The Special Visa Employment Generation visa allows the holder to reside in the Philippines with multiple entry privileges

The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) Visa is a special visa for qualified foreign nationals who create 10 full time jobs for Filipino citizens. It allows them to stay and work in the Philippines indefinitely as long as they maintain employment generation.

The intent of the Philippine SVEG Visa is really focused on encouraging business growth and job creation.

It highlights how the Philippine incentivizes foreign investment and the transfer of foreign skills and knowledge to the local environment, all with the hope of making the Philippines an attractive destination for business owners.

SVEG visa Philippines: Benefits and Advantages

• Long-term residency without the need for constant visa renewals, after the 1-year probationary period is concluded
• Multiple entry and exit to the Philippine allowed
• Freedom to establish and operate businesses
• Dependents (spouse and children under 21) can be included

The visa provides a conditional extended stay without the need for prior departure from the Philippines

A clear set of requirements and qualifications has been issued by the Bureau of Immigration on SVEG Visa application for those who are interested.

These focus on real business activities and steady job creation.

SVEG visa Philippines: Eligibility Criteria

• Start and run a business in the Philippines.
• Hire at least ten Filipino workers in a lawful and sustainable enterprise, trade or industry.
• Must have management authority, with hiring and firing authority
• Have clean immigration and criminal records.
• Show that they are not a risk to national security.

The applicant must be able to follow the rules set by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration on SVEG which include maintaining the minimum of 10 employees every year.

These employees cannot be household helpers, nannies, guards, or caretakers.

These employees must also be actively managed by the applicant, and the employment numbers reported every year to maintain the visa.

The SVEG visa benefits can extend to the applicant’s legal spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old

Gathering and organizing the required documents is a key first step in the SVEG application process.

It is very important to be accurate and complete to avoid delays.

Here’s a list of Special Visa for Employment Generation Requirements you will need:

• Letter Request for Special Visa Employment Generation notarized and addressed to the Commissioner with statements of taking at least 10 full time Filipinos
• SVEG Visa Philippines Application Form: Get the Consolidated General Application Form (BI Form CGAF-002-Rev3). You can find it online on the official BI website or in person at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at the BI’s main office.
• DOLE Certification Letter of regular employment of a minimum of 10 Filipinos The Department of Labor and Employment SVEG part of the SVEG application process is a small but crucial one, as it helps verify that the foreign applicant’s business legitimately employs at least ten full-time Filipino This certificate confirms that the business complies with Philippine labor laws and that the claimed employment is genuine and properly documented.

It is also important to note that an Alien Employment Permit for SVEG from DOLE is no longer required for the SVEG visa, since the visa itself is granted based on the applicant’s ability to generate employment rather than being hired for a specific position (DOLE Memorandum Circular 04, S. of 2009.)

• Valid passport (photocopy and original) with at least 6 months validity and with proof of authorized stay
• Proof of Investment
• Medical certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine
• Clearance certificatefrom the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) or NBI Clearance if filed 6 months or more after first arrival in the Philippines.
• Business Documentation: As mentioned, you no longer need to submit Alien Employment Permit for SVEG from DOLE just the Certificate of Employment. For companies, a certified copy of your company’s Articles of Incorporation, GIS and SEC Certificate of Registration. For sole proprietorships, a DTI certificate, and proof that you are committed to hiring at least ten Filipino workers. Latest tax returns should also be submitted.
• Sworn Statement from you certifying the names of the Filipinos employed, that government contributions will be paid and that all employees are paid at least minimum wage.
• Clearances and Certificates: Collect a clearance from the BI, a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance, police clearances, and any other documents the BI asks for.
• Dependents: A holder of a Special Visa for Employment Generation may include dependents such as a spouse or an unmarried child. These dependents must have a filled out Consolidated General Application Form (BI Form CGAF-002-Rev3) as well as a passport with valid stay, proof of filiation and BI Clearance as well.

Keep in mind that all foreign documents must be properly authenticated, if these documents are from abroad.

For instance, if you were born in the United States, your US Birth Certificate must be apostilled.

Apostille or Authentication is needed for all documents that are issued by foreign institutions.

The Philippine SVEG Visa allows a foreign national to take the first step by beginning the SVEG application process.

To begin the application for the Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG), applicants must submit their completed documents and forms directly to the Bureau of Immigration.

Step 1: Gather the required documents

All the documents for the Philippine SVEG visa application must be collected and complied.

Documents from abroad may need to be certified true copies and apostilled before they are accepted in the Philippines. Double check to make sure that all documents are correctly gathered to avoid delays.

Additionally, make sure you have the DOLE Certification letter. While the Department of Labor and Employment SVEG part of the application process is a small one, it is also important to secure as part of a complete application.

