Because it was Independence Day on the 12th, I am inspired to post about this topic. How to become a citizen of the Philippines if you are a foreigner? Perhaps you are an American or Canadian, or British or Japanese or Korean or Australian and you decided to get Philippine citizenship for some reasons. This post is for you.
How to become a Filipino Citizen if Foreigner
There are millions of Filipinos who want to migrate to other countries and decide to leave their citizenship and adopt the new ones or decide to have dual citizenship; however, there are some foreigners who want to become Filipino citizens. If they meet the requirements, they will be granted the citizenship. The most common way to get this is through Naturalization.
Before we give the ways on how to get Philippine citizenship, let us first discuss who the citizens of the Philippines are and how to become a Filipino citizen.
Philippine Citizenship Law
There are 3 bases in Philippine nationality law:
- By Birth
- By Blood
- By Naturalization
By birth a.k.a Jus soli is quite self explanatory. It means you’re an automatic citizen if you were born in the Philippines soil or territory.
By blood a.k.a. Jus sanguinis is also obvious. You are a citizen if any of your parents is a Filipino citizen on your birth date according to the Philippine Nationality Law.
By Naturalization according to the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines is the judicial act of adopting a foreigner and clothing him with the privileges of a native-born citizen. It implies the renunciation of a former nationality and the fact of entrance into a similar relation towards a new body politic.
- If you are a foreigner born and lived in the Philippines:
On June 2001, Republic Act 9139 was approved and it provides that foreigners under 18 years old who were born and resided in the Philippines and have resided here since birth and meet the specified qualifications under the act may be granted citizenship. Such requirements and qualifications are posted in this link. If you want to file for a petition, you are required to file 5 copies containing what is required on Section 5 under that RA 9139.
- If you are a foreigner who was not born in the Philippines:
The Revised Naturalization Law may be applicable for you.
The following are the requirements according to the Section 2 of the Revised Naturalization Act of the Philippines on how to acquire citizenship by naturalization:
He must not be less than 21 years of age on the day of the hearing of the petition;
He must have resided in the Philippines for a continuous period of not less than 10 years;
He must be of good moral character and believes in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution, and must have conducted himself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of his residence in the Philippines in his relation with the constituted government as well as with the community in which he is living;
He must own real estate in the Philippines worth not less than P5,000, Philippine currency, or must have some known lucrative trade, profession, or lawful occupation;
He must be able to speak or write English or Spanish or anyone of the principal languages;
He must have enrolled his minor children of school age in any of the public or private schools recognized by the Bureau of Public Schools of the Philippines where Philippine history, government and civics are taught or prescribed as part of the school curriculum, during the entire period of the residence in the Philippines required of him prior to the hearing of the petition for naturalization as Philippine citizen;”
However:
Under Section of 4 of the Revised Naturalization Law, the following persons cannot qualify for Philippine citizenship:
Persons opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments;
Persons defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault, or assassination for the success and predominance of their ideas;
Polygamists or believers in the practice of polygamy;
Persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude;
Persons suffering from mental alienation or incurable contagious diseases;
Persons who during the period of their stay in the Philippines, have not mingled socially with the Filipinos, or who have not evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions, and ideals of the Filipinos;
Citizens or subjects of nations with whom the Philippines is at war
Citizens or subjects of a foreign country other than the United States, whose laws do not grant Filipinos the right to become naturalized citizens or subject thereof.”
Philippine Citizenship through Marriage
Can you become a Filipino citizen if you married a Filipino? Lots of foreigners think if you have married a Filipino, they can also become a Filipino citizen right away. The fact is you won’t be entitled automatically.
If you have married a Filipino, you are entitled to the citizenship privilege your spouse have received when he/she married you. Unlike a foreigner who can apply for citizenship if he stayed for 10 years here, you being married to a Filipino allow you to apply after 5 years instead.
Under the law of Naturalization, you must take an oath and renounce your citizenship and leave your former nationality. Your wife however can choose to be a citizen of this country or your country or both according to the Philippine Dual Citizenship Law.
It is surprising how lots of foreigners and people want to settle and become citizens here while lots of Filipinos want to leave the country. The Philippines is a beautiful country and the weather is so nice. But jobs and the economy are not so good due to not so nice political splice and corruption.
Anyhow, it’s still a nice place to retire and to enjoy paradise. The world’s most beautiful beaches are here. The friendliest people are here, too. Life is easy and simple. Anyone can survive comfortably even just having one job.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional lawyer or an expert of immigration. I am only sharing this post as a result of my research and a brief background of Law from my college degree.
I am married to a Filipina and have stayed in the country for over 6 years. I am also a US citizen. It is stated here that a foreigner married to a Filipina who has resided in the country for more than 5 years can apply for citizenship by naturalization. Where and how do I submit my application for naturalization? Thanks.
Hi? My Mother’s mom and dad is pure indian. however, my mother born and raise here in Ph. She already has a PSA BC and PSA MC, PSA Death Cert as well because my father is already dead (which is a full blooded filipino). My question is, does she needs to get Certification of Naturalization? or anything like that?
She tried to get a Filipino Passport this afternoon and the consul told her to get one. very confusing. as indicated here, you are an automatic Filipino citizen when you were born here. right? please help.
I was born in (Subic Bay Navy Base) Olongapo in 1955. Both of my parents were Filipino citizens but at the time of my birth, my Dad had already switched his citizenship from Filipino to U.S.A . However, my mother kept her Filipino citizenship. We left the Philippines to immigrate to the U.S.A. when I was 9 years old. I am interested in obtaining dual citizenship (U.S.A./Philippines). My question is if I received dual citizenship, would my son, his wife, and two children ages 3 and 7, qualify to come to the Philippines to live. I understand that I would have to go through the process and paperwork but would they qualify?
Merlan, you can just get recognition as Filipino citizen, its very easy and cheapr
Hi, I’m wondering if my aunt is able to apply for Filipino Citizenship through blood, my great-grandfather was from the philipines and born about 1910, his daugther my aunt and my grandmother and other relatives were all born between 1939 and 1968 in Hawaii those born before 1959 were also born U.S. nationals, I’m wondering if any of them are allowed to petition for Filipino Citizenship, seeing as if my greatgrandfather were born in 1910 this would have meant that he were a U.S. national (at birth) as well due to the Philipinnes being under U.S. Jurisdiction.
I’m English in the Philippines married to Filipino Hilary just over four years been coming and going to the last eight years but the Philippines don’t be very transparent with a costings
and it frightens me because I am not got a large pension and I cannot find out all the costings and the time it takes to get residency something must change John Steeples
Hi good evening
My Name is Hassan moroccan im married filipina from ilo ilo …we get married in the Philippines …now we are living in the uae we get one child last mind i want him to hold the filipino passport not mine if theres any advices i can follow thank you so much in advance
technically by Philippine law the child is able to hold both nationalities since the law allows a dual citizenship
Hi I m from India.. And I have gf in Philippines .. We are not married because she Already married. And she’s husband leave her.. Few years before Already . We have in last year baby boy. On his birth certificate have my name as father. Many many time I will travel Philippines on tourist visa . But this time I want stay there long time with my son and with her. . Can you suggest me what type visa I apply. Can I have visa for my baby reference . . Pls help and reaply . Salamat
Same case on my bf situation, he is staying here for 1 year and now that were having a baby can he apply for Filipino citizen as well..
He cannot apply for citizen but can apply for TRV Temporal Resident Visa child born by Foreigner
Hello! I want to ask a question to get about filipino citizenship. I was born in Saudi Arabia having Pakistani father and Filipino mother. Now i am having pakistani nationality with my other mother name not birth mother name. But i want to take filipino nationality with my mother name can i be able to take nationality of philippines.
if your mother is alive you can go together to philippine embassy to apply for dual citizenship.
