Philippines special non-immigrant employment visa under 47(a)(2)
The Philippines also uses Section 47(a)(2) authority for special non-immigrant employment categories. Current BOI materials maintain application forms and requirements for foreign nationals employed by qualifying enterprises.
Who this is for
The category is not a general-purpose work or freelancer visa. BOI materials describe qualifying foreign personnel such as executives, supervisors, specialists, consultants and other covered staff linked to registered or otherwise eligible enterprises and projects.
Distinguish it from the Digital Nomad Visa
The 2025 Digital Nomad Visa also uses 47(a)(2) authority, but it is a distinct program for remote work for foreign clients/employers. The employment route on this page concerns qualifying Philippine enterprise/project employment.
Employers should verify the current BOI/DOJ/BI process and any separate labor-permit obligations.
Compare 9(g) Employment, Digital Nomad Visa, and SIRV.
See also Asia, the legal disclaimer, and ReloTide methodology.
Official and supporting sources
- Board of Investments — 47(a)(2) foreign-national employmentgovernment · accessed 2026-09-29
- Bureau of Immigration — visa categoriesgovernment · accessed 2026-09-29
Related routes in Philippines
- Digital Nomad Visa (47(a)(2)) — Philippines 2026
- Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13(a)) — Philippines 2026
- Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9(g)) + AEP — Philippines 2026
- Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13) — Philippines 2026
- Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Visa (13(g)) — Philippines 2026
- Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) — Philippines 2026