The Philippines has become an increasingly popular destination for foreigners looking to live and work abroad. The tropical climate, low cost of living, and friendly locals make it an appealing choice. But what jobs can foreigners actually do there? Here is an overview of the opportunities available.
Teaching English
Teaching English is by far the most common job for foreigners in the Philippines. There is high demand for native English speakers to work as teachers, tutors, and trainers. The pay may not be high by Western standards, but it can provide a comfortable local lifestyle.
The main requirements are being a native English speaker, having a bachelor’s degree, and often some teaching experience. Many schools prefer TEFL/TESOL certification but some hire without it. The major employers are language schools catering to students and professionals. International schools are another option but usually require formal teaching credentials.
Some key benefits of teaching English in the Philippines include:
- Flexible working hours and vacation time
- Opportunities to travel within the Philippines
- Low cost of living compared to teaching in other Asian countries
Online Work
Digital nomads and location independent workers are increasingly moving to the Philippines to take advantage of the low cost of living. Manila and Cebu City have co-working spaces and solid infrastructure for remote work.
Some of the main online jobs foreigners take advantage of in the Philippines include:
- Freelance writing, graphic design, programming
- Online ESL teaching with companies like VIPKid
- Virtual assistants for global companies
- Affiliate marketing and blogging
The main benefits are being able to earn income online while enjoying an exotic, low-cost lifestyle. Fast, reliable internet access is available in cities.
Employment Pass
For professional and managerial-level positions, foreigners can apply for an Employment Pass from the Department of Labor and Employment. The main requirements are:
- An employer sponsorship from a Philippine company
- A bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience
- Evidence the foreigner has skills needed by the sponsoring employer
The Employment Pass allows working for up to 3 years, subject to renewal. Some common jobs on the Employment Pass include:
- Engineers, IT professionals, finance positions
- Executives and managers for multinational companies
- Specialist healthcare workers like doctors and nurses
An SIRV or Special Investor’s Resident Visa is another long-term work option. Applicants must invest at least $75,000 into a business or approved investment.
Starting a Business
Many foreigners move to the Philippines to start their own business, attracted by the low startup costs and large English-speaking population. Some popular business opportunities include:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Dive shops, tours, and resorts
- Import/export businesses
- Online startups and tech companies
The steps to starting a business are:
- Register the business with the Department of Trade and Industry
- Obtain a mayor’s permit from the local government
- Apply for any needed national or local licenses
- Register for taxes with the BIR
- Comply with immigration and labor regulations
Hiring a lawyer to facilitate the business registration process is recommended. Minimum capital requirements depend on the business activity.
Restricted Professions for Foreigners
Some professional fields in the Philippines are fully or partially restricted to foreigners:
Profession | Restrictions |
---|---|
Law | Reserved only for Philippine citizens |
Medicine | Foreign medical professionals permitted but with restrictions and quotas |
Accounting and auditing | Citizenship requirement for CPAs; foreigners can work in other accounting roles |
Engineering | Special temporary permits available but full practice limited to citizens |
Architecture | OnlyFilipino citizens can be licensed architects |
Teaching | K-12 teachers must be Filipino citizens |
In general, the professional fields most open to foreigners are in IT, business, tourism, and education. Getting hired by multinational companies is another route to working in restricted fields.
Self-Employment and Long-Term Stays
Retirees and location-independent entrepreneurs can obtain a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) to stay long-term in the Philippines. Applicants only need to meet minimum age and pension/savings requirements. SRRV holders can freely enter and exit the country and can own businesses.
Another option for self-employed foreigners is the Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV). This allows staying for an initial period of 1-3 years with easy renewals. An offshore income source of $20,000 to $50,000 per year must be proven.
Work Permits for Short-Term Stays
For short-term professional assignments, conferences, company training, and similar limited activities, a 9a Work Visa can be issued. Key requirements are:
- Proof of skills and expertise in the activity being undertaken
- Local sponsor from a Philippine company
- Evidence that no Filipinos are displaced
The 9a Work Visa is issued for an initial stay of up to 6 months and can be extended up to 3 years total. This visa is not convertible to permanent residence.
Things to Keep in Mind
When considering working in the Philippines as a foreigner, some important things to keep in mind are:
- A good employer takes care of visas and work permits
- Independent contractors need to get their own visas/permits
- Philippinelabor laws like minimum wage apply
- Income earned is subject to Philippines taxes
- Independent business owners need to obtain all required licenses
- Professional practice laws can prohibit foreigners in some fields
Overall, there are opportunities in the Philippines for foreigners who have skills to offer and follow the legal process. Teaching English, remote work, andstarting a business are all viable options.
Conclusion
The Philippines provides an attractive destination for foreigners looking to live and work in Asia. There is demand for native English teachers, opportunities for remote work and entrepreneurship, and the ability to get long-term visas or resident status. However, Philippine law places some limits on professional practice and employment for foreigners. With proper visas and business licenses, along with respect for local regulations, foreigners can thrive living and working in the Philippines.