Hi,
My Name is Nic im from Bacolod City, Philippines, merried ako sa isang Kiwi dito kami nag pakasal sa philipinas noon 2014, at noong nag buntis sya ay, nag desisyun kmi na dun sa new zealand sya mangaganak sa 1st baby namin, . so my question is since i am a natural born filipino, so means kapag pumunta ang anak ko dito automatic na sila maging filipino or dapat pa applyan? what i imean do i need to apply him sa dual citizen. and how? and i want also my wife if she can also qualified for dual citizenship dito sa pinas,
help me please,, kais di na ako makakbalik sa nz, due to my medical unfit, so in time sila na dito ang mag move sa pinas,
thanks
Hi Nic, you have to register your baby with DFA first, to let them know that you wish to provide him with Filipino citizenship through blood. Once DFA has entered the application in their records, he is officially a Filipino Citizen, and you can legally acquire his Philippine birth certificate / passport. It’s an easy process, just takes a few months. Good luck.
Hi sir question kasi naka processes na po kmi ng mga requeirementrs sa DFA last year for dual citizen from nz immigration pina pa certify ko na a BIRTH CERT. naka red ribbon na po ito. kulang nalang ipasa para ma iprocess ito but sa masamang palad kinapus kmi ng budget sa stay namin sa maynila so ayon di ko naipasa, sir valid pa ba ang docs ng anak ko?
Hi,
I’m not sure I am in agreement with Angelo’s advice above. I was born in Australia to legally Filipino parents. However, upon returning to the Philippines, it was not automatic that I became a citizen. I had to undergo and apply for the process of RECOGNITION. It takes a few months. Here is the link to the immigration website for all the requirements: http://immigration.gov.ph/services/citizenship-retention-and-aquisition/recognition-as-filipino-citizen
@mrsvsqz because australia does not allow dual citizenship, when your parents became Australians they have renounce their filipino citizenship and thereafter whatever offspring they will have will automatically be australians even if you are of pure filipino blood.
I have a question about a naturalized Filipino who lost his Filipino citizenship.
Scenario:
Male, (let’s call him Pedro) born in the Philippines in 1960 to Chinese parents. Pedro then became a naturalized Filipino. Years later, Pedro became a naturalized US citizen which then meant he lost his Filipino citizenship.
RA9225 (PH citizenship retention and reacquisition kaw) applies only to natural-born Filipinos.
What are the implications for Pedro when it comes to living in the Philippines (he lives half of the year in the US and half in the Philippines)?
Hi, i got married with Philippina girl on 2009 . I have daughter also holding philippino passport. And i have my own property in manlia worth 2 Million pesos. I am a Pakistani National.
My question is can I apply for Philippine Citizenship???
yes if you have the qualifications and none of the disqualifications. there are different modes of acquiring citizenship, namely: jus soli (by place of birth , jus sanguinis (by blood) and naturalization. the philippines follows the by blood and naturalization. you cannot become a filipino by simply marrying a filipina. you have to go through the process. in your case, since you are a pakistani national/citizen, you may qualify under the revised naturalization law.
Good day. My mother was raised and born in the Philippines. But my grandfather is a Chinese and my grandmother is a Filipina. So our worried is hinde po kaya siya magkaproblem if kukuhanan namen siya ng passport. And what are the requirements and things na kailangan naming ayusin if ever maquestion ung nationality niya. Thanks in advance.
hello brother i am also living in Philippines almost 3 years and i got married in Pakistan since 2012 i want to apply Filipino citizenship but i dont know about procedure. i have two children Filipinos can you contact me maybe we can help each others i appropriated your feed back
My great grandmother was a Philippines national born in General Santos Can I claim citizenship through her
Hi. I was born here in the philippines and both my parents is american citizen nung pinanganak ako (pero na acquired lang nila yun kasi they stayed in U.S before, previous citizen talaga nila filipino). I’m already 24 years old now and i live here for like 24 years already and ngayon pa lang mag pprocess nang passport, I’ve never been sa U.S. because my parents got seperated and became complicated. Getting U.S. passport now is so difficult for me because they need too much requirements na wala na ko. My question is, can i still get philippine passport? I’m not really interested sa U.S. cit ko because ang hastle na for my age. Thank you if mag reply po kayo. GodBless.
I was born in the Philippines in 1961, my father is a chinese citizen and my mother is a natural born filipino, when I was 21 I was not able to to oath to become a Filipino citizen, I came here in Us with a chinese passport. Now I am thinking about going back to the Philippines permenetely, Am I qualify to get a dual citizenzhip? If not, how to I go about with this. Where do I start and what form do I use to apply? Please Help!
if your parents are married, you follow the citizenship of your father which is chinese because, under philippine law, you are a legitimate child. if they are not married, you follow the citizenship of your mother which is filipino because, being an illegitimate child, you follow your mother’s citizenship. In the latter case, however, under the 1987 constitution, you have to elect philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority within reasonable time (preferably 3 yrs based on jurisprudence). but as you said, you were not able to elect phil. citizenship. As a result, you cannot be a filipino citizen. Also, the dual citizenship law (RA 9225) applies only to natural-born filipinos who lost their filipino citzenship through naturalization or foreign citizenship. if you are chinese, you are disqualified under this law. Your remedy is to apply for naturalization under the Revised Naturalization Law.
hi atty. i have a question. i was born in the phillipines and both my parents are filipino but i am now a us citizen thru naturalization of my father. i am currently overstayed in the philippines for 9yrs what if i apply for dual citizenship would i still need to pay my overstaying penalty fees cost around 300k in the Bureau of immigration? Thanks
Hi, I’m a natural born Filipino with a filipino parent. I was not born in Taiwan. but my father is a Taiwanese. I acquired my Taiwanese citizenship by the principles of Jus Sanguines when I was a baby, I’ve been staying in Taiwan for the past 18 years, and my mom is planning to go back to the Philippines after I graduate from high school and I plan to apply for my Filipino Citizen
Under RA 9225, you don’t need to renounce your foreign citizenship if you acquire it by birth. In that case, do I need to renounce my Taiwanese citizenship if I apply my Filipino citizenship?
My common-law Filipina wife and I (I don’t believe in government marriage) view government–or what we might call the State–as a morally illegitimate entity. Moreover, I believe polygyny is morally acceptable. I guess I don’t qualify for citizenship then. Ha. Oh well. Oh, and may God strike us dead if we ever send our daughter to a government school, either here in the Philippines or anywhere else. Statism is a deadly cancer, and government indoctrination camps thankfully don’t have a monopoly on education. Homeschooling is a great option.
Our Son is a USA Citizen with a PR Card in Canada. The other son is a Duel USA/Canadian. The mothers grandparents were both born in the Philippines. The mother was born in USA. Could the sons still become Philippine citizens and live their if they desired.
We only knew that my father’s birth certificate states that he is a “Chinese” citizen.
He was born 1959 through a Filipina mother and a chinese father.
He’s applying now for a passport but got lost in the process due to this problem..
question is:
1. dad is 56 yrs old now, how do we get to fix his citizenship?
2. should he apply for chinese or filipino passport? – we prefer the latter. All his IDs states he’s a filipino..
Thanks!
Bev Ma-Morato
I am an American who has resided in the Philippines on a quota immigrant visa for 20 years. I have a 17 year old daughter born in the Philippines who received her American citizenship in 2013 and a U.S. passport in 2016. She is still studying and has never been to the U.S or any other country.
My question is; Does she have to apply for dual citizenship so that she can live, work, vote in the PI?
