I just recently got a dual citizenship and as much as I feel proud to be an American citizen, it fills me with pride to regain my Filipino citizenship. And what a perfect time it is to become a Filipino citizen again during this month when we celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month, so if you’re looking to get your dual citizenship, now is the perfect time to act. Let’s go over the requirements and the benefits of becoming a dual citizen.
Who is eligible to re-acquire Filipino citizenship?
Before 2003 getting a dual citizenship wasn’t possible until they passed the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act.
Under Republic Act No. 9225, a natural born Filipino who lost his/her Filipino citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country ma re-acquire Filipino citizenship by taking the Philippine Oath of Allegiance before a duly authorized Philippine official. The Philippine Oath of Allegiance doe not require a person to renounce his allegiance to any other country.
What are natural-born citizens of the Philippines?
Natural-born citizens of the Philippines are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.
These are:
- Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines at the time of their birth, and
- Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority.
What privileges and rights do you have once you re-acquire your Filipino citizenship?
- Right to vote in Philippine National Elections
- Right to own land and property in the Philippines
- Right to engage in business or commerce as a Filipino
- Right to travel bearing a Filipino passport
- Other rights and privileges enjoyed by Filipino citizens
If you are ready to apply for dual citizenship, complete the application here and gather the required documents. Once you have everything, attach the completed application along with the required documents in one pdf file and make an appointment here.
*You Could Enjoy The Benefits Of Dual Citizenship. Philippine Consulate General. Retrieved from https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dual-primer.pdf