Philippine Dual Citizenship
The process we followed
I intend this article to be a complete guide to Philippine Dual Citizenship. Everything from thinking about it to going through the process. This article is a compilation of our Philippine Dual Citizenship experiences and thoughts over the years. You have to read the entire article to get the full scoop. Feyma (and our kids) are dual citizens now, but in the beginning thought they would not go that direction.
Feyma became a US Citizen
When we lived in the States, my wife, Feyma, became a US Citizen.
Most readers of this blog are married to or plan to marry people from the Philippines. Having a spouse that is a Philippine Citizen, or former Philippine Citizen opens up some doors for you. It allows you to get a better visa so that you can live here.
If your spouse is currently a Philippine citizen, then he or she can buy property. If you want to own land, build a house, buy a house or whatever, one of you must be a citizen! Non-citizens cannot own property here, it’s that simple. Former citizens can own a small amount of land, only up to 1,000 square meters.
She made the right choice
I have never regretted that my wife got her US Citizenship, don’t take me wrong. Having US Citizenship is a great thing, and it allows my wife to go to the USA whenever she wants, even in the event of my death. In addition to that, having a US Passport has lots of advantages, in that it allows travel to a lot of other countries that a Philippine Citizen would have trouble getting into. All in all, having Citizenship in the USA is a good thing for my wife.
Philippine Dual Citizenship is now available
However, did you know that you can now take advantage of the best of both worlds? It’s true – under a law passed in 2004, your spouse (or you, if you are the former citizen) can now obtain Philippine dual citizenship! So, in my wife’s case, she can retain her US Citizenship while re-obtaining her Philippine Citizenship at the same time.
Now, I know that I will hear from people who will tell me that the USA does not accept or recognize dual citizenship. That is not correct. The USA discourages Dual Citizenship, but there is nothing illegal about having or obtaining dual citizenship.
Once a former Philippine Citizen applies for and is granted Philippine dual citizenship, they may then own property or take advantage of any rights that any other Philippine Citizen has – except for holding elected office.
Citizenship can be like a maze
Sometimes, the whole issue of citizenship can seem like a maze when you are involved with a cross-national marriage like I am, and many of the readers of this site are. When a Citizen of one country marries a Citizen of another country, things can get somewhat confusing!
Children complicate things further
Perhaps the situation is most confusing when it comes to our kids! You see, our two oldest kids are dual citizens. By their birthright, they are US Citizens since they were born on US soil. But, at the time of their birth, Feyma was a Philippine Citizen, and thus under Philippine law, our two oldest kids are also Philippine Citizens. Now, our youngest son is a different story, though! Feyma had already been naturalized as a US Citizen by the time Jared was born!
Jared was born on US soil, so he automatically has US Citizenship. Because at the time of his birth Feyma was not a Philippine Citizen, Jared is not a Philippine Citizen at all. Confusing, huh? Of course, in addition to their birth on US soil, the fact that I (their father) am a US Citizen also makes them US Citizens as well.
13g Visas
At the time that we moved to the Philippines, we all got Resident Visas here (13g Visas). We all still hold 13g Visas. However, there is a way to change this. Since the time that we have lived here, Philippine Republic Act 9225 was enacted. RA9225 is the Philippine Dual Citizenship law of the Philippines. Under this law, anybody who is a former Citizen of the Republic of the Philippines (like Feyma), but was naturalized in another country may file an application to obtain Philippine Dual Citizenship.
Dual Citizenship applies to the Children too
When an adult obtains Philippine Dual Citizenship, their minor children also obtain Philippine Dual Citizenship. So, by filing for Philippine Dual Citizenship under Republic Act 9225, Feyma would become a Dual Citizen (concurrently a Citizen of the Philippines and also of the USA), and all of our kids would also have Philippine Dual Citizenship as well, including our youngest. Because of this, the Resident Visas of Feyma and all of the kids would no longer be necessary.
Confused yet?
Yes, this can be quite confusing, but if you take the time to sit down and think it all through you will figure it all out. The Citizenship issue is black and white, there is really no gray area in there, so if you just follow the facts you will get it all straight for your family too!
