Working in the Philippines on a tourist visa (9A) is illegal — and the Bureau of Immigration is cracking down in 2026 foreign nationals working illegally from different cities and islands in the Philippines.

If you want to live and work here legally, you need a 9G Work Visa. It’s the official visa that lets you work, open bank accounts, get an ACR I-Card, and stay long-term without monthly extensions. 

At PhilExpats, we’ve simplified the confusing process into one clear path: 9G SWITCH™ We handle everything — from your 9A Tourist Visa extension to your final 9G approval.