Philippines Dual Citizenship 2026 -- RA 9225 & Entry for Dual Nationals
Republic Act 9225 (the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act) allows former Filipino citizens to reacquire Philippine citizenship while keeping their foreign nationality. This guide covers RA 9225 from the visitor perspective and how dual nationals enter the Philippines.
What is RA 9225?
Signed into law in 2003, RA 9225 allows natural-born Filipino citizens who became citizens of another country to reacquire Philippine citizenship by taking an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines. They do not need to give up their other citizenship.
Who Can Apply for RA 9225?
- Natural-born Filipino citizens who became citizens of another country
- Children of RA 9225 applicants (unmarried, under 18) can be included
- Does NOT apply to: People who were never Filipino citizens, or those who lost citizenship through other means (e.g., treason)
How RA 9225 Affects Visitors
If You Are a Dual Citizen (Filipino + Foreign)
Dual citizens holding both a Philippine and foreign passport have the right to enter and stay in the Philippines indefinitely as a Filipino citizen. You should:
- Enter on your Philippine passport -- use your Philippine passport at Philippine immigration
- No visa needed: As a citizen, you have unlimited right to stay
- No extensions needed: No need to visit the Bureau of Immigration
- Work freely: You can work without an AEP or work visa
- Own property: Can own land and real estate (foreigners cannot)
Balikbayan Privilege (Former Filipinos)
Even without RA 9225 reacquisition, former Filipino citizens and their families can enjoy the Balikbayan privilege:
- 1-year visa-free stay (instead of the standard 30 days)
- Available to former Filipino citizens with foreign passports
- Also available to their spouse and children travelling with them
- Must present proof of former Filipino citizenship (old Philippine passport, birth certificate)
How to Apply for RA 9225
Where to Apply
- Outside the Philippines: At any Philippine embassy or consulate
- In the Philippines: At the Bureau of Immigration main office in Manila
Requirements
- Completed RA 9225 application form
- Original and photocopy of foreign passport
- Original and photocopy of Philippine birth certificate (PSA-issued)
- If born abroad: Report of Birth at Philippine embassy
- Proof of former Philippine citizenship (old Philippine passport, voter's ID, etc.)
- 2x2 and passport-sized photos
- Oath of Allegiance (administered at the embassy/consulate)
- Processing fee (varies by embassy, typically $50-100 USD)
Process
- Schedule an appointment at the Philippine embassy
- Submit all documents
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines
- Receive your Order of Approval and Identification Certificate
- Apply for a Philippine passport (optional but recommended)
Processing time: 2-6 weeks depending on the embassy. Some offer same-day oath-taking.
Benefits of RA 9225
Property Rights
Own land and real estate in the Philippines (foreigners are prohibited from land ownership).
Work Rights
Work without AEP or work visa. Start a business without foreign ownership restrictions.
Travel Freedom
Enter and leave the Philippines freely with no visa or extension requirements.
Family Benefits
Include unmarried minor children in your RA 9225 application.
Important Limitations
- Public office: Dual citizens must renounce foreign citizenship to run for or hold public office in the Philippines
- Military service: Cannot serve in the Philippine armed forces while holding foreign citizenship
- Tax obligations: May have tax obligations in both countries -- consult a tax professional
- Other country's rules: Check if your other country of citizenship allows dual nationality. Some countries (e.g., China, India, Japan) do not
RA 9225 Summary
- Law: RA 9225 (2003)
- For: Former natural-born Filipinos
- Process: Oath of Allegiance
- Cost: $50-100 USD
- Time: 2-6 weeks
- Balikbayan: 1-year visa-free