Eligibility quiz
Was one of your parents a Philippine citizen from birth who later lost that citizenship through naturalization?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Philippine passport
Philippine citizens can apply for a passport in the Philippines or, depending on where they live, at an embassy or consulate abroad.
A passport expires and needs to be renewed separately from citizenship.
Live in the Philippines for life
Citizenship does not expire and lets you live in the Philippines without a residence visa or its renewal.
Study in the Philippines
Philippine citizens can study in the Philippines.
Work in the Philippines
Philippine citizens can work and do business in the Philippines.
Some professions require a licence or other qualifications.
Get help abroad
Philippine citizens can use embassy and consulate services abroad, including passport services.
Own land and property
Philippine citizens can own land and other real property in the Philippines.
Vote and run for office
Qualified Philippine citizens can vote and hold public office.
Voting at a polling place in the Philippines requires living in the area for the required time.
Registered citizens abroad who qualify can vote in national elections for president, vice-president, senators and party-list or sectoral representatives.
How to apply
Applying at a consulateApplying at a consulate
Find your consulate
Your parent should find the Philippine embassy or consulate responsible for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Philippine consulate covers your city for citizenship retention and reacquisition?”
Get the application form
Your parent should get the consulate’s citizenship retention and reacquisition application form, or its form for including a dependent if your parent has already reacquired citizenship.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the Philippine citizenship retention and reacquisition or dependent inclusion form at the consulate serving your city?”
Fill in the form
Your parent should complete and sign the form, including your details.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete a Philippine citizenship retention and reacquisition or dependent inclusion form at the consulate serving your city?”
Gather your documents
Your parent should prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Your parent should book an appointment at the consulate if it requires one.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Philippine citizenship retention and reacquisition or dependent inclusion appointment at the consulate serving your city?”
Submit the application
Your parent should go to the consulate in person and submit the completed form and documents, following its submission instructions.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Philippine citizenship retention and reacquisition or dependent inclusion application at the consulate serving your city?”
Pay the fee
Your parent should pay the current fee using the method accepted by the consulate.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay for Philippine citizenship retention and reacquisition or dependent inclusion at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Your parent should wait for the consulate’s decision and send any additional documents it asks for.
See how longSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does Philippine citizenship dependent inclusion take at a consulate?”
Collect citizenship documents
After approval, your parent should collect the approved citizenship documents as the consulate directs. You can then apply for a Philippine passport.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect approved Philippine citizenship dependent inclusion documents from the consulate serving your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide a photocopy of your birth certificate showing your relationship to your Filipino parent. For a birth registered in the Philippines, you can obtain the record from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Parent's citizenship records *
Provide a photocopy of your Filipino parent's Identification Certificate or Certificate of Retention/Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship. Also provide photocopies of their Order of Approval and Oath of Allegiance from their original application.
* Only if your Filipino parent has already regained Philippine citizenship.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military or civil service
Philippine citizens may be required by law to perform military or civil service to defend the country.
Public office restrictions
Citizens with another citizenship must meet extra conditions for public office, including giving up their other citizenship in a sworn statement.
Candidates must do this personally when filing, and people appointed to office must also make the required sworn statement.
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship can be lost under the law, including by giving it up through actions or a failure to act that counts as giving it up.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expats In The Philippines
English Facebook group for people living in the Philippines interested in Filipino citizenship
Join on FacebookDual Citizenship USA/Philippines
English Facebook group for people interested in Filipino citizenship
Join on FacebookPhilippines Expats
English Facebook group for people living in the Philippines interested in Filipino local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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