Global Hiring Guide: Philippines

The global talent market has never been easier to tap into. Borders are blurring, and the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever. For organizations looking to expand their horizons and access a vast pool of skilled professionals, the Philippines has emerged as a prime destination. But venturing into the Philippine labor market requires more than just recognizing its potential—you need to understand the requirements for employment Philippines, nuances of local labor laws, compliance requirements, and cultural considerations. 

In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the employment requirements, and explore the labor market, Philippines payroll, hiring foreign workers in the Philippines, social security and more.

1. Understanding the Philippines Labor Market

The Philippines boasts a young, dynamic workforce with a high literacy rate and proficiency in English. As of 2024, it also has a remarkably low unemployment rate, estimated to be around 4.7%. That makes it an attractive talent pool to hire from. But before you start, it's important to understand the requirements for employment Philippines and key employment terms before you begin your hiring journey.

Labor Code of Philippines

The foundation of Philippine labor laws is the Labor Code of the Philippines, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. Key provisions cover aspects like:

• Minimum wage
• Working hours and overtime pay
• Leave entitlements (vacation, sick, maternity, etc.)
• Termination and separation procedures
• Social security and healthcare benefits

Minimum wage

The minimum wage in the Philippines varies depending on the region and industry. As of September 2024, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila ranges from PHP 608 to PHP 645, depending on the sector. In contrast, in Central Luzon (Region III) the daily minimum wage for non-agricultural workers is PHP 500, while for agricultural workers it ranges between PHP 454 - PHP 470. It’s important to know what sector and part of the country you’re operating in, and remain compliant with requirements for employment Philippines.

Working hours

The standard workweek is 40 hours, with a maximum of eight hours per day. Overtime work is allowed, but must be accompanied by additional compensation.

Work Permit Philippines

Foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines must obtain the necessary work permit Philippines. Key types include:

• Alien Employment Permit (AEP): Required for foreign nationals intending to work in the Philippines for more than six months. It is specific to the employer and the job position.
• Work visa: A visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the Philippines for employment purposes. Typically, a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa is required.
• Provisional Work Permit (PWP): Issued to foreign nationals while their work visa application is being processed, allowing them to start working temporarily.
• Special Work Permit (SWP): For foreign nationals engaged in short-term employment (up to six months) or specific activities such as artistic performances, professional sports, or conferences.

Social security system (SSS)

The SSS is a social insurance program that provides benefits to private-sector employees and their families, and is important to understand to meet requirements for employment philippines. They include:

• Retirement benefits
• Disability benefits
• Death benefits
• Maternity benefits
• Sickness benefits

Both employers and employees contribute to the SSS based on the employee's salary.

PhilHealth

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is a national health insurance program that provides financial assistance for medical expenses. Both employers and employees contribute to PhilHealth, and coverage extends to the employee's dependents.

Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG)

Pag-IBIG is a national savings program that provides housing loans and other benefits to its members. It's mandatory for all employees, and both employers and employees contribute to the fund.

2. Requirements for Employment Philippines

Now that we’ve looked at the Philippine labor market, let's explore the key steps involved in hiring new talent. While specific requirements may vary based on the nature of your organization and the position you're filling, these general guidelines will help you get started:

Job description

A well-written job scope serves as the foundation for your recruitment efforts. It not only informs potential candidates about the role but also helps attract qualified applicants. A good job description typically includes:

• Job Title: A clear and concise title that reflects the nature of the position.
• Summary: A brief overview of the role and its key responsibilities.
• Duties and Responsibilities: A detailed list of the tasks and responsibilities the employee will be expected to perform.
• Qualifications: The minimum educational and experience requirements for the position.
• Skills and Abilities: The specific skills and abilities required to succeed in the role.
• Salary and Benefits: A clear indication of the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, and benefits.

Recruitment channels

The Philippines offers a variety of recruitment channels to help you reach a diverse talent pool:

• Online Job Boards: Popular job boards like JobStreet, Indeed, and LinkedIn are widely used by job seekers in the Philippines.
• Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach a broader audience and promote your employer brand.
• Employee Referrals: Encourage your existing employees to refer qualified candidates. This can be a great source of high-quality applicants.
• Recruitment Agencies: Partner with reputable recruitment agencies to source and screen potential candidates.
• Campus Recruitment: If you're looking for fresh graduates, consider partnering with universities and colleges to conduct campus recruitment drives.

