When a foreign national sets up a company in the Philippines, the question of immigration status comes up almost immediately. Two visas come up most often in this context: the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa and the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV). They look similar on the surface — both allow long-term stay — but they are built around different assumptions about who you are and what you are doing. Here is how to choose.
The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
The 9(g) is the Philippines’ principal long-term work visa. It is issued by the Bureau of Immigration and is formally tied to an employment arrangement with a Philippine-registered company.
Who it suits
Despite the name “pre-arranged employment,” the 9(g) is commonly used by foreign founders who hold a formal officer or executive role (CEO, Managing Director, President) in a company they own or co-own. The key requirement is that the employment is real and documented — a corporate position, a compensation arrangement, and a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The 9(g) is the more practical choice if you:
- Want to be physically present and actively manage operations
- Are setting up a company where you need to sign contracts, manage staff, and deal with regulators day-to-day
- Prefer a lower upfront capital requirement compared to the SIRV
- Expect your stay to be tied to the life of the company and your role in it
Timeline (as of 2026)
The full process generally runs 3 to 5 months: the AEP from DOLE takes approximately 6–10 weeks (including the Labour Market Test requirement), followed by 4–8 weeks for the 9(g) visa at the Bureau of Immigration. Plan accordingly if you need to be in the Philippines in a working capacity by a specific date.
Key limitations
The 9(g) is employer-tied: if your role changes substantially or the company is wound up, you must process a visa downgrading or transfer. It is also limited to 1, 2, or 3 years per grant, requiring renewal. And the AEP requirement means demonstrating that no suitably qualified Filipino was available for the role — a requirement that, while routinely satisfied by senior executives, does involve paperwork and timing.
The Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
The SIRV is a non-immigrant investor residence visa administered by the Board of Investments (BOI). It grants indefinite stay in the Philippines to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the local economy.
Who it suits
The SIRV is the right choice if you:
- Want indefinite residency not tied to your employment status
- Are committing significant capital to the Philippines (USD 75,000 or more in eligible investments)
- Prefer a visa that survives a change of role or company restructuring
- Want to include your immediate family under the same residency status
Investment requirement
Applicants must initially deposit at least USD 75,000 in a peso time deposit with a BSP-accredited bank, then within 180 days of probationary visa issuance convert that deposit into a qualifying investment in an eligible domestic enterprise. Direct property purchases (such as a condominium for personal use) generally do not qualify — the investment must be in productive enterprise.
Timeline
The probationary SIRV typically takes 30–45 working days to process. Conversion to indefinite status takes a further 15–20 working days after the qualifying investment is confirmed. Total elapsed time is commonly 3–4 months.
Family inclusion
The SIRV principal can include their legal spouse and unmarried children under 21 under the same indefinite-status grant. This is a meaningful advantage over the 9(g), which covers family members only through separate dependent visas.
Side-by-side summary
| 9(g) | SIRV | |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Employment | Investment |
| Minimum capital | None (but AEP required) | USD 75,000 |
| Duration | 1–3 years (renewable) | Indefinite |
| Employer-tied? | Yes | No |
| Family | Separate dependent visas | Included under same grant |
| Typical timeline | 3–5 months | 3–4 months |
| Managed by | Bureau of Immigration | Board of Investments |
Which should you choose?
Most foreign founders who are actively running their company choose the 9(g) — it is cheaper to obtain and fits the reality of being employed by your own company. The SIRV becomes attractive when you are making a larger capital commitment, want residency that outlasts any single company, or are prioritising family inclusion.
Some founders hold both over time: a 9(g) while building the business, transitioning to an SIRV once the investment scale and long-term intention are clear.
Chamberlain guides you through both paths. Our Philippine visas service covers the 9(g) work visa and SIRV end to end — AEP, BI filing, BOI coordination. Book a consultation to confirm which visa fits your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign founder use a 9(g) visa for their own company?
Yes. The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is commonly used by foreign nationals who hold executive roles in Philippine-registered companies they own or co-own, provided they obtain an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE.
How much investment does the SIRV require?
The SIRV requires a qualifying investment of at least USD 75,000 in an eligible Philippine enterprise. An initial time deposit with an accredited bank is required before converting to the qualifying investment.
Which visa is better for a foreign founder — 9(g) or SIRV?
It depends on your plans. The 9(g) suits founders who want to actively manage their company as an employed executive and prefer a lower upfront capital commitment. The SIRV suits investors seeking indefinite residency independent of employment status.