert assistance in identifying which specific clearance required and managing the application process to avoid travel delays and off-loading at the airport.
What You Should Know About Emigration Clearance Certificates (ECCs) in the Philippines
An Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) or simply Exit Clearance is a mandatory clearance issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to departing foreign nationals to prove their settlement of tax obligations, visa violations, and derogatory records.
ECCA-A (Regular ECC)
This is required for foreign nationals departing from the Philippines who meet specific conditions, including extended stays, expired or downgraded visas, permanent departure, first-time departure of Philippine-born foreign nationals, orders to leave, or seafarer stays of 30 days or more with BI-approved discharge.
ECC-B (Special Return Certificate/Re-Entry Permit)
This is required for holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the Philippines temporarily, serving as a single-use receipt evidencing their Special Return Certificate or Re-Entry Permit valid for one year.
What Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Does
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law acts as the professional liaison to ensure that the exit from the Philippines is free of administrative hurdles. We conduct a pre-departure audit of visa extensions and ACR I-Card status and handle the physical filing with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Our ECC Application Assistance
We manage the entire exit clearance process to ensure a successful departure:
Document Preparation and Assessment
We help compile the necessary ARP forms, passport photocopies, and photographs. We also audit previous visa extension receipts to ensure no gap in payments could trigger a summary dismissal of the exit clearance application.
ECC-A Filing and Releasing
We handle the in-person submission of the application to the BI office. We manage the 3-to-5-day processing window and retrieve the dry-sealed ECC-A certificate, providing you with the original and duplicate copies required by airport immigration.
ECC-B and Annual Report Integration
For long-term residents, we also facilitate the ECC-B application processing. In accordance with Section 22(a) of CA 613, we ensure your 2026 Annual Report fees are paid and recorded in the system, which is a mandatory prerequisite for the issuance of a re-entry permit.
Downgrading and Exit Coordination
If leaving due to a finished contract, we synchronize the Visa Downgrading with the ECC-A application. This ensures that the 59-day tourist window is properly implemented, and the exit clearance is ready within the same timeframe.
How to Get Started
For inquiries on requirements, processes, and fees, contact Duran & Duran-Schulze Law at (+632) 8478 5826, (+63) 917 194 0482, or info@duranschulze.com, or simply complete the form on this page. Our office is located at 1210 High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Need to Consult a Lawyer?
You can book an online or in-person consultation with Atty. March. Choose a 30-minute or 1-hour session, fill out the form with your information and preferred schedule, pay the fee via PayPal, and meet with the attorney at the scheduled time.
Atty. Marie Christine Duran-Schulze
Managing Partner [Read Profile]
Business and Corporate Law, Family Law, Litigation, Immigration Laws, Real Estate, Labor Management, and HR Services
Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) FAQs
For your reference and guidance, here are some frequently asked questions about the Emigration Exit Clearance (ECC) in the Philippines:
While it is possible, it is not recommended as it normally requires a database search for derogatory records and biometrics verification which can take hours of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to process.
You should apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) at least 72 hours (3 days) before the day of departure from the Philippines.
If you have stayed over six months or have a downgraded visa, the Immigration Officer at the airport will deny your departure. You will be off-loaded and required to visit a BI Office to secure the exit clearance.
Your ECC is valid for one (1) month from the date of issuance. However, you can only use this once regardless of its validity.
Yes, foreign minors are also required to secure an ECC if they fall under the same conditions that require ECC issuance.
No. An ECC is issued to foreign nationals, while travel clearances may apply to Filipino citizens under different regulations.
If the Bureau of Immigration (BI) records show a derogatory or pending case, the ECC issuance may be delayed or denied until the issue is resolved.