Assuming your wife (or your daughter’s mother) was a Filipino at the time of her (your daughter’s) birth, your daughter was a Filipino citizen at birth. Since she recently acquired US citizenship, she will have to re-acquire her Philippine citizenship and become a dual citizen in order to continue living, working, and voting in the Philippines. On a side note though, I also want to point out that if she already has some form of any government-issued ID that indicates her citizenship/nationality as Filipino, she’s very unlikely to be questioned about her “current status” in school or when finding employment. However, do take note that when filling up any kind of document or forms that she may be subject to a case if she falsely identify herself as a Filipino citizen without legally re-acquiring it first.
However, if your daughter’s mother is not a Filipino, then your daughter is not considered a Filipino at birth and will have to go through naturalization through some other means in order to become a citizen. As your dependent however, she may continue to legally study, live and work (but not vote) in the Philippines.
I live in Rep. of Ireland with my Filipina wife. We married in August 2012 in the Philippines. She moved to Ireland in May 2013. Can I apply for Filipino citizenship ?
Follow the rules under the Law of Naturalization
Hello, I have married a Filipina since 25 yrs. Our civil marriage has been accomplished in Philippines.I have a daughter 24 yrs and son 18 yrs old who are holding Philippine passport. We are both working and kids are studying here in middle east.. I am from Bangladesh and I have visited 5 times with my family in Philippines. But now due to the age factor, me and my wife going to retire. I would like to stay permanently with my family in Philippines. Would it be possible for me to get residence visa in Philippines. Please do advise me in this regards. It would be appreciated! Thanks-Dominic
You ca try to look up SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa). This will give you a permanent resident status in the Philippines and if you so desire, you can also apply for citizenship after 5 years. There are different visa types under this program and you can choose whichever one is most applicable to you. Good luck!
Mr. James, thanks for your explanation but a bit confusing, is that for me (Dominic) to obtain initially SRRV? From where to collect it before entering Philippines from local embassy or after entering in Philippines? Thanks once again!
I was born in the Philippines in 1972, my mother is Filipino & my dad was in the military. They were not married when I was born, but he signed my certificate of Live birth & I was considered automatically U.S. citizen. I do not even have an actual birth certificate. I tried to apply for Dual citizenship so I can eventually retire in the Philippines, but I was advise that I do not qualify since I’m not considered Philippine citizen at birth. I was also advised by the Embassy of the Philippines located in Washigton D.C. that I will need to go to Manila & apply for some type of form for the Philippines to recognize me as one of their own before I can even be eligible to apply for a Dual. Is there an easier way that I can do this stateside or any other options. The Embassy was not much help with details & was rushing me off the phone.
Whoever advised that you were not a citizen at birth must have been misinformed. If you a certificate of live birth (I assume from the hospital), there’s a big chance you also have a true copy of your birth certificate from NSO. You may try to request one from PSA and have it delivered to your home in the US. Once you have this, you can show it to any Philippine consulate anywhere in the US to re-acquire your citizenship and passport.
Hi, I’m a Filipina married to singaporean and we had 1 son who was born in china but holding singapore citizenship. Now we are all staying in phils. And plan to let our son study here in phils but the tuition for foreigner is too expensive. So I want to apply a philippine passport for him. But unfortunately he don’t have phil. birth cert cos he was born in china. Can you give me some advice what steps, requirements and right government dept that I need to go to check? Thanks!
Hello,
hope you can answere my question. I was born in the Philippines in 1969 and at the age of 18, as it was then I had to decide between the German and the Philippine Citizenship, as Germany did not allow a dual Citizenship. But as of today they do. Under what can I apply for a Phillipine Citizenship?
Brgds R.L.
You are a Filipino citizen by birth. All you need is your birth certificate and you can present it to the Philippine consulate in Germany to re-acquire your citizenship and passport.
a foreigner who, after five years of residence shall take Philippine citizenship can ‘buy land in the Philippines?
I buy land
And im 5 year living in the philippine
With my waif and 3 kids
I apply but Nathing
D dont accept my paper
Im paying my tix all
I cant understand why very hard here to beome philippine citizenship
In the USA only 3 year you beome citizenship
Why here very hard
hi my name is pravin shrestha im from nepal im 22 years old and im hving girlfriend from philippines we met in phippines college and our relation been 3 years ago i wana marry with her and settle with her how do i get philippines citizen ship can you give me some suggestion
hi my name is kim jung woo from korea im 26 years old i hv girlfriend from philippines she is 17 years old but she is pregnant by me what i do now to stay in philippines
I am an Indian within 3 month I am gonna to marry by Filipino girl frd . she is 26 and studying teaching job . she had two more years to complete . I don’t want to apply Philippine citizenship . but after marriage legally in both countries I want to stay with her in Philippine for two or three years so she can complete her studies . after that we both will come back to India and she is ready to live in India with me , so my doupt is is it possible for me to stay in Philippine 3 yrs , without job visa from multi national companies . ?? BC I am more business oriented ,.. Will find possibilities to open a small scale business ,.
yes but you will have to renew your visa every two months do not be late as the fines do mount up quickly also be advised that once you have been in the philippines for a period of 6 months before you can leave you must obtain a clearance from the B I now once you are married you can request to become a resident after all the forms are submitted and you pass the interview and pay the fees you will be given a probationary resident card current cost just for the card is around 11 t0 13,000 peso,s it will be good for one year at the end of that you go for you permanent residence card this will allow you and your wife to enter and exit the country as often as you wish now be for warned if you are coming here to start a loansharking or other illegal business my advice do not because they will deport you in a heart beat married or not the NBI has been doing a crackdown on people from your country that have engaged in illegal activities so do expect your process to be thorough
Why are you taking her away from her family and culture, to a far off country and alien culture? India is not a good country. I am a Filipina who lived there for 5 years, it was a nightmare. I know some Filipinas who made the mistake of going there and suffering heavily. sorry, no offense, but your country is not the kind of place for a Filipino to move and settle or adjust.
I have never been in India but I visited Manila, Philippine, once and found that this place is terrible. Not safe at all for foreigners. scammers are everywhere. I have few Filipino friends here and they all admitted with this.
What do you care where her husband is taking her? You apologize and say ‘no offense’ but you are indeed offensive in telling him that his country is ‘not a good country’. Doesn’t matter if you lived there for 5 years, take your racism elsewhere. If you want to warn his wife, choose your words carefully and be nice.
PS.
And Tristan is right
Hi,
I was born in 1968 here in the Philippines to parents who are both Chinese citizens at the time. My father was naturalized as a Filipino in the 1970s. I was raised and eventually had a family here as well (I married a Filipina, my 2 kids are Filipino citizens). I work here and pay taxes.
Do I qualify for naturalization under RA 9139? If not, what are my other options?
Assuming you lived in the Philippines since birth w/o interruptions, you qualify for RA 9139 naturalization
Dear
I have married, with Filipina women, for 6 year and i have 3 kids also
Im living here since 2014
and what are the procedures for Filipina passport or citizenship .
Where to apply and how ???
Can you plz asisst us
If you have or you know any atty can help us
Thanks
Hello my name is Garry and I’ve just married a Filipino woman in Canada and we have talked about retiring in the Philippines what type of requirements would I have to go through to be able to live in the Philippines . I am currently 57 years old and looking at retiring with the pension from both work and the Canadian government my wife owns a house and farm in the Philippines and we are looking at buying an oceanfront property for our retirement. She has one daughter from a previous relationship we have no children of our own but I am very much interested in retiring in the Philippines with my wife and my new daughter any and all information you could help with would be greatly appreciated . Thank you very much Garry.
its nice to meet you here mr Gary,I am Mrs digna lopez I recently relocated to Philippines, with my daughter,from the UK,I can share with you a very well enlighten information and procedures on how to go,just contact me via my email and I give you all needed information and requirement,
my email is serenalopezdigna@gmail.com
happy retirement in advance.
hi!
i would like to ask regarding my son who holds india and philippines passport.im an oversease filipino worker and got married to an indian here in saudi arabia as per rules,the child should inherit the fathers nationality.so we used the indian passport in going to philippines.we stayed there for 2 years and just last year i came back to saudi for employment.so i left our child in philippines in my parents care.so right now me and my husband are applying visa for him to come saudi arabia using indian passport.is there any problem that i can face in immigration upon coming here to saudi with my son?i.ve asked immigration 2 years back to extend visa of my son but according to them they cant do that because my son is a philippines passport holder.but my friend said that i have to cancel phil passport to avoid trouble.beacuse india dont recognize dual nationality.please give me a clear insight reagrding this matter thank you so much..
