🏭 PEZA VisaSpecial Economic Zones

Complete guide to the PEZA visa for employees and families working in the special economic zones of the Philippines.

📋 What is the PEZA Visa?

Overview

The PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) visa is a special visa for foreign employees and their families working in special economic zones (ecozones) of the Philippines, benefiting from tax advantages and simplified procedures.

Special economic zones
Tax advantages
Simplified procedures
Includes family

What is PEZA?

PEZA

Philippine Economic Zone Authority

Industrial zones
Technology parks
Business centers

Benefits

Special incentives

Tax exemptions
Customs facilities

Important

Reserved for employees of companies registered in PEZA zones.

🏭 Types of PEZA Zones

Industrial Zones

  • • Manufacturing
  • • Assembly
  • • Production
  • • Processing
  • • Logistics

Focus: Industrial production

Technology Parks

  • • IT and software
  • • Call centers
  • • R&D
  • • Innovation
  • • Telecommunications

Focus: Technology and innovation

Business Centers

  • • Financial services
  • • Regional offices
  • • Consulting
  • • Trading
  • • Professional services

Focus: Services and commerce

Agro-Industrial Zones

  • • Food processing
  • • Agro-business
  • • Aquaculture
  • • Biotechnology
  • • Packaging

Focus: Agriculture and food

Tourism Zones

  • • Hotels and resorts
  • • Conference centers
  • • Theme parks
  • • Shopping centers
  • • Entertainment

Focus: Tourism and leisure

Medical Zones

  • • Specialized hospitals
  • • Medical centers
  • • Medical research
  • • Medical tourism
  • • Pharmaceutical

Focus: Health and medical

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Employee Criteria

Employment:

Contract with PEZA company

Qualifications:

Relevant degree and experience

Integrity:

Clean criminal record

Family:

Spouse and children included

Duration:

According to employment contract

Eligible Positions

• Executives and managers

• Engineers and technicians

• IT specialists

• Qualified personnel

• Expert consultants

Company Criteria

Registration:

PEZA-registered company

Location:

Operations in PEZA zone

Compliance:

Respect of PEZA regulations

Investment:

Minimum capital required

Performance:

Export objectives

Types of Companies

• Exporters

• Manufacturers

• Service providers

• IT-BPO centers

• Logistics companies

💰 Costs and Procedure

Visa Fees

Visa feeFree
Processing fee500 PHP
ACR I-Card3,000 PHP
Legal fees500-1,000 USD
Family (per person)500 PHP

Advantage: Free visa thanks to PEZA status

Application Procedure

1
PEZA RegistrationCompany obtains PEZA status
2
Employment ContractSign employment contract
3
PEZA RecommendationPEZA issues recommendation letter
4
Visa ApplicationSubmit to Bureau of Immigration
5
ApprovalPEZA visa issued

Timeline: 2-4 weeks with PEZA recommendation.

📍 Popular PEZA Zones

Metro Manila

  • • Makati CBD
  • • Ortigas Center
  • • BGC Taguig
  • • Alabang
  • • Quezon City

Specialty: IT-BPO, Finance

Laguna

  • • Laguna Technopark
  • • Carmelray Industrial Park
  • • Light Industry Park
  • • Calamba Premier
  • • Sta. Rosa

Specialty: Manufacturing, Auto

Cavite

  • • Cavite Economic Zone
  • • Gateway Business Park
  • • Rosario Industrial Park
  • • First Cavite Industrial
  • • Techno Hub

Specialty: Electronics, IT

Cebu

  • • Cebu IT Park
  • • Mactan Economic Zone
  • • Cebu Business Park
  • • Lahug IT Park
  • • Mandaue City

Specialty: BPO, Tourism

Clark

  • • Clark Freeport Zone
  • • Clark Special Economic Zone
  • • Aviation Complex
  • • Cyber City
  • • Industrial Park

Specialty: Aviation, Logistics

Subic

  • • Subic Bay Freeport Zone
  • • Subic Industrial Park
  • • Maritime Complex
  • • Logistics Corridor
  • • Tourism Hub

Specialty: Maritime, Logistics

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the validity of the PEZA visa?

The PEZA visa is generally valid for the duration of the employment contract, with possible renewals. It can be granted for an initial period of 1 to 2 years.

2. Can I work outside the PEZA zone with this visa?

No, the PEZA visa is specifically linked to your employment within a company registered in a PEZA zone. Working elsewhere would require a different type of visa or permit.

3. Does the PEZA visa lead to permanent residence?

The PEZA visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence. However, a long period of work and residence in the Philippines can open pathways to other types of residence visas.

4. Can my family study or work with a dependent PEZA visa?

Children can study with a dependent visa. However, spouses or children wishing to work will need to obtain their own work permit and/or work visa.

5. What happens if I lose my job at the PEZA company?

Losing your job results in cancellation of your PEZA visa. You will have a period to regularize your situation, find another eligible employment, or leave the country.

Ready for Your PEZA Experience?

Contact us for personalized advice on working in PEZA economic zones.