Who qualifies for RA 9225 dual citizenship?

Any natural-born Filipino citizen who has become a naturalized citizen of another country qualifies for RA 9225. This includes those who lost Philippine citizenship through naturalization, marriage to a foreigner, or political/economic necessity. Their unmarried children under 18 also qualify.

How do I apply for RA 9225 at a Philippine Embassy?

Apply at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate: submit your birth certificate (PSA), foreign naturalization certificate, valid passport, completed application form, 2x2 photos, and the processing fee (~USD 50-75). After document review, you take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.

What can I do with dual citizenship?

With RA 9225 dual citizenship you can: own land and property in the Philippines, vote in Philippine elections (after registration), travel on a Philippine passport, practice your profession in the Philippines, and enjoy all rights of a Filipino citizen while keeping your foreign citizenship.

Dual Citizenship Under RA 9225 — Complete Guide 2026

Republic Act 9225, the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, allows natural-born Filipinos who became foreign citizens to retain or reacquire Philippine citizenship. Over 3.5 million Filipinos worldwide hold dual citizenship under this law.

Key Principle: RA 9225 does NOT require you to give up your foreign citizenship. You keep both citizenships — your foreign passport and your Philippine passport.

Who Qualifies?

Eligible Applicants:

Natural-born Filipino citizens who became naturalized citizens of another country
Women who lost citizenship by marrying a foreign national (before RA 9225)
Filipinos who lost citizenship for political or economic necessity
Unmarried children under 18 of qualifying applicants (derivative citizenship)

NOT Eligible:

Foreigners who were never Filipino — you must be natural-born Filipino
Those with pending criminal cases in the Philippines (may be deferred)

Requirements

Document	Details
PSA Birth Certificate	Original or certified true copy from PSA. Order from abroad.
Foreign Naturalization Certificate	Certified copy of your naturalization/citizenship certificate from the foreign country
Valid Foreign Passport	Original + photocopy of data page
Old Philippine Passport	If available (cancelled or expired)
Application Form	Petition for Dual Citizenship (from embassy website)
2x2 Photos	4 copies, white background, recent
Marriage Certificate	If name changed due to marriage (PSA copy)
Processing Fee	~USD 50–75 (varies by post)

Application Process

Gather documents: PSA birth certificate, naturalization certificate, passport, photos
Book appointment: Schedule at your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate
Submit application: Present all documents at the consular section
Document review: Embassy verifies authenticity (may take 1–4 weeks)
Oath of Allegiance: Take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before the Consul General or Ambassador
Receive documents: Get your Order of Approval and Identification Certificate (IC)
Apply for Philippine passport: You can now apply for a new Philippine ePassport

Benefits of Dual Citizenship

Property Rights

Own land and real property in the Philippines
Buy condominiums, houses, agricultural land
Access Pag-IBIG housing loans
Invest in Philippine real estate from abroad

Political Rights

Vote in Philippine elections (overseas voting)
Run for public office (with additional requirements)
Participate in plebiscites and referenda

Professional Rights

Practice your profession in the Philippines
Own businesses without foreign ownership restrictions
Access government positions (with oath of renunciation for certain posts)

Travel Benefits

Travel on a Philippine passport
Balikbayan privileges (1-year visa-free entry)
Enter the Philippines without a visa, stay indefinitely
Consular protection from both countries

Important Considerations

Tax Obligations: RA 9225 does not automatically make you a Philippine tax resident. You only pay Philippine taxes on income sourced within the Philippines. Consult the OFW tax guide.
Military Service: Dual citizens may be subject to Philippine military service obligations in theory, though this has not been enforced.
Running for Office: You must file a sworn renunciation of your foreign citizenship AND meet residency requirements to run for public office.
Foreign Country Rules: Check whether your adopted country allows dual citizenship. Some countries (e.g., China, Japan, India) may not recognize it.
Travel: Always enter and exit the Philippines on your Philippine passport once you hold RA 9225 citizenship.

Law: Republic Act 9225 (2003)
Also called: Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act
Who: Natural-born Filipinos who became foreign citizens
Fee: ~USD 50–75
Processing: 1–4 weeks
Key step: Oath of Allegiance