If you are hiring a foreign national in the Philippines or you are a foreign professional joining a Philippine based employer, your very first stop in the compliance journey is the Alien Employment Permit or AEP.

Think of the AEP as the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gatekeeper for local employment. NOTE: It is not a visa. Rather, it is the labour side authorisation that the Bureau of Immigration will expect to see before it grants the 9g pre arranged employment visa. Miss this step and everything downstream becomes messy, quite fast.

Are you a foreigner or alien in the Philippines who would like to work in the Philippines? Or are you assisting someone (a foreigner/alien) who would like to work in the Philippines? Below is a step-by-step guide, practitioner level roadmap you can follow, with practical notes I use when advising employers and foreign hires.

What exactly is an AEP and who needs it?

An AEP is a permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment through its Regional Offices, authorising a named foreign national to work in a specific position for a specific Philippine based employer. It is a prerequisite for a 9g work visa and is distinct from the immigration process.

Typical coverage. Foreign nationals locally hired or assigned to perform gainful employment in the Philippines for more than a short stint will generally need an AEP. Some categories are exempt or excluded by rule, but under the 2025 framework even exempt categories are expected to obtain a Certificate of Exemption from DOLE, so do not assume you can skip DOLE entirely.

AEP is employer and position specific. The card is tied to the named employer and role. Changes in employer or material changes in role usually trigger a new AEP or a duly processed additional position under the updated rules.

Before you file: the three quick checks

1. Exemption or exclusion. Confirm whether the worker falls under an exempt or excluded category and if so plan to secure the appropriate DOLE certificate. This is more formalised under the 2025 rules than in prior years
2. Sector rules, Anti Dummy Law, and PRC. If the employer operates in a partly nationalised sector, determine if an authority to employ alien workers is needed from the competent authority. If the role involves the practice of a regulated profession, coordinate for the Professional Regulation Commission special permit. These requirements live alongside the AEP process
3. Agent or in house filing. If an agent or a representative will handle filing, arrange accreditation or appointment under DOLE Department Order No. 221 A. Using properly accredited agents avoids delays at the regional office.

The How

Step 1. Run the Labour Market Test properly

The Labour Market Test or LMT is the backbone of the AEP regime. It is intended to show there is no Filipino worker who is competent, able, and willing to do the job. Under the new rules you must publish a job vacancy in a newspaper of general circulation, naming the foreign national you intend to hire and including detailed information about the role, qualifications, and where the AEP will be filed. The advertisement is valid for 45 days. You may file the AEP only after 15 calendar days have passed from the publication date, and you must still be within the 45 day validity window. Plan your timeline around those two clocks.

In June 2025 DOLE issued supplemental guidelines. These clarified that the newspaper publication is the sole mandatory platform for the labour market test. Earlier drafts and advisories contemplated postings in PhilJobNet and local PESO boards. That extra posting is now no longer required under the national supplemental guidelines, though some regional offices may still display local practices as they transition. If you are renewing, the supplements also allow an Affidavit of Undertaking in support of LMT compliance when appropriate.

Pro tip. Align your publication content with the new rulebook details. Include the employer name and address, nature of business, full position title, job description, objective qualifications, workplace location, the foreign national’s name and city of residence, the intended employment period, and the DOLE Regional Office where you will file. If you are hiring for multiple identical positions, you may consolidate in one notice, provided each foreign national and position is fully described. This saves both time and newspaper cost.

Step 2. Prepare the documentary file

Prepare a complete, consistent dossier. At minimum, expect:

• AEP application form for the foreign national
• Passport bio page and latest admission or visa page
• Notarised employment contract stating the exact title, description of duties, compensation, and duration
• Employer corporate papers consistent with the role offered
• Proof of newspaper publication and the required affidavit that no applications were received or no Filipino applicant was found competent, able, and willing for the position
• If the employer is covered, an Understudy Training Program or Skills Development Plan, naming at least two Filipino understudies and laying out a real technology or skills transfer plan

Regional offices can and do ask for clarifications if documents do not match the rules or if the economic needs test is not addressed by the file.

