Is dual citizenship the wave of the future?
Today, I was reading a very interesting article in the Palm Beach Post online edition, entitled “With U.S. in slump, dual citizenship in EU countries attracts Americans.” The article was basically about the fact that a recent trend in the USA is that Americans are seeking dual citizenship from European countries where their parents or grandparents came from. I found it a pretty interesting read.
One of the keys that is driving this trend, according to the article is the European Union (EU). Apparently, if a person can obtain (or re-obtain) citizenship in an EU country, they are then qualified to live and work in any other EU country. For example, one of the people that they wrote about in the story was an American lady who, based on the former citizenship of her parents, is in the process of obtaining citizenship in Romania. Since Romania is now part of the EU, this lady can, after acquiring Romanian citizenship, live and work in any EU country. This includes places like the UK, France, Germany and such.
According to the article, it is estimated that around 40 million Americans are eligible to become citizens of European countries, all the while retaining their American citizenship as well! A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon of becoming “world citizens” and expanding their prospects.
It seems that, while the USA tends to discourage dual citizenship (they do not publicize that it is legal to be a dual citizen), a court case in 1967 settled the issue. In that year, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the case of Afroyim vs. Rusk that it is unconstitutional to bar dual citizenship. So, due to this ruling, people can acquire citizenship from other countries, while still keeping their US citizenship as well.
This all relates to the Philippines too. A few years ago, a dual citizenship law was put into place here. Former Philippine citizens can now re-acquire their citizenship by simply filing a form with the Philippine Government. By filing this form, the Filipino re-acquires the rights that he had as a Philippine Citizenship, and also keeps the citizenship of the country where he/she was naturalized.
What about foreigners who live in the Philippines? Well, this is an issue that I’ve gone back and forth on. Legally, in order to acquire Philippine citizenship, you must renounce the citizenship that you currently hold. However, as an American, it is very difficult to renounce your US Citizenship. Simply pledging that you renounce the citizenship does not rid you of US Citizenship. Thus, technically, you cannot become a Philippine Citizen, because you cannot just renounce your US Citizenship (you can renounce, but it is not simple to do, so for the purpose of this article, I am simply saying that you cannot renounce). However, in practice, just saying “I renounce” is enough to be granted Philippine Citizenship (provided that you meet the other criteria), at the same time, your simply act of saying “I renounce” is not enough for the US Government to consider you to have given up your citizenship. Thus, you will become a Dual Citizen.
In the past, I have taken the position that I would not have any interest in acquiring Philippine Citizenship. At least one regular reader here has the intention of doing so, though. I will say, also, that over the past few months, I have been toying with the idea of acquiring Philippine Citizenship, though. I see a few advantages to doing so, and no real downsides to it. Of course, I would retain my US Citizenship as well, and thus be a Dual Citizen. I already qualify to become a Philippine Citizen, and I may go forward with the process soon. It is not an easy thing to qualify for either. A few of the requirements:
- The foreigner must have resided in the Philippines for a minimum of 10 years (reduced to 5 years if his spouse is a Filipino). During this time, the person must have remained in the Philippines. In other words, if you live here for 4 years, and go abroad for a week, then return, the clock starts over again, and you must wait for a continuous stay of 5 years before applying (or a continuous stay of 10 years if you are not married to a Filipino).
- The foreigner must be able to read, write and speak one of the Philippine languages.
- There are other qualifications (like age, good moral character, etc.) but the first two listed above are the ones that are most difficult to meet.
So, I meet all of the qualifications for Naturalization and obtaining Citizenship in the Philippines. When I think about it, I feel that I am proud of the Philippines, it is my home, and I love the country. Thus, I see no reason not to obtain citizenship here. Yes, I have turned around 180 degrees on this question, because in the past, I would not have even considered it. However, at this time, I see no reason not to do it, and I also see some advantages to doing it. One of the biggest advantages in my mind is that I love the country, I am at home here, and I have some feeling that I wish to make it more “official” if you know what I mean.