Your son cannot hold India and Philippine passport at same time. India does not offer Dual citizenship. India offers an OCI sticker which is not citizenship. Indian constitution forbids dual citizenship. If they catch you, your son could be arrested at the airport.
I’m Palestinian living in Kuwait marriage with Filipina since 2009 and I have 2 children have Filipino passport.
I hare that I can apply for 13A visa this visa let me live and work in the Philippine for ever.
Its true or not. please reply.
of course you can, start business under your wifes name and manged it yourself.
Hi! I hope you can help me out here, I have a few questions..How would I go about becoming a Filipino citizen? Because I don’t have any plans to go back to the states and I want to work here, because I have a family of my own. I was born in the U.S. but grew up in the Philippines ever since I was 5 years old. My father that I lived with here ever since, recently died and we weren’t able to renew my visa that has been expired for about 10 years. My mother (Filipina, but American citizen now) is working in Guam and is not supporting me. I am independent. I’m making my livelihood by doing online teaching for a friend in Japan, and it’s JUST enough to get by. I want to legally work here, so I can make extra. Any help would be appreciated! I hope there is hope for my situation. I don’t want to get evicted from the country or worse, go to jail. Please..
Start saving your money.. Its not free to become a citizen.
How much should I prepare? I can apply because I am married to a Filipina and here since more than 5 years.
Hi, Me and my wife are Japanese citizens working in the Philippine. We have our daughter born in Makati last October.
Can she acquire a Filipino citizenship? Thank you
She can, because she was born in the Philippines.
How is the process? I have kids, born here, I want them to acquire Filipino citizenship since they are still babies, so how should I go about it?
present the birth certificate given by the hospital where your kids are born and go to NSO to get certification.
hi ,
I have married, with Filipina women, and what are the procedures for Filipina passport or citizenship .
how many day/months/years are required for
Hi, to become a Philippine citizen, you must meet the criteria above (listed in the article)
HI,
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
COULD YOU EXPLAIN ABOUT PERMANAT RESIDENCE VISA (PR),
Through MARRIED WITH A FILIPINA PR also will granted?
Thanks
Im filipino and ive married to a foreigner , im living now in UAE and my husband in lebanon
Can he apply for the filipino citizenship ? How long it would take !!
He needs to meet the requirements under the Law of Naturalization
Salamat for All the Information, I am Indian National presently residing in India married to filipina. I want to live in phillipines permanently with my wife and acquire phillipines citizenship. I also want to know what’s best visa type can my wife apply for? getting me there? from whatever i can make out is as i am already legally married to filipina and if i stay there more than 5 years continously then she can file petition for me. Thanks A Lot
Dear Madam
I’m an Australian missionary married to a pinky for almost 19yrs
I have a son 16 born in Phil and attends school here.
I have a permanent residency with Icard. And have been living here almost 20yrs. How can I become a citizen is it an easy process concerning my situation.
Thank you for your reply.
Joe.Grima
you can apply following Naturalization Law
Hello,
Im born in belgium but my mom is a filipina, she was belgian citizen the time she gave birth to me .
I can not find clearly information about this but is there really no possibility for me to get a dual citizenship or something because im half blood ? Embasse just send me away to the immigration office in manilla but im just wondering what i can do .. im actually whiling to go back in philippines for my family and my mom is depresed so i guess she better enjoy her life there then staying here where we have no one anymore ..
Would love to have response..
Thank you
Find out first if Belgium allows dual citizenship
Hello, I am also in the same predicament. I am half, born in the country of my father(australia) where my mother had already became a new citizen of australia. I want to be eligable for dual citizen which seems ridiculous that if i was just 4 years younger I couldve applied under the child under 18yo rule. Did you find out any more information? I am also willing to sort it out in the philippines if need be.
hi am a indian citizen my wife is Filipino she gave birth to a baby girl last week can we get dual citizen for her.
The Indian government doesn’t allow dual nationality, but the Philippine government does. So your kid can only have either Indian or Filipino citizenship.
I’m currently going through the process of revoking my Indian passport in favor of a Filipino one so I can move and study in the Philippines.
paulo here im planning to do this he right way…u s passport….but living and working here in phils…..i have sss tin work permit from dole..want to become a citizen in 10 years……i heard that i cant leave the country even for one day or i cant get citizenship…..i heard that if i can prove im teaching i can get citizenship in two years?????? ……i have purchased two condos and plan to be here habang buhay….but want citizenship without marriage to a filipina…..can you clarify please???
Hi ask ko LNG po kc c mother ko was born in Bataan on 1949 ., her father is American while her mother is a Filipino .. Last year Inaapply ko sana c mother ng ph passport pero ayaw ng dfa kc nga daw po American daw cya kc anak ng American pero kasal c mother ko sa Tatay ko na Filipino tapos dito pa sya sa pilipinas ipinanganak at nanirahan .. Di pa rin ba cya tlga Filipino .. Pls help thanks
Your mother supposed to be naturally born Filipino citizen.
Filipino by birth
Jus soli (right of soil) which is the legal principle that a person’s nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth (e.g. the territory of a given state)
Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s. The Philippine adheres to this principle.
Filipino by naturalization which is the judicial act of adopting a foreigner and clothing him with the privileges of a native-born citizen. It implies the renunciation of a former nationality and the fact of entrance into a similar relation towards a new body politic (2Am.Jur.561,par.188).
Hi. I hope you could help me with my case. I was born and raised in the Philippines. My mom is a Filipina while my dad is a Korean. I’m currently holding Korean passport since I acquired Korean citizenship when i reached the age of 21. Do you think i can still apply for Philippine passport? What would the requirements be? Thank you and im hoping for your response
if you have a birth certificate from NSO, you are a legal filippino. You can use that birth certificate and get a Philippine passport.
Hi
I have been in the Philippines for 6 years, and now I’m going home, I am currently applying for Recognition as a Filipino citizen as both my parents were Filipino citizens at the time of birth, how long will the process take? And will I be able to leave Ph freely and immediately once It is complete and I receive identification as a citizen?
Hi
In the Revised Naturalization Law Section 2 of the Revised Naturalization Act of the Philippines thee is a statement as follows:
He must own real estate in the Philippines worth not less than P5,000,
How is this possible, as a foreigner it’s not allowed to have “Real estate” so far as I know
I think you can co-own if you have a Filipino spouse, – but it must be explicitly stated on their equivalent of the ‘title deeds’ and/or deed of sale etc. I think, but purchasing property is a tricky – long winded process, and you need expert advise.
What you didn’t mention is that if the foreigner is a woman that marries a Filipino man, then she automatically becomes a Philippine citizen. The law is a discriminates, but there is reason for this, the love from the woman is for the man, not the land she was born in.
I don’t know any law regarding marriage making someone a citizen in the Philippines even under Naturalization law, it was never mentioned
Hi
I was born in and raised in Hawaii, I came to ph to finish my hs, I have been here for 6 years and now that I graduated I am going home, I’m currently going to apply for recognition as a Filipino citizen, because both my parents were ph citizens at the time of birth, but how long will the process take, and one it’s complete and I receive identification of citizen, can I freely leave Ph and go back home to Hawaii?
