SUBIC BAY

About Us

The Visa Processing and Accreditation Department (VPAD) administers SBMA services relating to the accreditation of qualified suppliers and service providers doing business within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and the processing of visa-related applications and endorsements for qualified foreign nationals.

The Department promotes lawful, efficient, transparent, and client-focused processing consistent with Republic Act No. 7227, its implementing rules and regulations, applicable immigration and labor regulations, SBMA policies, and the current SBMA Citizen's Charter.

VPAD is composed of the Accreditation Division and the Visa Processing Division.

OUR SERVICES

• Accreditation Division

  Tel. Nos.: +6347.252.4088 / 4151
  Email: accreditation@sbma.com

  
  The Accreditation Division processes applications from qualified entities located outside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone that intend to provide goods or services to SBMA, Freeport locators, residents, or other authorized clients within the zone.
  
  
  • Issuance of Accreditation Permit - New Application
  • Renewal of Accreditation Permit
  • Issuance of Provisional Accreditation, when applicable
  • Processing of applications for specialized accreditation activities
  • Verification of accreditation status
  • Monitoring of accredited suppliers and service providers
  • Processing of accreditation-related compliance requirements
  • Issuance of certifications and other accreditation-related documents, when applicable



• Visa Processing Division

  Tel. Nos.: +6347.252.4257
  Email: visaprocessing@sbma.com

  
  The Visa Processing Division processes qualified visa applications and related endorsements in coordination with the appropriate national government agencies.
  
  
  • Processing of Subic-Clark Working Visa applications
  • Processing of Subic-Clark Investor's Visa applications
  • Processing of Subic-Clark Dependent's Visa applications
  • Processing of visa renewals
  • Endorsement for visa downgrading
  • Endorsement for visa cancellation or revocation
  • Processing of Visa Exemption Certificate applications
  • Endorsement for Special Study Permit applications
  • Processing of other visa-related certifications and endorsements authorized under existing rules



How to Avail of VPAD Services

• Identify the appropriate service.

  • Select either Accreditation Services or Visa Processing Services.

• Review the current requirements.

  • Download and review the applicable checklist, application form, and Citizen's Charter service entry before submitting an application.

• Prepare complete documentary requirements.

  • Ensure that forms are properly accomplished, information is accurate, and all required supporting documents are included.

• Submit through the authorized channel.

  • Submit to the appropriate VPAD service unit using the method indicated in the current Citizen's Charter or official advisory.

• Receive the assessment or acknowledgment.

  • VPAD will evaluate completeness and advise the applicant of any deficiency, applicable fee, or next step.

• Pay applicable fees.

  • Pay only through an authorized SBMA payment facility after an official billing assessment has been issued.

• Monitor the application.

  • Use the reference number and official VPAD contact channel provided.

• Receive the official action.

  • Release is subject to completion of requirements, payment, evaluation, and approval procedures.




Important Client Reminders

• Submit complete, accurate, and valid documents.
• Do not pay any fee without an official SBMA billing assessment.
• Processing time begins only upon receipt of a complete application unless otherwise stated in the Citizen's Charter.
• Additional verification may be required for specialized or regulated activities.
• Submission of falsified, altered, misleading, or fraudulent documents may result in denial, cancellation, penalties, or referral to the proper authorities.
• Accreditation permits are non-transferable.
• Accreditation must be secured before an external entity begins providing goods or services within the Freeport.
• Visa holders and sponsoring locators must comply with applicable reporting, employment, immigration, and SBMA requirements.
• Use only current forms, fees, requirements, and processing times published by SBMA.




Citizen's Charter

For official requirements, client steps, agency actions, fees, processing times, and responsible personnel, refer to the current SBMA Citizen's Charter.




VIEW THE 2026 SBMA CITIZEN'S CHARTER

https://www.mysubicbay.com.ph/arta-manual


The Citizen's Charter is the controlling reference where webpage summaries differ from officially approved service standards.




Advisories and Announcements

Display current advisories from newest to oldest. Each item should show the date issued, title, short description, affected clients or transactions, effective date, downloadable official document, and status: Active, Superseded, or Archived.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who needs SBMA accreditation?

  • An entity located outside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone that intends to provide goods or services within the Freeport should determine whether SBMA accreditation is required for its proposed activity.

• Can an applicant operate while an accreditation application is pending?

  • An applicant should not begin operations unless it has received the required SBMA permit or written authority.

• Is an accreditation permit transferable?

  • No. It is issued to the approved entity and activity and must not be lent, leased, transferred, or used by another party.

• When should an accreditation renewal be filed?

  • File sufficiently before expiration, following the period stated in the current Citizen's Charter and applicable VPAD advisory.

• Where can applicants find official requirements and processing time?

  • The applicable service entry in the current SBMA Citizen's Charter is the controlling reference.

• When should a Subic-Clark visa renewal be started?

  • Begin early enough to complete all prerequisite clearances and supporting documents before visa expiration.

• When should a Subic-Clark visa renewal be started?

  • Begin early enough to complete all prerequisite clearances and supporting documents before visa expiration.

• When should a Subic-Clark visa renewal be started?

  • Begin early enough to complete all prerequisite clearances and supporting documents before visa expiration.

• What should an employer do when a foreign employee resigns or is terminated?

  • Promptly coordinate with VPAD and comply with the reporting, surrender, downgrading, cancellation, or other requirements prescribed by SBMA and the appropriate national government agencies.

• Can expired permits or company registration documents be used?

  • Applications generally require valid supporting permits and registrations. Consult the applicable checklist.

• How can clients verify application status?

  • Contact the appropriate VPAD service unit and provide the application or reference number.

• Where should clients obtain forms?

  • Download forms only from the official SBMA website or obtain them directly from VPAD.



Client Feedback and Complaints

Submit feedback through the official SBMA Citizen/Client Satisfaction Survey:

• Name and contact information
• Company or organization
• Transaction or application reference number
• Date of transaction
• Service involved
• Clear description of the concern



Personal and confidential information must not be posted publicly.




Data Privacy Notice

Personal information and documents submitted to VPAD shall be collected, processed, retained, and disclosed only for authorized regulatory, accreditation, visa-processing, compliance, and legal purposes, subject to applicable data-privacy laws and SBMA policies.