Can OFWs Apply for an AUB Home Loan?
Yes — Asia United Bank (AUB) does accept home loan applications from Overseas Filipino Workers. Like most Philippine banks, AUB recognizes OFW income as a valid basis for loan qualification, provided you can document your employment, remittance history, and financial capacity.
AUB positions itself as an OFW-friendly bank, with branches and partnerships that make it somewhat accessible for applicants living abroad. However, the actual application process still requires significant document preparation, local coordination, and in many cases, a Philippine-based co-borrower or attorney-in-fact.
If you're an OFW looking to purchase a new property, AUB is a legitimate option worth exploring. But if you already own a home in the Philippines and are paying a high interest rate, refinancing through Nook — which is 100% free — may be a faster and more rewarding path.
AUB Home Loan Requirements for OFWs
AUB's documentary requirements for OFW applicants are broadly similar to other Philippine banks, though you should confirm the latest checklist directly with AUB or through a mortgage broker, as requirements can change. The standard documents typically include:
Personal & Identity Documents
- Completed AUB Home Loan Application Form
- Two valid government-issued IDs (passport is primary for OFWs)
- Proof of marital status (Marriage Certificate or Certificate of No Marriage)
- For married applicants: spouse's valid ID and documents
OFW Income Documents
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or equivalent
- Employment contract (POEA-verified or authenticated)
- Certificate of Employment with compensation (COE)
- Latest 3–6 months of payslips
- Latest 3–6 months of bank statements showing remittances
- For land-based OFWs: proof of remittance to Philippine accounts
- For sea-based OFWs: Crew contract and last discharge papers
Property Documents
- Certified True Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT)
- Latest Tax Declaration and Real Property Tax receipts
- Vicinity map and lot plan
- Contract to Sell or Deed of Absolute Sale (for purchase transactions)
Attorney-in-Fact (if applying remotely)
If you cannot appear in person at an AUB branch, you will typically need to designate a Philippine-based representative through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) — authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country. This adds time and cost to your application.
OFWs who want to avoid the complexity of coordinating this process alone may benefit from working with a mortgage broker. Nook's team helps OFWs manage the full OFW home loan refinance process remotely — no branch visits required on your end.
AUB Home Loan Interest Rates for OFWs
AUB does not publicly publish a real-time rate card, but their home loan interest rates are generally in line with the Philippine banking market. As of 2026, expect rates in the following ranges for OFW applicants:
| Fixing Period | Indicative Rate Range |
|---|---|
| 1-year fixed | 6.75% – 8.50% p.a. |
| 3-year fixed | 7.25% – 9.00% p.a. |
| 5-year fixed | 7.75% – 9.50% p.a. |
| 10-year fixed | 8.50% – 10.50% p.a. |
Note: These are indicative ranges only. Actual rates depend on your loan amount, term, property type, and AUB's credit assessment. Always request a formal loan quote from AUB or through your broker.
If you already have a home loan with AUB — or any other Philippine bank — and your rate is above 7%, you may be able to refinance at a lower rate. Nook currently has access to rates as low as 5.99% p.a. from its panel of partner banks.
How Much Could You Save?
Here's what the difference between a 8.50% rate and a 5.99% rate looks like on a typical OFW loan:
- Loan amount: 4,000,000
- Term: 20 years
- Monthly payment at 8.50%: approximately 34,717
- Monthly payment at 5.99%: approximately 28,618
- Monthly savings: approximately 6,099
- Total savings over 20 years: approximately 1,463,760
That's real money — money that stays in your family's hands instead of going to the bank.
How to Apply for an AUB Home Loan as an OFW
The application process for AUB as an OFW typically follows these steps:
- Pre-qualify: Contact AUB directly or through a broker to assess your eligibility based on income and property type.
- Prepare documents: Gather all required documents listed above. Have foreign-issued documents authenticated at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- Execute an SPA: If applying remotely, prepare a Special Power of Attorney for your Philippine-based representative.
- Submit application: Your attorney-in-fact submits documents to the nearest AUB branch handling home loans.
- Property appraisal: AUB will conduct an appraisal of the property you're purchasing or using as collateral.
- Credit evaluation: AUB reviews your income, credit history, and debt obligations.
- Loan offer: If approved, AUB issues a loan offer letter with rate, term, and conditions.
- Loan closing: Documents are signed, notarized, and registered. Your representative handles this locally.
