The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) is a Philippine immigration visa that rewards foreign entrepreneurs and investors who create meaningful employment for Filipino workers. It is issued by the Bureau of Immigration and provides a multi-year work and residency authorisation tied to the holder’s qualifying business.
Who it’s for
The SVEG is designed for a foreign national who:
- Has established or invested in a business operating in the Philippines
- Has created at least 10 direct, full-time jobs for Filipino citizens through that business
- Is actively involved in managing or operating the qualifying enterprise
It is not a passive investment visa — the employment generation must be genuine and verifiable. This distinguishes the SVEG from investment-focused options like the SIRV or SRRV, which focus on capital placement rather than job creation.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Proof of business registration in the Philippines (SEC, DTI, or local government permits)
- Employment records for at least 10 Filipino employees (payroll records, SSS contributions, employment contracts)
- Business financial documents demonstrating active operations
- NBI Clearance
- Medical certificate from a BI-accredited physician
- Completed Bureau of Immigration application forms and applicable fees
Requirements are subject to BI policy updates — Chamberlain confirms the current documentary checklist before filing.
The process
- Establish and operate the qualifying business — the jobs must exist before the SVEG can be applied for; this is not a visa to set up a business, it is a reward for having already done so
- Compile employment evidence — payroll records, SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG contributions, and employment contracts for the 10+ Filipino employees
- File the SVEG application with the Bureau of Immigration
- BI evaluation — the BI reviews the application and supporting evidence; it may conduct verification
- SVEG issued — on approval, the holder receives the visa and an ACR I-Card
- Maintain compliance — the SVEG is tied to continued operation of the qualifying business; changes to employment levels may affect visa status
Comparing SVEG to other business visas
| Option | Capital focus | Employment focus | Right for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVEG | Secondary | Primary (10+ jobs) | Active business owners creating local jobs |
| SIRV | Primary (US$75,000+) | No requirement | Passive or active investors |
| 9(g) | No requirement | Employer-sponsored | Employees of Philippine companies |
What Chamberlain does
We assess SVEG eligibility, compile the employment documentation package, and manage the BI filing. We also advise on maintaining compliance as your business grows or changes.
Book a consultation to assess whether the SVEG is the right structure for your business, or review our transparent pricing. See the full Philippine Visas hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SVEG?
The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) is a Philippine immigration visa issued to foreign nationals who invest in and operate a business that creates direct employment for a qualifying number of Filipino workers.
How many Filipino employees are required for SVEG eligibility?
SVEG applicants are generally required to demonstrate that their investment has created at least 10 full-time jobs for Filipino nationals, though requirements should be confirmed with the Bureau of Immigration as policies may be updated.
Does the SVEG allow the holder to work?
Yes. The SVEG authorises the holder to work in the Philippines in connection with the qualifying business. An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is generally not required for SVEG holders.