| Quick Answer: Filipino citizens require a pre-arranged visa to enter the UAE. Dubai tourist visas cost AED 200-300 (approximately PHP 3,000-4,500) for 30-60 day stays. Applications are processed through authorized airlines (Emirates, Etihad), travel agencies, or VFS Global in the Philippines. Processing takes 3-5 working days. Employment visas require employer sponsorship and POEA/DMW verification. OFWs comprise approximately 780,000 Filipinos in the UAE, making it the second-largest Filipino community in the Middle East. |
Overview: Dubai Visa for Filipino Citizens
The United Arab Emirates hosts approximately 780,000 Filipino nationals, with around 450,000 residing in Dubai alone, representing 21% of the emirate’s population. Filipinos form a crucial part of Dubai’s economy, particularly in healthcare (60% of migrant nurses), hospitality, retail, construction, and IT industries.
Filipino travelers must obtain a pre-arranged visa before departure to ensure a smooth process and peace of mind. The streamlined digital application process, with most visas processed within 3-5 working days, aims to make your journey easier and less stressful.
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, formerly POEA) requires verification of employment contracts and recruitment agencies before departure to ensure the protection of workers.
Types of Dubai Visas for Filipinos
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Sponsor |
| Tourist Visa (Short) | 30 days | Sightseeing, short visits | Airlines/Travel Agencies |
| Tourist Visa (Extended) | 60 days | Extended tourism, family visits | Airlines/Travel Agencies |
| Tourist Visa (Long) | 90 days | Long holidays, job hunting | Travel Agencies/Host |
| Multi-Entry Tourist | 5 years | Frequent visitors | Self-sponsored |
| Visit Visa | 90 days | Family/friend visits | UAE Resident |
| Transit Visa | 48-96 hours | Stopovers | UAE Airlines |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | Work and residence | UAE Employer |
| Golden Visa | 5-10 years | Long-term residency | Self-sponsored |
General Document Requirements
All Dubai visa applications from Filipino citizens require the following baseline documents:
- Valid Philippine passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the travel date
- Recent passport-sized color photograph with white background
- Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
- Travel insurance valid for the UAE
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
Qualifying Criteria for Tourist Visa
Filipino applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Previous travel to the USA, UK, Schengen countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or Japan within the last 3 years
- Valid visa for any of the above countries
- Income Tax Return (ITR) showing gross income exceeding PHP 200,000 per annum for the past 2 years
- Refundable security deposit of USD 1,200 (if not meeting the above criteria)
Tourist Visa: Requirements and Process
The tourist visa is the most common visa type for Filipino leisure travelers to Dubai.
Where to Apply
- VFS Global Philippines (Emirates Airline partner) — Manila and Cebu
- Emirates Airlines online through emirates.com after flight booking
- Etihad Airways online visa service
- FlyDubai and Air Arabia airline-sponsored visas
- Authorized travel agencies in the Philippines
Tourist Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Government Fee (AED) | Approx. PHP | Validity |
| 30-Day Single Entry | 200 + 5% VAT | 3,000 – 4,000 | 60 days from issue |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 300 + 5% VAT | 4,500 – 5,500 | 60 days from issue |
| 90-Day Visit | 650 + fees | 9,500 – 11,000 | 60 days from issue |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry | 3,500 + deposit | 52,000+ | 5 years |
Note: Agency service fees (PHP 1,000-3,000) are additional. The 5-Year Multi-Entry visa requires bank statements showing a USD 4,000+ balance for the last 6 months.
Visa Extension
Tourist visas can be extended twice without leaving the UAE:
- First extension: 30 days — Fee: AED 850
- Second extension: 30 days — Fee: AED 850
- Maximum total stay: Up to 90-120 days, depending on initial visa type
Employment Visa for OFWs
The UAE employment visa is the most common category for Filipino workers. Approximately 780,000 Filipinos currently work in the UAE across healthcare, hospitality, retail, construction, and IT sectors.