Step 3. File with the correct DOLE Regional Office and pay the fees

The petitioning employer should file the application and all required documents with the DOLE Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the foreign national’s intended place of work. For example, if the place of work is in Makati, then file it DOLE-NCR. (If in case you really are to file in DOLE-NCR, as the case may be, you may check their website: https://apps.ncr.dole.gov.ph/ OR https://clients.ncr.dole.gov.ph/home/, scroll down to Alien Employment Permit as shown below:

If/when you click the Proceed button, you will be led to a Google Form for Alien Employment Permit Online Filing.

Where to file. File with the DOLE Regional Office having jurisdiction over the place of work. You can file once the 15 day LMT wait has elapsed and before the 45 day advertisement validity lapses. If you execute the contract late in the process, note there is also a 15 day period from contract execution or appointment within which to submit the AEP application. Do not let either time bar you.

Government fees. The current schedule provides PHP 9,000 for the first year of validity and PHP 4,000 for every additional year or fraction thereof that you request. Budget this alongside incidental charges for replacement or amendment when applicable.

Step 4. Evaluation: Economic Needs Test, clarifications, and outcomes

Once filed and paid, the regional office evaluates the application. The 2025 framework introduces the Economic Needs Test or ENT, under which DOLE may examine whether allowing a foreign hire is necessary to fill a real gap or need in the relevant sector or occupation, considering official data, availability of skills locally, and the economic impact on priority industries including those with fiscal incentives such as PEZA or BOI registrants. In parallel, covered employers must implement an Understudy Training Program or a Skills Development Program and submit periodic progress reports. Failure to implement can lead to AEP revocation or a renewal refusal.

If satisfied, DOLE issues the AEP card stating the employer, position, and validity period. Remember, the authorisation is position specific and employer specific. If the foreign national will hold an additional position with the same employer or with a related company, you may seek approval for that additional position, but you must document that there is no conflict and that the worker can carry both sets of duties. Expect to meet the LMT requirement for that distinct position as well.

What happens after you receive the AEP?

The AEP unlocks the immigration side of the process. For foreign nationals converting to or extending a 9g pre arranged employment visa, the Bureau of Immigration’s checklists expressly require the AEP and even proof of the AEP publication.

Now, if you need to start work while the 9g is pending, you may apply for a Provisional Work Permit; BI checklists expect evidence that the AEP or 9g application is already in process. Coordinate your DOLE and BI timelines to avoid gaps.

Note:

The BI and DOLE now maintain data sharing links to tighten compliance, so aim for clean, consistent filings across both agencies.

Renewal, amendments, and practical timelines

Validity and renewal. AEPs are commonly issued for one year up to the contract term, subject to a multi year cap under prevailing policy. Plan to renew ahead of expiry.

Under the 2025 supplemental guidelines, renewals may rely on an Affidavit of Undertaking for LMT compliance where appropriate, but expect your regional office to review your Understudy or Skills Plan reports and overall compliance before extending.

Amendments. Changes in job title, location, or other material terms should be reflected with DOLE to keep the card aligned with reality. If there is a change in employer, treat it as a new AEP application.

Timelines. Processing times vary by region and by the completeness of your file. The largest gating factor is the LMT clock. Build a realistic internal Gantt that starts with the newspaper publication, counts 15 calendar days before filing, then blocks time for DOLE evaluation and BI visa conversion.

Fees, fines, and risks

Government fees. PHP 9,000 for the first year and PHP 4,000 for each additional year or fraction requested.

Administrative fines. Working without a valid AEP, or filing late when required, can draw PHP 10,000 per year or fraction for both the employer and the foreign national, on top of other consequences. Knowingly false statements or tampering can lead to a ten year bar from AEP applications. Immigration consequences, including deportation, can follow if a person works without the proper visa and DOLE authorisation. This is not the place to improvise.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Treating the AEP as a visa. It is not. It is a labour permit that BI will require for the 9g visa. Build both tracks together.
• Missing the LMT clocks. Count the 15 day wait and the 45 day ad validity. If you miss, republish and reset.
• Skipping the Understudy or Skills Plan. Covered employers must implement one and submit progress reports. Design a real program that transfers know how to two named Filipino understudies.
• Using unaccredited runners. If you use a third party, make sure the representative or agent is accredited under DO 221 A.

