ImmigrationLegal BlogApplying for a 9(d) visa in the Philippines

February 16, 2021
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When foreign traders or investors from Germany, Japan and the United States of America (USA) wish to enter the Philippines, they may apply for a 9(d)Visa or the Treaty Trader/Investor Visa. The aforementioned countries are countries with which the Philippines has concluded a reciprocal agreement for the admission of treaty traders or investors. The local petitioning company must be majority-owned by USA, German or Japanese interests. The nationality of the foreigner and the majority of the shareholders of the employer company must be the same. Under certain conditions, a 9(d) Visa can be granted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) provided that the foreigner seeks admission to the Philippines for the purpose of developing and directing the operations of an enterprise.

To qualify, applicants must prove that:

  • They intend to leave the Philippines upon the completion or termination of their work contract;
  • seeks to develop and direct the operation of the company in the Philippines.
  • is not applying for a non-immigrant visa in order to avoid the requirements or limitations applicable to an immigrant.
  • is employed by an actual company and not by a bogus organization

In addition, if an applicant is from the USA, he/she must prove that:

  • he/she is engaged in a trade according to the trade and commerce agreements of the Philippines and the United States
  • his/her employer is a foreign national or the company he intends to work with is foreign –owned; and he must hold a supervisory or an executive position
  • he/she holds special qualification as a supervisor or executive officer of a foreign company (if underage)

Although the requirements and procedures for applying a 9(d) Visa is almost the same as in 9(g) Visa or the working visa of the Philippines, individual and the corporation applicant must invest a considerable amount of capital. “Considerable trade” describes a non-nationalized business with an investment of a minimum of USD 120,000.00 (or its equivalent in Philippines peso), respectively.

Dependents or a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old may join or accompany the primary 9(d) visa applicant with sufficient proof of blood relationship.

DISCLAIMER: As of this article’s publishing date (16 February 2021), the Philippines has lifted its travel ban to all 36 countries with known COVID strain B.1.1.7. Note that there are still some restrictions being imposed to all incoming travelers to the Philippines. 

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Interested in applying for a 9(d) visa? Contact us here, via email at info@tripleiconsulting.com or give us a call at +63 (02) 8540-9623 for an initial consultation!

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