How to Renew OWWA Membership
OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership is valid for two (2) years or for the duration of your employment contract, whichever comes first. Under EO 126 and RA 11641, all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are required to maintain active OWWA membership to continue accessing welfare benefits, programs, and services. Renewal can be done online through the OWWA website or mobile app, or in person at OWWA regional and overseas offices. Whether you are renewing from the Philippines or from your country of deployment, the process is straightforward and can be completed within a few minutes online or in a single visit at an OWWA office.
When Should You Renew?
You should renew your OWWA membership under any of the following circumstances:
- Upon signing a new employment contract or getting a contract extension — renewal must be completed before deployment or within the first month of your new contract
- When your current OWWA membership expires (after 2 years) — even if you have not changed employers or contracts
- Before availing of any OWWA benefit or program — such as the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), repatriation assistance, disability or death benefits, or the reintegration program
- When transferring to a new employer or changing job site abroad — a new membership contribution may be required
Online vs. In-Person Renewal
OWWA provides two convenient methods for renewing your membership. Both methods require the same contribution fee of USD 25 (or its Philippine peso equivalent):
Online Renewal
- Available 24/7 through the OWWA website or app
- Can be done from anywhere in the world
- Payment via online banking, GCash, or credit card
- Digital membership confirmation issued instantly
- No need to visit an office or submit physical documents
In-Person Renewal
- Done at any OWWA regional or field office
- Also available at Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) abroad
- Payment in cash (PHP or USD) at the office
- Physical receipt and membership validation issued on-site
- Ideal for OFWs who prefer face-to-face assistance
Requirements
For Online Renewal
- Active OWWA account on the OWWA website or mobile app
- Valid passport number (must match existing OWWA records)
- Current employment contract or proof of overseas employment
- Payment method: online banking, GCash, Maya, or credit/debit card
- Valid email address and mobile number for confirmation
For In-Person Renewal
- Valid passport (original + photocopy of data page)
- Employment contract or job order (verified by POLO or recruitment agency)
- Previous OWWA membership record or receipt (if available)
- OFW Information Sheet (available at the OWWA office)
- USD 25 or PHP equivalent for the membership fee
Note: If you are a first-time member, you must register through the OWWA registration process instead. Renewal is only for OFWs who have previously been registered as OWWA members. If your records cannot be found in the system, you may need to visit an OWWA office for manual verification.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Renew OWWA Membership Online
Step 1: Log in to Your OWWA Account
• Visit the OWWA website (owwa.gov.ph) or open the OWWA mobile app
• Enter your registered email and password
• If you don't have an account yet, create one using your passport number and personal details
Step 2: Select "Renew Membership"
• From the dashboard, click on "Membership Renewal" or "Renew"
• The system will automatically pull up your existing membership record
• Verify that your personal information is correct and up to date
Step 3: Update Your Employment Details
• Enter your current employer's name and address
• Provide your job title, contract duration, and country of deployment
• Upload a copy of your employment contract (if required)
Step 4: Pay the Membership Fee (USD 25)
• Choose your preferred payment method: online banking, GCash, Maya, or credit/debit card
• Confirm the payment of USD 25 (or PHP equivalent)
• Wait for the payment confirmation notification
Step 5: Receive Your Membership Confirmation
• A digital membership confirmation will be sent to your registered email
• You can also download or screenshot your updated membership status from the app
• Your renewed membership is valid for 2 years or for the duration of your contractHow to Renew OWWA Membership In-Person
Step 1: Visit the Nearest OWWA or POLO Office
• In the Philippines: go to any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO)
• Abroad: go to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
• Office hours are typically Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
• Present your valid passport and employment contract
• Fill out the OFW Information Sheet provided at the office
• Provide your previous OWWA membership record or receipt if available
Step 3: Pay the Membership Fee (USD 25)
• Pay USD 25 or the Philippine peso equivalent at the cashier
• Keep your official receipt as proof of payment
Step 4: Get Your Membership Validated
• The OWWA staff will process your renewal and update your records
• You will receive a validated membership receipt or e-card
• Your renewed membership is valid for 2 years or for the duration of your contract
Step 5: Verify Your Updated Membership Online
• Log in to the OWWA website or app to confirm your membership status
• Ensure your membership validity dates are updated
• Save or screenshot your membership details for your recordsExample Explained
Step 1: Start by logging in to your OWWA account on the official website (owwa.gov.ph) or mobile app. If you already have an account from your initial registration, use the same login credentials. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" feature to reset it via your registered email. New users who were registered manually (before the online system) may need to create an online account first by entering their passport number and personal details for verification.
Step 2: Once logged in, navigate to the "Membership Renewal" section. The system will display your current membership record, including your name, passport number, previous employer, and membership validity dates. Review this information carefully. If any details are incorrect (e.g., name spelling, passport number), contact OWWA support to have them corrected before proceeding with the renewal.
Step 3: Update your employment details to reflect your current or new overseas job. Enter your current employer's name, address, and country. Provide your job title, monthly salary, and contract duration. If you are renewing with the same employer, simply confirm that your details are still accurate. Some cases may require you to upload a scanned copy of your verified employment contract.
Step 4: Proceed to payment. The OWWA membership renewal fee is a flat USD 25 (or approximately PHP 1,400, depending on the exchange rate). Choose from the available payment methods — online banking, GCash, Maya, or credit/debit card. After confirming payment, you will receive a transaction reference number. Keep this number for your records.
Step 5: After successful payment, your renewed membership will be activated immediately. You will receive a confirmation email with your updated membership details, including the new validity period (2 years from the date of renewal or the duration of your contract, whichever comes first). You can download your digital membership confirmation from the OWWA website or app at any time.
