As remote work continues to reshape the global workforce, virtual assistants (VAs) have become indispensable for businesses seeking cost-effective, flexible, and skilled support. The Philippines has emerged as one of the top destinations for hiring virtual assistants, thanks to its English proficiency, strong work ethic, and robust outsourcing infrastructure.

For international companies looking to scale quickly without setting up a local entity, global employment solutions—particularly through an Employer of Record (EOR)—provide a compliant and efficient way to hire virtual assistants in the Philippines.

This guide explores the advantages of hiring Filipino VAs, common roles to consider, and how an EOR company can simplify hiring, payroll, and compliance when building a remote support team in the Philippines.

Why Hire Virtual Assistants in the Philippines?

Highly Skilled and Educated Workforce

The Philippines produces thousands of college graduates every year, many trained in business administration, communications, marketing, and IT. Virtual assistants from the Philippines are well-versed in a range of tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Canva, Trello, and CRMs.

Excellent English Proficiency

Filipinos are among the top non-native English speakers globally. Their fluency, neutral accent, and cultural compatibility make them ideal for U.S., U.K., and Australian businesses.

Cost-Efficiency

Hiring a virtual assistant in the Philippines can be 60–70% more affordable than hiring in Western countries, without compromising on quality.

Strong Work Ethic and Flexibility

Filipino VAs are known for their loyalty, adaptability, and willingness to work in multiple time zones to match your business hours.

Common Virtual Assistant Roles in the Philippines

Filipino virtual assistants support a wide range of industries. Popular roles include:

• Administrative VA: Calendar management, email handling, data entry, travel coordination
  
• Customer Support VA: Live chat, email responses, helpdesk ticketing
  
• Social Media VA: Content creation, post scheduling, engagement tracking
  
• E-commerce VA: Order processing, product listings, inventory updates
  
• Bookkeeping VA: Invoicing, expense tracking, QuickBooks or Xero support
  
• Marketing VA: Lead generation, CRM management, newsletter creation
  
• Executive VA: High-level support for CEOs and founders, including project coordination
  

Challenges of Hiring VAs Without Local Knowledge

Many businesses try to hire Filipino VAs as independent contractors. While this may seem simple at first, it comes with hidden risks:

• Worker Misclassification: If the VA meets criteria for full-time employment, treating them as a contractor may violate local laws.
  
• Tax and Social Security Non-Compliance: Employers must comply with Philippine labor regulations like SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions.
  
• No Legal Protection: Without proper contracts, resolving disputes or performance issues becomes difficult.
  
• Unstable Work Relationship: VAs hired without local contracts may feel insecure, resulting in high turnover.
  

To ensure long-term, compliant employment, consider using a global employment solution like an Employer of Record.

What Is an Employer of Record (EOR)?

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party provider that acts as the legal employer of your chosen VA in the Philippines. While you manage their tasks and work performance, the EOR company handles the legal and HR responsibilities.

This includes:

• Drafting and signing compliant employment contracts
  
• Managing payroll, taxes, and benefits
  
• Ensuring social security and healthcare contributions
  
• Handling onboarding, compliance, and termination
  
• Offering international payroll services and HR support
  

With a reliable EOR partner, you can hire remote employees in the Philippines without establishing a legal entity.

Benefits of Using Global Employment Solutions to Hire VAs in the Philippines

Full Compliance with Philippine Labor Laws

An EOR ensures proper classification of workers, and manages SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and income tax contributions to avoid penalties.

Payroll Outsourcing Made Easy

Pay your VA in the local currency, on time, and with complete transparency. The EOR company handles currency exchange, deductions, and payslips.

Faster Hiring Process

Skip the delays of entity setup. With an EOR, you can onboard your VA in as little as a few days.

Improved Retention and Job Satisfaction

Virtual assistants hired through EORs enjoy official employment status, better job security, and access to statutory benefits—leading to stronger retention.

HR and Legal Support

From contract drafting to dispute resolution, EORs provide full support throughout the employment lifecycle.

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines Using an EOR

Step 1: Define the Role

Outline your requirements, responsibilities, work hours, and the tools your VA needs to use.

Step 2: Source the Right Talent

You can recruit independently or ask the EOR company to assist with sourcing qualified Filipino VAs.

Step 3: Finalize the Offer

Determine salary expectations, benefits, and scope of work. Your EOR partner will help align offers with local market rates and labor standards.

Step 4: Legal Onboarding

The EOR will issue a compliant employment contract and guide the VA through documentation, government registrations, and benefits enrollment.

Step 5: Payroll and Ongoing Compliance

The EOR runs monthly international payroll services, ensuring that your VA is paid on time with taxes and contributions deducted appropriately.

Legal and Tax Considerations in the Philippines

When hiring virtual assistants as employees, the following local requirements apply:

• Social Security System (SSS) contributions
  
• PhilHealth for healthcare coverage
  
• Pag-IBIG Fund for housing benefits
  
• 13th Month Pay (mandatory bonus in the Philippines)
  
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and service incentive leave
  
• Withholding tax and proper payslip issuance
  

An EOR ensures you meet all these obligations without needing to manage them yourself.

What to Look for in a Philippine EOR Partner

Choosing the right EOR company is crucial. Here are some criteria:

• Deep understanding of Philippine employment law
  
• Strong track record of remote hiring and payroll outsourcing
  
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  
• Capacity to scale as your team grows
  
• Ability to offer benefits that attract and retain top VAs
  

Ready to Hire a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines?

If you’re ready to grow your team and optimize operations, hiring a virtual assistant from the Philippines is a smart move. With Team Apac as your trusted Employer of Record, you can onboard highly skilled Filipino VAs quickly and compliantly—without worrying about labor laws or payroll challenges.

Whether you’re hiring your first assistant or scaling a remote team, our global employment solutions provide everything you need—from onboarding to payroll to HR support.

Let Team Apac help you build a reliable virtual team in the Philippines—compliantly, efficiently, and at scale.