The Philippines offers several visa options for foreign nationals who wish to work or invest in the country. Among them are Special Non-Immigrant Visas under Executive Order 226, which are designed to attract foreign investors, executives, and employees of companies registered with specific government agencies such as PEZA, BOI, and CEZA. These visas allow foreign professionals and their dependents to live and work legally in the country while contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
What is a Special Non-Immigrant Visa?
A Special Non-Immigrant Visa is a visa category granted under Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act. This section allows the President of the Philippines to authorize the admission of foreign nationals as non-work visa when their entry is deemed beneficial to the public interest, particularly for economic development.
Executive Order 226 (also known as the Omnibus Investments Code) enables government bodies like the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Board of Investments (BOI), and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) to sponsor foreign nationals for Special Non-Immigrant Visas. These are commonly referred to as PEZA Visas, BOI Visas, CEZA Visas, and other similar terms, depending on the sponsoring agency or economic zone. “Although all fall under the Special Non-Immigrant Visa category, each has its own set of application requirements.
What are the Types of Special Non-Immigrant Visas?
There are several types of Special Non-Immigrant Visas available, each corresponding to a specific economic zone or government agency:
- PEZA Visa: This visa is for foreign nationals working in PEZA-registered companies operating within Philippine Economic Zones, which include IT parks, manufacturing zones, and BPO centers.
- BOI Visa: For foreign nationals employed by companies registered with the Board of Investments. Under the government’s investment incentives program, these companies are typically involved in priority industries.
- CEZA Visa: Issued to employees and investors operating within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport.
- SBMA and CDC Visas: For companies located within the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Clark Development Corporation zones.
- AFAB Visa: For firms inside the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan.
Each visa type grants multiple entry privileges and is typically valid for one year, subject to renewal based on continued employment or business activities.
What are the Requirements to get a Special Non-Immigrant Visa?
While requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific economic zone authority, the general requirements include:
- Checklist of Application for Visa
- Notarized Application Form for Principal signed by the company’s duly authorized official and Applicant
- Notarized Company’s letter-request
- Business registration documents (including certificate of registration)
- Passport bio page of the applicant with validity of more than six (6) months from time of application and pages containing date of latest arrival and valid visa.
- Proof of Employment indicating the period of employment, such as a Notarized Certificate of Employment or Contract of Employment, or Secretary Certificate.
- Certified True Copy of the foreign national’s Alien Employment Permit (AEP) or Certificate of Exclusion issued by DOLE.
- Comprehensive Bio-data/Resume/Curriculum Vitae duly signed by the applicant.
- Organizational chart of the enterprise with legible names and positions of officers/personnel.
If bringing any dependents, you will need the following for each individual:
- Notarized Application Form for dependent signed by the Company’s duly authorized official, the Principal, and the applicant.
- Passport of the dependent/s (with tourist visa valid for at least twenty 20 days)
- For New / Initial PV applications (any of the following):
- Original copy of the Apostilled, Authenticated, or Attested Marriage/Birth Certificate with English Translation from Applicant’s country of origin
- Certified true copy of the Apostilled, Authenticated or Attested Marriage/Birth Certificate from the appropriate issuing foreign office
- Print out of the emailed Apostilled, Authenticated, or Attested Marriage/Birth Certificate from the appropriate foreign office, accompanied by a Notarized Undertaking / Affidavit signed by the FN attesting to the veracity and validity of the issuance of the said printout copy.
- For Renewal of PV applications only
- Photocopy of Apostilled, Authenticated or Attested Marriage/Birth Certificate/Family Registry
- Notarized Affidavit of Support/Guarantee, executed by the registered company’s President/Vice-President, or duly authorized official
Since applications typically take a few months to process, it’s important to keep your requirements in order to avoid complications or delays.
Employers and prospective employees can consult with us to ensure their documents are complete, accurate, and fully compliant.
How do I apply for a Special Non-Immigrant Visa?
- Determine eligibility: Confirm that the sponsoring company is registered with a qualified economic zone or government agency under EO 226.
- Gather all requirements: Prepare all necessary documents.
- Submission to appropriate agency: Submit your documents to the PEZA, BOI, CEZA, or the relevant economic zone authority for initial endorsement.
- Endorsement to Bureau of Immigration (BI): Once the economic zone authority endorses your application, it will be forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration for processing.
- Payment of fees: Pay the corresponding visa processing and issuance fees.
- Visa issuance: Upon approval, the Bureau of Immigration will issue the Special Non-Immigrant Visa, typically stamped in your passport or provided as an official document.
Processing times typically take a few months, but in many cases, a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) can be issued while waiting for the full visa. A PWP allows you to begin working immediately while your visa is still being processed.
Final Thoughts
Special Non-Immigrant Visas under EO 226 offer a streamlined path for foreign nationals to work or invest in Philippine economic zones or priority sectors. They provide legal stay, work rights, and benefits for dependents. Please consult with our immigration experts to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
Are You Planning to Work or Invest in a Philippine SEZ or priority sector?
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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