OK, having thought this over, I am now ready to state flatly that I will soon be applying to become a Citizen of the Philippines. The process takes about a year to complete (or maybe a bit more). I will keep you posted as I go through the process, though.
What do you think?
Bob,
I think it is a great idea becoming a Citizen of the Philippines, what a great way of showing your love for the country. I am a Canadian and Brit and speak two languages, I feel I have two souls. Your country of birth was not a choice but this is, so do it.
Hi Bob. I’ll be the first to say: Go for It!!!!!!!
I’m almost sure the President of the Philippines or the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will be glad to swear you in. Yes, you’re that famous.
You may want to start memorising and practising the “Pambansang Awit” now.
More Power and best of luck.
Hi John – Thanks for your support there. I like what you said in your last sentence. I am proud to be American also, but no reason that I can’t have pride in more than one country!
Hi Dr. Long – Ha ha… I don’t know about the President or Chief Justice swearing me in – they might be a little busy for that! I appreciate your support!
The number of foreign-born who have become Filipino citizens is a rather exclusive club. Often thye are people of some note who have done a lot to promote the Philippines and help the people here. There’s a proviosn that the Senate (IIRC) can make a person a citizen by proclamaiton, avoiding all the waiting times.
So it will be interesting to see if your journey proceeds along ‘ordinary folk’ lines or if you get ’special handling’, becuase you certainly have built yourself a profile … deservedly.
A little tidbit re the Eurpean Union citizenship popularities. Many countries do _not_ permit dual citizenship, Germany being oneof note. So it pays people to research throughly before embarking on such a jurney.
However the legal term is multuple nationality and there is nothing magic about the number 2, a US citizen can also be a citizen of as many other cuntries as will have him or her … wonder what the record number is?
Hi Dave Starr – I don’t really expect to have any kind of special route to citizenship. I do have some connections in Davao that I believe can possibly help me speed up the time that it takes – but I don’t consider that special treatment – that is just how things always work in the Philippines.
Hi Bob,
I see no reason not to do it….I can’t ever see giving up my citizenship in the USA…but wouldn’t mind having dual in Philippines..but I guess I will find that out in the near future.
Good luck with all the red tape..
Bye,
Danny
Bob,
Are there any barriers to someone with dual citizenship becoming a member of government, be it local, provincial or federal ? I know that there is some sort of rule regarding foreign born persons not qualifying for President, but does this apply across the board.
It seems to me that the Philippines should be actively encouraging the participation of such people in government, if nothing else than to loosen the stranglehold of the major families.
Hi Danny – Yep, I agree with you. I would never give up my US citizenship either.
Hi Laurence – I believe that the only barrier is that a naturalized citizen cannot become President. I guess I can live with that!
Bob
More important it would be honorable to become a dual citizen in the RP.
Becoming a dual citizen would solve any issues with owning property. I always joke with my wife that when we buy a house in the RP she can boot me out of the house any time she wants to since she would own the house.
Hi Larry – Yes, I do believe that it would be an honor to be a citizen here as well as a US citizenship. I hope that the process of being naturalized goes smoothly.
Hi Bob,
That’s a very smart move. I won’t be surprised if, 10 years down the road, you become mayor of Samal!
Keep us posted with your journey on becoming a Filipino.
Maayong pagbiyahe, Mindanao Bob!
Hi Tina – Thanks for your vote of support. I think it will turn into a good move, although I doubt that I’d have the stomach for any kind of political career!
Did anyone received Form SSA 7165-OCR from Social Security from the states? This form asks the recipient if someone has changed its citizenship. I think dual citizens from the states have not renounced american citizenship unless filed the necessary form renouncing the citizenship. Input will be appreciated.
Hi Ross – You are right. In order to become a Philippine Citizen, you must renounce your citizenship. Actually, they require that you verbally state that you renounce your previous citizenship. However, that act is not enough for the USA to accept that you have renounced. Thus, you have met the expectations of the Philippine Govt and the US Govt doesn’t accept it, so you have both citizenships.
In order to renounce US Citizenship, you must appear before a US Consular official at an Embassy, submit your renunciation in writing, and submit to an interview. Even then, they will not always accept the renunciation. Renouncing US citizenship is very difficult.
Go for it Bob ! If you can go the ” special handling ” route then all the better as I feel with all the effort you have put into promoting the Philippines and in particular Mindanao, you certainly deserve it.
My niece has dual citizenship USA / UK and has a great job in Loundon, probably a better job than she would have been able to get here in the USA.
The foreigner must have resided in the Philippines for a minimum of 10 years (reduced to 5 years if his spouse is a Filipino). During this time, the person must have remained in the Philippines. In other words, if you live here for 4 years, and go abroad for a week, then return, the clock starts over again, and you must wait for a continuous stay of 5 years before applying (or a continuous stay of 10 years if you are not married to a Filipino).
The foreigner must be able to read, write and speak one of the Philippine languages.
There are other qualifications (like age, good moral character, etc.) but the first two listed above are the ones that are most difficult to meet???? is this jokes, to say must read, write and speak one of filipin launguage??? I visited Filipine Embassy told me I have to invest at least One million Posse and will be easy to obtain dual citizen at any time dose not matter 10 or 5 years of stay in fililipin. Bob please, let me know if is not true for investment. Regards, Bob we meet last year in SM mall we had coffee togather in ground floor. This Ahmed
Hi Bob New York – Thanks for your kind words of support.
Hi Ahmed – Yes, I remember our meeting well! No, this is not a joke. You can find a copy of the law here.
Bob
Im kind of on the fence with this renouncing of your US Citizenship.
The U.S. does indeed have some tough times ahead of us and Im all for Living in RP but to renounce your Citizenship seems to me to be a bit UnPatriotic.
No offense to you but that would be a very tough decision for me to make, I guess it is a very personal decision.
I wonder if you would make the same decision if every new RP Citizen had to serve time in the RP Military.
Hi Neal in RI – No worries… I won’t be losing my US citizenship, I will be a dual national. It doesn’t have anything to do with hard times in the USA, there are hard times here too. It just comes down to the fact that in addition to my love of the USA, I have come to love the Philippines too.
Ever since the Philippines was born out of the clutches of a foreign dominion more than a century ago, no other song would better describe its innate beauty, its ideals and aspirations than “Lupang Hinirang” (Beloved Land), its national anthem. I fervently look forward to the day that when you do choose to become an adopted son of this land endowed with natural blessings, and inhabited by brave heroes and warm-hearted people, you would be able to sing our national hymn (or at least understand the significance of its lyrics) with as much fervor as you would sing “The Star-Spangled Banner”, the inspirational song of your forefathers in the great land of your birth. To be able to instill in your heart the sacred meaning of “Beloved Land” would give you much greater pride and joy to dwell in your new homeland that you have chosen to love and embrace as your own. Mabuhay!!! and Welcome home!
Hi ProudPinoy, Jr. – Thank you for your very stirring thoughts! I like what you had to say!
You’re welcome Mr. Bob! I believe I was quite dramatic about that one! Don’t you think?
Coincidentally, I wrote that message for you during the last Philippine Independence Day (independence from Spanish rule, that is.) and so I guess I had a spark of intense patriotism that time. But, frankly I was taken aback by your intention (or at least consideration) for Filipino Citizenship. I think it would be wonderful if you and our other foreign friends would consider being officially part of the Filipino nation (that would be your personal choice of course)! By the way, I’m JR Tingson from Laguna and I stumbled upon this very interesting blog-site, while I was “googling” about “Living in the Philippines” as I was curious about how foreign guests/friends would think about living in our country. Well, Good Luck and cheers with all your endeavours! (That also goes to the other contributors of this web magazine!) ‘Till then! 
Hello JR – Well, thank you again for your kind words! They are highly appreciated.
Bob- I was researching how to obtain a marriage License and dual citizenship in RP. I am a US Merchant Mariner and sail for 4-6 months at a time. We plan on getting married within the next year and would like get RP citizenship too but with my job it would virtually impossible to stay 5 yrs on a continuous basis. Do they have special considerations for sailors? It would be greatly appreciated if you could give me some guidance.
Thanks
Hi Ray – Well… you often hear it said that “anything is possible” in the Philippines. That said, the law is clear, and is enforced…. you must be here for 5 years without leaving the country (10 years if you are not married to a Philippine Citizen). Good luck to you.
I guess I will just have to save enough to live on for 5yrs then. Do you think 4-500k will keep us w/ food and out of the rain
Hi Ray – Do you mean 4-500k Pesos or Dollars? Certainly, I could not live for 5 years on P500k, that’s only about $2k per year!
Hi Bob – I meant Dollars. At the rate our economy is going now… even the the 80-90K I do make per year the President, Congress and Speculator’s will turn the Dollar into the Peso.
Hi Ray – I understand what you are saying about the dollar…. but keep an eye out for my column tomorrow! You might find a surprise.
Hi Bob, I’m in Cainta Rizal now staying at Mayfield Park. Would love to meet you before I leave for the States. Hope to here from you.
Hi Ray – I’d be happy to meet you anytime. Are you planning to visit Davao? Let me know if you are in town.
Bob,
Was wondering if you knew any posible complications/conflicts arising from being in the US military, and acquiring this dual citizenship? I’m a naturalized US citizen. Thanks.
Hi reg – I am not an authority, and I do not know the answer for sure. My feeling is that you can do it, but I’d be careful and check into it real close. Good luck to you.
Hi Bob, I have been researching this subject for 2 years now, ever since marrying the sweetest woman I have ever met. We are now buying a lot in Lian, Batangas and hope to be able to retire there in about 4 or 5 more years. You are correct in the advice you are giving, according to the information I have received from both the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. and the American Embassy in Manila. Essentially, the Philippine Government considers you to have renounced your US Citizenship, but the US Government would not view it this way unless you went before the Consul in person. But the laws can change quickly in the Philippines, so you may want to make it official before someone makes things more difficult! I know I am eager to do the same. Good luck to us both!
Hello Bob,
Interesting article. I wonder how it would work though. I meen in your American passport it clearly states that one of the ways to lose your citizenship is to swear allegiance to foreign nation, serve in foreign military and etc but at same time Ive never met anyone who lost their citizenship in America by doing such. Actually There are a great number of Irish/American dual citizens in America who took part in Irelands grandfather act. Also, Several nations will outrightly sell you citizenship for a cost. Anyway, In those two circumstances Ive not met anyone who lost citizenship.
I studied this subject to a certain degree in past out of curiosity and pretty much found that inorder to lose your US citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country, you must express the intent to relinquish American citizenship. Theres one part of the oath involved in acquiring Philippine citizenship that could be seen as intent to relinquish US citizenship but Im not sure how it would play out as most likley no consulate or etc would be standing over you and watchinf, in other words theyd be none the wiser. I bet though either US Consulate or US ambassador could readily answer this question .
Justin
Bob,
I think for most Americans the oath that can be seen in CA 473 section 12 of the Philippine Natrualization law would be extreemly hard pill to swallow as it reads.
“I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , solemnly swear that I renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and particularly to the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . of which at this time I am a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines and that I will obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Commonwealth15 of the Philippines; [and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the United States of America in the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto;16 and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
“So help me God.”
Hello Bob,
Regarding taxation, Thats a reason why some filipinos are hesitant to get dual citizenship. They fear the government will revert back to the old tax rules which taxed Filipino citizens on income earned outside of the philippines. This was the case up until the 1997 Tax reform act and in that time US Greencard holders where were required to show their latest RP tax teturns in order to renew their RP passports.
At same time though I know some pinoys who qualify for US citizenship but refuse to obtain it as they cant in good faith swear alliances with a nation when their loyaltys lay with another nation.
On topic of foreigner gaining philippine citizenship, Ive met three wester foreigners who have done so , all Germans unbelievably, and they lost their citizenship for doing such. One even ran for a barangay office but Im unsure rather he won or not. At same time though the true victims in the citizenship situation in PI where the millions who where born under the old laws as they followed parents citizenship and in some situations the parents nation didnt reconize them either, thusly they where stateless.
Justin
Bob,
I also dont think you would lose your citizenship for stating the oath, just simply think oath world be extreemly hard to say as we Americans are raised to be rather patriotic. You know , I read article few years ago about a embassey that had so many people wanting to renounce citizenship for tax purposes that they just quit seeing them, I think it was in HK but may be mistaken, just remember finding article strange as person who wishes to relinquish citizenship should be allowed to do so. I think youll habe no problem because not only do you need to renounce with intent but there seems to be rules even to that and the government must accept the renunciation which theyd in all probability not do anyways for reason youve allready mention. Wow, I must say this is interesting article.
Justin
Bob, I also would have no problem taking this oath, especially since I would not lose the US Citizenship anyway. But I love the spirit of the Filipino people. It is similar to the way it was in the USA in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It is similar to the moral values that made the USA a great place. Some would say that the USA has been in a steady decline since the early 1960’s especially as regards morality and patriotism. Today, you get more weird looks for praising America on it’s streets than you do for condemning it. In fact, from watching main-stream media, it seems that trashing the USA is almost “fashionable”. The difference is that while many people here long for a government like those throughout Europe, a few of us (myself included) long for the “old-fashioned” family values celebrated daily in the Philippines. No place is perfect, of course. For example, I have read online that even if Naturalized, I still could not hold public office there. And there are the problems with rebels, etc. Still, as a nation, I see the Philippines as a charming place to retire – with the woman I love who knows those islands well. We will be able to raise our children without fear of Politically Correct Indoctrination, and confident they will appreciate the value of a hard-earned peso. Of course, things are much different in the heart of urban Manila, but in the outlying province one may still find a Paradise. I know this because we are building our home there now!
WAY TO GO BOB Going all the way is the only way to go ..then you can say I ‘m a Filipino ! ! ! ! good going Bob , pretty hard to deport a citizen
Phil n Jess
Hi Captain Todd – I don’t think they will be making it more difficult, but who knows. I am still considering doing this, but have come up with some possible negatives as I’ve been thinking about it. I might still go ahead, though…
Hi Justin – It really is nothing to worry about. US citizenship is never taken away… as a matter of fact, if you want to get rid of your US citizenship, it is very hard to do. There are lots of hoops that you must jump through, and the US government makes it difficult to do it. They want to keep collecting taxes from you, and if you are not a citizen and don’t live there, they can’t do that. No need to inquire further, because it ain’t gonna happen.
Hi Justin – Personally, I see nothing wrong with that oath. It really is no different from what my wife said when she became a US Citizen. I am telling you, no matter what you say when you take the oath, the US will not let you relinquish your citizenship.
Hi Justin – Yes, for Germans it is different. Germany does not allow dual citizenship. The United States does not encourage dual citizenship, but they accept it if a person obtains other citizenship. Taking that oath, a German will no longer be a German. For an American, that is not the case, though.
Hi Justin – I personally would have no problem taking that oath. I live in the Philippines, and I love this country. I have lived here for nearly 9 years and have not been to the USA during that time. I am Patriotic when it comes to the USA, but I have developed similar feelings toward my new home as well.
Hi Captain Todd – A naturalized Citizen can hold political office here! The only office that you cannot hold is the Presidency. Just as in the USA, the President must be a natural born citizen.
I personally do not call, or consider the Philippines to be a Paradise. I think that if you call it Paradise, you have set up too high of expectations, and will be disillusioned when you have been here for a while and discover that it does not live up to your paradise expectations. Believe me, there are major problems here, and such a place could not qualify as a Paradise, IMHO.
It’s still a great place, though!
Hi Phil n Jess R. – Maybe we can take the oath together?