Hello,
Firstly, I want to say thank you for making yourself available to all those who are in need of some good advice and assistance regarding all our needs.
I am a Taiwanese, I’ve recently been naturalized here in the Philippines. I am wondering if I am able to apply for dual citizenship for a Taiwanese passport and Filipino Passport.
Thank you in advance!
Sincerely
Carol
Hello Carol, may i inquire how you were able to acquire Filipino citizenship? I have a Korean friend who wants to become Filipino. I just read through the requirements under the law and i believe he is qualified. How long did it take for your application to be approved? Are you pure Taiwanese and born in Taiwan. Thanks a lot your information will go a long way to help my friend.
Hi Greg,
Yes I am pure Taiwanese. I applied for petition in the RTC. Your friend should hire a lawyer who specializes in cases like these. I applied for naturalization since 2009, as of now , i am under 2 years observation. I am not allowed to leave the country.
Your friend will need a lot of patience.
Good luck!
Hi i am a natural born citizen from philippines. Both of my parents are chinese, therefore i also carried their citizenship.. I am residing here in the phil since birth. And i want to take my board exam (pharmacy) did they allow me to take? Or not? I am desperate and confuse. Please help
Hi. I hope you can answer my query.
I am a natural-born Filipino citizen but I became a naturalized American citizen when I was around 12 or 13 I think. I returned here to the Philippines (with US Passport) in 2002 and studied here I was around junior high then. In 2005 I came back to US for Christmas break then came back to PH after. Since 2005, I have been staying here in the PHILIPPINES as a naturalized American, studied college and working.
Will there be a problem if I intend to go out the country again using US passport??? My mother never registered me then to any kind of documents when I arrived here in 2002 or 2005. Thank you for your help.
I believe the time has come for Philippines to amend the constitution and value the concept of family as a Catholic nation. It is compassionate to do so. Especially where there are marriages between Filipino citizens and Foreign citizens. I am a Roman Catholic and I have a Filipino wife, we are devoted to each other and to God and to our church, so we have one heavenly citizenship first and foremost in Christ and through the church. Secondly, during our wedding vows, we made the vow that whatever belongs to each one of us, belongs to each other. My citizenship is New Zealand, and my country also belongs to her now, as we are one. Same applies to the Philippines too. She got her residency and her citizenship of New Zealand. I have permanent residency status with the Philippines, while keeping my New Zealand citizenship.
Philippines as a catholic/Christian majority nation, values the family and considers the family as a sacred unit of culture, values and traditions. Therefore, a foreigner should not be treated as a “foreigner any more” but part of the Philippine family unit once married and unified. There are no divorce laws here either.
I want Filipinos and Philippine government to look at things from a Christian perspective when it comes to Citizenship for foreigners. I pray these following amendments be made in the future in light of the concept of family.
(1) Family is a united sacred concept. The husband and wife are unified as one and therefore, whatever belongs to each other, belongs to each other for eternity
(2) Make it easier to get dual citizenship for Foreign born spouses, as it is consistent with the values of a unified family and Christian values, not about “me and the other” selfish way of looking at things. If I as a Roman Catholic can sit in church, pray, take communion and be a fellow believer to my Catholic Filipino brethren, then the same love should be extended to me in all spheres.
(3) The citizenship 5 year residency requirement should include permission for breaks, I love m parents and I go to visit them in New Zealand. Isn’t that concept and part of family values and traditions? So breaks should be permitted, as in New Zealand they allow 5 years of waiting for citizenship but each year the person must spend up to 80% in New Zealand in order to get the citizenship, with visit breaks allowed abroad
(4) Renouncing foreign citizenship is wrong. Can I give up my parents and grandparents in favor of my wife? No or choose vice-versa? No. My family is one. My wife is part of my family and I am part of hers. So my New Zealand heritage and flag belongs to her and our children just as the opposite. New Zealand allows dual citizenship, so should Philippines based on that reciprocity.
These are some of my humble suggestions, also it is good if words like “alien” are removed and rather “non-Philippine citizens” are introduced, they are more humane and treat the foreigners as your fellow human beings in Christ rather than soulless words like “alien”. These are outdated American words that in some ways are no longer relevant to apply to human beings in the 21st century.
I don’t mean any offense to Filipinos, but I would like to encourage you to see things from a humane perspective and a Christian perspective. Some of these values are endearing even to atheists and secular people, because these values are endearing and is the bedrock of the Philippine nation and family values.
I hope that this letter and appeal can be spread to the honorable leaders of the Philippines, to whom Christ has entrusted the governance of this nation. Let this nation be the light to the world in whatever capacity it can be. Please spread this letter to the Philippine leaders if you can. Than you and God bless you.
Regarding Americans that renounce their citizenship of the USA. If you are receiving Social Security from the USA your Social Security payments can be terminated also this can affect your spouse if they are to collect your Social Security after you pass and they reach the age of 60 they will not be eligible so beware.
My friend I am from india…how long I can stay there in Philippines without Philippines citizen ship????my gf is in Philippines I want live there in Philippines nd work there….can I live there nd work there…nd how long I can stay…nd is I need to pay there visa fee…..how much in year…what is hole process of stay there long time pls tell me???
My mother was born a Filipina citizen. She migrated to the UK and was a British citizen when she gave birth to me, but applied for dual citizenship much later. She did not make me a dual citizen due to not knowing about registering children before I was in my 20s. I am close with my Filipino family and speak Tagalog, however she now really regrets not registering me as she is now elderly and would have to return to the Philippines, and wanted me to go too. I’ve been hesitant to accompany her because from what I’m reading, it seems I would be treated as a full-foreigner under Philippine law, and as such would not have permanent residency rights, or of employment unless within a field a Filipino citizen cannot do – AEP.. Is there any clause in Philippine law that can grant me dual citizenship or permanent residency on the basis of my Filipino heritage if I am to go? or am I just a dayo in the eyes of Phils. law?
I’m in almost the same exact situation as you. I am 26, and my mother never even registered as a dual citizen, let alone registered my birth (I was born in the US). But is there a strict limit as to when an unregistered foreign-born child of a Philippine citizen can register as a Philippine citizen? Although it’s obviously been a long time since I was born, I haven’t encountered any Philippine law strictly stipulating a time limit before one is no longer able to reclaim his or her natural right to Philippine citizenship.
You can be a citizen because your mother is a Filipino citizen. I suggest find a lawyer here in the Philippines
Hello,i am filipino and i married ukrainian girl but in hong kong.i want to apply for her citizenship in Philippines,what should we do?what requirements for me and my wife?
your wife can automatically acquire Philippine citizenship if she choose to. It’s only when a Filipino woman who marries a foreigner that has to follow certain rules.
good day,
i’m an indian.. and i been living here in philippines for 15 years now. am i allowed to get citizenship? if yes then how? thank you 🙂
It’s discussed above 🙂
Hi I married to a Singaporean we been living since 1999 we,are marriend in Philippines and we own house there ,we got 1 son I’m pilipino and we wanted t apply citizenship for my husband in Philippines,can u help us we’re to start to apply citizenship in Philippines,
Hey, so I’ve been looking around the internet but I can’t seem to find anything giving me what I am looking for. My great grandfather was born in the Philippines, as had been all of his family before him, however, everyone after him, my grandmother and mother, etc., have been born in Hawai’i (the US, of course). Are we considered Filipino citizens?
I think it applies only to your parents. If they haven`t been filipino at the time you were born, the citizenship “by blood” can not be applied. You can still do the naturalization after 10 year of staying in the Philippines. You may ask at a Bureau of Immigration to double check this.
