Legal residency and work rights in the Philippines
The 9D visa allows treaty traders and investors to live and work in the Philippines while managing their trade or investment activities.
Visas & immigration
Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor (9D)
The 9D Treaty Investor Visa allows eligible nationals from countries with a trade treaty with the Philippines (such as the USA, Japan, and Germany) to enter, reside, and work in the Philippines for the purpose of developing and managing substantial trade or investment activities.
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About the visa
Key Benefits of the Foreign Business Travel Visa (9D)
Foreign nationals who are owners, managers, or employees of enterprises involved in significant trade or investment between their home country and the Philippines may apply for the 9D visa, which grants legal stay and work privileges tied to their business activities.
Multiple entry and exit privileges
9D visa holders can freely travel in and out of the Philippines without needing separate re-entry permits.
Extended stay options
The 9D visa can be renewed or extended as long as the trade or investment activity continues under treaty terms.
Eligibility to sponsor dependents
9D visa holders can apply for dependent visas for their legal spouse and unmarried minor children, allowing family members to stay in the Philippines.
Faster processing compared to other work visas
The 9D visa often offers a streamlined application for nationals of treaty countries, making it ideal for traders and investors.
Who can apply
Eligibility Criteria
Basic qualifications for the Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor (9D):
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The applicant must be a national of a country that has a valid trade and commerce treaty with the Philippines (e.g., United States, Japan, Germany).
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The applicant must be coming to the Philippines to carry on substantial trade or develop and direct investment activities between the treaty country and the Philippines.
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The applicant may be an owner, executive, manager, or specialist employee of a qualifying enterprise engaged in treaty-based trade or investment.
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The trade or investment activity must be active, substantial, and continuous, meeting the thresholds required under the treaty agreement.
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The applicant must be of good moral character, with no derogatory record, and must be medically fit for entry into the Philippines.
How it works
Application Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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Initial consultation & eligibility check
We assess your nationality, business activity, and treaty qualification to ensure you meet the 9D visa requirements. -
Document preparation & review
Our team helps you prepare and review all necessary documents, including your company registration papers, trade or investment agreements, proof of substantial trade, and other supporting materials. -
Submission to the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
We handle the filing of your 9D visa application, monitor progress, and follow up directly with BI to ensure timely processing. -
Coordination of additional requirements
If needed, we assist in securing any endorsements, clearances, or supporting certifications required for your application. -
Visa approval & passport stamping
Once approved, we guide you through passport stamping, ensuring you receive your visa with multiple entry/exit privileges and valid stay according to your trade or investment activity.
What Our Service Includes
Since 2019 we have helped more than 1,500 clients secure their Philippine visas. Our service fee covers everything below, from the first document to the final approval.
- Documents prepared and notarizedWe prepare every document your application needs, and our in-house attorneys notarize them.
- With you at government officesOur staff assist you on site at your government appointments, so you never face an agency alone.
- We deal with the agenciesWe coordinate with the agencies, follow up on your application and keep you updated at every step.
- Accredited with PRA, DOLE and BIC&G is accredited with the Philippine Retirement Authority, the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Immigration.
- An experienced teamOur team, including two attorneys, has more than 10 years of experience in immigration and business consulting.
- No hidden feesYour quote shows our service cost and the government fees separately, so you know the full cost before we begin.
- Manila, Cebu or remoteMeet us at our Manila or Cebu office, or work with us remotely from anywhere.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
International trading of goods or services between the Philippines and the treaty country, Establishing or managing an enterprise funded by foreign investment, Holding a managerial or specialized role within a treaty trader or investor enterprise and Activities must be substantial and continuous, not marginal or passive investment.
A 9D visa is typically granted for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal, as long as the trade or investment activity continues and all compliance requirements are met.
The 9G Visa is for pre-arranged employment; requires a job offer and AEP. The 9D Visa is for treaty traders/investors, based on business activity or investment—no AEP required
Written and reviewed by the C&G immigration team. Last updated . Government requirements and fees change, so confirm the details for your case before filing.
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