How to Apply for a Special Temporary Permit (Foreign Professionals)
The Special Temporary Permit (STP) is issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to qualified foreign professionals who need to temporarily practice their regulated profession in the Philippines. Whether you are an engineer overseeing a construction project, a doctor providing specialized medical care, or an academic participating in an exchange program, the STP provides the legal authorization you need to work in the country on a limited and temporary basis.
🌐 What is a Special Temporary Permit (STP)?
- An STP allows foreign professionals to legally practice their profession in the Philippines on a limited and temporary basis
- It is granted under certain conditions specified by law and the relevant Professional Regulatory Board (PRB)
- The STP covers a specific scope of work, location, and duration agreed upon in the application
- It is authorized under Republic Act No. 8981 (PRC Modernization Act of 2000) and the specific laws governing each regulated profession
- The permit ensures that the foreign professional's qualifications are verified and that Filipino professionals are not displaced
⚠️ Important Warning
A Special Temporary Permit is NOT a substitute for a regular PRC professional license. It is strictly temporary and limited in scope. Foreign professionals who wish to permanently practice in the Philippines must comply with all requirements for obtaining a full PRC license, including passing the relevant licensure examination (unless exempted by law or treaty). Practicing a regulated profession without a valid STP or PRC license is a violation of Philippine law and may result in penalties, deportation, or criminal charges.
Eligibility Requirements
Not all foreign professionals can obtain an STP. The following conditions generally apply for eligibility:
Reciprocity Agreements
The foreign professional's home country has a reciprocity agreement or treaty with the Philippines that allows Filipino professionals to practice there under similar conditions.
Expertise Not Available Locally
The foreign professional possesses specialized expertise, skills, or technology that is not readily available among Filipino professionals in the same field.
Emergency or Humanitarian Purposes
The foreign professional is needed for emergency or humanitarian situations, such as disaster relief medical missions or urgent infrastructure repair projects.
Academic or Educational Exchange
The foreign professional is participating in an academic exchange, teaching assignment, or research collaboration with a Philippine educational institution or organization.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an STP
Secure Endorsement from a Philippine-Based Entity
A local sponsoring entity must endorse your application. This entity takes responsibility for your professional activities in the Philippines:
- A Philippine-registered company or corporation that requires your professional services
- A university or educational institution hosting your academic exchange or teaching assignment
- A hospital, clinic, or medical facility requesting specialized medical services
- A government agency or international organization coordinating your engagement
- The endorsing entity must submit a formal letter explaining the need for your services and confirming that no local professional is available for the role
Prepare Requirements
Gather and authenticate all required documents. Foreign documents must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country, or apostilled under the Hague Convention:
- Authenticated foreign professional license or certificate of registration from the home country
- Authenticated diploma or transcript of records from an accredited educational institution
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid work visa or Special Work Permit (SWP) from the Bureau of Immigration
- Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), if applicable
- Certificate of Good Standing or equivalent from the licensing authority in the home country
- Curriculum Vitae or resume detailing professional experience and qualifications
File Application with the Relevant Professional Regulatory Board
Submit your complete application package to the appropriate Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) under PRC:
- Identify the correct PRB for your profession (e.g., Board of Civil Engineering, Board of Medicine, Board of Architecture)
- Submit the application at the PRC Central Office in Manila or the designated PRC Regional Office
- Include the endorsement letter from the sponsoring Philippine entity
- Submit all authenticated documents along with the completed application form
- Provide a detailed description of the scope of work, project location, and intended duration of practice
Pay Processing Fees
Pay the required application and processing fees upon filing:
- STP application fee (amount varies by profession and duration)
- Processing and evaluation fee charged by the relevant PRB
- Payment can typically be made at the PRC cashier or through designated payment channels
- Keep all official receipts as proof of payment for your records
- Fees are generally non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application
Board Reviews Application
The relevant Professional Regulatory Board will evaluate your application:
- The PRB verifies the authenticity of all submitted documents
- The Board evaluates your qualifications, credentials, and professional standing
- The PRB confirms the legitimacy and necessity of the endorsing entity's request
- The Board may require additional documents or clarifications during the review process
- Processing time varies depending on the profession and completeness of documents (typically 2-4 weeks)
PRC Issues the Special Temporary Permit
Upon approval by the PRB, PRC will issue the Special Temporary Permit:
- The STP is valid for a specific period, usually ranging from 1 to 6 months depending on the nature of the engagement
- The permit is renewable upon application before the expiration date, subject to Board approval
- The STP specifies the exact scope of practice, location, and conditions under which the foreign professional may work
- The foreign professional must carry the STP at all times while practicing in the Philippines
- Any violation of the terms and conditions may result in revocation of the permit
Complete List of Requirements
| Requirement | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Letter | From the Philippine-based sponsoring entity (company, hospital, university, or government agency) |
| Authenticated Foreign License | Professional license or certificate of registration from home country, authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate or apostilled |
| Authenticated Diploma / TOR | Diploma or transcript of records from an accredited institution, authenticated or apostilled |
| Valid Passport | Original and photocopy; must have at least 6 months validity from the date of application |
| Work Visa / Special Work Permit | Issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI); must be valid for the duration of the STP |
| Alien Employment Permit (AEP) | From the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); required for most employment-based engagements |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Issued by the licensing authority of the home country, confirming no pending disciplinary actions |
| Curriculum Vitae / Resume | Detailed CV highlighting professional experience, qualifications, and specializations |
| Passport-Sized Photos | Recent photos (2x2 or passport size), white background, taken within the last 6 months |
| STP Application Form | Completed and signed application form available from PRC or the relevant PRB office |
Note: Requirements may vary depending on the specific profession and the relevant Professional Regulatory Board. Some boards may require additional documents such as proof of insurance, project contracts, or letters from professional associations. Always confirm the exact requirements with the applicable PRB before filing your application.
