The Philippines is considered as an appealing destination for foreign entrepreneurs looking for business expansion in Asia. Drawn by its strategic location and skilled workforce, the country fosters a vibrant ecosystem for both startups and established companies.
The Pilot Philippine Business Climate Survey (BCS) indicates that the majority of businesses in the Philippines are foreign-owned, totaling 83 out of 98, compared to a total of eight (8) Filipino-owned and seven (7) a combination of Filipino and foreign ownership.
Other than registering your business from the Philippine government agencies, you must also obtain a Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) to legally stay in the country as a foreign entrepreneur. In this guide, you will know the qualifications, requirements, and application process of SVEG.
Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) Philippines
A Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) is a special non-immigrant visa issued to a qualified non-immigrant foreigner who started their business in the Philippines and employs at least ten (10) full-time/regular Filipino workers. This visa is initially issued for a one-year probationary period, but can be extended to obtain multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay in the Philippines. The applicant’s spouse and unmarried dependent, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, who is at least eighteen (18) years of age can apply for this visa.
Qualifications of Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) Philippines
Before you apply for an SVEG visa, you should meet the following qualifications provided by the Bureau of Immigration (BI):
Must directly or exclusively engage in the following:
Lawful and sustainable enterprise or commercial investment in the Philippines
Exercise or perform management acts or has the authority to hire, promote, and dismiss employees
Show a genuine intention to reside in the Philippines permanently
Are not a risk to national security
Provide actual employment to at least ten (10) Filipino citizens following the labor laws and other applicable laws
More importantly, these conditions must be continuously fulfilled yearly to retain your SVEG visa.
Requirements of Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) Philippines
When processing an SVEG application, you must submit the following requirements. Your dependents, such as spouse and child/children under eighteen (18) years old who are unmarried, may also apply for this type of visa.
Requirements for SVEG Applicants
Letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant with statements that:
He/she undertakes the generation of employment of at least ten (10) full time Filipino workers or employees on a regular basis; and/or
In case of rehabilitation, his/her investment intended for rehabilitation of a business activity, investment, enterprise or industry enabled the retention of at least ten (10) Filipino workers or employees on a regular basis, and without said investment, existing workers or employees would suffer loss of employment.
Duly accomplished CGAF (BI Form CGAF-002-Rev 3)
Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
For Corporations or Partnerships, photocopies of the following:
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Certificate of Registration
Articles of Incorporation
General Information Sheet (GIS) for the current year stamped received by the SEC
For Single Proprietorships, photocopy of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certificate of Registration of Business Name
Certified true copy of the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) if the applicant foreign national is elected or appointed to occupy a position in the company
DOLE Certification that the applicant’s business activity, investment, enterprise or industry has employed at least ten (10) Filipino workers on a regular basis
Valid Medical Certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine
Sworn statement by the applicant certifying:
The names and addresses of the Filipinos employed by him/her;
That he/she undertakes to pay PhilHealth and SSS contributions; and
That no employee is receiving a salary below the minimum wage.
Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, if application is filed six (6) months or more from the date of first arrival in the Philippines
BI Clearance Certificate
Additional documentary requirements, if applicable
Requirements for Dependent/s
Duly accomplished CGAF (BI Form CGAF-002-Rev 3)
Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
Proof of filiation with the petitioner
BI Clearance Certificate
Additional documentary requirements, if applicable
Application Process of Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) Philippines
To process a SVEG visa application, you may follow these procedures:
Fill Out the Application Form. Fill out the Consolidated General Application form (CGAF) to initiate the visa application. You may secure this form from either the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) or the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s official website.
Submit the Required Documents. Submit the application form along with the requirements for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU).
Pay the Fees. Pay the required fees to process your application.
Biometrics. Once the fees are paid, proceed to the Image and Fingerprint Capturing Counter of the Alien Registration Division (ARD) and submit the requirements for the ACR I-Card application.
Monitor the Status. Visit the BI’s official website and check if your application has been approved.
Approval. Once approved, submit your passport for visa implementation and claim your ACR I-Card.
Other Obligations of the Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) Holder in the Philippines
Other than applying for an SVEG visa, you should at least once a month after the year ends, file an annual report at the Office of the Commissioner on the status of the employment of your Filipino workers supported by the following documents:
Latest General Information Sheet (GIS) duly stamped and received by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Certification under oath from the Corporate Secretary that the SVEG holder is a bona fide employee holding executive position and/or a stockholder in good standing
Mayor’s Business Permit of the City/Municipality where the principal place of business is located
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Inspection Report stating that the corporation/employer has no violation of existing labor laws and other applicable laws
Failure to Maintain Required Number of Filipino Workers
Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) holders are required to maintain the employment of at least ten (10) Filipino workers. If failed or unable to comply, the SVEG holder should submit the reasons for non-compliance to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Otherwise, the BI should terminate the privileges of the SVEG holder. The termination of the SVEG may be reviewed through a petition by the Secretary of Justice within fifteen (15) days from notice.
Need further information and assistance regarding Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG) Philippines? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law in BGC, Metro Manila, Philippines to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
