How to Apply for Dual Citizenship (RA 9225)
Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, allows natural-born Filipinos who have become citizens of another country to retain or re-acquire their Philippine citizenship. This means you can hold BOTH your foreign citizenship and Philippine citizenship simultaneously. This law recognizes that many Filipinos naturalized abroad still maintain strong ties to the Philippines. Application is processed through Philippine Embassies/Consulates abroad or through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines.
Overview
Cost
$50-100 USD
At consulate or ~₱5,000 at BI Philippines
Timeline
1-3 Months
Processing time varies by consulate/embassy
Key Fact
Keep Both Citizenships
You retain your foreign citizenship while re-acquiring Philippine citizenship
Who Can Apply?
Naturalized Former Filipinos
Natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country (e.g., became a US, Canadian, or Australian citizen).
Lost by Marriage
Former Filipinos who lost citizenship by marriage to a foreigner (before the 1987 Constitution took effect).
Derivative Citizens
Children of those who re-acquired citizenship (derivative citizenship for unmarried children below 18 years old).
⚠️ RA 9225 does NOT apply to foreigners who want to become Filipino citizens. It only applies to those who were ORIGINALLY natural-born Filipinos.
Rights Retained/Acquired
Upon re-acquiring Philippine citizenship under RA 9225, you are entitled to the following rights:
- Right to own property in the Philippines
- Right to engage in business in the Philippines
- Right to practice profession (with PRC requirements)
- Right to vote (must register with COMELEC)
- Right to hold Philippine passport
- Right to enter/exit Philippines without visa
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Oath of Allegiance | Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines (taken at the consulate/embassy or BI) |
| Application Form | Duly accomplished application form (available at the consulate or BI office) |
| Foreign Passport | Original and photocopy of foreign passport (all pages with entries) |
| Naturalization Certificate | Original and photocopy of naturalization certificate or proof of foreign citizenship |
| PSA Birth Certificate | To prove natural-born Filipino status (original, unlaminated, ₱155 from PSA) |
| Photos | 2x2 and passport-size photos (white background, recent) |
| Application Fee | $50-100 at consulate / ~₱5,000 at Bureau of Immigration |
| For Derivative Citizens (Minor Children) | PSA Birth Certificate of the child, proof of parent-child relationship, parent's IC or Order of Approval |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Eligibility Check:You must be a natural-born Filipino who became a citizen of another country.Confirm the following:- You were born a Filipino citizen - You voluntarily became a citizen of another country - You have proof of your naturalization abroad - You have proof of your Filipino birth (PSA Birth Certificate)NOT Eligible:- Foreigners who were never Filipino citizens - Those who lost citizenship for reasons other than naturalization abroad (e.g., treason, desertion)Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents
Documents Checklist:✓ Completed application form ✓ Original + photocopy of foreign passport ✓ Original + photocopy of naturalization certificate ✓ PSA Birth Certificate (original, unlaminated) ✓ 2x2 and passport-size photos (white background) ✓ Application feeFor Derivative Citizens (Minor Children):✓ PSA Birth Certificate of the child ✓ Proof of parent-child relationship ✓ Parent's Identification Certificate (IC)Additional Documents (if applicable):- PSA Marriage Certificate (if married) - Court order for name change (if any) - Affidavit explaining discrepancies in documentsStep 3: Apply at the Nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate or Bureau of Immigration
If You Are Abroad:- Visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate - Check their website for schedule and requirements - Some consulates accept walk-ins, others require appointments - Bring all original documents + photocopiesIf You Are in the Philippines:- Apply at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) - Main Office: Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila - Bring all original documents + photocopies - Pay the application fee (~₱5,000)Application Process:1. Submit completed application form 2. Present all original documents for verification 3. Pay the application fee 4. Schedule your Oath of AllegianceStep 4: Take the Oath of Allegiance
The Oath of Allegiance:"I, [Name], solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and legal orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines."Important Notes:- Administered by the Philippine Ambassador, Consul General, or authorized officer - In the Philippines, administered by BI Commissioner or authorized officer - You must personally appear to take the oath - No representative allowed - This is the most critical step in the processStep 5: Receive the Order of Approval and Identification Certificate (IC)
After Taking the Oath:- Your application is forwarded to DFA Manila for processing - DFA issues the Order of Approval - You will receive your Identification Certificate (IC)Processing Time:- Consulate/Embassy: 1-3 months - Bureau of Immigration: 1-2 months - Some consulates issue IC on the same day as oathThe IC Contains:- Your full name - Date and place of birth - Date of re-acquisition of citizenship - Photo and signature - This serves as your proof of Philippine citizenshipStep 6: Apply for a Philippine Passport (Optional but Recommended)
After Receiving Your IC:- You are now eligible to apply for a Philippine passport - Apply at the same consulate/embassy or at DFA in the Philippines - Present your IC as proof of citizenshipPassport Requirements:- Identification Certificate (IC) - PSA Birth Certificate - Foreign passport (for reference) - Passport-size photos - Passport fee: ₱1,300 (regular processing)Why Get a Philippine Passport?- Easier entry/exit to the Philippines - Use as Philippine government ID - Required for some transactions in the Philippines - You can hold both foreign and Philippine passportsComplete Example: Jose's Dual Citizenship Application
Jose, a natural-born Filipino, became a US citizen in 2015. He applied at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. He submitted his US naturalization certificate, PSA birth certificate, and took the Oath of Allegiance. He received his IC after 6 weeks. He then applied for a Philippine passport.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (Consulate) | ~$50 |
| PSA Birth Certificate | ₱155 |
| Photos (2x2 and passport-size) | ~$10 |
| Philippine Passport (later) | ₱1,300 |
| Total | ~$60 + ₱1,455 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my foreign citizenship?
No. Under RA 9225, you keep both citizenships. You retain your foreign citizenship while re-acquiring your Philippine citizenship. You can hold both passports and enjoy the rights and privileges of both countries.
Can I vote in Philippine elections?
Yes. After re-acquiring Philippine citizenship, you can register with COMELEC as an overseas voter. You will be able to vote in Philippine national elections (President, Vice President, Senators, Party-list) through the overseas absentee voting program at your nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate.
Can I run for public office in the Philippines?
Yes, but you must first renounce your foreign citizenship before filing your candidacy. RA 9225 requires those seeking elective public office to make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any authorized public officer.
Can my children get derivative citizenship?
Yes. Unmarried children below 18 years of age of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship are deemed citizens of the Philippines. This is called derivative citizenship. You need to submit their PSA birth certificate and proof of parent-child relationship along with your application.
Do I need to live in the Philippines?
No. There is no residency requirement under RA 9225. You can re-acquire Philippine citizenship and continue to live abroad. You do not need to maintain a residence in the Philippines. However, if you wish to vote, you must register as an overseas voter.
Can I own land in the Philippines?
Yes. As a dual citizen under RA 9225, you are considered a Philippine citizen and can own land and real property in the Philippines. This is one of the major benefits of re-acquiring Philippine citizenship, as foreign nationals are generally prohibited from owning land in the Philippines.
What is the Identification Certificate (IC)?
The Identification Certificate (IC) is the official document that serves as proof of your re-acquired Philippine citizenship. It is issued after you take the Oath of Allegiance and your application is approved. The IC contains your name, photo, date of birth, and date of re-acquisition. You will need the IC to apply for a Philippine passport and for other transactions requiring proof of citizenship.
Important Reminders
- Personal appearance required: You must personally appear at the consulate/embassy or BI to take the Oath of Allegiance. No representative allowed.
- Original documents only: Bring original documents plus photocopies. Laminated documents may not be accepted.
- PSA Birth Certificate: Must be from PSA (not local civil registry) to prove natural-born Filipino status.
- Check with your foreign country: Some countries may have restrictions on dual citizenship. Consult with your foreign country's immigration laws.
- Keep your IC safe: The Identification Certificate is your proof of re-acquired citizenship. Store it securely and keep copies.
- Tax implications: Dual citizenship may have tax implications in both countries. Consult a tax professional for advice.
- Travel with both passports: When traveling to the Philippines, use your Philippine passport. When traveling to your other country, use your foreign passport.
- Report civil status changes: Notify the Philippine Embassy/Consulate of any changes in civil status (marriage, divorce, etc.).
- Derivative citizenship: File for your minor children's derivative citizenship at the same time as your application to save time and effort.
Need Help?
If you have questions about dual citizenship under RA 9225, you can reach the DFA through the following channels:
- DFA Hotline: (02) 8234-3488
- Email: oca@dfa.gov.ph
- Website: dfa.gov.ph
- Bureau of Immigration: immigration.gov.ph
- Facebook: @dfaphl
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DFA you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DFA first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.