The Dual Citizenship Law of Philippines allows natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to retain or re-acquire their Filipino citizenship. Upon reacquiring Philippine citizenship, the citizens shall enjoy full civil and political rights as Filipinos, subject to certain conditions.
The regulations were contained in Republic Act 9225 (RA 9225) and in the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003. The RA 9225 took effect on September 17, 2003 and is also commonly referred to as the Dual Citizenship Act. The Act does not require one to renounce his or her foreign citizenships given that the latter does/do not prohibit dual/multiple citizenship
The following are considered natural-born Filipinos under the 1987 Philippine Constitution:
- A person who, at the time of his/her birth, has at least one Filipino parent,
- A person born to a Filipino mother before 17 January 1973 who elected Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority (21 years old) and
- Those who were born under the 1935 and 1973 Philippine Constitutions.
Ineligible for dual citizenship under RA 9225
Persons who were naturalized Filipinos before acquiring the citizenship of another country are not eligible for Philippine dual citizenship. Those who are not natural born Filipinos are not eligible to apply under this Act.
Rights and privileges upon reacquiring Philippine citizenship
Those who reacquire Filipino citizenship under RA 9225 may enjoy full civil, economic and political rights under existing laws of the Philippines. Among these are:
- The right to travel with a Philippine passport
- The right to own real property in the Philippines
- The right to engage in business and commerce as a Filipino
- The right to practice one’s profession, provided that a license or permit to engage in such practice is obtained from the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), or the Supreme Court in the case of lawyers.
Dual citizens may also 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.
- Dual Citizenship Documents: $50
- Affidavit of Explanation for not submitting Naturalization Certificate : $25
- Derivative Dual Citizenship Documents: $25
Please contact the nearest philippines consulate for your questions on dual citizenship.