Complete Example: Renewing OWWA Membership
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Carlo is an OFW working as an electrician in Saudi Arabia.
His current employment contract is about to end, and he has
signed a new 2-year contract with the same employer. His
OWWA membership expired 3 months ago. He wants to renew
online so he can continue accessing OWWA benefits.
What Carlo Prepares:
• His OWWA online account credentials (email and password)
• Valid Philippine passport (for reference number)
• New employment contract (scanned copy)
• GCash account loaded with at least PHP 1,400
Carlo's Renewal Process:
Step 1 — Logs in to owwa.gov.ph using his registered email
Step 2 — Clicks "Renew Membership" on the dashboard
Step 3 — Reviews his personal info; updates employer details
Step 4 — Uploads scanned copy of new employment contract
Step 5 — Selects GCash as payment method; pays PHP 1,400
Step 6 — Receives confirmation email with updated membership
Result: Carlo's OWWA membership is renewed!
His membership is now valid for another 2 years. He can:
• Continue accessing OWWA welfare benefits
• Apply for the EDSP scholarship for his children
• Avail of repatriation assistance if needed
• Access the reintegration program upon return to the Philippines
Total Cost: USD 25 (approx. PHP 1,400)
Total Time: About 10–15 minutes (online)
Validity: 2 years or duration of contractRenewal Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Renewal Fee | USD 25 | Standard contribution for all OFWs; covers 2 years of membership or the duration of the employment contract, whichever comes first |
| PHP Equivalent | Approx. PHP 1,400 | Based on prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment; may vary slightly |
| Late Renewal Penalty | None | There is no penalty for late renewal; however, benefits are suspended during the period your membership is expired |
| Online Processing Fee | Varies | Third-party payment processing fees may apply depending on the payment method used (e.g., GCash, credit card) |
Note: The USD 25 membership contribution covers your access to all OWWA programs and benefits, including education scholarships for dependents, repatriation assistance, disability and death benefits, and the reintegration program. This fee is the same for both online and in-person renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I renew my OWWA membership while I am abroad?
Yes, you can renew your OWWA membership while you are abroad. You have two options: (1) renew online through the OWWA website (owwa.gov.ph) or mobile app — this is the most convenient option as it is available 24/7 from anywhere in the world; or (2) visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country. Both methods require payment of the USD 25 membership fee.
Q: Is there a grace period if my OWWA membership has already expired?
There is no official grace period for expired OWWA memberships. Once your membership expires, your benefits are automatically suspended until you renew. However, there is no penalty or additional fee for renewing after expiration — you simply pay the standard USD 25 renewal fee. It is highly recommended to renew before your membership expires to ensure uninterrupted access to OWWA benefits, especially in case of emergencies such as repatriation or medical assistance.
Q: Can I renew my OWWA membership without a new employment contract?
In most cases, OWWA renewal requires a current or new employment contract as proof that you are still working overseas. However, if you are renewing while still under the same employer and contract, you may use your existing contract for renewal purposes. If you are a balik-manggagawa (returning worker) with the same employer, your contract extension or renewal letter from your employer may be accepted. Contact your nearest OWWA office or check the OWWA website for specific requirements based on your situation.
Q: Where can I renew my OWWA membership in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, you can renew your OWWA membership at any OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) located in major cities and provinces nationwide. You can also renew at OWWA satellite offices, One-Stop Service Centers for OFWs, and during PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) sessions. Some recruitment agencies also facilitate OWWA membership renewal as part of the deployment process. Alternatively, you can renew online through the OWWA website from anywhere in the Philippines.
Q: How can I check my OWWA membership status?
You can check your OWWA membership status through several methods: (1) Log in to your account on the OWWA website (owwa.gov.ph) and view your membership dashboard, which shows your membership validity dates and status; (2) Use the OWWA mobile app to check your membership details; (3) Send an inquiry to the OWWA Member Services hotline at (02) 8551-6641 or email memberservices@owwa.gov.ph; or (4) Visit any OWWA Regional Welfare Office and request a membership verification. You will need your full name, passport number, and date of birth for verification.
Q: What happens if my OWWA membership expires while I am working abroad?
If your OWWA membership expires while you are abroad, you will lose access to OWWA benefits and services until you renew. This means you will not be covered for repatriation assistance, disability or death benefits, and you will not be able to apply for the EDSP scholarship for your dependents. In case of emergencies, OWWA may still provide limited assistance on a humanitarian basis, but full benefits require an active membership. To avoid any gaps in coverage, renew your membership online or at the nearest POLO before it expires.
Important Reminders
- The OWWA membership renewal fee is USD 25 (or its PHP equivalent) — beware of fixers or unauthorized agents who charge additional fees for processing your renewal
- Always renew through official channels only: the OWWA website (owwa.gov.ph), OWWA mobile app, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices, or POLO offices abroad
- Your membership is valid for 2 years or the duration of your employment contract, whichever comes first — mark your calendar so you don't forget to renew
- Benefits are suspended during the period your membership is expired — renew before expiration to ensure uninterrupted coverage
- Keep a copy of your payment receipt and membership confirmation — you may need it when filing benefit claims or verifying your membership status
- If you encounter issues with online renewal (e.g., account not found, payment errors), contact the OWWA Member Services hotline at (02) 8551-6641 or email memberservices@owwa.gov.ph
- Employers or recruitment agencies cannot deduct the OWWA membership fee from your salary without your written consent — the contribution should be voluntary
- Under RA 11641 (Department of Migrant Workers Act), OWWA continues to administer the welfare fund for OFWs — all existing OWWA programs and benefits remain in effect
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the OWWA you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest OWWA first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.