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How to Get a Job in the Philippines as a Foreigner

Updated on Jun 29, 2023 150 views
How to Get a Job in the Philippines as a Foreigner

Just like every other country, the Philippine government makes room for foreigners to access job opportunities in their country, both locally and internationally. However, getting a job in the Philippines as a foreigner is not a walk in the park. However, with the right skills, expatriates can find suitable job opportunities in the Philippines. 

As you read through this article, you will get to know, 

  • Jobs available for foreigners in the Philippines
  • Recruitments agencies you can maximize
  • How to apply for a job in the Philippines 
  • The necessary documents you need to work in the Philippines. 
  • How to obtain your work visa as a foreigner. 
  • The average salary of employees in the Philippines 

Available Jobs for Foreigners in the Philippines

Some jobs are more available than others for foreigners in the Philippines. In most cases, these jobs come with visa sponsorship. Some of them are Software Developers, Registered Nurses, English Teachers, Customer Support advisors, and Medical Technologists.

Recruitment Agencies for Foreigners in the Philippines

Foreigners who intend to get job opportunities in the Philippines can sometimes use the services of recruitment agencies. These agencies are usually recognized by the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and are licensed to source talent for Filipino employers. Some of them are,

How to Apply for a Job in the Philippines 

If you are looking for job opportunities in the Philippines and do not want to employ the services of recruitment agencies, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that you get the job you desire. Here are some of the things you can do.

Research the Job Market

To get a job in the Philippines, the first step you should take as an expatriate is to research the job market. This way, you can know the opportunities available and the skills in high demand. With it, you will know if you need to skill up or if you are well suited for the job opportunities in the Philippines. 

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter 

Once you have a grasp of the job market and industries, then you can tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect your skills and experience in the available fields. Any international experience or language abilities that you have would also be an advantage to maximize in your CV. Here are simple tips that can help you create the right CV for a job opportunity, 

  • Make sure your CV looks good at first glance. You only have the first few seconds to impress the recruiter and you should be careful to make it sound. 
  • Tailor your CV to the particular job you are applying for. Don’t use the same CV for different job applications. 
  • Keep your CV very concise. Avoid repetition on your CV thereby making it wordy. 
  • Your CV should not be more than 2 pages. If it will exceed 2 pages, then the added information must be very relevant to the application. 
  • Include the most relevant and recent work experience while listing out your work history. If possible, remove irrelevant work experiences not related to the opening. 

Use this free CV builder to craft your CV in a few minutes!

Utilize Online Job Portals/Websites 

There are lots of job platforms that you can utilize to find the right job opportunity. MyJobMag is one such platform that connects skilled professionals to job opportunities in the Philippines. Other platforms like LinkedIn, Kalibrr, and JobStreet can also come in handy while looking for the ideal job opportunity. 

Apply for suitable positions

The next step is to begin to apply for suitable positions that match your skill, qualifications and interests. As a foreigner, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided in the application process to ensure you do not get disqualified by any mistake. 

Prepare for interviews

If you are called for an interview, research the company, understand its work culture, and practice common interview questions. Also, be prepared for virtual interviews conducted through video conferencing platforms and be sure to have a stable network provider.

Obtain necessary work permits and visas

If you are offered a job, the next thing you will need is to get a work visa that legally allows you to work in the country. Once this is done, you are then settled and ready to begin your career journey in the Philippines. 

Work Visa for Expats in the Philippines 

After you’ve gotten a job opportunity in the Philippines, the next step is to apply for a work visa or work permit. The work visa is a document that legally authorizes you to work in the Philippines. However, you can only apply for a work visa after you have been issued a work permit. Here are the different types of work permits in the Philippines. 

Alien Employment Permit (AEP) 

An AEP is the most common work permit required for foreign nationals who intend to engage in gainful employment in the Philippines. Gainful employment is defined as an employer-employee relationship between a Philippine-based employer and a foreign employee. This means you must have gotten a job and an employer in the Philippines to apply for an AEP. the AEP is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Also, your AEP is tied to your position and your employer. If you change jobs or get a different position in your current company, you’ll have to arrange for a new AEP. this is done to enable the government to be aware of your state at every point. An expat can only apply for an AEP if he intends to work in the Philippines in a long-term position. Depending on your contract, the permit lasts for a minimum of one year. 

Requirements to apply for an AEP include: 

  • Application form;
  • Photocopy of employee’s passport with a valid visa;
  • All documents related to the contract of employment;
  • Photocopy of current AEP (in cases of reissue); and
  • Photocopy of mayor’s permit or photocopy of business permit.

Special Work Permit (SWP)

An SWP is a permit option for foreigners who are planning short-term assignments or employment for only up to six months. Usually, this category includes, but is not limited to professional athletes visiting and competing only for a limited period; foreigners performing emergency or special-case temporary services; and artists, musicians, and other performers including supporting staff. 

So, a Special Work Permit is only valid for a period of six months after which the foreigner has to either reapply for a visa or migrate back to his home country. Also, in some cases, an expatriate may not be eligible for a Special Work Permit and can be denied it. 

How to Apply for a Work Visa in the Philippines

After you have obtained your work permit from the Philippine government, you can then go ahead to apply for and obtain a work visa. However, there are required documents you must possess to be able to apply for a work visa. The documents you will need are:

  • A completed 9(g) work visa application form.
  • The applicant’s valid passport.
  • A notarized certification of the employer’s Number of Foreign and Filipino Employees.
  • A certified copy of the AEP issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
  • A newspaper clipping that shows the publication of the AEP application by DOLE.
  • A certificate of clearance from the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (B.I.).
  • An alien certificate of registration.
  • Copies of the employment contract, the Articles of Incorporation (AOI), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) certification.
  • Any additional documents that support the applicant’s employment.

With these documents, you can then apply for a work visa and get approval based on the credibility of the documents. 

Average Salary of Employees in the Philippines 

In the Philippines, the average salary of entry-level employees is ₱53,000 monthly. Intermediate-level employees earn₱65,000 monthly while senior-level employees earn about ₱112,000 per month. 

Conclusion 

These are the simple steps you can take as an expat to get a job in the Philippines and be employed. The process may be a little bit different based on your country, however, the requirements are not always far apart. With this, you can be employed from any part of the world and work in the Philippines. 

Check out job opportunities for you in the Philippines and apply!

Staff Writer

This article was written and edited by a staff writer.

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