Philippines: Get Visa Faster in Economic Zone

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Immigration Bureau have reached an agreement to more smoothly issue visas to foreign investors and facilitate business.

After signing the agreement, PEZA and the Immigration Bureau will set up a one-stop service point at PEZA headquarters in DoubleDragon Square in Pasay to speed up the processing, approval and issuance of PEZA visas (PV).

Foreign investors, non-resident foreign employees of PEZA-registered enterprises and their respective eligible dependants are eligible for the visa.

From 1 December, the processing time for visa applications will be shortened from one month to 10 days. The visa is valid for two years.

Foreign employees of PEZA registered enterprises must submit an application to the PEZA regional administrator or manager of their economic zone.

For information technology/business process outsourcing companies and tourism and medical tourism economic zone enterprises in DMin District, they can submit PV applications to PEZA headquarters.

Foreign citizens employed by any PEZA registered enterprise are required to submit a notarized application form, a letter request from the notarized company to the Director of PEZA, a list of applications for PV extension or change of admission, a certified true copy of the PEZA registration certificate, and a copy of the passport of the foreign applicant.

Family members of foreign employees must submit notarized application forms, photocopies of passports, birth certificates and marriage certificates, and notarized affidavits of support or guarantee signed by the president or vice president of PEZA registered company.