Your action checklist

1. Eligibility triage. Confirm if the worker needs an AEP, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion certificate.
2. Plan the LMT. Draft the newspaper ad with all required data points, publish, calendar the 15 day wait and the 45 day expiry.
3. Build the file. Application form, passport, contract, corporate papers, proof of publication, affidavit, and if covered, an Understudy or Skills Plan.
4. File and pay. Submit to the correct DOLE Regional Office and pay the fees aligned with the requested validity.
5. Coordinate with BI. Use the AEP to support the 9g visa conversion; apply for a Provisional Work Permit if work must start while 9g is pending.
6. Renew on time. Track expiry, keep Understudy or Skills reports updated, and use the Affidavit of Undertaking option where applicable under the 2025 supplements.

If you have any questions and would like to contact the DOLE Offices directly, here’s their contact information:

DOLE Field Offices Contact

CFO

CAMANAVA

(Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela)

5/F, Araneta Square Center, Monumento Circle, Caloocan City, Metro Manila

Email: ncr_camanava@dole.gov.ph
Phone: (02) 8282-1842; (02) 8283-5044

MFO

MANILA

4/F, DY International Building, 1650 Gen. Malvar cor. San Marcelino Street, Malate, Manila

Email: ncr_manila@dole.gov.ph
Phone: (02) 8244-1532, (02) 8244-1318

MPFO

MAKATI-PASAY

2/F, ECC Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila

Email: ncr_makatipasay@dole.gov.ph
Phone: 0928-354-4238

MTPLFO

MUNTAPARLAS

(Muntinlupa, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas)

Address: 3/F, Valenzuela Building, Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila

Email: ncr_muntaparlas@dole.gov.ph
Phone: 0975-846-2395

PFO

PAPAMAMARISAN

(Pasig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan)

4/F, Rudgen II Building, #17 Shaw Boulevard, Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City, Metro Manila

Email: ncr_papamamarisan@dole.gov.ph
Phone: (02) 8477-3630

QCFO

QUEZON CITY

4/F, Arcadia Building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Email: ncr_quezoncity@dole.gov.ph
Phone: 0956-96-20982

Department of Labor and Employment

The Department of Labor & Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE–NCR) is the premier Regional Office responsible for the implementation of policies and programs that promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect the welfare and advancement of workers, and maintain harmonious industrial relations between and among the workers and employers in Metro Manila. It addresses the needs of about 5.062 million workers in 16 cities namely: Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, Taguig, Valenzuela Navotas, San Juan and the Municipality of Pateros.

Central Office

DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines

Hotline: 1349

Website:dole.gov.ph

References you may also check:

• Department of Labor and Employment, New Rules and Regulations on the Employment of Foreign Nationals (DOLE Department Order No 248, s 2025), summary and analysis: ACCRALAW, ‘New Rules on the Issuance of Alien Employment Permits to Foreign Nationals in the Philippines’ (26 February 2025).
• DOLE, Supplemental Guidelines clarifying and amending DO 248 (DOLE Department Order No 248 A, s 2025), summary: Fragomen, ‘New Guidelines Ease and Clarify Work Permit Issuance Provisions’ (29 August 2025)
• Bureau of Immigration, ‘Conversion to Pre Arranged Employee Visa (9g) – Checklist’, which requires AEP and proof of AEP publication. Bureau of Immigration Philippines
  URL: https://immigration.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/visas/V-NI-007-Rev_1Conversion.pdf
• Bureau of Immigration, ‘Provisional Work Permit – Checklist’, requiring evidence of AEP or 9g filing.
• DOLE Department Order No 146 15 (2015) (fee schedule and policy notes)
• DOLE, ‘Guidelines in the Accreditation of Agents and Appointment of Employer’s Authorised Representatives for AEP filings (DO 221 A, s 2022)’ (library.laborlaw.ph).
• DOLE penalty rule: Judiciary eLibrary copy of DO 146 15 noting the PHP 10,000 per year or fraction fine; see also 2025 practitioner summary on penalties.
• Bureau of Immigration, ‘BI DOLE join forces in data sharing agreement’, noting AEP as a primary requirement for work visas. Bureau of Immigration Philippines
  URL: https://immigration.gov.ph/bi-dole-join-forces-in-data-sharing-agreement/