Philippines Business Visa - Definitive Guide

The business visa is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country to take part in business-related activities. The permit can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry valid for 6 months, or as a multiple-entry for 1 year with a maximum stay duration of 60 days. Although a lot of nationalities actually do not require a visa, India is not a part of them. As a result, a Philippines business visa for Indian citizens is a mandatory document. 

Applying for the Philippines business visa for Indians is done offline. However, before you start the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the business category. You can then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Get all the documents required for the business category. 
2. Visit the website of the Embassy of the Philippines and download the Philippines visa application form. 
3. Fill in the form with all the relevant details. 
4. Affix a photograph and submit the application, documents, and fees at the embassy or one of the consulates of the Philippines situated across India. 

Note that to ease the application, it is recommended that you apply through a travel agency as they are allowed to make the application on your behalf. Also, ensure that you provide correct details and attach genuine documents. Providing fake documents can lead to visa rejection. 

In order to apply for the Philippines business visa from India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business activities such as business meetings, conferences, negotiations, etc. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• You must be invited by a Filipino company to do business in the country.

According to the Philippines business visa requirements from India, you must submit the following documents -

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date fo entry into the Philippines.
• One photo as per the specifications. 
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Bank statements for the past 6 months. 
• Invitation letter from the inviting Filipino company. 
• Official covering letter from the sending Indian company mentioning the details of the visit, including the number of entries requested.

According to the Philippines business visa photo requirements, the photograph must meet the following specifications - 

• 35mm X 50mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription glasses only
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time for processing the business permit depends on the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. You can expect a processing time of around 10 working days. However, you may check the expected processing time on the stub you receive after submission. To be on the safer side, it is recommended that you apply well in advance.

The fees for the business permit depends on the number of entries, as well as includes other service charges levied by the travel agency. The exact fees may also vary depending on the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have submitted your business visa application, you will receive a stub containing a tracking number and the date of collection. Your application will then be processed by the embassy/consulate. Note that you cannot modify the application once you have submitted. Once a decision has been made, you can collect the passport from the embassy/consulate on the date mentioned on the stub. If you are using a travel agency, you can avoid the leg work and save the time spent standing in long queues at the embassy/consulate. 

As the process for the business permit is entirely done offline, the Filipino embassy/consulate does not offer much in terms of tracking. However, if you have applied through a travel agency, you can contact them to know the status of your application. 

On successfully obtaining your business visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

• Before you travel - 

• • Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
  • Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
• At the border

• • You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your entry stamp will be stamped on the passport.
  • You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
  • You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. This may also include the details of the company you are doing business at. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

• When you enter the Philippines

• • While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Filipino company.
  • You may be permitted to extend this visa. 
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
  • You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.