Millions of Filipinos abroad have until September 30, 2027, to register as overseas voters for the May 2028 Philippine national elections, and for those living in the UAE, two registration sites are now actively accepting applicants.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) opened the overseas voter registration period on December 3, 2025, under Republic Act No. 9189, as amended by RA No. 10590, and COMELEC Resolution No. 11171. The upcoming elections — scheduled for May 8, 2028 — will cover positions for President, Vice President, senators, and party-list representatives.
Who can register
Any Filipino citizen who will be at least 18 years old by May 8, 2028, and will be outside the Philippines during the 30-day voting period is eligible to register. This covers land-based OFWs, sea-based workers, immigrants, and dual citizens. Those who missed voting in both the 2022 and 2025 national elections should check whether their voter records have been deactivated — if so, they will need to reactivate their registration during this period rather than file as new applicants.
Beyond new registrations, COMELEC is also accepting applications for certification, change of address, transfer of registration records, reactivation, correction of entries, and reinstatement of voter status.
What to bring
The core requirement is a valid Philippine passport — original and one photocopy of the data and signature pages. Additional documents vary depending on the applicant’s status:
- Seafarers must bring their Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)
- Dual citizens must present an original or certified true copy of their Order of Approval of Retention or Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship, or an Identification Certificate
- In the absence of a valid passport, a certification from the post may be accepted
Applicants are also required to complete COMELEC’s Overseas Voting Form 1 (OVF 1). The form can be filled out online in advance through COMELEC’s iRehistro platform at comelec.gov.ph before personally appearing at the mission. Completing the online form does not complete the registration — personal appearance and biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) are mandatory.
Where to go
In the UAE, registration is handled by two Philippine foreign missions, depending on where a Filipino is based:
Philippine Consulate General in Dubai (serving Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah) Address: 851 Beirut Street, Al Qusais 3, Dubai (P.O. Box 94778) Office hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Website: dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph
By metro, the consulate is accessible via the Red Line — alight at Rashidiya or Emirates station and take a short cab ride to Al Qusais, approximately AED 20. Via the Green Line, alight at Al Qusais station. By bus, routes 33 (from Bur Dubai), 32C (from Satwa), and 13 (from Deira) stop at the Al Qusais Bus Stop across from Al Qusais Police Station, with the consulate about 50 meters away.
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi (serving Abu Dhabi and the Western Region) Address: Villa 1, W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi (P.O. Box 3215) Contact: (+971) 50-813-7836 | abudhabi.pe@dfa.gov.ph Office hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Website: abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph
Getting started
COMELEC recommends pre-filling the OVF 1 form online through iRehistro at comelec.gov.ph before heading to the mission. Applicants should print the completed form and bring it, along with their supporting documents, on the day of their visit. No appointment is typically required for walk-in registrations, though checking with the respective mission ahead of time is advisable, as schedules may vary.
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai covers the largest Filipino voter base in any overseas post — more than 123,000 registered voters were on its rolls for the 2025 midterm elections, the highest recorded overseas. The Abu Dhabi mission covered more than 65,000.
Registration remains open until September 30, 2027.