More Philippine Dual Citizenship Information
Sometime back, I went down to General Santos City for our annual Check-In with the Bureau of Immigration. This is required for most foreigners that live here. You must check in once per year, in either January or February.
During this visit to the BoI office, I had an opportunity to sit down and talk with the local BoI Commissioner for General Santos City. Feyma took care of all the paperwork for the check-in, so I was free to have the discussion while finishing the check-in. I was able to gather a few very interesting facts while we talked.
Information from the Commissioner
Feyma and I have been pondering for a couple of years now whether we feel that Feyma would be best served to file for Philippine Dual Citizenship. Basically, this would leave her US Citizenship intact, while restoring her Philippine Citizenship as well. For multiple reasons, we also thought it would be good for our kids to have Philippine Dual Citizenship.
We wanted our kids to be dual citizens
A while back, I was thinking about this and realized that Feyma was a Philippine Citizenship at the time of AJ’s birth, thus he should rightfully be a Dual Citizen already. Just to confirm this, I asked the Commissioner. He told me that it is indeed true that AJ is already a Philippine Citizen, as well as an American Citizen.
However, the law of the Philippines is that you are treated as what you declare yourself to be. By filing for a Resident Visa for AJ, we declared him to be an American Citizen. Thus, while he is legally a Dual Citizen, he must take steps to retain his Philippine Citizenship now. That step is to simply go to Manila, to the BoI headquarters and to file a paper stating that he considers himself to have retained his Philippine Citizenship. Another solution would be for Feyma to simply obtain Philippine Dual Citizenship.
Better to apply for Dual Citizenship outside the Philippines
I also asked the Commissioner about the procedure for Feyma to apply for Dual Citizenship. His advice to me – don’t apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship in the Philippines. It is riddled with problems and takes a long time. He said it is best to just forget about the Philippine Dual Citizenship or to go back to your home country to make the application, where it is done much quicker and more efficiently. At this time, Feyma has decided not to apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship, as we really don’t see any advantages in doing so.
Feyma did it, here is what she says
As you know by reading above, I applied for and received my Philippine dual citizenship here in the Philippines. See, when we first moved here the dual citizenship was not yet approved by the Philippine government. So I came here with my American passport as did the kids.
After a few years of living here, the dual citizenship was already approved. Bob’s been on me to apply for it, and that includes the kids too.
Visit the Bureau of Immigration
Finally, Bob told me to go and inquire at the Bureau of Immigration here in Davao City. He said to ask them about the requirements to apply. Also about the procedure to get Philippine Dual Citizenship for the kids.
So there I went to the Immigration office to inquire. I just asked the guy that was an expert for the dual citizenship there at the Immigration office and he directed me to the person in charge of the Philippine Dual Citizenship office here Davao. He gave me some papers to be filled out. I told him that I also had 3 kids that I want to include. He showed me where to list the kids on the application form. I’m glad that I listened to what Bob was talking about. It was all so simple, and inexpensive too, just like Bob thought.
Requirements
Here are requirements for re-obtaining Philippine Citizenship.
Oath Taking
One of the requirements you will have is an oath-taking.
The Immigration people told me of several attornies nearby. I went to one and for a very low price, I was able to take the Oath of Philippine Citizenship. They gave me an affidavit of that oath. I also took each of our children to take the oath as well.
The Philippine Dual Citizenship application lists all of the required documents and procedures. It is all very simple. Just follow the list of items on the application. Since these types of requirements change over time (and where you apply), we won’t list them here.
Turn in your Application
After acquiring all of the documents listed and filling out the application, just pass this to the Bureau of Immigration. If you are applying overseas send it to a Philippine Embassy or Consulate, that is where you should pass your application and supporting documents.
Keep a copy for yourself
Be sure to keep a photocopy of everything for yourself. If you have a complete application and supporting documents you can refer to if needed.
Sometimes the agency where you apply will call to ask a question. If you have a complete copy that makes it easy for you to answer based on looking at the exact same document that they are asking you about.
Don’t forget to put your Contact Number (home phone and cellular phone) in case it is needed.
You can get one final check
Before I mailed my paperwork I went back to the immigration office. I showed them my paperwork and asked if I need anything more. They said it was all good. He then gave me the name and address of the person in BOI Manila to send my applications to.
Notarize the Documents
The documents that you turn in to the Bureau of Immigration must be notarized by an attorney. Be sure to get this done.
Honestly, I am so thankful at the Bureau of immigration office here in Davao. The dual citizenship people in-charge were really nice people and willing to assist me. I’m really thankful for that.
Don’t worry, it’s easy
Thinking of applying for Philippine dual citizenship? Try it, it’s easy. You can do it. For those that applied here and abroad congratulations to you.
Cheers, and good luck!
Hello Bob,
I would like to know how did your wife adjust when she went back to Philippines? I heard many times peoples saying that when you've been away from the philippines for awhile, its harder to adjust even just for vacation. You talk a lot about us, the foreigners, but what about the filipino? What wife told me yesterday that she would like to go there alone for about 2 months to see if she can make it….So I reply, if you can't make it, I hope you will come and visit me 🙂 . For me I have no expectations…I will make it with what is available there.
Thanks and have a nice day
Hi Patrice – I am working on getting my wife to join me as a writer on this blog, so that we can have the perspectives of me (the foreigner here) AND her (the native of this country). She says she will do it, but getting her to sit down in front of the keyboard is not all that easy!
I will say this – making the adjustment to living here again was very difficult for her. For me it was hard too, but not nearly as hard as for her. She did not realize what she was getting into until she came her to live for a second time. I will make a new post on this subject in the days ahead to offer more.
Hey, that would be something I'd like to read…hey, the hubby and I might want to live there someday..
The prospect of moving back there…hmmm..I'd have to think about that for quite sometime. My family immigrated to Chicago almost 30 years ago and us kids(21 years ago)…just in time to see the Bears win the Super Bowl!…Go Bears! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my visits, though I never really stay too long…I mean, 16 days was about the longest I stayed!
I am looking forward to hearing from her…
Hi Bob,
I hope Feyma does contribute in your blog, just to get her take on being back in Mindanao and what she had to adjust to. My experience would be more like your children's once they come back to the states. Having been born in the states, I didnt learn tagalog or bisaya till my parents returned to Davao when I was five. I returned to the states after my high school years in Davao. I do romanticize about retiring in Davao.
Hi Allen – no need to romanticize! Just do it (as Nike says).
My kids were young enough when I moved here that they are pretty well grounded in Filipino culture by now. I have one son who talks about wanting to return to the States for college, but we'll have to see if that happens!
Hi Bob,
Yeah I could retire there but thats at least 20 years away. But then again my parents are getting older and will probably stop travelling to the States every 6 months. So maybe I'll probably will have to come to Davao more often.
College for your son would certainly be more expensive here in the US. But I can't blame him for wanting to experience American life again especially college an ocean away from mom and dad 🙂
Hi Allen – Yeah, Aaron sometimes says he wants to go to college here in Davao so he can be close to his Mom and Dad… sometimes he says in the States because he wants to be near his Grandma. When he is a little older he will probably want to be AWAY from all of us! Ha ha.
Hey i was wonder how to go about getting a Phillipines Passport.
and links or directions would be greatly appreciated.
🙂
Hi Marie – are you a Philippine Citizen?
No, well you see my mom was she came to the U.S. when she was in her teens. However i need to try to get one because me and my sister are atheletes and are trying to represent the phillipines, and to do so we need a passport. I have no idea if it is even possible to get one in time, which is why i have been asking around.
🙂
Hi Marie – you can't get a passport until you establish citizenship in the Philippines. I recommend that you click on the link in the article above that will give you all the info about how to obtain dual citizenship. If your Mom was a Philippine Citizen at the time of your birth, I believe you should qualify. After obtaining dual citizenship, you can easily get a passport, and can probably do it a Philippine Consulate in the States.
Thank you very much Bob for this very helpfull information. I also tried to click the link you mentioned. But i think it has expired.
My mom was a American citizen when she had me and my sister. So is there any other way to obtain citizenship there?
Hi Marie – I am sorry that there was a problem with the link! I have fixed it now, and you can get the document by clicking the link in the article above.