I am ftom india and I want to start a business in phillipins what are the documents are required from my end.
i have some question
over stay na yung asawa ko dito sa pilipinas almost 2yrs,what is the best thing to do?gusto ko sya iapply for filipino citizen what is the other requirements?marami rin nagsasabi na malaki na daw penalty is it true?any suggestions?pls???
Pay the penalty first, then apply for naturalization. Just make sure that your husband or wife has all the qualifications under the law.
Saan po pwdeng magapply ng naturalization? 2 years na po kaming married ng husband Ko na Lebanese
hello there. your post was very helpful, and will be to others too. Thank you.
I would just like to know more details. Well, my father has been staying here at the Philippines for the past 25 years now, he have taken an oath at the lower and higher court to be a pledged Filipino citizen in order to get a Philippine passport, but till now he still dont have a passport. he have met all the requirements stated above. The osg at the Philippines is hindering him from getting his travel documents. May you give me suggestion on where can i send a letter regarding this matter? He was not able to leave philippines for the past 25 years now after renouncing his citizenship as a singaporean. We really need help. Thank you so much. Please leave a message at my email. thank you!
Hi. I think you can approach the Bureau of Immigration and ask assistance for that matter or better yet find a lawyer to expedite it
There must be a reason for this. Is there an unsolved criminal act? Yes, get a lawyer.
HI,
Re: Phil Citizenship by Naturalization
Could you kindly advice me via email ONLY (PLEASE) on the followings:
(1) I understand that under the ACT, one have to make a “Declaration of Intention” one year prior to the filing of petition for Naturalization.
Besides the exemption of been born in Philippine OR 30 years of continuous staying in the Philippine, is/are there any other exemption?
I am 63 years old, retired. holding a Permanent Resident Status and is married to a Filipina. Besides, I have been staying here continuously for more than 5 years.
Now, can I file my petition for Naturalisation IMMEDIATELY after I have make my Declaration of Intention with the Justice of Peace?
Thank you for your reply through my email.
Steve.
Hi! Im a Indian Nationality. I Married A Filipina. but we are living in gulf country. I want to live in philipines can I get citizenship in philipines.
You need to meet the requirements mentioned above
My friend, I am Indian and my wife is living in philippines with my 8 months son and i want make my son dual nationality passport and bring my wife also to India. please let me know, how can i make dual passport of my son.
i also have daughter in philippine with filipino wife..how i can bring my daughter india
I need help…
One of the requirement to become a Filippine citizen is to own a real estate not less than Php5,000 in the Philippine. But it also states that no foreigner can own a land. How can I own a house if I have no land to build on?
“He must own real estate in the Philippines, or must have some known lucrative trade, profession, or lawful occupation”
Under the present Constitution, a foreigner cannot own land. However, owning a condominium is considered as owning a real estate. Also, if you do not own a condo, you can still prove that you have known some lucrative trade or you have a profession or lawful occupation.
Helo. Am a foreigner studying math in the Philippines.I will marry a filipina soon. Will I be elligible to pay the local tuion rather than the foreign tuition please?
Local tuition is only for citizens
Where is your source that you must now give up your former nationality? I naturalized a few years ago, and was never asked to do this…
I was wondering about that. I say it one another website too but it seems there are other foreigners that somehow have dual citizenship. I
am also interested in having dual citizenship too and i’m engaged to a Filipina. So it’s possible I may live there in the future but i’d like to have some rights too.
I was born in New York 1981, and after birth we moved here in philippines. My parents are both filipino citizens and i stayed here for almost 33yrs. My father ignored everything, which means never renewed my US passport and did not get the original copy of my birth certificate,i don’t even have my Social Security Number,anything that proves of my identity…..pls help me what should i do,i want now to be a filipino citizen,im not now interested to become an american due to some circumstances
….
Hi! You are a natural-born citizen of the Philippines because your parents are Filipino citizens (art. 4 sec1, clause 2 of the Philippine Constitution).
Hello there. I have a question about dual citizenship.
If I was born in the Philippines in the 1980s to French parents, but kept only a French passport, would I qualify for a Philippine passport and citizenship? Would I be able to keep my French passport and add the Philippine one? I would have lived 10+ years consecutively in the Philippines, but now live in France again. Thanks. Dru
Hello,
My dad is Filipino, and moved to France long time ago.
He obtained the French citizenship in 1983, half year before I was born, 1984. (I think he did not ask for dual at this time).
Four of my older brother have the Filipino passport.
When I was born, my dad did not ask for a Filipino passport for me.
Now, I would like to ask for a dual citizenshi, but I don’t know if I’m eligible.
Would you be able to help me ?
Thanks a lot.
Best regards,
E.Barrientos
hi po . mejo intresado po un sa Filipino citizenship po . by natulaization po.
kait dual citizen ok din po. kait na Korean with Korean parents po ba.. i stay for 11 yrs na po kung march 1 po. and i study here from highschool until collage po. ung kapatid ko elementary po hangang collage po.
ok po ba ..?? saan po puwede po mag apply po ??
plz ,.,, tnx and God bless u ^^
Find a lawyer who can assist you officially for that if you really want to become a Filipino citizen
My wife and I have lived in the Philippines for 11 years now and love your country we are retired and on the old aged pension from Australia. We would like to take out citizen ship if we can. How do we do it if we are allowed to. We have adopted a boy here as our grandson not officially as he was adopted by his mother and she has not yet completed his papers but we consider him our grandson anyway and he considers us his grandparents. we would citizen ship so we can use the money we have invested in the PRA to help with his co-ledge education. Also we have invested in 2 houses and 2 small farms for his future they are in his adopted mothers name so if anything happens to us he will get them. f we can become citizens and you need any more information please tell us so we can provide it thank you Russell
You have lived here continuously for 10 years or more, you may be eligible. You also need to meet the other requirements under the Revised Naturalization Law. You can read the complete article of the law by searching it online. I think you have big chance since you sound so decent and you embraced living here. It is a plus too if you know our national language and you have business and properties here in the Philippines. Regarding your adopted son, you mentioned he’s not yet official adopted by the mother. I wonder how will the properties will be given to him if the mother herself is not an official parent/guardian of your son.
may itatanong lang naman ako kasi minsan naguguluhan ako. alam ko na natural born filipino ako kasi both parents ko are both filipino at hindi naman makakaila yun pero hindi ako pinanganak dito. I was born in England and I know that Jus Soli is not applicable in the Philippines is that right? so ang tanong ko is can I acquire British Citizenship or not?
Can an Irish citizen not have dual citizenship ?
Hello,
i am a pakistani national, i have philippina Girlfriend and we are living in dubai, can you please guide us after marriage how we can visit philippine, we cant live there permanentaly but we have to visit there 3 times every year, same time i like to know if we live in dubai and after 5 years can i apply for philippine citizen ship ?
thanks
M zeeshan
No,its really hard and long way process to get a Filipino citizen even you got married to a Filipina.I’m an American living in the Philippines for almost 10 years and yet not able to acquired a Filipino citizenship.
To all who want to be a Filipino citizen. You need to get a good gooooooood lawyer and be ready to spend more or less 350k plus package deal.. Plus additional payment on publication sa local Diaryo.. Secure all your documents. .. Petition. Wait for a 1 year.. .. Then wait for your local court for your hearing… Oppps 2 witness that iare closed to you ..very important. Then wait … Ganun ka Tagal at ganun ka grabe ang gastos.. Hindi napupunta sa ha…… napupunta Lang as atty… Sana Gawain nila simple Lang process like in the America…
Important din po .. Dapat may income tax po kayo for at least 3 years before from filing your petition..may bracket cya ask your lawyer…
Hi.. salamat sa information.. and sana po matulungan nyo ako.. ang partner ko ay isang korean.. 10 years na sya nakatira dito dahil na rin sa business nya… pinagpaplanuhan na namin magpakasal.. and actually dito na tlga sa pilipinas namin gusto manirahan..cguro mga ilang buwan lang ang stay namin sa korea para rin mkabonding ang family nya and to take care his property there..pero guasto na rin namin na mkakuha na sya ng Philippine nationality.. iba rin kasi ang trato ng government officials kpag ibang lahi..mdalas peneperahan chaka yun nga gusto plage may lagay.. ayun ang ayaw namin.. msyado na silang namemera.. kahit legal ang lahat.. nkakahiya lang ang iba nating kalahi.. nang aabuso msyado. But anyway.. ayun concern ko po na kung pwede na kaya sya mag apply ?53 na sya 10 yrs livng here with his company..
