Visa Options for Startup Founders in Cebu

Your Ultimate Guide to Legal Residency and Business Operations in the Philippines

Cebu is quickly emerging as a startup destination in Southeast Asia—offering low costs, high English proficiency, and a lifestyle balanced by nature and connectivity. However, no matter how attractive the ecosystem, your plans can quickly stall without the right visa.

Whether you’re scouting the market, registering a company, or scaling your venture, choosing the appropriate visa is essential for staying compliant while protecting your time and investment. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best visa options for startup founders in Cebu—and how to maximize them for entrepreneurial success.

1. Why Visa Planning is Crucial for Startup Founders

Your visa status directly affects:

• How long you can legally stay in the Philippines

• Whether you’re allowed to work or draw income

• Your eligibility to incorporate, invest, or employ staff

• Whether your dependents (spouse, children) can accompany you

• Your ability to open a corporate or personal bank account

Unlike tourists or employees, startup founders must think ahead. You might enter Cebu for a week to validate your idea—but if things click, you’ll need a plan for legal permanence.

2. Tourist Visas (9a) — Temporary but Flexible

Most founders begin with a 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa, issued upon arrival or via embassy pre-application.

✅ What You Can Do:

• Explore the startup scene

• Attend events or coworking spaces

• Meet with potential partners or suppliers

• Register a corporation (passive investor status)

❌ What You Cannot Do:

• Actively manage your business

• Hire staff or receive compensation

• Stay beyond 3 years (with extensions)

Extension Strategy:
You can extend every 30–59 days at the Bureau of Immigration. However, once your startup begins operations, you should transition to a work-eligible visa.

3. 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa — Common Among Founders

The 9(g) visa is granted to foreigners employed by Philippine-based companies.

Use Cases:

• You’re the CEO/CTO of your own registered Philippine company

• You have a Philippine legal entity and want to draw a salary

Requirements:

• SEC registration and business permit

• Employment contract between you and the company

• Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE

Benefits:

• Valid up to 3 years

• Renewable

• Spouse/children may receive dependent visas

Note: If your company closes or is sold, your visa becomes invalid—you must apply again under the new structure.

4. Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)

The SIRV is a powerful option for founders willing to invest capital in Philippine businesses.

Minimum Investment:

USD $75,000

Allowed Investments:

• Existing Philippine companies (stock market or private equity)

• Your own startup, provided it is BOI-registered

Benefits:

• Multiple-entry and indefinite stay

• Full ownership of shares

• Includes family members

Challenge: Approval can take time and must meet government reporting requirements. You’ll need a detailed business plan and investment roadmap.

5. Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) — Not Just for Seniors

Despite the name, the SRRV is popular among entrepreneurs, especially digital nomads and solo founders.

Eligibility:

• Age 35+ for some variants

• Proof of monthly pension (optional)

• Medical clearance

Deposit Requirements:

• $10,000–$50,000 (depending on type)

Key Advantage:

Once granted, you can stay in the country indefinitely and apply for a work/business permit via the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

Best For: Mid-career founders who want location stability and a flexible immigration status.

6. Startup Visa (Pending Implementation)

The Philippines passed the Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337) in 2019, introducing the concept of a Startup Visa, but implementation has been slow.

Expected Features (based on DTI/DICT proposals):

• Special visa for foreign founders of innovative tech startups

• Linked to accredited incubators or accelerators

• May offer 5-year visa with business incentives

Current Status:

• Awaiting clear implementation guidelines from DICT, DTI, and Bureau of Immigration

• As of 2025, no formal Startup Visa exists, but the momentum is growing

Suggestion: Collaborate with incubators like QBO Innovation Hub or local accelerators to stay in the loop.

7. Alternative Visa Paths for Specific Situations

✔️ 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa

For foreign spouses of Filipino citizens—offers permanent residency.

✔️ Special Working Permit (SWP)

Short-term permit (valid for 3–6 months) for project-based work. Often used before full 9(g) approval.

✔️ Student Visa (9f)

For those attending local universities; limited working rights.

8. Immigration Tips & Legal Considerations

Choose the Right Entity Type:

To apply for 9(g) or SIRV, your company must be properly structured—typically a corporation, not a sole proprietorship.

Work with Experts:

Use local lawyers, accountants, or startup service providers to avoid errors. Many offer visa packages bundled with incorporation and tax registration.

Stay Compliant:

• Always update ACR I-Card, permits, and BI records

• Report address changes

• Renew on time—penalties for overstays can be costly

9. FAQ: Can I Apply for a Visa After Starting My Startup?

Yes, many founders incorporate their startup while on a tourist visa, then apply for a 9(g) or SIRV as the next step. Just remember: you can’t actively manage or draw income until you hold a valid work-eligible visa.

10. Cebu-Specific Resources

• Bureau of Immigration (Mandaue): Processes extensions and visa applications.

• One-Stop Shop for Business (Cebu City Hall): For business permits.

• Law Firms: Piccio Law, Reyes Tacandong & Co. for visa & corporate services.

• Incubators & Accelerators: CebuinIT, GoNegosyo Cebu, UVTechHub

11. Comparing Key Visa Types

12. Final Thoughts

Visa planning isn’t glamorous—but it’s the first real test of your startup mindset. Choose a visa that gives you operational freedom, minimizes risk, and reflects your stage of growth. Cebu welcomes entrepreneurs, but it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re building both legally and sustainably.

With the right paperwork, a little patience, and trusted local support, you can confidently grow your startup—without looking over your shoulder at immigration deadlines.