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Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition

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Republic Act No. 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act), which took effect on 17 September 2003, makes the citizenship of Filipinos who acquire foreign citizenship permanent. It declares that former natural-born Filipino citizens who acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization are deemed NOT to have lost their Philippine citizenship and can re-acquire or retain such by taking the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.

A Primer on the Dual Citizenship Act (from the Commission on Overseas Filipinos)

 

Steps on Applying for Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition (Dual Citizenship)

Steps for Dual Citizenship 1

Prepare your documents.

Basic Requirements:

  1. One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of the duly accomplished application form (download PDF or PDF Fillable);
  2. Three (3) colored passport-size photos of the applicant on white or royal blue background, taken within the last six (6) months;
  3. Proof of natural citizenship (original must be presented and will be returned to the applicant):
    1. For applicants born in the Philippines: Two (2) photocopies of Birth Certificate (BC) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);
    2. For applicants born abroad: Two (2) photocopies of Report of Birth (ROB) issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General having jurisdiction over the place where the applicant was born; or
    3. If BC or ROB is not available, other documentary proof of the applicant being a former natural-born Filipino citizen (baptismal certificate AND marriage certificate of applicant’s parents);
  4. Proof of naturalization: Two (2) photocopies of Certificate of Nationality or other proof of naturalization that indicates the date and place of naturalization, with sworn English translation, apostillized by the legalization department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country (original must be presented);
  5. Two (2) photocopies of foreign passport (data page) or residence/identity card;
  6. Two (2) photocopies of old Philippine passport, if still intact;
  7. For applicants with dependent minor children (below 18 years old):
    1. Fee of €25.00 per dependent;
    2. Two (2) colored 2x2 or passport-size photos taken within the last six (6) months;
    3. Two (2) photocopies each of the international version of BC apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (original must be presented); and
    4. Two (2) photocopies each of passport data page OR residence/identity card;
  8. For married women applicants: Two (2) photocopies of PSA-issued Marriage Contract or English version of the Marriage Certificate if issued in another country and apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy of the country of origin (original must be presented); and
  9. Application Fee: €50.00.
Steps for Dual Citizenship 2 Go to the Embassy's appointment scheduling page and select a schedule to submit your requirements.
Steps for Dual Citizenship 3 Go to the Philippine Embassy to submit your requirements on your selected schedule.
Steps for Dual Citizenship 4 A consular officer will call you for your Oath of Allegiance ceremony schedule. These are usually done on Thursdays, 14:00H at the Embassy.
Steps for Dual Citizenship 5 Take your Oath of Allegiance in front of the consul on the appointed date at the Embassy.