Check the Agency and the Job
Deal only with recruitment agencies licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers, and check the job order. Never pay a placement fee where the law bars one.
Get Your Papers Ready
A passport, an NBI Clearance and PSA certificates are the usual starting point. Diplomas, transcripts and certificates used abroad usually need a DFA apostille.
Leave Someone in Charge at Home
A Special Power of Attorney lets a relative sell, rent out, or deal with your property, bank or government papers while you are away. For small errands an Authorization Letter may be enough.
Signing Philippine Documents While Abroad
A document you sign abroad for use in the Philippines is either notarized there and then given an apostille, or notarized at a Philippine embassy or consulate, depending on the country.
Family Events While You Are Away
A child born abroad is reported through a Report of Birth. If you become a citizen of another country, you can keep or regain Philippine citizenship under the dual citizenship law.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.
Government fees, rules and requirements change, so always check with the office concerned before you go. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.