The Philippines, with its growing economy and strategic location in Southeast Asia, is an attractive destination for foreign investors and traders. For those looking to engage in substantial trade or investment activities, the 9D Trader Visa offers a pathway to conduct business in the country legally. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 9D Trader Visa, including its eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, and renewal steps.
What is a 9D Trader Visa
The 9D Trader Visa, or Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visa, is a non-immigrant visa under Section 9(d) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Here are the important details:
- It is designed for foreign nationals from countries with bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines (currently covers only the United States, Japan, and Germany).
- The visa allows these individuals to enter the Philippines to engage in substantial trade or to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which they or their employer has invested a significant amount of capital.
- The current minimum investment requirement is at least USD 120,000.
- The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually, with the possibility of including the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
Who Might Want a 9D Trader Visa
The 9D Trader Visa is intended for two main categories of individuals: treaty traders and treaty investors.
- Treaty traders are nationals of the U.S., Japan, or Germany who aim to conduct substantial trade between their home country and the Philippines, as outlined in existing trade and commerce agreements.
- Treaty investors are those who have invested (or are actively in the process of investing) a substantial amount of capital in a Philippine enterprise and seek to develop and manage its operations.
- Employees of a treaty investor, such as those in supervisory or executive roles, can apply for the visa, provided they share the same nationality as the majority shareholder of the sponsoring company.
The visa is currently not available to nationals of other countries. If you’re not eligible for a 9D Trader Visa, consider applying for a different work visa like the 9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa or the PEZA Visa.
What are the Requirements to Get a 9D Trader Visa
To apply for a 9D Trader Visa, applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
A. Key requirements for Treaty Traders nd Treaty Investors:
- Letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and/or the petitioner
- Duly accomplished CGAF for Non-Immigrant Visa
- Applicant’s passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
- Business registration documents (SEC/DTI Certificate, Mayor’s Permit, etc.)
- Petitioner’s latest Income Tax Return (ITR) with the corresponding proof of payment (official receipt, bank teller’s validation slip, BIR’s eFPS payment details print-out or other similar evidence)
- Proof of Employment such as Duly acknowledged Employment Contract, Secretary’s Certificate of Election, Appointment, Assignment, Secondment or Deployment of applicant, or equivalent document indicating duration of employment, compensation and other benefits, and scope of duties
- Board Resolution if the signatories of the letter of application and employment contract are other than those appearing in the Articles of Incorporation and in the latest GIS
- BI Clearance Certificate; and
- Certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014
B. Documentary requirements to bring dependents (submit the following for each individual):
- Duly accomplished CGAF for Non-Immigrant Visa
- The dependent’s passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
- Proof of filiation with the applicant
- BI Clearance Certificate
- Certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014.
Work Visa Philippines can assist you, ensuring your required documents are complete, accurate, and in full compliance.
How Do I Apply for a 9D Trader Visa
The application process for a 9D Trader Visa involves several steps, which can be completed in the Philippines or through a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad, though in-country processing is more common.
- Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, ensuring they are complete and certified where necessary.
- Submit for Pre-Screening: Submit documents to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) at the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or other authorized immigration offices for pre-screening.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required visa fees, which vary depending on the visa type (Principal, Dependent-Spouse, etc.), and retain the official receipt. There is also a small fee to process your Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card).
- Attend a Hearing: Attend a scheduled hearing to present your case and submit ACR I-Card requirements.
- Biometric Capture: Visit the Alien Registration Division for fingerprint and image capturing for the ACR I-Card.
- Monitor Status: Check the BI website for visa approval status. If approved, submit your passport for visa implementation and claim your ACR I-Card.
- Provisional Work Permit (Optional): While awaiting visa approval, you may apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) valid for three months to begin work legally.
How Do I Renew My 9D Trader Visa
For renewals, submit updated documents, including proof of continued trade or investment, to the BI before the visa expires. The process mirrors the initial application but focuses on demonstrating ongoing eligibility.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a 9D Trader Visa in the Philippines requires careful preparation and strict compliance with immigration regulations. Start by understanding the visa’s purpose, confirming your eligibility, and organizing all necessary documents before submitting them to the Bureau of Immigration. Processing typically takes 2–3 months, so ensure your requirements are complete, accurate, and fully compliant to avoid delays.
Are You Planning to Work or Invest in the Philippines?
Let Work Visa Philippines guide you through the process. Our immigration lawyers can help obtain a visa, work permit, and other legal documents from the appropriate government agencies. We’ll make sure you’re fully compliant so you can focus on enjoying your stay in the Philippines.
Reach out today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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