⌛ 3-year AEP-WORKING VISA-ICARD

Hi Everyone!
I'm new to this forum and have found all the advice very useful, it's been great! so thanks.

My story is I am Canadian and will be setting up a corporation with some friends (60% Filipino owned) in order to live and start a small business (restaurant/lounge/bar) in The Philippines.

I have been advised that once I set up the corporation. I should apply for a 3 year Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Dept. of Labor, a 3 year working visa, and a 3 year alien registration card (ICARD).

I was wondering if anyone has advice regarding any of the above.
How much it costs and how long it should take?

It looks like the best cheapest route is to do it myself as it seems that any company/attorney etc has very high fees such as $3200 just for the (AEP-WORKING VISA-ICARD) which seems to substantially higher than what I've researched.

Am I right or missing something here?

Also do I have to have my business set up first before I get my work permit etc? And do I need an Icard after (how many?) days regardless if I get the work permits?

If anyone has any advice or info it would be greatly appreciated!
Also does anyone foresee any reason I'd get denied the above?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Dave

 

AGRO11,
Here you will find an answer on most of your questions:
FAQs on AEP

 

Thank you...thank link was very helpful

Do you know if I need both an AEP (Alien Employment Permit)
and a Working Visa it sounds like it's the same thing

 

Agro11

I know of an established Resto/karaoke bar for sale.

It's a house, pool and nice air conditioned bar Near the Dumaguete Airport.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, just Pm or email me.

expatron2003@yahoo.com I'm just helping a friend, so for more info I can give you the information to deal direct with the owner.

Ron

 

Hi Agro...the part you are missing is the -100% return, maybe even more, on your investment. Like 90% of those that have gone before you...If you have a sizable amount of capital....I'd suggest keeping it out of country....and live off the interest, dividends, etc....No disrespect...it's great to have some ambition.....hell, do it Canada..at least it is a level playing field there....But - for sure - your money is much better invested somewhere outside of the Philippines.....And when it comes to money there are no friends in the Philippines - severe likelihood of ending badly. For you, not for them....

 

Garbanzo,

You are correct, starting a bar in this country is a very risky adventure, Many have started and only a few have succeed. I don't want to discourage ambition if its done with patients and lot's of careful planning. It has worked here for me, not always as good as I would have hoped, but good enough I can't complain.

Ron

 

Hey guys.....I appreciate your advice, and points noted.
We're looking to open a place in Boracay, and have done our homework when it comes to possible profits and losses as well as pros and cons.

Definitely understand the risks. We're starting small to get a better understand on how things are run, and if we lose, it won't be the end of the world, and if we win....then that's the time to consider more risk or not!

 

brave words in my 5 years exprence here dont spend
$1 more than you can afford to loose. be careful ive seen 2 corp. go to court and both were deemed invalid. all the best with it.

 

Agro,

I wish you the best on your adventure, I have a foreigner friend that has a small business in Boracay. It has been there around 10 years.

I don't think it's appropriate to post the contact info on a public forum, but if you want to talk to someone on the ground. let me know and I will link you up. Just pm or email me.

Ron

 

Hi Ron

Hey, I'd really appreciate that! I have several friends on this island and do my best to be up to date with the scene. And it's great to meet more people, especially someone who has been there for 10 years.
I'd appreciate the intro.

However the strange thing is, for the life of me I can't figure out how to Private message you. Maybe I'm just blind haha If you could PM me, then I can reply

Thanks!