Step 2: Submission at the Bureau of Immigration

• Pre-screening
• Go to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) at the BI with your complete Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG) application for initial assessment.
• Payment of Fees
  • If your application passes pre-screening, you will receive an Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
  • Pay the required fees (e.g., processing fee, legal research fee, express lane fee).
• Official Submission
  • Submit the complete Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG) application along with the official payment receipt.

Step 3: Attend Interview & Business Inspection

• BI will schedule a personal interview or hearing.
• An on-site inspection may be conducted by immigration officers to verify:
  • The existence and legitimacy of your business
  • The employment of 10 Filipino workers

Step 4: Fingerprinting and Photo

• Complete image and fingerprint capturing at the Alien Registration Division (ARD) at the BI
• This card is your official foreigner ID in the Philippines and issued with the visa.

Step 5: Pay Final Fees & Await Approval

• Pay any remaining government fees, including:
  • Processing fee
  • Express lane fee
  • Visa sticker fee (if applicable)
• The total cost may vary but expect to pay several thousand pesos in total.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Issuance

• Philippine SVEG visa applications can reach take several months, depending on document completeness and BI workload.
• Once approved, you will be issued your Special Visa Employment Generation and ACR I-Card.

Now that we have covered the steps to apply for the Philippine SVEG application, it’s important to recognize that mistakes and issues can arise along the way that may delay approval or require additional documentation.

Check the BI website to see if your visa application has been approved

Below, we have listed some of the most common errors and how you can avoid or resolve them effectively.

Incomplete Documentation

• Ensure all business permits, payroll records, and employee contracts are submitted correctly.
• Ensure documents from abroad are properly prepared, with apostille or authentication as needed.

Delays in Processing

• Follow up regularly with the Bureau of Immigration SVEG processing unit
• The Bureau of Immigration SVEG unit is undermanned so please expect delays.

Failure to Maintain 10 Employees

• Special Visa for employment Generation holders must always employ at least 10 full-time Filipino workers, or they risk visa revocation.

The SVEG visa is an excellent option for foreign investors who want to live and do

business in the Philippines while contributing to local employment.

Navigating the visa process can be complex. If you need professional assistance, consult a qualified immigration lawyer to ensure a smooth application.

Read our complete guide on business registration in the Philippines to get started.

Applicants often seek detailed information on the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and the overall application process to ensure they submit a complete and accurate application

What are the SVEG visa benefits in the Philippines?

The SVEG visa benefits in the Philippines include the privilege of indefinite stay for qualified foreign nationals, multiple-entry and exit, and the ability to include dependents in the application.

Where can I file for Philippine SVEG visa?

A foreign national submits his completed application form along with all the Special Visa for Employment Generation requirements at the Bureau of Immigration.

How to apply for a SVEG visa in the Philippines?

To apply for a SVEG visa in the Philippines, a foreign national must first prepare the necessary Special Visa for Employment Generation requirements and then submit them at the BI for processing.

What are the documents required for SVEG in the Philippines?

The documents required for SVEG visa application in the Philippines include a valid passport, an application form, a letter of intent to employ at least 10 Filipino workers, company registration papers from the SEC or DTI, proof of financial capacity, and a list of employees with their corresponding employment contracts and government-issued IDs. Also include the Department of Labor and Employment SVEG Certification Letter. 

What are the processing times for the SVEG Visa?

The Bureau of Immigration SVEG processing times can take several months to process due to the backlog and the fact that the process is still mostly manual.

Can family members accompany SVEG Visa holders?

Yes, SVEG visa for foreign investors in the Philippines can extend their visa status to their spouse and dependent children who are under 21 years of age.

Are there any restrictions to the SVEG Visa?

The SVEG Visa Philippines is made to help create jobs with a minimum job creation target of 10 employed Filipinos. This must be maintained annually. If the 10 employees cannot be maintained, this must be reported to the Bureau of Immigration.

How do I convert the probationary SVEG to an indefinite SVEG?

A 1 year probationary SVEG visa is given to the applicant first. After a year, the applicant can convert this SVEG to an indefinite SVEG. The application should be done at least 30 days before the expiration of the Visa, although it can be done earlier.

What happens if my SVEG Visa application is denied?

If your Philippine SVEG application gets denied, the BI will give you a written note explaining why. Usually, you have the right to challenge this decision through the BI’s appeal process.

What happens if my business closes?

Your Special Visa Employment Generation visa may be canceled if you no longer meet the employment requirement.

Can I apply if I employ part-time workers?

No, only full-time Filipino employees count towards the 10-worker requirement.

Is Alien Employment Permit for SVEG required?

No, generally an Alien Employment Permit for SVEG is not required from applicants, as they are business owners that generate employment.