Philippine Visa Services in United Arab Emirates — 2026 Guide
Complete guide to Philippine visa applications from United Arab Emirates. Whether you need a tourist visa, business visa, or special visa category, here is everything you need to know about applying at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Visa Types Available
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9(a) Tourist Visa | Tourism, visiting family, short stay | 59 days (extendable) | 3-5 working days |
| 9(d) Treaty Trader/Investor | Business under trade treaty | 1 year (renewable) | 5-10 working days |
| 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant | Spouse of Filipino citizen | Permanent | 2-4 weeks |
| 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant | Foreign nationals on government projects | 1 year (renewable) | Varies |
| SRRV (Retirement Visa) | Retirees 35+ years old | Permanent | 2-4 weeks |
| 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment | Approved employment in PH | 1 year (renewable) | 5-10 working days |
| ECC (Emigration Clearance) | Filipino departing permanently | Single exit | Same day |
Tourist Visa (9a) — Requirements
The 9(a) tourist visa is the most common visa type for visitors to the Philippines from United Arab Emirates.
Required Documents
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- 2 recent passport-sized photos (white background, taken within 6 months)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or letter of invitation from host in the Philippines
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements for the last 3 months)
- Travel itinerary
- Visa fee payment in AED
Additional for Invited Guests
- Letter of invitation from the host (with their ID and proof of relationship)
- Guarantee letter covering accommodation and expenses
Business Visa Requirements
For attending conferences, business meetings, or exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines.
- All standard tourist visa requirements
- Letter from your employer in United Arab Emirates stating purpose and duration of trip
- Invitation letter from the Philippine company or conference organiser
- Company registration documents (for both parties)
- Previous Philippine visa stamps (if applicable)
Spouse & Family Visa (13a)
The 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is for foreign nationals married to a Filipino citizen. This grants permanent residency in the Philippines.
Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 1 year validity
- PSA-issued marriage certificate (or Report of Marriage if married abroad)
- Birth certificate of the Filipino spouse
- Joint affidavit of cohabitation
- Petition letter from the Filipino spouse
- NBI/police clearance from both countries
- Medical clearance from an accredited physician
- Financial capacity documents
Retirement Visa (SRRV)
The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is for foreign nationals aged 35+ who wish to retire or maintain a residence in the Philippines.
Types & Deposits
- SRRV Smile: USD 20,000 deposit (age 35+) — non-convertible to investment
- SRRV Classic: USD 10,000-50,000 deposit — convertible to approved investments
- SRRV Human Touch: USD 10,000 deposit — for retirees needing medical care
The SRRV grants permanent residency, multiple entry privileges, and exemption from exit clearance and re-entry permit requirements.
Visa Processing at the Embassy
Where to apply: Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Zone 2, Sector 2, Plot 34, Al Qubaisat Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Office hours: Sunday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
Processing time: 3-5 working days for tourist visas; longer for immigrant visas
Submission: In person or via accredited courier service (check embassy website)
Payment: In AED. Cash or card accepted (varies by embassy).
Quick Contacts
Embassy:
+971 2 495 0800
Emergency:
+971 50 948 7600 (Emergency)
POLO-OWWA:
+971 2 634 4875
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM