Our Filipino citizenship, dual citizenship, and naturalization services guide foreign nationals and former Filipinos through the complex administrative and judicial processes to secure or reacquire Philippine citizenship.
What You Should Know About Filipino Citizenship and Naturalization
Filipino Citizenship
Philippine citizenship is primarily governed by the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood) or through parental bloodline rather than place of birth. Section 1, Article IV of the 1987 Constitution provides that citizens of the Philippine are:
- those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the Constitution;
- those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
- those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and
- those who are naturalized in accordance with law.
Naturalization
For non-citizens, the state offers legal avenues to acquire citizenship. The process is not a right but a privilege granted to foreign nationals who have demonstrated loyalty, good moral character, and a significant contribution to the nation.
Acquiring citizenship required a meticulous “paper trail” to prove that an applicant has met the strict residency, language, and economic qualifications mandated by the Revised Naturalization Law (C.A. 473) and the Administrative Naturalization Law (R.A. 9139). Here are the key pathways to Filipino citizenship:
Judicial Naturalization. This requires a traditional court process for foreigners who have resided in the Philippines for at least 10 continuous years (i.e., reducible to 5 years under specific conditions, such as marriage to a Filipino or professional contribution).
Administrative Naturalization. This is a faster, non-judicial process for foreigners who were born in the Philippines and have resided here since birth. This often involves filing petitions with the Office of the Special Committee on Naturalization (SCN) and other agencies for clearances.
Legislative Naturalization. This occurs when the Philippine Congress passes a law granting Filipino citizenship to specific individuals, e.g., foreign athletes and dignitaries. Typically used in exceptional cases, this is formalized through a Republic Act.
Citizenship Reacquisition/Retention (Dual Citizenship)
The Philippines also allows dual citizenship (Filipino and foreign citizenships). Republic Act No. 9225, or the Dual Citizenship Law, allows former natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country to reacquire Philippine citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance. They then enjoy full civil, economic, and political rights as Filipinos.
What Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Does
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law provides specialized counsel and trial advocacy for naturalization proceedings under C.A. 473, R.A. 9139, and R.A. 9225. We assist in the entire procedural lifecycle—from petition filing to the formal presentation to the court.
By ensuring strict compliance with jurisdictional mandates and publication requirements, we mitigate the risk of technical dismissal and provide a definitive legal path to Philippine citizenship.
Our Filipino Citizenship and Naturalization Services
We break down our legal expertise into the following specific areas:
Judicial Naturalization Representation
We provide comprehensive trial advocacy for petitions filed under C.A. 473. Our services include the strategic preparation of the Declaration of Intention, vetting of character witnesses, and full representation in open court.
Administrative Naturalization Assistance
For foreign nationals born and raised in the Philippines, we facilitate the streamlined pathway under R.A. 9139. We manage the entire application process before the Special Committee on Naturalization, ensuring that all documentary evidence meets the strict administrative criteria.
Dual Citizenship Applications
We assist natural-born Filipinos who lost their citizenship through foreign naturalization to reacquire or retain their Filipino citizenship status. Our firm handles the preparation of the Oath of Allegiance and coordinates the filing of the necessary petitions.
Correction of Birth Records and Status
To ensure a petition stands on a solid legal foundation, we resolve underlying civil registry issues. We file petitions for the correction of clerical errors in birth certificates and for regularizing complicated visa histories prior to the naturalization filing.
How to Get Started
For inquiries on requirements, processes, and fees, contact Duran & Duran-Schulze Law at (+632) 8478 5826, (+63) 917 194 0482, or info@duranschulze.com, or simply complete the form on this page. Our office is located at 1210 High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Need to Consult a Lawyer?
You can book an online or in-person consultation with Atty. Wendy. Choose a 30-minute or 1-hour session, fill out the form with your information and preferred schedule, pay the fee via PayPal, and meet with the attorney at the scheduled time.
Atty. Mary Wendy A. Duran
Founding Senior Partner [Read Profile]
Family Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Special Proceedings, and Property law
Filipino Citizenship and Naturalization FAQs
For your reference and guidance, here are some frequently asked questions about Filipino citizenship and naturalization:
Yes. If at least one of your parents was a Filipino citizen at the time of your birth. Documentation and registration may be required to confirm and recognize your status. Even if not, you may still file a petition for naturalization.
Generally, you must have resided in the Philippines for a continuous period of 10 years. This can be reduced to 5 years if you are:
- having honorably held office under the Government of the Philippines or under that of any of the provinces, cities, municipalities, or political subdivisions thereof;
- having established a new industry or introduced a useful invention in the Philippines;
- being married to a Filipino woman;
- having been engaged as a teacher in the Philippines in a public or recognized private school not established for the exclusive instruction of children of persons of a particular nationality or race, in any of the branches of education or industry for a period of not less than two years;
- having been born in the Philippines.
Under Section 4 of C.A. 473, you will be disqualified if you:
- oppose organized government or are affiliated with any group that upholds doctrines opposing all organized government
- defend or teach the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault, or assassination for the success and predominance of their ideas
- are polygamists or believers in the practice of polygamy
- have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude (e.g., fraud, theft, or certain acts of violence)
- are suffering from mental alienation or incurable contagious diseases
- have not mingled socially with Filipinos or have not shown a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions, and ideals of the Filipinos
- are citizens or subjects of a nation with whom the Philippines is at war
- are citizens of a country whose laws do not grant Filipinos the right to become naturalized citizens or subjects thereof (Principle of Reciprocity).
Naturalization can take years, depending on the type of application, completeness of documents, court schedules, and government review. Our firm assists clients in managing timelines and avoiding unnecessary delays.
This depends on your situation. If you are a dual citizenship applicant, generally, you do not need to renounce your foreign citizenship. If a judicial naturalization applicant, you may be required to renounce prior allegiances, subject to Philippine law and the law of your home country.
Citizenship applications may be denied due to incomplete documentation, failure to meet eligibility or residency requirements, criminal or adverse government records, or procedural errors. Legal guidance helps minimize these risks by ensuring proper compliance and accurate petition filing.
Citizenship cases involve strict legal standards, detailed documentation, and procedural deadlines. An experienced lawyer helps ensure compliance, protects your rights, and improves the likelihood of a successful petition.
