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With public interest a paramount consideration underlying Philippine immigration policy, the government ensures that in admitting foreigners and regulating the scope of their permissible activities, they do not become a public charge and their presence benefits society.

Special privileges such as multiple-entry privileges and permanent residence are generally accorded only to foreigners who possess special skills or expertise that advance national development objectives, or those with sufficient capital for investment that stimulates the economy and boosts local employment.

Two immigration pathways are particularly relevant for such foreigners: the Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG); and the Quota Immigrant Visa. Updated guidelines on these visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) took effect on 15 September 2025.

SVEG visa rules for employers

The SVEG is a special visa issued to qualified foreigners employing at least 10 Filipinos in a lawful and sustainable enterprise, with the primary objective of creating job opportunities.

SVEG holders, who are considered special non-immigrants under the Philippine Immigration Act (PIA), are granted multiple-entry privileges and conditional extended stay, which may also extend to their spouse and unmarried children aged below 18.

To qualify for the SVEG, the applicant must comply with these conditions:

1. Actually, directly or exclusively engage in viable and sustainable commercial investment/enterprise in the Philippines; exercise/perform management acts; or has the authority to hire, promote and dismiss employees;
2. Evinces a genuine intention to indefinitely remain in the Philippines;
3. Not a risk to national security; and
4. Commercial investment/enterprise provides actual employment to at least 10 Filipinos.

Continual compliance with these conditions is required, otherwise the SVEG may be revoked with the foreigner subject to possible deportation.

Under the new guidelines, SVEG applicants must undertake to employ at least 10 full-time Filipinos on a regular basis and/or invest in rehabilitating an existing business enabling retention of at least 10 Filipinos. They must also pay employee social security contributions and ensure none are paid below the minimum wage.

To address national security considerations, applicants must additionally have no “derogatory record” and submit valid clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation if their application is filed six months or more from the date of first arriving in the Philippines.

Should the applicant occupy a position in the company, he must also secure an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labour and Employment.

Stricter immigrant visa quotas

The quota immigrant visa, which allows permanent residence, may be issued to not more than 50 of any single nationality or without nationality in a calendar year.

In allotting quota numbers, the new guidelines allow preferential status to applicants with qualifications, skills or scientific, educational or technical knowledge (special qualifications) that will advance and be beneficial to the national interest of the Philippines, along with sufficient capital for viable and sustainable investment in the country. Notably, the new guidelines increased the minimum required investment from USD50,000 to USD100,000.

Unlike previous rules, which applied a sequential order of priority by first considering the applicant’s special qualifications and only thereafter assessing the applicant’s sufficient capital for investment, the new guidelines indicate that both factors are now evaluated concurrently in the allocation of quota numbers.

This change reflects a more holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s overall contribution to national development.

The guidelines further require applicants to be at least 30 years old with a cumulative stay in the Philippines of at least 180 days within a calendar year.

Applicants must also submit proof of their special qualifications and financial capacity or investment. Acceptable proof of investment includes a Certificate of Inward Remittance, certificates of ownership or purchase of a condominium unit, or documents evidencing ownership of or investment in an existing corporation, enterprise or business.

These evolving visa policies continue to advance public interest by encouraging foreign investment that generates employment and fosters skills development among Filipinos.

While recognising the role of foreigners in contributing to economic growth, they are carefully calibrated to ensure compliance with immigration laws and safeguard national security and public welfare.

This article first appeared in Business World, a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. The article is only for general informational and educational purposes and not offered as and does not constitute legal advice or opinion.

Kristine Bernadette F Soriano is a senior associate of the Immigration Department at ACCRALAW