He has a chance but he must comply to all the requirements of Naturalization Act (link above). He must also be able to speak and understand English and the Philippine language
How about a CHINESE citizen, born and lived in the phils(since 1948), and married a filipino; is it possible for that person to have her citizenship change and be able to acquire a philippine passport?
Yes, she can be since he lived here for a continuous of more than 10 years. She also needs to follow and must have the requirements stated in Section 2 of Naturalized Citizenship law. See above.
My friend is an Iranian citizen who resided 6 years in the Philippines and studied dentistry in one of Philippine universities. She married a Filipina in her 6th year in the Philippines. He wants to apply for Filipino citizenship. When does the 5 years stay in the Philippine requirement starts? After the marriage? Does the 6 years counts?
YOu should have at least more than 5 years … continuously lived in the Philippines.. If you went back to Iran in btw.. Then you might have a problem..get a good lawyer.
I live here in Florida and my mom was a Filipino citizen at my birth. I’m 21 does that mean I can still apply for Filipino citizenship? I’ve tried calling the embassy and they do not answer my questions. Even if I was able to become a citizen would I first have to apply and submit the required documents first to be accepted onto the list for the consular outreach when it comes to Florida?
Have you made any progress with this? I’m actually in the same scenario: I live in California and my mom was a Philippine citizen at my birth. I’m 25 now and I’m planning to “re-acquire” my Philippine citizenship. I’ve actually already collected all the forms that I think need to be submitted. If you’re interested, I can refer you to all the requirements that appear to be necessary to “re-acquire” Philippine citizenship, though I haven’t submitted them myself yet so I’m not sure how smoothly the process will go.
how to get philippine passport for foreigners?
Only citizens of the Philippines can get Philippine passport
Hi dear
I am Pakistani . married with philipina girl . I want to know . we living in Philippines . in 5 years I can visit to Pakistan or can’t ? Or i Must need visit to pak after 5 years compelete in Philippines ?
Thanks
Can you reply me
If I have a passport filipino can I stay in Europe forever
You can’t stay in Europe forever unless you are a citizen of a European country 🙂
Sec. 3 & 4 of RA 9225 (Phil Law) provides:
Section 3. Retention of Philippine Citizenship – Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, natural-born citizenship by reason of their naturalization as citizens of a foreign country are hereby deemed to have re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon taking the following oath of allegiance to the Republic:
“I _____________________, solemny swear (or affrim) 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; and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto; and that I imposed this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.”
Natural born citizens of the Philippines who, after the effectivity of this Act, become citizens of a foreign country shall retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the aforesaid oath.
Section 4. Derivative Citizenship – The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this Act shall be deemed citizenship of the Philippines.
i’ve got no answers nor comments to your viewers because I’m in the same dilemma or even worse. I’m a Filipino by birth and was born in the Philippines from Filipino parents. I got married abroad to a foreigner (from the Middle East) and now have two children all born abroad. I received my foreign citizenship but never formally cancelled my Filipino citizenship (is it automatically cancelled once you gained foreign citizenship?) . I am now carrying and using my foreign passport as my Philippine passport already expired. Do you think I have to apply for re-acquisition of citizenship or undergo procedures to be able to stay in the country legally as a Filipino citizen. I would also like to apply for my children’s Filipino citizenship so they can stay and study in the Philippines. Another thing is I never registered my Foreign Marriage Certificate in any Philippine Embassy or office abroad. Also, I did not report the birth of my children to any Philippine office abroad. My researches from the internet is leading me to tons of information which is driving me nuts and giving me the idea to maybe just abandon the idea of legalizing anything. Besides, I gather i would be spending a lot for this. But on the other hand I would really like to legalize and finalize everything.. Can somebody help me start where or how?
Since there are different and specific laws and rules by country regarding dual citizenship, I suggest you get a lawyer here to settle this officially.
I’m in the same situation as you! Except I’m the (adult) child in the scenario, whereas I assume you’re the mother. My mother was born in the Philippines. She got married abroad to a foreigner (from the USA) and now has two children, both born abroad (one of them being me). She received her US citizenship but never formally cancelled her Philippine citizenship (the US and the Philippines both allow dual citizenship, so technically she should still be considered a Philippine citizen, and even if the US didn’t allow dual citizenship, I think she’d still be considered a Philippine citizen by Philippine law, although she’d need to submit an “APPLICATION FOR RETENTION / RE-ACQUISITION OF PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP”) . Anyway, she has been carrying and using her US passport pretty much since she was naturalized as a US citizen. I am interested in verifying/applying for my Filipino citizenship so I can reside and work in the Philippines. I’m guessing my mother never registered her Foreign Marriage Certificate in any Philippine embassy. Also, my mother probably did not report my birth (25.5 years ago) to any Philippine office. I’ve done a lot of research (not recently, so I’m a little rusty) and have accumulated several webpages and PDF forms which are geared toward the US, but I imagine the process for retaining / re-acquiring Philippine citizenship should be quite similar if not uniform in all foreign countries. The website for the Philippine general consulate or embassy in your country is probably the right place to look. Here are some US-oriented webpages I’ve bookmarked that may help you:
http://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular%20services/conserv-dual.htm
http://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular%20services/conserv-registry.htm
http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/philippines-dc/consular-services-dc/faq-dc/#birth
Jess and matt
The answer to your question is Republic Act 9225… Yes parents who lostPhilippine citizenship by reason of marriage can reacquire Philippine citizenship. This also applies to their children. Just proceed to the nearest Phil embassy in your area and your application will be processed. you/children will reacquire Philippine citizenship (dual). and you will be issued Phil. passport
sound like someone is not treating you right… Godbless
Hello Marifel,
Nice blog you have here.
Thank you for the information on becoming a citizen of the Philippines.
I’ve been trying to locate an official site (i.e. government or embassy website) where I could grasp first hand information; please could you point any direction towards that?
Considering the naturalization process, after being in the Philippines for a while.
Thank you.
The government office I know is the Bureau Of Immigration at http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/services/citizenship-retention-and-aquisition/recognition-as-filipino-citizen
I try emailing the bureau of immigration… There was reply….. regarding naturalization…get a lawyer .
hello.
I started already with all the process. and next month there will be the initial hearing.
I don’t have any problems regarding the naturalization.
I am just worried about 1 thing – I am not speaking well the language,,,and I don’t know how to sing the National Anthem…. I hope it wont be a problem
Roby,
Where did you get the application and instructions on how to apply to your Philippines Citizenship?
Thank you in advance for your time,
David
See a lawyer …and gather all your previous records ready…like school records. Old passports your 1st entry in the Philippines. Icr. Acr .. Birth certificate. Very important … 3 years income tax… Before you file your petition….
ito ba yung latest law??
Yes. No revision so far that I know of
I am a British citizen and an orphan who wants to be adopted by a Filipino/a. That is to say I want a new family and life in the Philippines. Foreigners can adopt pinoy children so please let me know if Filipino can adopt foreigners? The comments on this post seem to refer to naturalization and not ”adoption”.