OFW Visa Requirements
| Document | Requirement |
| Philippine Passport | Minimum 6 months validity |
| Job Offer Letter | From a UAE-registered employer |
| Employment Contract | MOL/MOHRE approved, English and Arabic |
| Educational Certificates | DFA-authenticated, attested by the UAE Embassy |
| Police Clearance (NBI) | DFA-authenticated |
| Medical Certificate | Completed upon arrival at the UAE health center |
| POEA/DMW Verification | OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) |
Document Authentication Process
All Philippine documents must undergo DFA authentication before UAE Embassy attestation:
- Secure documents from issuing agencies (schools, NBI, PSA)
- Submit to DFA for authentication (Red Ribbon)
- Submit authenticated documents to the UAE Embassy in Manila for attestation
- Complete POEA/DMW processing for OEC issuance
Employment Visa Process
- UAE employer applies for Entry Permit through MOHRE/GDRFA
- Entry Permit issued and sent to the employee
- Complete POEA/DMW verification and obtain OEC
- Travel to the UAE on an Entry Permit (valid 60 days)
- Medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center
- Emirates ID biometric enrollment
- Residence visa stamping on passport (valid 2 years)
OFW Rights in the UAE
Under the UAE labor law and the Philippines-UAE bilateral agreements, OFWs are entitled to:
- Written employment contract in English and Arabic
- Passport retention by employee (employers cannot confiscate passports)
- Annual leave, sick leave, and end-of-service benefits
- Access to the Philippine Consulate assistance
Transit Visa (48 and 96 Hours)
Filipino travelers transiting through Dubai airports to a third destination require a transit visa to exit the airport.
| Type | Fee | Validity | Sponsor |
| 48-Hour Transit | Free | 48 hours from arrival | UAE-based airline |
| 96-Hour Transit | AED 50 | 96 hours from arrival | UAE-based airline |
Transit Visa Requirements
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed onward flight to the third destination
- Valid visa/entry permit for the destination country
- Application through Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, or Air Arabia
Note: If the layover is under 24 hours and the passenger remains in the transit area, no visa is required.
Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency
The UAE Golden Visa offers 5-10-year renewable residence permits without requiring a sponsor. Filipino professionals, investors, and exceptional talents who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
Eligible Categories for Filipinos
| Category | Duration | Key Requirements |
| Real Estate Investors | 5 years | Property valued AED 2 million+ (no loans) |
| Public Investors | 10 years | AED 2 million+ investment or AED 250,000+ annual tax |
| Skilled Professionals | 10 years | AED 30,000+ basic salary, Bachelor’s degree, Level 1-2 occupation |
| Healthcare Workers | 10 years | MOH approval, 15+ years service (nurses at Dubai Health) |
| Scientists/Researchers | 10 years | UAE Scientists Council recommendation |
| Entrepreneurs | 5 years | Innovative project worth AED 500,000+ |
| Outstanding Students | 5-10 years | GPA 3.8+ from an accredited university |
Golden Visa Benefits
- No sponsor requirement (self-sponsored)
- Sponsor spouse, children (any age if unmarried), and parents
- Extended overseas stay permitted (beyond 6 months)
- Live, work, and study freely in the UAE
- Application cost: Approximately AED 10,400
Complete Visa Fee Structure
| Visa Type | Duration | Government Fee (AED) | PHP Equivalent |
| Tourist Visa | 30 days | 200 + 5% VAT | ~3,500 |
| Tourist Visa | 60 days | 300 + 5% VAT | ~5,000 |
| Visit Visa (90 days) | 90 days | 650 + fees | ~10,000 |
| Multi-Entry (5-Year) | 5 years | 3,500 + deposit | ~55,000 |
| Transit Visa | 48 hours | Free | Free |
| Transit Visa | 96 hours | 50 | ~800 |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | 3,000-5,000 | ~45,000-75,000 |
| Golden Visa | 5-10 years | ~10,400 | ~155,000 |
Note: Exchange rate approximately PHP 15 = AED 1. Actual rates vary. Agency service fees are additional.
