Many Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country still feel a strong connection to their roots and wish to return to their homeland not just as visitors, but as citizens. Reacquiring Filipino citizenship allows former natural-born Filipinos to once again enjoy the rights and privileges of being a Filipino, including owning land, engaging in business, and participating in national and local elections. If you’re wondering how to reacquire your Filipino citizenship, the process is more accessible than you might expect, thanks to the Philippine Dual Citizenship Law under Republic Act No. 9225.
Understanding Republic Act No. 9225
The Dual Citizenship Law
Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, allows natural-born Filipinos who have lost their Philippine citizenship due to naturalization in a foreign country to reacquire it. This law recognizes the unique situation of Filipinos who have migrated abroad and aims to re-establish their legal connection to the Philippines without forcing them to renounce their foreign citizenship.
Who Is Considered a Natural-Born Filipino?
A natural-born Filipino is someone who was a citizen of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their citizenship. If you were born in the Philippines to Filipino parents or born abroad to at least one Filipino parent, you are considered natural-born and may be eligible to reacquire your Filipino citizenship under RA 9225.
Benefits of Reacquiring Filipino Citizenship
Once you reacquire your Filipino citizenship, you regain full civil and political rights under Philippine law. These include
- The right to reside in the Philippines indefinitely.
- The right to own property and engage in business as a Filipino citizen.
- The right to vote in Philippine elections.
- The right to obtain a Philippine passport.
Additionally, your minor children (under 18 years old) may also be included in your application for derivative citizenship, allowing them to enjoy the same privileges.
Eligibility for Reacquisition
To apply for reacquisition of Filipino citizenship, you must
- Be a former natural-born Filipino citizen.
- Have been naturalized in a foreign country.
- Submit the necessary documents and meet the procedural requirements.
Where to Apply
You may apply at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where you currently reside. If you’re already in the Philippines, you may apply at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) office in Manila or through any authorized BI field office.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reacquire Filipino Citizenship
Step 1 Gather Required Documents
Before filing your petition, prepare the following documents
- Completed application form (available from the Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or Bureau of Immigration).
- Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or a certified true copy.
- Foreign naturalization certificate or foreign passport as proof of foreign citizenship.
- Old Philippine passport or other proof of previous Philippine citizenship (if available).
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Valid government-issued ID.
Step 2 File the Petition
Submit your application and supporting documents to the appropriate authority. You will be required to pay a filing fee, which varies depending on whether you’re applying from abroad or in the Philippines. Keep all receipts as part of your records.
Step 3 Attend the Oath of Allegiance
One of the key requirements to officially reacquire your Filipino citizenship is to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines. This oath signifies your commitment to uphold Philippine laws and support the nation. The ceremony may be conducted at the consular office abroad or at the BI office in the Philippines.
Step 4 Receive Your Certificate of Reacquisition
After taking the oath, you will receive an Identification Certificate or Certificate of Reacquisition of Filipino Citizenship. This certificate confirms your status as a Filipino citizen once again. If you applied abroad, the embassy or consulate will issue the certificate. In the Philippines, it will come from the Bureau of Immigration.
Additional Steps After Reacquisition
Apply for a Philippine Passport
Once you reacquire your citizenship, you may apply for a Philippine passport through the nearest Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office or the Philippine consular post abroad. Bring your Identification Certificate along with your supporting documents.
Register to Vote
To participate in national and local elections, register with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Overseas Filipinos may register through the embassy or consulate to vote in absentee elections.
Declare Dual Citizenship
If you intend to live in the Philippines and engage in activities like running for public office or owning land, you may be required to declare and prove your reacquired citizenship to certain Philippine government agencies or financial institutions.
Including Your Children
If you have minor children, you may include them in your petition as beneficiaries. They must meet the following requirements
- Under 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Unmarried and dependent on you.
Their names will appear in your Oath of Allegiance, and they will also receive documentation confirming their derivative citizenship. For adult children, they must file their own separate petition if eligible.
Considerations for Former Filipinos
Taxes and Legal Obligations
As a dual citizen, you are subject to Philippine laws, including taxation on income earned within the Philippines. If you plan to do business or invest, consult a local tax advisor to ensure compliance with regulations.
Military and Public Office Restrictions
While reacquisition grants most rights, some restrictions still apply. For example, individuals with dual citizenship may be disqualified from running for certain public offices or joining the military unless they formally renounce their foreign citizenship.
Reacquiring Filipino citizenship is not only a legal process it is also a powerful expression of identity, belonging, and connection to your heritage. Through the Philippine Dual Citizenship Law, many former Filipinos now have the opportunity to reclaim their rights and privileges as citizens. By carefully following the steps to reacquire Filipino citizenship, you can once again enjoy the full benefits of being a Filipino, whether you choose to reside in the Philippines permanently or maintain ties from abroad. Taking this step can enrich your personal life and re-establish your bond with your country of birth.