How to File for Repatriation
Updated: May 2026Na-update: Mayo 20267 min read7 minutong basahin
Repatriation is the process by which a former natural-born Filipino citizen who has lost Philippine citizenship can re-acquire it. Unlike RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship) which allows you to keep both citizenships, repatriation under certain laws may require renouncing your foreign citizenship. Repatriation is governed by several laws depending on how citizenship was lost: RA 8171 (for those who lost citizenship by marriage to a foreigner or for political reasons), Commonwealth Act No. 63, and RA 9225. This guide covers the repatriation process through the different applicable laws.
Overview
Cost
₱5,000–20,000
at Special Committee on Naturalization or BI
Timeline
3–12 Months
depending on the law/process
Key Fact
Different Laws Apply
depending on HOW you lost your Filipino citizenship
Repatriation vs. Dual Citizenship
RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship)
- Retain BOTH citizenships simultaneously
- Simpler and faster process
- For natural-born Filipinos who naturalized abroad
- $50–$100 at Philippine Consulate
- No need to renounce foreign citizenship
Repatriation (RA 8171/CA 63)
- Re-acquire PH citizenship by renouncing foreign citizenship
- For those who lost citizenship by marriage or political reasons
- Longer and more involved process
- Involves Special Committee on Naturalization
- ₱5,000–20,000 filing fee
Who Can Apply for Repatriation?
- Filipino women who lost citizenship by marriage to a foreigner (before 1987 Constitution) — under RA 8171
- Natural-born Filipinos who lost citizenship for political or economic reasons — under RA 8171
- Former natural-born Filipinos (general repatriation) — processed through BI or Special Committee
Requirements
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petition for Repatriation (prescribed form) | Obtain from the Bureau of Immigration or Special Committee on Naturalization |
| 2 | PSA Birth Certificate | To prove natural-born Filipino status (original, unlaminated) |
| 3 | Proof of former Philippine citizenship | Old Philippine passport, voter's registration, or other documentary evidence |
| 4 | Foreign passport and naturalization certificate | Original and photocopy of foreign citizenship documents |
| 5 | Marriage Certificate | If citizenship was lost by marriage to a foreigner (PSA copy) |
| 6 | NBI Clearance | National Bureau of Investigation clearance (valid and recent) |
| 7 | Police Clearance from country of residence | Authenticated/apostilled by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate |
| 8 | Tax Clearance from BIR | Bureau of Internal Revenue clearance to prove no tax liabilities |
| 9 | 2x2 and passport-size photos | Recent photos with white background |
| 10 | Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines | Taken after approval of repatriation petition |
| 11 | Filing Fee (₱5,000–20,000) | Depending on processing body (BI or Special Committee on Naturalization) |
Step-by-Step Repatriation Process
Step 1: Determine the Applicable Law
- RA 9225 — If you are a natural-born Filipino who became a citizen of another country through naturalization. This allows you to retain both citizenships.
- RA 8171 — If you lost Filipino citizenship by marriage to a foreigner (before 1987 Constitution) or for political/economic reasons. Processed through the Special Committee on Naturalization.
- Commonwealth Act No. 63 — General repatriation for former natural-born Filipinos. Processed through the Bureau of Immigration.
Step 2: Prepare All Required Documents
- Gather all documents listed in the Requirements table above
- Ensure PSA birth certificate is original and unlaminated
- Get NBI Clearance and police clearance from country of residence
- Have foreign documents authenticated/apostilled by Philippine Embassy
- Prepare 2x2 and passport-size photos with white background
- Obtain Tax Clearance from BIR if you had prior Philippine tax obligations
Step 3: File Petition with the Proper Body
- For RA 9225: File at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Manila or at the nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate if abroad
- For RA 8171: File petition with the Special Committee on Naturalization (under the Office of the Solicitor General)
- Submit all required documents and pay the filing fee
- Receive an official acknowledgment receipt and tracking number
Step 4: Background Check and Investigation
- The processing body will conduct a thorough background investigation
- NBI and police clearance will be verified
- Your identity and claim to former Filipino citizenship will be validated
- This process may take several weeks to months depending on the applicable law
Step 5: Hearing/Interview (for RA 8171 Petitions)
- For RA 8171 petitions, you will be called for a hearing before the Special Committee on Naturalization
- Be prepared to answer questions about how you lost your citizenship
- Bring all original documents for verification during the hearing
- A legal counsel is recommended but not required
- Note: RA 9225 applications typically do not require a formal hearing
Step 6: Take Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines
- Upon approval of your petition, you will be scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance
- The oath is administered by an authorized government official
- For those abroad, the oath may be taken before the Philippine Consul General
- This is a solemn ceremony — dress appropriately
Step 7: Receive Order of Approval and Identification Certificate
- After taking the oath, you will receive the Order of Approval for your repatriation
- An Identification Certificate (IC) will be issued as proof of your re-acquired Philippine citizenship
- Keep these documents safe — they are essential for future transactions
- You may now apply for a Philippine passport and register as a voter
Complete Example: Lourdes's Repatriation Story
Lourdes, a Filipina who married a Japanese national in 1985 and lost her Philippine citizenship, applied for repatriation under RA 8171 through the Special Committee on Naturalization. After submitting all documents and going through the investigation, she took the Oath of Allegiance and received her Identification Certificate (IC) after 8 months.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee (Special Committee) | ₱10,000 |
| NBI Clearance | ₱155 |
| PSA Birth Certificate | ₱155 |
| PSA Marriage Certificate | ₱155 |
| Photos (2x2 and passport-size) | ₱200 |
| Philippine Passport (after repatriation) | ₱1,300 |
| Total | ~₱11,965 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Reminders
- Determine the correct law first — RA 9225, RA 8171, or CA 63. Filing under the wrong law will delay or invalidate your application.
- Original documents only — submit originals with photocopies. Laminated or photocopied-only documents will be rejected.
- Foreign documents must be authenticated — police clearance and other foreign documents must be authenticated/apostilled by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate.
- Keep all receipts and tracking numbers — you will need them to follow up on the status of your petition.
- Processing times vary — RA 9225 is faster (1–3 months); RA 8171 takes longer (6–12 months).
- The Oath of Allegiance is a mandatory requirement — repatriation is not complete until you have taken the oath.
- Secure your IC — the Identification Certificate is your proof of re-acquired citizenship. Keep it safe and make certified copies.
- Consult the DFA or BI for the most current requirements, as rules and fees may change.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the repatriation process, you can reach the following government offices:
- Bureau of Immigration (BI): (02) 8524-3769 / (02) 8521-2235
- DFA Hotline: (02) 8234-3488
- Office of the Solicitor General: (02) 8723-1744
- DFA Website: dfa.gov.ph
- BI Website: immigration.gov.ph
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.