There are cases where Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country can regain their Filipino citizenship. And this is possible by applying for retention or re-acquisition of their citizenship.
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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Philippine Embassy assist in this endeavor. If you are thinking of regaining your Filipino citizenship, keep reading to find out how.
Requirements for Applying for a Dual Citizenship
The petition to apply for dual citizenship is covered under R.A. 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.
General Instructions Before Preparing the Requirements
- Applicants will be given an application form in the English language. Make sure to write legibly as you fill out the form. All fields should be filled out, and if they are not applicable, write N/A. The BI will not process incomplete application forms. Remember to use English characters and write in capital letters all throughout the form. Finally, don’t use special characters.
- When you submit the documents, remember to arrange them as they appear on the list of requirements.
- If you are providing sworn statements or affidavits, these should be original, signed, and duly notarized.
- If you are using foreign documents, these should also be original and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, which has jurisdiction over the applicant. Another option would be to have the documents sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs for authentication.
- The BI will not return to the applicant all the original documents submitted.
- In some cases, the BI can request additional supporting documents.
- Before applying for dual citizenship, the BI recommends that the applicant seek legal counsel.
Documentary Requirements for Dual Citizenship
For Principal Applicants
- Duly accomplished BI Form 2014-01-005 Rev 0
- Two pieces of 2 x 2 photos taken at least 3 months prior to the application, should have a white background.
- Two copies of the Oath of Allegiance (all original), which will come from the BI Legal Officer or Embassy Representative
- Original copy of documents showing proof of natural-born Filipino citizenship. Examples: Philippine birth certificate, cancelled Philippine passport, Philippine voter’s ID, Philippine marriage certificate showing citizenship
- Original and photocopy of the foreign passport of the applicant
- Photocopy of the Certificate of Naturalization or other documents showing naturalization. If it is written in a foreign language, the document should have an English translation. If not available, the applicant can present an affidavit showing how the foreign citizenship was acquired.
For Aliens Registered under the BI
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- Original ACR I-Card or Alien Certificate of Registration
- Original Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ICR) or Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitors (CRTV)
- If any of these documents are missing, an Affidavit of Loss should be submitted.
- For applicants with cases of discrepancy or variance in their names
- Affidavit of One and the Same Person
- Proof that can show how the applicant acquired the variance in the name Examples of documents: Marriage Certificate, annotation in the passport or Birth Certificate, Judicial Decree of Change of Name, Adoption, Annulment or Declaration of Nullity of Marriage and Divorce, Annotation in the Certificate of Naturalization, Philippine-issued document indicated the variance in the name.
Requirements for a Dependent Child
- Duly accomplished Supplemental for Dependent Form (BI Form 2014-01-005 Rev 0)
- Two pieces of 2 x 2 photos taken at least 3 months prior to the application, should have a white background.
- Photocopy of the Birth Certificate of the Dependent Child Applicant
- Photocopy of the biopage of the valid foreign passport of the dependent child
- For aliens registered under the BI
- Original ACR I-Card or Alien Certificate of Registration
- Original Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ICR) or Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitors (CRTV)
- If any of these documents are missing, an Affidavit of Loss should be submitted.
Benefits of Applying for Dual Citizenship
Filipinos who have acquired a different citizenship by naturalization can still re-acquire their Filipino citizenship without renouncing the citizenship they acquired. But how will Filipinos benefit from having dual citizenship?
Here are some reasons:
- Being allowed in both countries
- Have two social security systems
- Being allowed to work in both countries without the need for a visa or work permit
- Can start a business venture in both countries
- Can attend school and get local rates in any of the countries
- The right to stay or live anytime without a visa or permit in both countries
Earlier, we mentioned that it would be better if you talk to a legal counsel first before starting the application process. Doing so can help you exhaust possible reasons for getting dual citizenship. You would also be able to assess if your initial goal will be beneficial for you and your family in the long run.
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