Published on 10 March 2026

Philippines: Employment

Labour policy in the Philippines is mainly governed by the Labor Code of the Philippines and other labour laws. The Labor Code and other labour regulations are mainly implemented by government agencies, in particular the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

In most occupations, workers work an eight-hour day, five days a week, for a maximum of 40 hours a week. However, unemployment and underemployment remain persistent problems.

Work permit

Foreign nationals must have a valid Alien Employment Permit (APE) to work in the Philippines. AEPs are issued by the Department of Labor and Employment. In addition, prospective employers must provide documentation to the Bureau of Immigration showing that no suitable Philippine national is available to fill the position. These two requirements make it difficult to find a job. Moreover, wages are low and the paperwork required is complicated and time-consuming.

Foreign nationals who are engaged in trade between their home country and the Philippines or who set up and run a business in the Philippines can apply for a visa under a facilitated procedure.

Chamber of commerce

The Swiss–Asian Chamber of Commerce (SwissCham) enables businesses to network and prosper in Asia and Switzerland, with a particular emphasis on doing business in Asia and promoting bilateral trade.

Swiss citizens may also contact the ‘Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’.

Recognition of educational qualifications

Information on the recognition of academic and professional qualifications is available on the enic-naric.net website. The addresses of national information centres (e.g. Swiss ENIC) are also provided.

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