OVERVIEW

Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 or the Dual Citizenship Law, allows former natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization to retain or reacquire their Philippine citizenship. This is done by taking an oath of allegiance before a Philippine Consular Officer.

Once Philippine citizenship is retained or reacquired, individuals are entitled to full civil, economic, and political rights as Filipino citizens.

GENERAL INFORMATION

To be eligible for dual citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, you must be a former natural-born Filipino citizen who became a naturalized citizen of another country.

You can also include your unmarried children under 18 years old in your application so they can become Filipino citizens too. Their presence is not necessary during the appointment.

WHO IS CONSIDERED A NATURAL-BORN FILIPINO?

To be eligible for dual citizenship under RA 9225, you must be a former natural-born Filipino citizen who has become a naturalized citizen of another country.

You are a natural-born Filipino citizen if you were:

• Born starting January 17, 1973: One of your parents was a Filipino citizen when you were born.

• Born before January 17, 1973 and your parents were married: Your father was a

• Filipino when you were born. Or, if your father was not a Filipino, you elected Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority (21 years of age).

• Born before January 17, 1973 and your parents were not married: Your mother was a Filipino when you were born.

If you were born outside the Philippines on or after 17 January 1973, you are a Filipino citizen as long as one of your parents was a Filipino citizen at the time of your birth.

So if one of your parents was Filipino when you were born in the United States, you are a dual citizen at birth. If this applies to you, you are already Filipino by birth and do not need to apply for dual citizenship. You only need to file a Report of Birth to the relevant Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over the place of your birth for recognition as a Filipino citizen.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Prepare your documents. Complete your required documents before going to the Philippine Consulate. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
2. Application for Civil Registry Services may be submitted through the following means:
   • By Mail
     Philippine Consulate General

     Attn: Dual Citizenship Section
     9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N
     Houston, Texas 77042, USA

   • Personal Submission
     Appointment is not required for this service, go to the Consulate to submit your application form and supporting documents, and pay the processing fee. Minors are not required to be present at the appointment.
3. Take the Oath of Allegiance. Together all dual citizenship applicants for the day, attend the briefing and take the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines in front of a Philippine Consular Officer.
4. Receive your Identification Certificate. After taking the oath, you will receive your dual citizenship identification certificate. Your dual citizenship identification certificate will bear all the names you have used in your application documents.

REQUIREMENTS

Please note that the consular officer may request additional documents to verify an applicant’s identity and/or citizenship, and to ensure the accuracy and completeness of personal information. Kindly be advised that the Consulate does not have photocopying or printing facilities available on site.

1. Application Form
   • Complete the Application Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship
   • Applicants must not sign the application. This must be signed before a Consular Officer during your appointment.
2. Birth Certificate
   • Original and one (1) photocopy of the birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on security paper (not from the Local Registry Office). See sample here.
   • If you do not have a birth certificate issued by the PSA on security paper, please order online through https://psahelpline.ph/
   • If the PSA has no record of your birth certificate (please present PSA negative certification as proof), you may submit any two (2) of the following documents issued from the Philippines:
     • Old Philippine Passport
     • Philippine Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registry (LCR)
     • Philippine Marriage Certificate issued by the NSO/PSA or the LCR
3. US / Foreign Naturalization Certificate
   • Original and one (1) photocopy of the Naturalization Certificate issued by the foreign government
   • If the US / Foreign Naturalization Certificate is not available, execute an Affidavit of Explanation for not submitting Naturalization Certification
4. PH and Foreign Passports
   • Original and one (1) photocopy of the data pages of both Philippine and foreign passports, whether valid or expired
5. Photographs
   • Two (2) identical 2” x 2” colored photos
   • Taken within the last six (6) months and with a plain white background
   • Without eyeglasses or colored contact lens
   • Clearly showing the full front view of the face
   • Blurred and low-quality photos are not accepted
6. For Change of Name
   • Original and one (1) photocopy of documents that will support the change of name such as:
     • PSA Marriage Certificate / ROM / US or Foreign Marriage Certificate
     • Annotated birth certificate
     • Annotated marriage contract to show annulment/divorce/court order
     • Death certificate of spouse
     • Birth certificate before and after adoption
     • Court decision or order on adoption and Certificate of finality
   • Your dual citizenship identification certificate will bear all the names you have used in your application documents. However, if you are getting a Philippine passport, only PSA-issued documents can be used as a basis for the name on your Philippine passport.
7. Payment
   • USD 50.00 processing fee for Principal Applicant
   • USD 25.00 for Affidavit of Explanation for not submitting Naturalization Certification
   • Accepted payment methods include CASH, money order payable to “Philippine Consulate General”, or credit card (with convenience fee)