Screening and selection

Once you have a pool of applicants, the screening and selection process begins:

• Resume Screening: Review resumes and cover letters to shortlist candidates who meet the basic qualifications.
• Assessments and Tests: Use assessments and tests to evaluate candidates' skills, knowledge, and personality fit.
• Interviews: Conduct in-depth screening interviews to assess candidates' experience, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Background Checks: Undertake thorough background checks to verify information provided by candidates and ensure their suitability for the role.
• Reference Checks: Contact previous employers to gain insights into a candidate's work ethic, performance, and overall suitability.

Job offers

Now that you've identified your ideal candidate, it's time to extend a job offer. This should include:

• Salary and benefits: Clearly outline the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, and benefits.
• Start date and working hours: Specify the expected start date and the standard working hours for the position.
• Other terms and conditions: Include any other relevant terms and conditions, such as probationary period, termination clause, and confidentiality agreement.

3. Onboarding and Compliance

Once you've extended a job offer and your new hire has accepted, it's time to focus on onboarding and ensuring compliance with requirements for employment philippines. Here's what you need to know:

Employment contracts

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between you and your employee. It outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including:

• Job title and responsibilities: Clearly define the employee's role and duties.
• Compensation and benefits: Specify the salary, bonuses, and any additional benefits the employee is entitled to.
• Working hours and leave: Outline the standard working hours, overtime policy, and leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, etc.).
• Termination and notice period: Clearly state the conditions under which the employment can be terminated and the required notice period.
• Confidentiality and non-compete clauses: Include any necessary clauses to protect your company's confidential information and intellectual property.

Social security registration

As an employer, you're responsible for registering your new employees with the following social security programs:

• Social Security System (SSS): Provides retirement, disability, death, and maternity benefits.
• PhilHealth: Offers health insurance coverage for medical expenses.
• Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG): Provides housing loans and other benefits.

You'll need to collect the necessary information from your employees and submit their registration applications to the respective agencies.

Tax identification number (TIN)

Every employee needs a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to file their income tax returns. You can assist your new hires in obtaining their TIN from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Induction training

A comprehensive induction program is a great idea for welcoming new hires and integrating them into your company culture. It should cover:

• Company overview: Introduce your company's mission, vision, values, and organizational structure.
• Job-specific training: Provide detailed training on the employee's role, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Company policies and procedures: Familiarize the employee with your company's policies, including code of conduct, leave policies, and safety procedures.
• Team introductions: Help the new hire get to know their colleagues and build relationships.

4. Managing Your Foreign Workers in the Philippines

Hiring foreign workers in the Philippines can bring valuable skills and perspectives to your team, but managing them and your Philippines payroll effectively requires understanding both local labor laws and cultural nuances. Here's what you need to know:

Philippines Payroll and benefits

Compensation and Benefits: Ensure your foreign workers receive competitive compensation and benefits packages that comply with Philippine labor laws and meet their expectations.

Payroll Processing: Navigating the intricacies of Philippines payroll, including tax withholding, mandatory contributions to social security programs, and 13th-month pay, can be complex. Consider partnering with a local payroll provider or using a global payroll solution to streamline the process.

Currency Conversion: If you're paying your foreign workers in a currency other than Philippine Pesos, make sure you have a reliable and cost-effective system for currency conversion.

Performance management

Clear Expectations: Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to your foreign workers. This helps ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities and are contributing effectively to the team.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences when providing feedback and conducting performance reviews. Adapt your communication style to avoid misunderstandings and ensure effective feedback delivery.

Growth and Development: Offer opportunities for professional development and training to help your foreign workers grow and thrive in their roles.

Employee relations

Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication and transparency, where foreign workers feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

Cultural Integration: Help your foreign workers integrate into the company culture and build relationships with their local colleagues.

