More and more Filipinos living in the United States are choosing to become naturalized U.S. citizens. However, many still want to stay connected to their roots in the Philippines.
That’s where dual citizenship comes in. Dual citizenship allows people to be citizens of two countries simultaneously. If you’re a natural-born Filipino who has become a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for US Philippines dual citizenship.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to US-Philippines dual citizenship, covering eligibility, the application process, and your rights and responsibilities as a dual citizen.
The legal basis for dual citizenship between the U.S. and the Philippines is Republic Act 9225 (also known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003). This law allows natural-born Filipinos who have become citizens of another country to reacquire their Philippine citizenship.
Republic Act 9225: The Dual Citizenship Law
In 2003, the Philippines passed Republic Act 9225, otherwise known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act. This law allows natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to regain or retain their Philippine citizenship.
Who is considered a natural-born Filipino?
Under Philippine law, you’re considered a natural-born Filipino if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You were a citizen of the Philippines from birth, without having to do anything to acquire or perfect your citizenship.
- You were born on or after January 17, 1973, and at least one of your parents was a citizen of the Philippines at the time you were born.
- You were born before January 17, 1973, to a Filipino father, OR to a Filipino mother and you elected Philippine citizenship when you reached adulthood.
Who can apply for dual citizenship?
If you were a natural-born Filipino and you’ve become a naturalized citizen of another country, you’re eligible to apply for dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225. This law also applies to people who lost their Filipino citizenship through naturalization.
The application process: A step-by-step guide
Applying for dual citizenship isn’t particularly difficult, but it does involve a number of steps. Here’s how it works:
Initial steps and requirements
First, you’ll need to schedule an appointment online with the Philippine Consulate in your area. Be sure to check the consulate’s website for any specific requirements for scheduling.
Then, you’ll need to gather all the required documents. Here’s a list for principal applicants:
- Completed Dual Citizenship Application Form
- PSA-issued Birth Certificate (this is mandatory)
- Your most recent Philippine Passport, if you have one
- Your US Naturalization Certificate
- Your valid US Passport
- Photos (2×2, colored, with a white background)
- If applicable, your PSA Marriage Certificate or your US Marriage Certificate
- If applicable, a Death Certificate
- If applicable, a Divorce Decree or a PSA Marriage Certificate with a note about the divorce
- A notarized Affidavit of Explanation detailing how you became a US citizen
The oath-taking ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event that confirms your dual citizenship status. Be sure to dress appropriately. The consulate generally prohibits jeans, shorts, sandals, slippers, skimpy dresses, and sleeveless shirts.
Fees and processing time
There are a number of fees associated with the dual citizenship process:
- Dual Citizenship Processing: $50 per applicant
- Affidavit of Explanation: $25 per applicant
- Notarization of Petition for Inclusion of Dependent Form: $25 per applicant
- Petition fee for each dependent: $25 per applicant
- Derivative Dual Citizenship Documents: $25 per derivative
- Certification/Certified True Copy of Dual Citizenship Documents: $25 per certificate or certified true copy
The time between your appointment and the oath-taking ceremony depends on the consulate. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Appointments between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. usually have their oath-taking ceremony around 12:00 p.m.
- Appointments between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. usually have their oath-taking ceremony around 4:00 p.m.
Derivative Citizenship: Applying for Children
If you’ve regained or retained your Filipino citizenship, your unmarried children under the age of 18 can apply for derivative citizenship.
Here’s what your dependent children will need to apply:
- PSA Birth Certificate or US/Foreign Birth Certificate
- Your latest Philippine passport, if you were a natural-born Filipino
- Your US or foreign Certificate of Citizenship
- Your US or foreign passport
- Photos of your child
Reporting Births of Children Born Abroad
You’ll also need to report your child’s birth to the Philippine Consulate.
Derivative vs. Dual Citizen at Birth
It’s important to note that a child born in the U.S. to at least one Filipino parent is automatically considered a dual citizen at birth. This is different from derivative citizenship, which applies to children who are applying to become citizens based on their parents’ citizenship.
In other words, if your child was born in the U.S. while you were a Filipino citizen, they are already a dual citizen and may not need to apply for derivative citizenship.
Rights and Responsibilities of Dual Citizens
So, what does it mean to be a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Philippines? Here’s a breakdown of your rights and responsibilities.
Rights in the Philippines
As a dual citizen, you’re entitled to:
- Vote in Philippine national elections.
- Own land and property in the Philippines, which can be a significant advantage.
- Engage in any business or profession as a Filipino citizen.
- Enjoy the same civil, economic, and political rights as any other Philippine citizen.
Responsibilities and Considerations
Of course, with rights come responsibilities. As a dual citizen, you’re expected to:
- Pay Philippine taxes, if your income or assets meet the criteria for taxation.
- Adhere to all Philippine laws, just like any other citizen or resident.
It’s worth noting that while you enjoy the rights of both citizenships, you’re also subject to the laws of both countries. This means you need to be aware of your obligations in both the U.S. and the Philippines.
Getting a Philippine Passport as a Dual Citizen
After you’ve been granted dual citizenship, applying for a Philippine passport is your choice. You don’t have to, but many people do.
The process for getting a Philippine passport as a dual citizen is different from the dual citizenship application itself. You’ll need to gather specific documents (check the Philippine embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date list) and apply in person.
Think of getting the passport as a separate, follow-up step to formally recognizing your Philippine citizenship.
Summary
Having U.S. and Philippines dual citizenship comes with many advantages. You can maintain ties to both cultures, travel easily between the two countries, invest in both economies, and strengthen family connections.
If you’re considering dual citizenship, be sure to get the most up-to-date information. Consult official government sources and seek personalized legal advice to understand how dual citizenship would work for your specific situation.
It’s also important to understand the rights and responsibilities that come with being a dual citizen. This knowledge will help you navigate the legal and cultural landscapes of both countries with confidence.