RELEASING

You will get all processed documents (Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance, and Order of Approval) when the principal petitioner has taken the oath. Upon receipt of your documents, please examine them if they were duly signed by the Consular Officer. The documents are invalid if not signed.

a. Petition for Inclusion of Dependent Application Form

• Duly accomplished Petition for Inclusion of Dependent Application Form
• Applicants must not sign the application. This must be signed before a Consular Officer during your appointment.

b. Petitioner’s Dual Citizenship Papers

• Original and one (1) photocopy of Petitioner’s Dual Citizenship 
  • Oath Of Allegiance;
  • Identification Certificate; and
  • Order of Approval

By Pick up
Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 3:00pm

After five (5) business days, submit the official receipt to claim your document. In case you will not be available to receive it personally, a representative must submit the official receipt, an authorization letter with your signature, and valid IDs of both you and your representative to claim the document. 

No appointment is needed to personally claim your passport. 

By Mail
Please allow five business days for the processing and release of your document/s. Applicants may choose to receive their document/s either by mail – using a self-addressed, stamped envelope provided by the applicant

The Philippine Consulate General assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss during mail delivery, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service.  

For further inquiries, please send an email through: pcghouston.citizenship@gmail.com

A. Principal Applicant and Dependent Child

Apply for Philippine Passport (Optional)

As a dual citizen, it is not mandatory to apply for a Philippine passport.  You may use your US passport when travelling to the Philippines. You simply have to present your dual documents to the Philippine Immigration Officer as proof of Philippine citizenship, per the Bureau of Immigration’s Operation Order No. SBM-2014-045 dated 30 September 2014 which is in force and still in effect.  

Individuals who have just retained/reacquired their Philippine citizenship and who wish to apply for a Philippine passport will need to make a separate application and submit the requirements as specified in “Passport for Dual Citizen”.

Requirements for application for a new passport may be found here.

To secure an appointment for passport application, visit www.passport.gov.ph.

B. For Dependent Child

Born in the US whose parents were already US citizens at the time of child’s birth.

STEP 1
Report the birth to the appropriate Philippine Embassy/Consulate which has jurisdiction over the place of birth.

Click here for information about requirements and procedure in reporting the birth. 

STEP 2
Apply for a Philippine Passport

The child is eligible to apply for a Philippine passport immediately after reporting the birth to the appropriate Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Click here for information about requirements and procedure in applying for a Philippine passport.

1. Who are eligible for dual citizenship?

• Natural-born Filipino citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. The following are considered natural-born Filipino citizens:
  • LEGITIMATE CHILD BORN BEFORE 17 JANUARY 1973: The father was a Filipino citizen at the time of the child’s birth, as indicated in the PSA Birth Certificate.  If the father is not Filipino, the child must have formally elected Filipino citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
  • ILLEGITIMATE CHILD BORN BEFORE 17 JANUARY 1973: The mother was a Filipino citizen at the time of the child’s birth, as indicated in the PSA Birth Certificate.
  • CHILD BORN ON OR AFTER 17 JANUARY 1973: The father or mother was a Filipino citizen at the time of the child’s birth, as indicated in the PSA Birth Certificate.

2. What document should I present to prove that I am a natural born Filipino?

• Applicant shall submit his/her Birth Certificate (original and photocopy) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), formerly National Statistics Office (NSO). If you do not have a copy of your birth certificate, you may request a certified copy online through their website: https://psahelpline.ph/

3. Will my application for dual citizenship under R.A. 9225 affect my U.S. citizenship?

• Prospective applicants for dual citizenship under R.A. 9225 are advised to visit and read the contents of the website of the U.S. Department of State which contains information about current U.S. government policy on dual nationality, or to seek legal advice from a U.S. immigration lawyer.
  

4. I am unable to present my U.S. Certificate of Naturalization at the time of my application, what will I do?

• If the US / Foreign Naturalization Certificate is not available, execute an Affidavit of Explanation for not submitting Naturalization Certification

5. What should I wear for the Oath Taking Ceremony?

• The ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event. Please dress in a proper attire to respect the dignity of the event.

6. I still have a valid Philippine passport even though I am already a naturalized U.S. Citizen. Once I apply for dual citizenship, can I still use the same passport or do I have to apply for a new one?

• No, you can no longer use your valid Philippine passport and the same will be cancelled physically by the Consular Officer. Applicants are asked to surrender their existing Philippine passports (if still valid) and are advised to apply for a new one only after taking their Oath as a dual citizen and not earlier. The latest Philippine passport has been rendered null and void the moment you were naturalized as a U.S. citizen.