We have a post about adoption in the Philippines at: https://philpad.com/how-to-adopt-a-child-in-the-philippines-adoption-requirements-procedures/ but that is for adopting citizens of the Philippines. If you’re British I think the adoption starts at your jurisdiction and must follow UK law of adoption. Why do you want a new family in the Philippines? Maybe I could adopt you.
Akoy may asawa sa pinas pero sya ay nag asawa ulit.ako naman ay may bf na lebanesse. Gusto nya akong pakasalan at stay sa pinas. ano ba ang puedeng solusyon para nakasal kami ng bf ko?
If you were married in your previous husband, you need to get annulment to remarry again.
Ano kailangan para ma annul ung kasal namin.? salamat
a very good lawyer
My husband from middle east country and willing to be Filipino. When it times for process do we need to have a private atty. or we can do it alone?
Yes, it’s usually requires a lawyer because you will take an oath and need to sign documents for your citizenship. However, it’s not so costly
You need a lawyer there is no other way to do it.. Cost ? Ask your lawyer…
I have Indonesian friends who stayed in the Philippines for more than ten years. they wanted to become Philippine citizens, but they were not able to pay their immigration fees for more than ten years due to financial difficulties. this time, they were able to pick up financially and wanted to become Filipino citizens and willing to pay for their unpaid immigration fees. Is it possible for them to become naturalize Filipino citizen?
They must go to the immigration office and settle everything first. If they were not considered as overstaying, then they have a chance
Do you know anyone (aside from celebrities like Andray Blatche) who has successfully acquired Philippines citizenship? I have heard that while it is theoretically possible, it is almost impossible in practice. I’m not sure that is true and I would like to see what has happened with those who tried.
I don’t know. Does the Law exempt anyone?
can a naturalised filipino run for local positions?
I don’t think so because I never seen any Naturalized Filipino having seated a position yet
yes they can. those elective positions which are reserved for natural born filipinos cannot be occupied even by elective/.appointive naturalized filipino citizens.
ex. a naturalized filipino citizen can run as brgy. chairman or kagawad because the requirement is that they should only be a filipino citizen, not natural born.
How did Andray Blatche get citizenship so quickly and easily. He doesn’t fit any of the requirements?
Who is that?
He’s an American basketball player that has never been to Philippines before. But he got naturalised. How?
There’s obviously always an exception for people of “exceptional talent”, regardless of the countries involved. Most countries have a an exception clause specifically for people like Andray Blatche (i.e., athletes, celebrities, Bill Gates, etc.).
Good to know 🙂 Thanks for sharing that
Makes sense. Thanks.
citizenship can be acquired by direct act of congress/by legislative act. that’s what conferred citizenship to blatche..
@iampei
Sounds like special treatment if congress is involved.
He has money and a damn good lawyer .
Why on earth would a foreigner want to be a Philippine citizen? There are no benefits. Corrupt officials squeezing you for tax and money. Not to mention discrimination. No thanks.
They have their reasons. People have different reasons why they should rather stay or leave
Several reasons I can think of. First, only citizens can own land and 100% own businesses. Second, if you are going to reside permanently in the Philippines, why would you NOT want to gain citizenship? Also, some other countries have a lot of negatives to their citizenship such as the US tax on worldwide income. It could be someone wants to gain Philippines citizenship to get out from under foreign restrictions.
I am considering Philippines citizenship myself for all of those reasons and several more personal ones. However, it will be several more years before I can do so which will give me some time to be SURE it is what I want. YOU may not see the benefits of being a Philippines citizen but that does not mean no one else does.
I love here in the Philippines. I can visit places as beautiful as Maldives, Caribbean and not pay thousand of dollars. There are ups and downs living here but still, this is home.
I agree! I even heard recently that there are IRS agents that work out of the U.S Embassy in Manila.
They are there to supposedly find those hiding money off shore but if a U.S. citizen living abroad has a business in another country why should they be taxed by the U.S, and taxed by the government of the country where they’re residing too.
Double taxation!
Gd morning,
what are the Naturalisation procedures?
How much is the cost?
thanks.
Must be over 21, live 10 year continuously. .. Cost will depend on your lawyer… Plus fees publication on local newspaper. Have more or less 350k to 400k…
If one was born in 1970 in the Philippines of a Filipino mother and a foreign father (who 2 yrs later became a naturalized Filipino) and then later became a U.S. ciitizen can he/she apply for dual citizenship?
If not, how can he/she re-acquire Filipino citizenship?
yes just proceed to the nearest Philippine embassy. you can process it there
What if I was born in the U.S. to a mother who was at the time of my birth (in 1989) a citizen of the Philippines but has since become a naturalized U.S. citizen? Since the U.S. and the Philippines both allow for dual citizenship, I surmise that my mother might still be considered a citizen of the Philippines, and by extension so might I, but neither I nor my mother have returned to or had any contact with the Philippines since I was born, so I’m not sure if any citizenship status that might have been applied to me on the basis of of jus sanguinis has since been effectively revoked. Thanks.
Nope, the constitution states that those born of fathers or mothers who are filipino citizens are filipino citizens. Thus you are a natural born filipino citizen from the point of view of the Philippines, unless you have specifically renounced it. Yes, you are also an american by virtue of birth (the US adops Jus Soli principle), but it is from the point of view of the US. Before the dual citizenship law came into being, the term dual citizen refers to a person who is recognized by two countries as its citizen, However, from the point of view of each country, theirs is the only citizenship of such person. Meanwhile, the subsequent change of your moms citizenship has no effect on your being a filipino because her acquisition of US citizenship does not retroact to the time of your birth
Awesome, thanks! I did some research and came across this:
http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/philippines-dc/consular-services-dc/faq-dc/#birth
Are these all requirements to have my citizenship officially recognized by the Philippine government? I’m not sure if my family has all this documentation available, which seems to imply that I may be a “Filipino citizen” with no means of proving so.
Also, I’m not sure if all these requirements were supposed to have been fulfilled when I was originally born (in 1989). I hope it’s not too late…
Wow too many requirements. 🙂 thank you for sharing. Nice to know the embassy has services like that
marami po akung katanungan,american po yung fiance ko we have plan to get married this month,nagkataon may mga problema dumating dahil sa kanyang business partner,yung business partner nya gumawagawa sya ng report para masira yung fiance ko hanggang sa nireport narin nya sa immigration,ngayun nakareceive kame ng letter from immigration,what is the best thing to do?,.
Filipino women who acquired foreign citizenship by reason of marriage can now reacquire their Filipino citizenship (dual citizenship). their children can also acquire filipino citizenship.
even f you haven’t been in the Philippines, Just go to the nearest Philippine embassy… you and your mother can process your filipino citizenship in their. though there are requirements like the Philippine passport of your mother or the NSO birth certificate of your mother to attest that indeed she was a Filipino Citizen before.
according to feed backs, its easier to process apply in Philippine embassies than applying here in the Philippines so better apply at the nearest Philippine embassy in your area.
My sister did this and she was able to acquire Philippine passport
Foreigners cannot become Filipinos! I am an immigrant here from America. I have been here 8 years now. I am only 36 years old. May Pinay na asawa ako, at may 4 anak namin. Nakakapagsalita ako ng Tagalog, pero kaunti lang. May pasok ako. Nagbabayad ako ng taxes, at pag-IBIG, at SSS, pero I cannot become Filipino! You need to have Filipino parents to become Filipino!
Such a country! We allow Filipinos to become American. Why not let us become Filipino?
You can become a Filipino if you meet the requirements under Section 2 of the Revised Naturalization Act.
Pwede po kayo Maging Filipino. By marriage po. Hindi po ganun kadali compara sa states… Dito sa court dumadaan papeles. At medyo magastos at matagal.. Compare as America.