Last updated: 8 May 2013

Visas

The Philippines visa requirements for foreigners include the following types:

• Treaty trader visas are granted to foreigners (as a non-immigrant) entering the country under the provisions of a treaty of amity, commerce and navigation.
• Employment visas are given to foreign technicians (whose skills are not locally available) wishing to undertake employment in the Philippines.
• Temporary visitor’s visas are granted to persons visiting the Philippines for business, pleasure or medical purposes for a period of 59 days, with the possibility of extension to a year.
• Special investor’s resident visas are issued to foreigners investing at least US$75,000 in the Philippines, thereby allowing them to reside in the Philippines as long as their investment is maintained.

Foreign personnel of regional or area headquarters, respective spouses and unmarried children below 21 years of age may be issued multiple entry visas.

For further information please contact your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate prior to arrival.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in the Philippines

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.