No surprises at the airport
Without a required ECC you can be refused boarding, so having it in hand protects your flight.
Visas & immigration
Emigration Exit Clearance (ECC)
The Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is the exit clearance foreign nationals need before leaving the Philippines after a stay of six months or more. It is issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
4.9 across 100+ Google reviews Offices in Cebu and Manila
- Who needs it
- Stays of 6 months or more
- Government fee
- PHP 3,630
- Apply
- At least 72 hours before departure
- Validity
- 1 month, single use
About the visa
Key Benefits of securing your ECC early
The ECC confirms that you have no unpaid immigration obligations and no derogatory record that would prevent your departure. For tourists and other temporary visitors the relevant clearance is the ECC-A, which is single-use and valid for one month from issue.
Confirms a clean record
The Bureau checks your immigration history before issuing it, so any issue surfaces while there is still time to fix it.
Protects your return
Leaving with your obligations settled keeps your record clear for future visits and visa applications.
Needed for status changes
An ECC is often the last step after a visa downgrade before departure.
Less time in line
We prepare the forms and handle the filing, payment and release for you.
Who can apply
Who needs an ECC
You need an ECC-A before departure if any of these apply.
-
You hold a tourist or temporary visitor visa and have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more.
-
Your immigrant or non-immigrant visa has expired or been downgraded and you are leaving the country.
-
You have been issued an order to leave.
-
You are leaving the Philippines for good after a long stay.
How it works
ECC Application Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
-
Check what you need
We confirm that an ECC is required, which type applies, and whether anything in your record needs resolving first. -
Prepare the application
We complete the ECC and alien registration forms and assemble your passport copies, photographs and extension receipts. -
File with the Bureau of Immigration
The Bureau checks your immigration history for derogatory records, pending obligations or overstays. -
Order of payment and fees
After assessment, the order of payment is issued and the government fees are paid at the cashier. -
Clearance and release
Once verification is complete, the approved ECC-A is released. -
Departure
You present the ECC at the airport when you leave the Philippines.
What the C&G ECC Service Includes
Since 2019 we have helped more than 1,500 clients secure their Philippine visas. Your service cost 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.
In detail
ECC-A document checklist
- Original passport
- Photocopy of your passport bio-page
- Photocopy of your latest Philippine arrival stamp
- Official receipts for all previous visa extensions, including the latest
- Four 2x2 photographs on a white background, taken within the last three months
- Completed ECC application form
- Completed alien registration form
- Your outbound flight ticket
- Any order to leave, downgrading order, Motion for Reconsideration or visa extension order that applies to you
- NBI clearance, only if you are subject to an order to leave
In detail
ECC fees and processing time
Published government fees for an ECC-A
- ECC fee: PHP 700
- ACR fee: PHP 1,000
- Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitor: PHP 1,400
- Express lane fee: PHP 500
- Legal research fees: PHP 30
That comes to PHP 3,630 for an adult tourist who has stayed six months or more, before any fines, penalties or case-specific charges. Government fees can change without notice, and the amount assessed at filing is final. Our service fee is separate and is quoted during your consultation.
Timing
Apply at least 72 hours before departure. If your record shows an overstay, an order to leave or another issue, it must be resolved before the ECC can be issued, so allow more time.
FAQs
ECC Frequently Asked Questions
No. Stays under six months as a tourist do not normally require an ECC.
Holders of valid resident visas who are leaving temporarily use a different clearance, usually paid at the airport. If your visa has expired or been downgraded, you need the ECC-A.
The Bureau of Immigration advises applying for an ECC at least 72 hours before your flight. We recommend starting one to two weeks ahead so that there is time to deal with anything unexpected.
The published government fee for an ECC is PHP 3,630 for an adult tourist who has stayed six months or more, before any fines or penalties.
An ECC is valid for one month from the date of issue.
No. It is single-use. After you leave on it, a future stay of six months or more needs a new ECC.
Yes. For an ECC, the Bureau asks for proof of payment for every visa extension, from the first to the latest, so keep your official receipts.
Yes. Have your ticket out of the Philippines ready before applying for an ECC. It is part of the application we prepare.
An ECC application needs an NBI clearance only if you have been issued an Order to Leave.
Your immigration history, including derogatory records, pending obligations and overstays. Anything it finds must be resolved before the ECC is issued.
The overstay has to be resolved before an ECC can be issued, usually through a Motion for Reconsideration. We can handle both together.
If an ECC is required and you do not have it, you can be prevented from boarding and may face fines or further immigration proceedings.
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.
★★★★★
4.9 across 100+ Google reviews.
Read what clients say about working with our Cebu and Manila teams.
You may also need
Related services
Ready to get started?
The Philippines Made Easy
Get clear advice on visas, business setup, and your next steps in the Philippines.