Hi bob
I am thinking for dual citizen for my wife. my wife have Greek
Nationality now in greek passport and have my family name
virginia dimitriou.
If my wife make dual citizen in philippines make the philippines
passport same name virginia dimitriou. I ask you because my wife have farm house and land in philippines and have before the her father family name virginia dela cruz. because I like keep
also the greek nationality.
regards
Zois
Hi Zois – yes, when your wife applies for her dual citizenship, she will still keep your name, and have it on all of her paperwork.
Hi Bob many thanks for your helpfull information. I hope come
in philippines and meet you in davao. Now I have one small
problem I wait the birth certifate of my wife from philippines
from february 15 -2007 . I hope go in philippines this year again
and I make my plan to stay in philippines'
Hi Bob,
Fantastic website and thank you for doing it.
My wife is getting ready to apply for US Citizenship. Once she does that the process here in Arizona takes about2 moths before the Interview. It all happens pretty quick.
Will she automatically loose her Philippines Citizenship when she beomes a Us citizen?
What happens to her Philippines Passport?
I do not want her to loose her Philippines Citizenship.
Thank you
Bob
Chinle, Arizona, USA
Hello Bob Chinle, Arizona, USA
She will retain her RP citizenship.
Hi Estebe – It might be a good move for your wife to obtain her US Citizenship, and then file for dual citizenship here. If you do that, she willl have the best of both worlds. It's a personal decision, of course.
Hi Bob on monday my wife have apoitment in philippine embassy
in Athens. you know about this she is make oath in philippine embassy. and today call on telephone the philippine embassy
and tell your have apoitment in the morning 11 oclock and ask
me you like take philippine passport your wife I speak yes.
you can tell (explain) to me If give all aplications and papers
for dual citizen no give direct passport with dual citizen.
What you think my wife she is doing philippine passport
or no. If my wife have dual citizen and haven't philippine
passport what hapen. After I can't take balikbayan visa in air port. My wife in air port manila keep philippine passport
or greek passport. many thanks.
Hi Zois – No matter what passport your wife has, it won't affect your quest for a Balikbayan Visa. You will be eligible whether your wife is using a Greek or Filipino passport!
Hi bob my wife have only greek passport. the philippino passport
expire the year 1984. what thinking make new philippino passport after need for philippines if we make rent house or buy house.
About balikbayan visa okey I understand she is can travel
in travel with me in philippines with greek passport.
In fact I am a dual Israeli/American and can say that you are correct about duality. In fact, I never have had a problem at all in the US even as an officer in the IDF.
We have never lived together in the US but have spent considerable time there on prolonged visits. We DID live in Israel though and although Israel is not quite up to par with the West in terms of standards of living I can say that we have been fotunate. My wife has had no difficulty in coming home.
As for me, I have lived a life rough at the edges so it is no real adaptation for me save one area. I suffer from two combat related injuries and am amzed that not even hospitals carry codeine here. Perhaps it is a regional thing (A. del Sur, Mindinao) but incredibly I have quite a time with this seemingly innocuous issue.
Anyway, I also want to add that I find your site quite readable and very informative as well.
Hi Zois – don't worry about your wife's passport. She is already a dual citizen and which passport she uses is not a worry. When it comes to buying a house, what passport she is holding is not a worry either, they won't ask to see her passport when buying property anyway. No worries, my friend!
Hi rachamim ben ami – I'm gald that everything has worked out well for you with your dual Israeli/American Citizenship. Thank you also for your nice comments about my blog.
Hi Bob,
You said that you moved back to the Philippines when your children were very young. How would you rate the quality of education that your kids got in grammar school in the Philippines, versus what they would have gotten in the U.S.? I have a daughter in kindergarten, and one concern I have about moving to the Philippines is the quality of education she will get.
Thanks and happy new year.
Hi Joe – Thanks for your comment and question. Actually, I have covered this topic several times on this site. In short I will say that I feel that the education here is excellent, if you choose the right schools. For a more complete view, read:
Schooling for the kids
Educational Opportunities Abound
For another way to go, read this:
Online Learning for Children of ex-pats
And I think it is a good idea for you to make sure they become dual citizens. You never know how life will turn out. Having two countries is not a bad thing, that's for sure!
