Filipinos in the UAE use one of two Philippine government offices, chosen by where you live.
- Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi: for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
- Philippine Consulate General in Dubai: for Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Both handle passports (since VFS closed in July 2026), NBI fingerprints, civil registry, dual citizenship and notarial work, mostly by online appointment. Worker matters such as OWWA and the OFW Pass go through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
Checked on 30 October 2026 against the Embassy’s and Consulate’s websites and our individual guides. Sources are at the end.
Which office serves you?
| You live in | Your office | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra | Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi | abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph |
| Dubai and the Northern Emirates | Philippine Consulate General, Dubai (Al Qusais) | dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph |
| Worker matters (OWWA, OFW Pass, contracts) | Migrant Workers Office in Dubai or Abu Dhabi | Through DMW and OWWA channels |
Services and where to find each guide
| Service | Key facts | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport renewal | AED 240; online appointment; 5–8 weeks | Passport renewal |
| Minor’s passport | Child plus one parent; PSA documents; AED 240 | Minors’ passports |
| Passport release | Check the release list; bring the receipt and old passport | Release list |
| NBI clearance | Fingerprints at the mission or UAE police; Form No. 5; a representative in Manila | NBI clearance |
| OWWA membership | AED 92 for 2 years; through MWO | OWWA membership |
| Vacation to the Philippines | OFW Pass, eTravel, travel tax | OFW vacation |
| Report of Birth | For children born in the UAE to a Filipino parent | Ask the mission; guide coming soon |
| Dual citizenship (RA 9225) | For former Filipinos who naturalised elsewhere | Ask the mission; guide coming soon |
| Notarial services | Affidavits, for example an Affidavit of Support and Guarantee for visiting family | Family visit visa |
| Overseas voting registration | During registration periods announced by COMELEC | Check the mission’s announcements |
How to book an appointment
- Use the office for your emirate (table above).
- Open the online appointment system from the office’s own website. For the Embassy this is the Global Online Appointment System (GOAS).
- Choose the service, such as passport renewal, minor’s passport or NBI fingerprinting, then pick a date.
- Print the confirmation and any application form the system produces.
- Arrive on time with originals and copies.
Booking is free. The Embassy warns against “fixers” who sell slots. Report anyone charging for appointments.
Emergencies and help for distressed workers
Both offices have an Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) section for Filipinos in distress, such as detention, serious illness, a death or abuse. For work problems, such as unpaid salary or a held passport, contact the Migrant Workers Office. UAE labour complaints go to MOHRE (600590000). Keep the ATN hotline from your office’s website saved in your phone.
Tips that save a second visit
- Order PSA documents early. Birth and marriage certificates from the Philippines take weeks to reach the UAE.
- Bring photocopies. Most services ask for copies as well as originals.
- Check your details on screen during passport biometrics. Errors found later need a new paid application.
- Follow the mission’s social media for holiday closures and outreach (“consular caravan”) dates in other emirates.
Questions people ask
Can I renew my Philippine passport at VFS in Dubai?
No. The VFS ePassport Renewal Centers closed on 30 June 2026. Renewals are now done at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.
I live in Sharjah. Which office do I use?
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, which serves Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Do I need an appointment at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai?
For most services, yes, booked online. Collecting a passport in person generally doesn’t need one, but representatives may need a release appointment.
Where do I renew OWWA in the UAE?
Through the Migrant Workers Office or the OWWA online channels. Membership costs AED 92 for 2 years.
Related guides for Filipinos in the UAE
- Visa-free countries for Filipinos in the UAE
- Japan visa for Filipinos in the UAE
- South Korea visa for Filipinos in the UAE
- Balikbayan privilege for foreign spouses and children
Sources
- Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi: abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph
- Philippine Consulate General in Dubai: dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph
- Wego: Philippine passport services in the UAE move to the embassy and consulate (2026)
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches rules from government sources. Sifqa is independent and not affiliated with the Philippine government. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.