Republic of the Philippines · investor · Leads to settlement
Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Special resident visa for foreign nationals who run a sustainable enterprise that employs a qualifying number of Filipino workers.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Resident status with multiple-entry privileges while the qualifying enterprise and employment continue.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) is a special non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals who, as owners or investors, actually employ a qualifying number of Filipino workers in a lawful and sustainable enterprise. It is endorsed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and issued by the Bureau of Immigration. It grants the holder, and qualified dependants, resident status with multiple-entry privileges. It rewards job creation rather than passive investment alone.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Ownership of, or qualifying interest in, a lawful and sustainable Philippine enterprise.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ✓Actually employing at least the qualifying number of Filipino workers required for the SVEG.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ✓The enterprise is genuine, operating and sustainable.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ✓No disqualifying criminal record or excludable condition.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
Common blockers
- !Employing fewer than the required number of Filipino workers.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- !An enterprise that is not lawful, operating or sustainable.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- !A disqualifying criminal record or excludable condition.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ·Business registration and proof the enterprise is operating.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ·Payroll and employment records evidencing the qualifying Filipino workforce.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ·Police clearance and supporting financial documents.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your enterprise is sustainable and employs at least the required number of Filipino workers.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble business registration, payroll and employment records and personal clearances.
Submit through the official channel
Apply to the Bureau of Immigration for the SVEG, with DOLE endorsement of the employment generation.
After approval
Receive resident status with multiple-entry privileges and maintain the qualifying enterprise and workforce.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG).
Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) · verified
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Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13)
The Philippines' numerically limited immigrant visa, capped per nationality each year, for applicants who can contribute to the country.
Frequently asked questions
How many Filipinos must I employ for the SVEG?+
The SVEG requires a foreign owner or investor to actually employ at least a qualifying number of Filipino workers in a sustainable enterprise. The specific number and conditions are set by the rules, so confirm the current requirement on the official Bureau of Immigration page.
Can my family be included on the SVEG?+
The SVEG can extend resident status to qualified dependants of the principal holder. Check who qualifies as a dependant and the current conditions on the official Bureau of Immigration page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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