Secure Your 9D Treaty Trader/Investor Visa in the Philippines

What is the 9D Treaty Trader/Investor Visa?

Under Section 9D of the Philippine Immigration Act, foreign investors and their employees in supervisory or executive roles can enter the Philippines as treaty traders. This visa is available to nationals of countries that have treaty agreements with the Philippines—currently including the United States, Japan, and Germany.

The term “treaty trader” encompasses treaty investors as well as aliens employed by treaty investors. To qualify, the applicant must be of the same nationality as the majority shareholder of the sponsoring firm.

Key Requirements and Criteria

To secure a 9D visa, the foreign investor or employee must demonstrate:

Nationality alignment with the majority shareholder of the sponsoring firm.
Intent to engage in "substantial trade" between the Philippines and their home country or to develop and direct operations of an enterprise with a significant capital investment.
For treaty trader purposes, “substantial trade” is defined as investment in a non-nationalized business of at least US$120,000 along with measurable business volume.

This visa is tailored for those who wish to participate in business operations at a supervisory or executive level. It is a streamlined option designed to attract global talent and foreign investments into the Philippine economy.

9D Visa Document Checklist

Letter of Request: Issued by the petitioning company, clearly stating the need for a treaty trader visa.
Application Form: Completed and duly notarized (Form MCL-07-01).
Alien Employment Permit (AEP): Proof of eligibility for employment in the Philippines.
Clearance Certificate: Issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirming no derogatory record.
Supporting Documents: Any additional documents that assist in the evaluation process.
Passport Copy: Authenticated copy showing your current valid visa.
Family Documents: Certified true copies of marriage contract and birth certificates for accompanying spouse and unmarried children under 21 (authenticated by the Philippine Embassy if issued abroad).

How to Demonstrate "Substantial Trade" or Investment

For a 9D visa, you must prove that either you or your employer intends to conduct substantial trade between the Philippines and your home country, or that you plan to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which a substantial amount of capital is being invested.

Substantial Trade involves not only the minimum investment threshold of US$120,000 in a non-nationalized business but also a significant volume of business activities. The evaluation process considers both the monetary investment and the scale of operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for a 9D visa?

A: Foreign investors or employees in supervisory/executive roles who are nationals of countries with treaty agreements (currently the US, Japan, and Germany) and who meet the substantial trade or investment requirements.

Q: What does "substantial trade" mean?

A: It refers to a non-nationalized business where the investment is at least US$120,000 and where the volume of trade between the Philippines and the investor’s country is significant.

Q: Can family members accompany me?

A: Yes, certified true copies of marriage contracts and birth certificates are required for accompanying spouses and unmarried children under 21, authenticated at the Philippine Embassy if issued abroad.

Q: What if I do not meet the treaty requirements?

A: If you do not meet the criteria for the 9D visa, you may need to explore other visa options. Contact us for a free consultation to determine the best pathway for your situation.

Ready to Expand Your Business in the Philippines?

Don’t let the complexities of treaty visa applications hold you back. Our expert immigration team is ready to guide you through every step—from proving substantial trade and investment to compiling your complete document checklist.

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