Birth Registration Abroad at Philippine Embassies

If your child is born abroad to at least one Filipino parent, you should register the birth at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate. This Report of Birth establishes your child's Filipino citizenship and creates a legal record with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Who Is Eligible for Filipino Citizenship at Birth?

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Philippine citizenship is based on jus sanguinis (right of blood). A child is a Filipino citizen at birth if:

• At least one parent is a Filipino citizen at the time of birth
• This applies regardless of where the child is born
• Filipino mothers and fathers both transmit citizenship equally

Requirements for Report of Birth

Registration Process

1. Gather documents: Obtain the local birth certificate and all required documents
2. Visit the embassy: Both parents and the child should appear if possible
3. Submit the Report of Birth: The consular officer reviews and notarizes the report
4. Pay the fee
5. Embassy forwards to PSA: The report is sent to PSA Manila for registration
6. PSA registration: Takes approximately 3-6 months
7. Order PSA birth certificate: Once registered, order a copy through PSAHelpline.ph

Late Registration

If the birth is reported more than 1 year after the date of birth, additional requirements apply:

• Affidavit explaining the delay
• Additional supporting documents (medical records, baptismal certificate)
• Longer processing time at PSA

Getting a Philippine Passport for Your Child

Once the Report of Birth is registered with PSA, you can apply for a Philippine passport for your child at the embassy. Requirements include:

• PSA-registered Report of Birth or PSA birth certificate
• Local birth certificate
• Philippine passport of the Filipino parent
• Child's photos and biometric capture
• Both parents' consent (or sole custody order if applicable)

Dual Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

Children born abroad to Filipino parents may hold dual citizenship — Filipino citizenship by blood and citizenship of the country of birth (if that country grants citizenship by birth on its soil, such as the US or Canada). The Philippines recognizes dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos.