Visas & immigration
Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)
For Foreigners employing 10 Filipinos
The Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) grants permanent residency with multiple entry privileges to foreign investors who directly employ at least 10 Filipino workers in a lawful, sustainable enterprise in the Philippines.

About the visa
Key Benefits of the Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)
Foreign nationals who own or manage a business in the Philippines that generates and maintains jobs for at least 10 Filipinos are eligible to apply for the SVEG, offering long-term stay and work rights tied to their employment generation.
SVEG visa holders can reside in the Philippines indefinitely and travel in and out of the country freely without needing re-entry permits.
No minimum capital requirement
Unlike other investor visas, the SVEG focuses on job creation, not minimum investment amounts, making it accessible for small and medium-sized businesses.
Legal right to work and manage your business
SVEG visa holders can actively work, manage, and operate their enterprise in the Philippines without needing separate work permits.
Eligibility to bring dependents
The SVEG visa allows you to apply for visas for your legal spouse and unmarried minor children, enabling your family to stay with you in the Philippines.
Contributes directly to local job creation
By holding an SVEG, you help support and sustain employment opportunities for Filipino workers, strengthening ties with the community and local economy.
Who can apply
Eligibility Criteria
Basic qualifications for the Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG):
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✓
The applicant must be a foreign national who owns, manages, or operates a business enterprise legally registered in the Philippines.
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✓
The applicant’s business must directly employ at least 10 full-time Filipino workers in a lawful, sustainable, and viable enterprise.
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✓
The applicant must have no criminal record or derogatory history in the Philippines or any other country.
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✓
The business must comply with all Philippine labor, tax, and business laws, including payment of taxes, social security, and employee benefits.
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✓
The applicant must be of good moral character and in good health, as required by immigration authorities.
How it works
Application Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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1
Initial consultation & eligibility assessment
We evaluate your business operations and employment records to confirm that you meet the SVEG visa requirements, including the lawful employment of at least 10 Filipino workers. -
2
Document preparation & compliance check
Our team helps prepare and review all required documents, such as business registration papers, tax clearances, payroll records, and certifications proving employment of 10 or more Filipino workers. -
3
Coordination with DOLE for inspection
We schedule and coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for their mandatory inspection to verify that your business employs at least 10 Filipino workers, as required by law. -
4
Filing with the Bureau of Immigration (BI)
We manage the submission of your SVEG application to the Bureau of Immigration and handle all follow-ups to ensure efficient processing. -
5
Visa approval & passport stamping
Once approved, we assist with visa stamping and ensure you receive your multiple-entry SVEG visa, as well as help with applications for dependent visas for your spouse and minor children.
FAQs
Questions?
You must directly employ at least 10 full-time Filipino citizens. These must be legitimate, regularly paid employees enrolled with: SSS (Social Security System), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund and reflected in your company payroll and BIR filings
Yes. A foreigner can invest or set up a business and apply for the SVEG once the business reaches the 10 full-time Filipino employee threshold and is fully compliant with labor and tax regulations.
There is no fixed investment amount required. The key condition is the employment of at least 10 Filipino workers, not the size of the capital.
The SVEG visa grants indefinite stay, but the visa holder must maintain the required number of employees and stay compliant with immigration and labor regulations. Periodic reporting or validation may be required.
Application assistance
If you’d like help with the process.
C&G can prepare the documents, coordinate the application and keep you informed from onboarding through completion.
Itemized quoteProfessional and government fees are shown separately.
Dedicated contactA communications manager keeps you updated.
Online paymentEvery C&G invoice can be paid securely online.
In-person supportWe meet you at government appointments when required.
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