Conflict Resolution: Address any conflicts or misunderstandings promptly and fairly, considering cultural differences in communication and conflict resolution styles.

Compliance

Work Permits and Visas: Ensure your foreign workers have the necessary work permits and visas to legally work in the Philippines. Stay updated on any changes in immigration regulations.

Tax Compliance: Comply with tax requirements for employment Philippines  and regulations regarding foreign workers. Consult with a tax professional to ensure accurate tax withholding and reporting.

Labor Law Compliance: Familiarize yourself with the Philippine Labor Code and ensure your HR policies and practices comply with all relevant regulations.

5. Taxes and Contributions

Employer obligations

Managing taxes and contributions is an essential aspect of requirements for employment Philippines. As an employer, you have specific obligations to ensure compliance and contribute to the social security and well-being of your employees.

Social security stems (SSS)

Both employers and employees contribute to the SSS based on the employee's monthly salary credit (MSC), which is the range of compensation used to determine contribution and benefit amounts. The employer's contribution rate for 2024 is 13% of the employee's MSC.

PhilHealth

The employer's contribution rate for 2024 is 4% of the employee's monthly salary, up to a maximum monthly premium contribution.

Pag-IBIG

The employer's minimum contribution rate for 2024 is 2% of the employee's monthly compensation.

Withholding tax

Employers are responsible for deducting withholding tax from their employees' salaries based on the applicable tax rates and brackets. These deductions must be remitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Tax compliance

• Payroll processing: Accurate payroll processing is crucial for ensuring correct tax deductions and contributions to social security systems. Consider using payroll software or outsourcing to a local provider to streamline this process.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all payroll transactions, including payslips, tax deductions, and contributions to social security programs. These records should be kept for a specified period for compliance and audit purposes.
• Tax Filing: Employers are responsible for filing various tax returns, including annual income tax returns for their employees and withholding tax returns. Ensure you meet all filing deadlines to avoid penalties.

Tax and contribution regulations can change, so it's important to stay informed and adapt your payroll processes accordingly. Consider consulting with a tax or legal professional to ensure you're meeting all your obligations as an employer.

By diligently fulfilling your tax and contribution responsibilities, you not only comply with requirements for employment Philippines but also contribute to the financial security and well-being of your employees.

Employee obligations

While employers have their share of responsibilities, your employees also play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and securing their own financial future. Here's what your employees need to be aware of:

Social security stems (SSS)

Employees contribute 4.5% of their Monthly Salary Credit (MSC), which is the range of compensation used to compute contributions and benefits.

PhilHealth

Employees contribute 4% of their monthly salary, up to a maximum monthly premium contribution.

Pag-IBIG

Employees contribute 2% of their monthly compensation, up to a Monthly Savings maximum of PHP 10,000.

Income tax

Employees are responsible for filing their annual income tax returns with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The Philippine income tax system is progressive, meaning the tax rate increases as income rises. Here's a table showing the tax rates for resident individuals for the year 2023 (taxable year 2022):

Read next: Your Guide to Tax Annualization in the Philippines

Optimize Your Philippines Hiring Strategy Today

Managing the requirements for employment Philippines requires meticulous attention to legal regulations and thorough documentation. You should strive to minimize human error by leveraging automation to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Omni’s suite of features makes hiring foreign workers in Philippines efficient and compliant. With secure and centralized employee records, HR teams can swiftly access employment contracts and essential documents that support the requirements for employment Philippines.

For leave management, our time off management capabilities allows managers to approve leave applications on the go, and keep track of who’s in and out of the office with at-a-glance scheduling. Our employee self-service portal allows employees to submit their employee time off request, which automatically routes to the appropriate manager thanks to customizable approval workflows. With automated calculations, employees and managers can easily view leave balances in real-time, and track how many vacation days they have left without having to go through HR.  

When it comes time for payroll and tax processing, Omni offers a comprehensive payroll solution tailored to Philippines specific requirements. With features like support for Philippines pesos and automated tax calculations, Omni can help HR teams simplify their payroll processing and ensure compliance with ease.

Book your product tour with our team today to learn more about how Omni can simplify your Philippines recruitment.