# Philippine Founder and Work Visa Route Planner

This planner helps foreign founders choose the likely visa path before filing.

## 1. Define the role

- Founder actively managing a Philippine company.
- Foreign employee hired by a Philippine company.
- Investor seeking residence through qualifying investment.
- Retiree or spouse of a Filipino citizen.
- Short-term visitor attending meetings only.

## 2. Common routes

### 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa

Best for foreign employees and founders employed by a Philippine company. Usually paired with an Alien Employment Permit and sometimes a Provisional Work Permit while the 9(g) is pending.

### SIRV

Best for qualifying investors who want residence tied to eligible investment. This is not a substitute for every founder setup and needs investment eligibility checked carefully.

### SWP or PWP

Useful for short-term or interim work authorization in the right circumstances. These do not replace a full long-term visa.

### 13(a) or SRRV

Relevant for family or retirement residence, but not always the best fit for active business operation.

## 3. Employer readiness check

- SEC registration complete.
- BIR registration complete.
- Valid local permits.
- Role, job title, and compensation documented.
- AEP documents ready where required.
- Passport, visa status, and BI records clean.

## 4. Timing questions

- When does the person need to start work?
- Can they wait for the full visa, or is a PWP needed?
- Are dependents included?
- Is travel planned during processing?

Chamberlain can map the route, filings, and realistic timeline before hiring or relocating.