Step-by-Step Application Process
For Tourist Visa (via Emirates/VFS)
- Book an Emirates flight to Dubai
- Apply through emirates.com (Manage Booking) or VFS Global Manila
- Upload documents: passport copy, photo, flight/hotel confirmation
- Provide qualifying documents (travel history, ITR, or deposit)
- Pay the visa fee online
- Receive an e-visa via email within 3-5 working days
- Print the visa and present it at Dubai immigration upon arrival
For Employment Visa (OFW)
- Secure a job offer from a licensed UAE employer
- Verify the recruitment agency with DMW (formerly POEA)
- Complete DFA authentication of documents
- Obtain the UAE Embassy attestation
- Employer applies for Entry Permit through MOHRE
- Complete DMW processing and obtain OEC
- Travel to the UAE and complete medical/Emirates ID/visa stamping
Processing Times
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Express Processing |
| Tourist Visa | 3-5 working days | 24-48 hours |
| Transit Visa | 1-3 working days | 24 hours |
| Employment Visa | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Golden Visa | 2-6 weeks | N/A |
Processing excludes weekends (Saturday-Sunday) and UAE public holidays.
Philippine Immigration Requirements at Departure
Filipino travelers must satisfy the Bureau of Immigration requirements before departure:
- Valid UAE visa (printed copy)
- Confirmed round-trip tickets
- Hotel reservation or host invitation
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, cash)
- For OFWs: Valid OEC from DMW
- Affidavit of Support (if sponsored by a UAE resident)
- For minors: Birth certificate, parental consent if traveling alone
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
| Reason | Prevention |
| Incomplete documents | Double-check all required documents before submission |
| Passport validity < 6 months | Renew your passport before applying |
| Insufficient funds proof | Maintain a bank balance showing adequate funds |
| No travel history/ITR | Provide a security deposit if no qualifying criteria are met |
| Previous overstay in the UAE | Clear any pending fines before reapplying |
| Unverified employer (OFWs) | Only work with DMW-licensed agencies |
| Application errors | Review all information for accuracy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai visa-free for Filipinos?
No. Filipino passport holders must obtain a pre-arranged visa before traveling to the UAE. There is no visa-on-arrival facility.
Can I apply for a Dubai visa online from the Philippines?
Yes. Apply through Emirates, Etihad, authorized travel agencies, or the Dubai Now app after booking your flight.
What is the show money requirement?
No strict minimum for short-term visas. For a 5-Year Multi-Entry visa, bank statements showing a USD 4,000+ balance for 6 months are required.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa?
Yes. If you secure employment while on a tourist visa, your employer can process a change to work visa status without leaving the UAE.
What is the overstay penalty?
AED 50 per day. Extended overstays may result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and may result in deportation and an entry ban.
Is the security deposit refundable?
Yes. The USD 1,200 security deposit is refunded upon return, provided entry and exit stamps are presented.
Can my employer hold my passport?
No. Under UAE law, employers cannot confiscate employee passports. This is illegal.
Official Sources and Contact Information
UAE Government Portals
| Authority | Website | Purpose |
| ICP | icp.gov.ae | Emirates ID, Golden Visa |
| GDRFA Dubai | gdrfad.gov.ae | Dubai Visa Services |
| UAE Government | u.ae | Comprehensive Visa Info |
| MOHRE | mohre.gov.ae | Employment Visas, Labor |
Philippine Government Resources
| Office | Contact | Purpose |
| PH Consulate Dubai | dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph | Consular services, assistance |
| DMW (formerly POEA) | dmw.gov.ph | OFW verification, OEC |
| DFA | dfa.gov.ph | Document authentication |
| VFS Global Manila | vfsglobal.com | UAE visa processing |
Philippine Consulate General in Dubai
Address: Al Qusais Area, 35th Street, Villa No. 734, Dubai, UAE
Hours: Mon-Thu: 7:30 AM-3:30 PM | Fri: 7:30 AM-12:00 PM
Hotline: +971-4-220-7100
Emergency Contacts in the UAE
| Service | Number |
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 998 |
| OWWA Dubai Hotline | +971-4-220-8020 |
| ICP Hotline (UAE) | 600522222 |
| Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals (icp.gov.ae, gdrfad.gov.ae) and Philippine government offices (DMW, DFA) before applying. Visa fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change without notice. |
Last Updated: January, 2026