AUB Home Loan Requirements for OFWs (2026 Guide)
Asia United Bank (AUB) is one of the Philippines' growing commercial banks offering housing loan products to Overseas Filipino Workers. Whether you're based in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, or anywhere else in the world, AUB allows qualified OFWs to apply for a home loan with a designated attorney-in-fact or authorized representative handling the process back home.
Before diving into the requirements, it's worth understanding the full picture — not just how to qualify, but whether the rate AUB offers you is truly the best available. More on that below.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old at time of application
- Not more than 65 years old upon loan maturity
- Actively employed abroad with a valid work contract or visa
- Minimum gross monthly income of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 pesos (or foreign currency equivalent), though this varies by loan amount
- Must have a Philippine-based co-borrower or attorney-in-fact for document signing and processing
Documentary Requirements for OFW Applicants
AUB typically requires the following documents for OFW home loan applications. Requirements may vary depending on your employment type (land-based vs. sea-based) and country of deployment.
Personal Documents
- Duly accomplished AUB Home Loan Application Form
- Two valid government-issued IDs (passport, driver's license, PRC ID, etc.)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (NSO/PSA-authenticated)
Income Documents
- Certificate of Employment with compensation (notarized or authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate)
- Latest 3 to 6 months' payslips or payroll records
- Latest 3 to 6 months' remittance records or bank statements showing salary credits
- Employment contract (POEA-verified for land-based OFWs, or MARINA documents for sea-based)
- OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) or eOEC
For Sea-Based OFWs
- Crew contract authenticated by POEA or verified shipping agency
- Seaman's Book (Seafarer's Identification and Record Book)
- Allotment receipts for the past 3 to 6 months
Collateral / Property Documents
- Certified True Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT)
- Tax Declaration (land and improvement)
- Vicinity map and lot plan with geodetic engineer's certification
- Contract to Sell or Deed of Sale (for purchase transactions)
- Latest Real Property Tax receipts
Attorney-in-Fact (SPA) Requirement
Since you're abroad, AUB will require a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing a Philippine-based representative to sign documents on your behalf. The SPA must be notarized and authenticated (apostilled) by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country. If you're in the UAE, this can be done at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Loan Features at a Glance
- Loanable Amount: Typically up to 80% of the appraised value of the property
- Loan Term: Up to 20 years
- Interest Rate: Fixed for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years, then repriced
- Purpose: Purchase, construction, renovation, or refinancing of residential property
What OFWs Often Miss: The Repricing Risk
Here's something many OFWs overlook when applying for a home loan — the initial fixed rate period eventually ends, and your bank will reprice your loan based on prevailing market rates. If you took out your AUB loan (or any Philippine bank loan) a few years ago, there's a strong chance you're now paying a rate between 7% and 10% per annum.
With Nook, many OFWs have been able to refinance down to as low as 5.99% p.a. — a rate that can translate to tens of thousands of pesos in annual savings. Learn how OFW home loan refinancing works and what rates are available today.
Already Have an AUB Home Loan? You Might Be Overpaying
If you currently have a home loan with AUB and your fixed rate period has already ended — or is about to end — this is the best time to explore your options. Refinancing means moving your existing loan to a new lender at a lower interest rate, potentially saving you a significant amount every month without requiring a new property purchase.
Here's a quick illustration:
| Loan Balance | Current Rate | Monthly Payment | Refinanced Rate (5.99%) | New Monthly Payment | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000,000 | 8.50% | ~26,350 | 5.99% | ~21,600 | ~4,750 |
| 5,000,000 | 8.00% | ~41,800 | 5.99% | ~36,000 | ~5,800 |
| 7,000,000 | 9.00% | ~63,000 | 5.99% | ~50,400 | ~12,600 |
Estimates based on 20-year remaining term. Actual figures may vary.
Why OFWs Choose Nook for Refinancing
- 100% Free Service: Nook is completely free for borrowers. Banks pay Nook a placement fee, not you.
- Remote-Friendly Process: No need to fly home. Nook's process is designed for OFWs managing everything from abroad.
- Multiple Bank Comparison: Nook compares rates from BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, RCBC, EastWest Bank, and more — so you get the best deal, not just the first offer.
- Dedicated OFW Support: Nook's team understands the unique documentation and income verification challenges OFWs face.
How to Get Started
Whether you're still researching an AUB home loan application or you already have an existing home loan you want to refinance, the process with Nook is straightforward:
- Submit a free online inquiry at nook.com.ph
- A Nook mortgage specialist will reach out to assess your situation
- Nook matches you with the best available rate from partner banks
- Your authorized representative in the Philippines assists with document submission
- Loan is processed and approved — savings start immediately
If your existing home loan has a high outstanding balance or a debt-to-income ratio concern, don't worry — Nook also has solutions for borrowers with higher debt ratios who still qualify for better rates.
Common OFW Questions
Frequently Asked Questions from OFWs About AUB Home Loans
Can I apply for an AUB home loan while I'm working in the UAE?
Yes. AUB accepts home loan applications from OFWs working abroad, including those based in the UAE. You will need to designate an attorney-in-fact (via a notarized and apostilled Special Power of Attorney) to represent you and sign documents in the Philippines. Your employment contract, payslips, and remittance records will serve as primary income verification.
How do I get my documents authenticated while I'm in the UAE?
Documents that require authentication must be brought to the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. This includes your Certificate of Employment, Special Power of Attorney, and any notarized income documents. The process is called apostille authentication and typically takes a few business days. Contact the consulate ahead of time to schedule an appointment.
What income is counted for AUB's OFW home loan qualification?
AUB typically counts your gross monthly salary as indicated in your employment contract or payslips. For OFWs, foreign currency income is usually converted to Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate. Consistent remittance history (at least 3 to 6 months) helps strengthen your application. If you have a co-borrower in the Philippines, their income may also be combined with yours to meet the minimum income requirement.
What is the maximum loan amount I can get from AUB as an OFW?
AUB typically lends up to 80% of the appraised value of the property for residential home loans. The actual amount you qualify for depends on your gross monthly income, the property's appraised value, your existing obligations, and AUB's internal credit assessment. For a property appraised at 5,000,000 pesos, you could potentially borrow up to 4,000,000 pesos, subject to income eligibility.
I already have an AUB home loan. Can I refinance it through Nook?
Yes. If your AUB home loan has already entered its repricing period — or is about to — Nook can help you refinance to a lower rate with another bank. Nook compares rates from multiple Philippine banks and finds you the best available deal. The service is completely free to you. Many OFWs currently refinancing through Nook are securing rates as low as 5.99% p.a., compared to the 7% to 10% they were paying after repricing.
How long does the AUB OFW home loan application process take?
Processing time can vary, but most home loan applications in the Philippines — including AUB — take between 4 to 8 weeks from submission of complete documents to loan approval. Delays often occur due to incomplete requirements or authentication backlogs. Having a reliable attorney-in-fact in the Philippines who can follow up on your behalf significantly speeds up the process.
Does AUB require a co-borrower for OFW home loan applicants?
Not necessarily, but having a Philippine-based co-borrower can strengthen your application — especially if your income alone is close to the minimum threshold. A co-borrower's income can be combined with yours to increase the loan amount you qualify for. Common co-borrowers include a spouse, parent, or sibling who is gainfully employed in the Philippines.
Is Nook's refinancing service really free for OFWs?
Yes, 100% free. Nook is compensated by the bank that takes on your refinanced loan, not by you. There are no broker fees or consultation charges. OFWs can use Nook's full service — from rate comparison to loan processing assistance — without paying anything out of pocket for Nook's involvement.