Section 13Sec./Art. 13

Startup Visas. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall create the following startup visas:

(a) Startup owner visa for prospective or current foreign owner of startup or startup enabler registered in the Philippines;

(b) Startup employee visa for foreign employee of a startup or startup enabler registered in the Philippines; and

(c) Startup investor visa for prospective or current foreign investor of a startup or startup enabler registered in the Philippines.

The application for the aforementioned startup visas shall require an endorsement from a host agency, on top of visa application requirements to be stipulated by the DFA. These startup visas shall have an initial five (5)-year validity and may be renewed or extended with a three (3)-year validity.

Multiple-entry interim startup visas valid for six (6) months to one (1) year shall be issued for free to prospective startup owners, investors, or enablers upon the endorsement of the appropriate host agency.

Bearers of the visa shall be exempt from securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The DFA, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and DOLE shall promulgate the rules for the implementation of this exemption.

The DFA and BI shall develop and maintain a database for all the bearers of the visa and their immigration records, and ensure public access to such information subject to existing rules and regulations, including on Freedom of Information and Data Privacy.

The DFA shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the issuance of the startup visas by Philippine Consular Officers consistent with the provisions of this Act. The DFA shall allow foreign nationals to lodge their application and claim their visa at Philippine Embassies or Consulates.

The BI shall promulgate the immigration and admission rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act.