Example: Foreign Engineer Applying for STP
Scenario: Mr. Takeshi Yamamoto, a licensed Civil Engineer from Japan
Background:
- Licensed civil engineer in Japan for 15 years
- Specializes in earthquake-resistant bridge construction
- Hired by ABC Construction Corp. (Philippine company) to supervise
a major bridge project in Mindanao using specialized Japanese technology
- No Filipino engineer with equivalent expertise is available for the project
Documents Prepared:
✓ Endorsement letter from ABC Construction Corp.
✓ Authenticated Japanese Civil Engineering License (apostilled)
✓ Authenticated diploma from Tokyo University of Engineering
✓ Valid Japanese passport (2+ years validity)
✓ Special Work Permit from Bureau of Immigration
✓ Alien Employment Permit from DOLE
✓ Certificate of Good Standing from Japan Federation of Engineers
✓ Detailed CV with 15 years of bridge construction experience
✓ 4 passport-sized photos
✓ Completed STP Application Form
Process:
1. ABC Construction Corp. prepared the endorsement letter explaining
the specialized nature of the project and unavailability of local expertise
2. Mr. Yamamoto had all documents authenticated at the Philippine
Embassy in Tokyo before traveling to the Philippines
3. Application filed at PRC Central Office, directed to the
Board of Civil Engineering
4. Paid processing fees at PRC cashier
5. Board reviewed application and verified documents (3 weeks)
6. STP approved for 6 months, renewable
Result:
✓ Received STP valid for 6 months
✓ Authorized to practice civil engineering limited to the bridge project
✓ Must work alongside a licensed Filipino civil engineer (counterpart)
✓ Renewed STP for another 6 months upon project extension
Total Processing Time: Approximately 3-4 weeks
Key Takeaway: Specialized expertise + proper documentation = smooth STP approvalFrequently Asked Questions
How long is a Special Temporary Permit valid?
The validity of an STP typically ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on the nature and duration of the engagement or project. The specific validity period is determined by the relevant Professional Regulatory Board based on the scope of work described in the application. Some professions or projects may be granted shorter permits (e.g., 1 month for a medical mission), while longer-term projects may receive the full 6-month permit.
Can a Special Temporary Permit be renewed?
Yes, an STP can be renewed. The foreign professional or the sponsoring entity must file a renewal application before the current STP expires. The renewal application must include updated documentation, a justification for the extension (e.g., project continuation), and payment of renewal fees. The PRB will review the renewal request and may approve it for another limited period. Renewals are not automatic and are subject to the Board's evaluation of continuing need.
What is the scope of practice under an STP?
The scope of practice under an STP is strictly limited to the specific project, engagement, or activity described in the application. The foreign professional may only practice in the location(s) specified in the permit and only for the duration stated. For example, a foreign doctor granted an STP for a medical mission in Cebu cannot practice medicine in Manila or take on patients outside the mission. Any practice outside the scope of the STP is considered illegal and may result in revocation of the permit and legal action.
Is a Filipino counterpart required when practicing under an STP?
In most cases, yes. The relevant PRB typically requires that a licensed Filipino professional in the same field be designated as a counterpart or partner. This requirement serves multiple purposes: it facilitates knowledge and technology transfer to Filipino professionals, ensures local oversight of the foreign professional's activities, and helps develop local capacity. The Filipino counterpart requirement may vary by profession and the nature of the engagement, so it is best to confirm with the specific PRB handling your application.
How much does it cost to apply for an STP?
The fees for an STP application vary depending on the profession and the relevant Professional Regulatory Board. Generally, applicants should expect to pay an application fee and a processing/evaluation fee. Some boards may also charge additional fees for document verification or inspection. The total cost can range from a few thousand pesos to higher amounts depending on the profession and duration. Fees are typically non-refundable. Contact the specific PRB or PRC directly for the most current fee schedule applicable to your profession.
Important Reminders
- Apply early: Processing times vary by profession. Submit your application well in advance of your intended start date to avoid delays. Allow at least 4-6 weeks for the entire process.
- Authenticate all foreign documents: All documents issued outside the Philippines must be properly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or apostilled under the Hague Convention. Unauthenticated documents will not be accepted.
- Secure immigration requirements separately: The STP from PRC only covers your professional practice. You must separately obtain the appropriate work visa or Special Work Permit from the Bureau of Immigration and an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE.
- Stay within the scope of your STP: Practicing outside the permitted scope, location, or duration is a violation of Philippine law. Always adhere to the specific terms and conditions stated in your permit.
- Carry your STP at all times: While practicing in the Philippines, always have your STP and supporting identification documents readily available for verification.
- Renew before expiration: If your project or engagement extends beyond the STP validity period, file for renewal before the permit expires. Practicing with an expired STP is illegal.
- Coordinate with your Filipino counterpart: Work closely with the assigned Filipino professional counterpart as required by the PRB. This is both a legal requirement and a professional courtesy.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the PRC office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest PRC office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.
Need Help?
Contact PRC
- PRC Hotline: (02) 8651-4867
- PRC Trunkline: (02) 8310-0026
- Email: prc@prc.gov.ph
- Website: www.prc.gov.ph
PRC Central Office
P. Paredes St., corner N. Reyes St., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1008. Visit the PRC Central Office or contact the relevant Professional Regulatory Board directly for specific inquiries about STP requirements for your profession.