7. What is the validity of a Philippine passport?

• The application for a Philippine passport is a separate transaction. Applicants remain ineligible to apply for a new passport until they have taken their oath.

8. Am I required to apply for a Philippine passport once I become a dual citizen as proof of my Philippine citizenship?

• Application for a Philippine passport is optional and not mandatory. It should be noted that the Identification Certificate issued by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General is considered sufficient proof of Philippine citizenship for those persons entering or leaving the Philippines holding foreign passports. Applicants may also apply for a Philippine passport, which is considered a universally recognized government issued identification document (ID).

9. Since I’m a dual citizen, what passport should I present when entering and departing the Philippines?

• Persons who wish to declare their dual citizenship are advised to present their foreign passport as well as their valid Philippine passport and/or Identification Certificate upon entering and departing the Philippines.

10. Can my spouse, who is a foreign national, live with me in the Philippines?

• An immigrant visa may be issued to a Filipino citizen’s foreign spouse that entitles him/her to permanently reside in the Philippines. Said visa may be obtained by applying at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General and with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. The validity of the visa, however, is contingent upon the Filipino citizenship of his/her spouse.

11. I am a dual citizen and I will travel with my foreign spouse and children to the Philippines. Does my foreign spouse and children need to secure additional travel document/s from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General beforehand?

• • Under the Balikbayan Program, a Filipino citizen’s foreign spouse and children traveling to the Philippines do not need to secure other travel documents because they are entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year, among other privileges provided they travel together with the former Filipino spouse or parent. Otherwise, if the foreign spouse or child is a visa-required national, he or she would need to apply for an appropriate visa. 
    
    Please note that at this time of pandemic, the Balikbayan Program may be suspended.  As such, the foreign spouse or child may need to apply for an entry visa.  For inquiries, please send an email to houstonpcg.visa@dfa.gov.ph.

12. Is there a residency requirement to be eligible for dual citizenship?

• Residency in the Philippines is not a requirement for those who reacquired/retained their Philippine citizenship. Those who intend to vote in local elections, however, must establish residence in the locality where they wish to vote.

13. Since I am a dual citizen, can I permanently reside in the Philippines?

• You can now reside in the Philippines indefinitely and for as long as you want without having to apply for a Philippine visa and pay immigration fees. You can even choose to retire or permanently reside in the Philippines, provided you show proof of your Dual Citizenship (e,g, Identification Certificate) together with your U.S. passport upon arrival and departure in the Philippines.

14. What are the rights and privileges that I would enjoy when I get my dual citizenship?

• You will enjoy all full civil, economic and political rights enjoyed by Filipino citizens. Among them are:
  1. Travel using a Philippine passport
  2. Ownership of real property in the Philippines {subject to limitations provided by law)
  3. Engage in business, trade and commercial activities
  4. Practice one’s profession, in accordance with existing Philippine Laws; A person who has reacquired Philippine citizenship may be able to practice his/her profession in the Philippines, provided that he/she applies with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Supreme Court for Lawyers, and other applicable Philippine agencies or bodies for a license or permit to engage in such professional practice. Those appointed to a public office shall make a sworn renunciation of the oath of allegiance to the country where they took their oath.
  5. Exercise of right to vote or suffrage during Philippine elections and that the individual must comply with the residency requirement under existing Philippine election laws. The person or individual may, however, vote overseas in Philippine national elections (for President, Vice-President, Senators and sectoral representatives) in accordance with the provisions of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003.
  6. Your foreign spouse also becomes eligible for an immigrant visa.
  7. All other rights and privileges enjoyed by Filipino citizens.

15. What do I need to know about payment of Philippine Travel Taxes?

• Travel Tax exemption is being granted to dual citizens departing the Philippines and returning to the U.S. whose arrival is stamped on the Philippine passport and whose stay does not exceed one (1) year. For this purpose, a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate is issued upon presentation of both the Philippine and US passports. A processing fee of PHP 200.00 is collected for every certificate issued.

  Dual citizens whose stay in the Philippines exceed one (1) year will pay the travel tax irrespective of which passport they use for travel.

16. Will I be required to pay Income Tax/Other Taxes in the Philippines?

• Only Income/s earned in the Philippines will be subject to Philippine Income Tax. Prospective applicants are advised to visit and read the contents of the website of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, which contains information about current U.S. government policy on taxes on incomes earned worldwide, or to seek legal advice from a U.S. tax lawyer.