Japan is one of the most popular trips for Filipinos in the UAE, and the visa can be done here. Since 1 August 2024, applications go through VFS Global. Which office decides depends on which emirate issued your residence visa. And while Japan raised visa fees for most nationalities in July 2026, its Embassy in Manila says temporary visitor visas for Philippine nationals remain free.
Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai and the VFS Global checklist for Abu Dhabi. Sources at the end.
At a glance
| Residence visa from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK or Fujairah | Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, via VFS Global |
| Residence visa from Abu Dhabi or Al Ain | Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi, via VFS Global |
| Residence visa validity | At least 6 months left (Abu Dhabi checklist), and valid when you return from Japan |
| When to apply | Not more than 3 months before travel |
| Visa fee for Filipinos | Free for temporary visitor visas (Embassy of Japan in Manila, June 2026); VFS service fee applies |
| Stay | Up to 90 days, or as granted on the visa |
Where you apply
The office is decided by your residence visa, not where you work or live today:
- Dubai and the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah): Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain: Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi. If your residence visa is from another emirate but you actually live in Abu Dhabi, the Embassy asks for proof: a 3-month bank or card statement of daily spending, your tenancy contract and a TAQA bill.
Both offices use VFS Global to receive applications. The Consulate no longer accepts tourist visa applications directly.
Documents
Based on the VFS checklist for a tourist visa:
Everyone
- Original Philippine passport.
- Completed visa application form (Japan MOFA form).
- One passport-size photo.
- Emirates ID and UAE residence visa.
- Return flight booking UAE–Japan.
- Hotel booking for the whole trip.
- Day-by-day itinerary on the MOFA template.
If you are employed
- Salary certificate showing your joining date, salary and position.
- Latest 3-month bank statement showing your last 3 salaries. See our bank statement guide.
If you are a domestic worker travelling with your employer’s family
- Your sponsor’s salary certificate and latest 3-month bank statement.
- Sponsorship letter explaining the trip.
- Copies of your sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID and residence visa.
- Flight and hotel bookings for you and the family.
If you are not working
- Salary certificate and bank statement of the family member paying for the trip, a sponsorship letter, proof of relationship, and copies of their passport, Emirates ID and residence visa.
Step by step
- Check your residence visa: at least 6 months left, and valid on your return date.
- Book flights and hotels you can cancel, and prepare your itinerary.
- Book a VFS Global appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, depending on your residence visa.
- Submit your file in person, no earlier than 3 months before travel.
- Collect your passport. Any visa fee is paid in cash on collection day.
The Embassy may issue a single-entry visa even if you ask for multiple entry. Submitted documents are not returned.
Fees in 2026
From 1 July 2026, Japan raised its standard visa fees for most nationalities: about 15,000 yen for single entry and 30,000 yen for multiple entry. On 24 June 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said temporary visitor visas for Philippine nationals remain gratis. A VFS service fee is charged separately.
Questions people ask
Can a Filipino apply for a Japan visa in Dubai?
Yes, if your UAE residence visa is from Dubai or the Northern Emirates. Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residence visas go to the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Both use VFS Global.
Is the Japan visa free for Filipinos?
The Embassy of Japan in Manila says temporary visitor visas for Philippine nationals remain free after the July 2026 fee increase. You still pay the VFS service fee.
My residence visa expires in 4 months. Can I apply?
The Abu Dhabi checklist asks for at least 6 months of validity. Renew your residence visa first.
Related guides
- Japan visa from Dubai (all nationalities)
- South Korea visa for Filipinos in the UAE
- Visa-free countries for Filipinos in the UAE
Sources
- Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai — Visa for Japan: dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp
- VFS Global — Japan short-term visa checklist, Abu Dhabi: vfsglobal.com
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — notice of 24 June 2026, as reported by GMA News and TTG Asia
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.