Hi Tom – I fully agree on that!
My wife just got her dual citizenship in December. It was amazing how easy it was. The hardest part was having to go to Washington D.C to take the oath. They did her passport at the same time and it was ready the next day.
It will make it a lot easier if/when we move to the Philippines,
If your kids are over 18 they have to apply for the citizenship on their own. They are not included on their parents application.
Just my 2 cents…
Mark
Hi Bob, thanks for this interesting post. Regarding Germany, a dual citizenship is not possible following German Immigration Law. On the other hand, my wife Rose is satisfied as holder of a German passport with a permanent visa stay (13G) as "former Filipina national".
Hi Klaus – Interesting to know that Germany doesn't allow dual citizenship. The USA used to be pretty hard nosed about that too, but in recent years they have sort of looked the other way.
Hi Mark Cowley – Thanks for giving us an update on the procedure! I have always heard that it is quite easy to accomplish.
Hi Bob my wife now have dual citizen of the last year 2007
if no give to me information about this story i don't know
how many month finis this story many thanks again.
But I have problem translate your page because you put inside your sponsor.
regards
Hi Bob, Our son, born here 8 months ago, is considered a dual citizen but, to claim his US citizenship, we must travel to the consulate in Cebu to register his birth. As holder of an SRRVisa, I can apply for Philippine citizenship in three years. For my wife to get US citizenship, we will travel to the US for a mandantory stay of two years, then, she and the child will benefit from my pension upon my passing. According to the US Immigration Office, my wife will retain her Philippine citizenship.
Hi Bob, Im in the same situation my son was born while my wife was still a PI citizen so he is considered "Natural Born PI citizen" my wife will apply soon for her Dual Citizenship status. Im guessing Im left out in the cold. How did you go about geting your"Resident Visa" for your many years of staying there.
Hi Bob – Like #9, I would like to know also, where did you apply your Reisedent Visa, in USA or in the Phils? Is it possible to apply it in Davao City or can be done only Manila?
I mean Resident Visa.
Bob, What about Income taxes? If you move to the U.S. do you have to pay R.P. tax on your income?
Here's a link for for US residents – esp. New England areas
http://www.pcgny.net/pcgny/legal_citizenship_dual…
I'm trying to process mine too and my son's, since I'm already a US citizen when he was born. I'm just dreading the drive to NYC.
Thanks for the info, Bob. I totally followed what you were saying there! 😀
My boyfriend who is currently a filipino citizen (born in Phils) living in the U.S. is in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, but he would like to hold dual citizenship so that down the road, when/if we decide to move back to the Philippines, it would be an easier transition. If I understand you correctly, if we married and had children at a time when he was holding dual citizenship, our children would automatically become dual citizens…both American and Filipino? I am American (born here) and never held any citizenship other than U.S. I assume I would be in your situation if we moved there…? Yes? Advanced thanks for your help on this matter.
Hi Zois – Congratulations to you wife!
Hi Francisco San Giorgio – If you apply for Philippine Citizenship, keep in mind that you MUST renounce your USA Citizen. We cannot be dual citizens as our wives can, if they get naturalized. Personally, I would never give up my US Citizenship. What do you think are the advantages of becoming a Philippine Citizen? I can think of none.
Hi Neal from R.I. – It's easy to get a resident visa here if you are married to a Philippine Citizen or former Philippine Citizen. Just fill out the application, do a few things like medical exam and such, and you'll have your visa. Nothing to it. Just apply at the Philippine Consulate or Embassy nearest to where you live. I had mine in just a matter of a few days time.
Hi Luz – Much better to apply for a Resident Visa abroad where you live. It is much faster, and cheaper too. I applied in San Francisco (just over the phone, didn't have to travel there) at the Philippine Consulate. It took just 4 or 5 days to get it. If you apply here it can take 1 to 2 years to complete the process. You can apply anywhere in the Philippines, not just Manila.
Hi Rob S. – If you are a resident of the Philippines and earn your money in the Philippines you must pay Philippine taxes. However, if you are a foreigner and earn your money outside the Philippines, you don't have to pay Philippine taxes. For example, in my case, my company is based in the USA, all of my income is processed through my Web Server in the USA, and thus, no Philippine taxes would be due on my income.
