Filipinos in Nagoya can vote in the 2028 Philippine national elections without flying home. To do that, you first need to register as an overseas voter before the deadline.
Overseas voter registration is now open at the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya. The process is simple: prepare your documents, fill out the right form, and appear in person for your biometrics.
Important Dates for the 2028 Philippine Elections
Save these dates and plan ahead:
- Overseas Registration Period: December 3, 2025 to September 30, 2027
- Overseas Voting Period: The Overseas Voting Period is from April 9, 2028 to May 8, 2028.
- Election Day: Philippine election day will be on May 8, 2028.
Registration closes months before voting begins. Appointment slots can fill up quickly near the deadline, so register early.
Who Can Register as an Overseas Voter
Overseas voting is open to Filipino citizens living or working abroad, including workers, seafarers, students, permanent residents, and dual citizens. If you live in Nagoya and expect to still be abroad during the voting period, you can register.
Basic Qualifications
You can register if you meet all of these:
- You are a Filipino citizen, by birth or naturalization. Dual citizens under Republic Act No. 9225 also qualify.
- You live abroad or will be abroad during the Overseas Voting Period, April 9, 2028 to May 8, 2028.
- You are at least 18 years old on or before May 8, 2028.
- You are not disqualified under Philippine law.
Who Cannot Register
You may not be able to vote if any of these apply to you:
- You lost your Filipino citizenship and did not reacquire it.
- You renounced Philippine citizenship or pledged loyalty to another country. Dual citizens who reacquired Filipino citizenship under RA 9225 are the exception.
- You were convicted of a crime with a final sentence of at least one year in prison. You can regain your right to vote five years after completing your sentence, or sooner through a plenary pardon or amnesty.
- You were declared insane or incompetent by a proper authority. This no longer applies once that authority certifies you are competent again.
Unsure about your status? Contact the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya before you apply.
Registration Requirements
Prepare these before your appointment so you can finish in one visit.
Documents to Bring
- Valid Philippine passport: Bring the original and a photocopy of the data page.
- No valid passport? Bring a certification from the Consulate stating that your documents are enough for passport issuance, or that you hold a valid passport but can’t present it for a valid reason.
- Dual citizens: Bring the original and a photocopy of your Order of Approval or Identification Certificate for reacquiring Filipino citizenship.
- Seafarers: Bring a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or another document showing your seafarer status, along with your passport or certification.
- Completed Overseas Voter Form 1 (OVF1): This is the official registration form.
Personal Appearance
You must appear in person so staff can capture your biometrics, including your photo, fingerprints, and signature. This step keeps your registration secure and protects you from identity misuse.
Already registered with complete biometrics? You may be able to use the Office for Overseas Voting’s Virtual Frontline Services for certain applications, such as updating your records.
How to Register: Step by Step at PCG Nagoya
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your valid passport and any extra documents that apply to you, such as dual citizenship papers or a Seaman’s Book. Make photocopies ahead of time.
Step 2: Fill Out the OVF1 Form
You have two options:
- Online: Use COMELEC’s iRehistro platform for overseas voters. Enter your details carefully, then generate your OVF1 form with its QR code.
- On paper: Get a blank OVF1 form from the Consulate or download it from the COMELEC website.
If you use iRehistro, save the form as a PDF and print it on A4 paper.
Step 3: Book an Appointment with the Consulate
Schedule your overseas voter registration appointment through the contact details or channels published by the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya. The post has previously accepted appointment requests by email at votersreg.nagoyapcg@gmail.com. Check the Consulate’s website or Facebook page for the current booking method before sending your request.
Step 4: Submit Your Application in Person
Go to the Consulate on your scheduled date. Submit your printed OVF1 form and documents, then complete your biometrics capture.
Tip: The Consulate also holds consular outreach missions in nearby cities, where overseas voter registration may be offered. Follow its announcements if traveling to Nagoya is difficult for you.
Step 5: Wait for Verification
The Resident Election Registration Board reviews your application and confirms your eligibility. Watch for Consulate announcements on approved applications.
Step 6: Check the Certified List of Overseas Voters
Before the voting period starts, look for your name on the Certified List of Overseas Voters. If it’s there, you’re ready to vote from Japan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the deadline. Appointment slots get scarce in the last months before September 30, 2027.
- Bringing an expired passport. Renew it first or request the proper Consulate certification.
- Errors on your OVF1. Double-check your name, birth date, and address before printing.
- Skipping the CLOV check. Confirm your name is on the list before heading to vote.
Transferring Your Registration to the Philippines
Moving back home before the elections? File a transfer application at the Office of the Election Officer in the city or municipality where you plan to vote. Local voter registration rules will apply.
Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya Contact Information
- Address: Hiroya Building, 3-31-3 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan 460-0008
- Telephone: +81 (0) 52-211-8811
- Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Website: nagoyapcg.dfa.gov.ph
- Facebook: facebook.com/PHinNagoya
Get Registered Early
Registering as an overseas voter takes a little preparation and one visit to the Consulate. Once you’re done, you can vote in the 2028 Philippine elections right from Japan.
Your next steps:
- Check that your passport is valid.
- Fill out your OVF1 form through iRehistro.
- Book your Consulate appointment well before September 30, 2027.
Your voice counts, even from abroad. Register early and help shape the future of the Philippines.
Contact Information
Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, Japan
Address: Hiroya Building, 3-31-3 Sakae, Naka-ku Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken Japan 460-0008
Contact number: +81(0) 52-211-8811
Office hours: 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Website: https://nagoyapcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinNagoya