What is the Special Work Permit (SWP) in the Philippines

What is a Special Work Permit (SWP)?

Designed with accuracy by regulatory authorities, the Special Work Permit (SWP) serves as a strategic facilitator, allowing individuals to lend their skills to local projects and endeavors quickly and efficiently. It is a permit for smooth integration into the Philippine workforce, providing a strategic roadmap for foreign nationals pursuing professional opportunities in our dynamic Philippine economy.

While an Alien Employment Permit allows foreign nationals to have an employer-employee relationship with an employer based in the Philippines, a foreign national can obtain a Special Work Permit to work in the Philippines for a maximum of six months. The foreign national must be sponsored by the company that employs him or her and is registered in the Philippines. 

The foreign national can apply for a Special Work Permit from the Bureau of Immigration.  

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP) in the Philippines?

Foreign nationals who intend to work, engage in specific activities, or render services outside of an employment arrangement can apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP), such as:

• Professional athletes, coaches, trainers and assistants; 
• International performers with exceptional abilities; 
• Artists, performers and their staff, who perform before an audience for a fee, subject to compliance with the requirements of the concerned agency, office or body;
• Service suppliers coming primarily to perform temporary services and who do not receive salary or other remuneration from a Philippine source other than expenses incidental to their temporary stay; 
• Treasure hunters authorized to search for hidden treasure with business permit from the concerned government agencies and instrumentalities; 
• Movie and television crews authorized to film in the country by the relevant regulatory office, body or agency; 
• Foreign journalists practicing their profession or covering a specific event in the country; 
• Trainee/s assigned in government instrumentalities, government owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) and private entities; 
• Lecturers, researchers, trainers, and other pursuing academic work, who are assigned in schools, universities, educational and research institutions, government agencies and other entities (with or without compensations); 
• Religious missionaries and preachers; 
• Commercial models and talents; 
• Culinary specialists/ Chefs;
• Professionals; and 
• Consultants or specialists.