Retention of Philippine Dual Citizenship: RA 9225

Dual citizenship happens when due to the laws between two countries, a person has two citizenships at the same time. This can either happen due to birth circumstances or through the choice of the person. 

Under RA 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, those who are natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship through the process of naturalization shall be eligible for dual citizenship under the act, and may thus either retain or re-acquire their citizenship in the Philippines. 

According to the Bureau of Immigration website, those who can apply for a petition for retention or re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225 are “former Philippine citizens who have been naturalized in another country and wish to retain or re-acquire their Philippine citizenship”. Application shall be submitted to the Bureau of Immigration main office. 

The Bureau of Immigration provides for a checklist of documentary requirements that the applicant must complete for the application to be processed. 

Some of the documents that need to be submitted are: 

1. a duly completed verified petition, 
2. notarized oath of allegiance, 
3. two recent 2×2 photos of the one who is applying, 
4. fee for the application, 
5. original and photocopy of at least one of the following:
   1. Philippine birth certificate (PSA)
   2. Old Philippine passport 
   3. Voter’s affidavit or voter’s identification card
   4. Marriage contract (if married)
6. Photocopy of foreign passport 
7. Photocopy of certificate of naturalization or an original affidavit stating how foreign citizenship was acquired,
8. Two (2) self-addressed (priority mail suggested) and stamped legal size envelopes (if the processed documents will not be picked up by the applicants in the Philippine Embassy or Consulate)     

To know more about the comprehensive list of documentary requirements, head to the Bureau of Immigration website to learn more here. 

Note that for a speedy processing of requirements, the documentary requirements to be submitted must be complete, together with the application form, and if applicable, with a supplement for dependent. 

The Bureau of Immigration website also provides for the steps for the application for the petition for retention or re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship, as follows: 

1. “Secure the Checklist of required documents from either at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at the Bureau of Immigration Ground Floor Main Office or from the official Bureau of Immigration website.
2. Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) to process this transaction.
3. Take Oath of Allegiance. 
4. Get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
5. Pay the required fees.
6. Verify status of application whether approved or not. 
7. If approved, claim the Certificate of Retention/ Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship, Order of Approval and Oath of Allegiance.”  

Need further information and assistance regarding the retention of Philippine dual citizenship?  Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 478 5826 or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.