Processing time typically ranges from 4 to 10 weeks, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and the completeness of your application.
AUB vs. Refinancing Your Existing Home Loan
It's important to distinguish between two different situations:
Situation 1: You want to buy a new property
If you're purchasing a home in the Philippines while working abroad, AUB's OFW home loan is a valid path. You should compare their offer with at least 2–3 other banks to ensure you're getting a competitive rate and terms.
Situation 2: You already have a home loan
If you already own a home and are currently paying a home loan — whether with AUB, BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, or any other bank — you may be overpaying significantly. Many OFWs took out home loans years ago when rates were higher, and have never refinanced.
Refinancing allows you to move your existing loan to a bank offering a lower rate, without selling your property or starting over. Nook compares rates across 10+ Philippine banks and handles the entire process for you — for free.
If you're unsure whether your current loan qualifies, read our guide on special refinance rates available to OFWs.
Why OFWs Choose Nook Over Going Directly to a Bank
Applying for a home loan or refinance directly with a Philippine bank as an OFW is doable — but it's time-consuming, confusing, and you're relying on a single bank's offer. Here's why OFWs across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America use Nook instead:
- 100% free service: Nook is paid by the bank, not by you. There are no broker fees.
- Remote-first process: Everything can be done online. No branch visits required for you.
- Multiple bank comparison: Nook submits to multiple banks simultaneously and presents you with the best offer.
- OFW income expertise: Nook's team understands OFW documentation requirements and knows which banks are most OFW-friendly.
- Dedicated support: You have a real loan specialist who coordinates with banks, your attorney-in-fact, and all parties on your behalf.
Whether you're looking at your first home purchase or refinancing an existing loan, Nook simplifies the process significantly.
Common OFW Questions
Frequently Asked Questions from OFWs About AUB Home Loans
Can I apply for an AUB home loan while working abroad?
Yes. AUB accepts home loan applications from OFWs. You will typically need to designate a Philippine-based attorney-in-fact through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to represent you in signing and submitting documents locally. Your SPA must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are working.
What income documents does AUB require from OFWs?
AUB typically requires your valid employment contract, Certificate of Employment with compensation, latest 3–6 months of payslips, and bank statements showing your remittance history to the Philippines. Sea-based workers will also need to provide their crew contract and discharge papers. All foreign-issued documents may need to be authenticated or apostilled.
What is the minimum loan amount and maximum term for AUB home loans?
AUB's home loan terms and minimum amounts can vary. Generally, Philippine banks offer loan terms of up to 20–25 years and minimum loan amounts starting around 500,000 to 1,000,000 pesos. Confirm the latest terms directly with AUB or through Nook, as these are subject to change.
Do I need a co-borrower if I'm an OFW applying for an AUB home loan?
Not always, but having a Philippine-based co-borrower — such as a spouse — can strengthen your application and simplify the process. Some banks require a co-borrower for OFW applicants, while others do not. AUB's specific policy on this should be confirmed during your pre-qualification discussion.
How long does AUB home loan processing take for OFWs?
Processing typically takes 4 to 10 weeks from the date of complete document submission. Delays are common when documents are incomplete, require re-authentication, or when the property appraisal takes longer than expected. Working with a mortgage broker like Nook can help keep the process on track by anticipating and resolving issues proactively.
What interest rates does AUB offer OFW home loan applicants?
AUB's indicative rates for OFW home loans generally range from around 6.75% to over 10% p.a. depending on the fixing period and your loan profile. These rates are not publicly advertised and are subject to change. It's important to compare AUB's offer with other banks — which Nook can do for you at no cost.
I already have a home loan in the Philippines. Can I refinance it while working abroad?
Yes, and this is one of the most impactful financial moves an OFW can make. If your current rate is above 7%, you could potentially refinance to as low as 5.99% p.a. through Nook. The entire process can be managed remotely, and Nook's service is completely free. See our page on OFW home loan refinancing to learn more.
Does AUB accept OFW applicants from all countries?
AUB generally accepts OFW applicants from major OFW destinations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries. The key requirement is that your employment is verifiable and your income is documented. Country-specific restrictions, if any, should be confirmed directly with AUB.
Is Nook's service really free for OFW borrowers?
Yes, completely free. Nook earns a referral fee from the bank when your loan is successfully processed — similar to how real estate brokers are compensated by sellers, not buyers. You never pay Nook a single peso for its services, regardless of whether your application is approved or not.