Hi Lea – Good luck on the process. Thanks for providing the link!
Hi Jen – Yes, if you marry your Filipino boyfriend, he and your children could hold dual citizenship. You cannot obtain dual citizenship, though. It's no big deal though, you can still live here permanently, and just have a resident visa. I don't consider it a burden or a hassle to be in that situation.
Yep, sure can get confusing, can't it at times.
My wife just re-acquired her Philippine citizenship so she is now 100% leagl as a US and Philippine citizen. I know of a lot of folks who are reluctant to reaquire and I know of no reason why not to.
With regards to Philippine citizenship, I doubt I would ever seek it, but under US State department rules, I would _not_ lose my US citizenship … I know, it sounds strange to reniounce to one country and not the other, but the State Department regs are here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_…
Basically US law let's the individual determine their own intentions, and if you do not desire to lose your US citizenship, you don't.
A very useful site here, with many questions and answers, most including case law citations to avoid the usual 'but so and so said' kind of information. http://www.richw.org/dualcit/faq.html
A very good article in Wikipedia also, with links to the law in most countries of the world. Klaus is indeed correct, Germany does not allow dual citizenship, a number of other countries also so not, but a great many, US, UK, Australia;, Canada, etc. do http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_citizenship
Hi Dave Starr – Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this topic.
Wow, thanks for all the great info. I had no idea that my daughter was already a dual citizen even though she was born in the U.S. My wife has been in the U.S. for 8 years, but is still a citizen of the Philippines. She would like to become a dual citizen. We are going back to the Philippines in August for a few weeks. Should she apply for U.S. Citizenship now, and apply for Dual citizenship when we are in the Philippines? Thanks
Hi Joe Parisi – I would recommend that if she wants to gain US Citizenship, she should do it as soon as possible. For Feyma, it took about a year to complete, I don't know how the times are running now. Also, I would recommend that she apply for Dual Citizenship in the USA, at a Philippine Consulate or the Embassy in Washington DC. It will be completed more quickly there then here in the Philippines..
Good luck!
Hello everybody,
I just want to make sure I have this right. My wife bought a piece of land in the philippines recently. Our daughter was born in the U.S. while my wife was still a Filipino citizen.I heard that no land can be owned by foreigners, even if they are the children of Ex-Filipino citizens. Will my daughter have a problem inheriting this land someday?
Thanks!!!
Hi Joe Parisi – Yes, that should be correct. I would advise you to make an affirmative step toward having your daughter claim her dual citizenship. I believe that the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area can provide you with a form that you can file to "register" her as a Philippine Citizen. As long as you do something like this, there would be absolutely no problems with her inheriting the land. If your wife remains a Philippine citizen, then there is also no question about your daughter's right to claim Philippine citizenship.
Hey Bob
Very Interesting information here as our Son was born before my wife became a US Citizen as well. I researched as much as I could on the "Official" Philippine Consulate website, and from what I got out of it our Kids are considered Native Born Citizens. I have tried to call the Consulate in NY but I got put on "terminal hold"
My Son is very much interested to get his Philippine Passport if he can and I think he is going to apply for it through the NY Consulate.
He wants to keep his options open so when we do relocate to PI he may/may not join us there.
Forgive me for boasting about my Son, but we all do it. Check him out as he recently appeared on Wheel Of Fortune on 10/16/07.
http://www.youtube.com
Search: halflip876
Hi Neal in RI – Cool! I just watched your son on YouTube! He's a good looking kid, no doubt about that. Don't ask forgiveness for boasting, we should all do that!!!
Yes, I believe that your son can get his Philippine Passport without any problems, he just needs to apply for it. Since his mother was a citizen at the time of his birth, he indeed would be classified as a "Natural Born Citizen" of the Philippines.
Again, Congrats to you and your son!
Hey Bob
Thanks for checking out my kid.
Oddly enough my Son is like yours very much interested in Science, he is in his 3rd year studying Biology, he wants to be a Genetic researcher.It must have something to do with the Phil/Am blood 😆
Im pretty ignorant(but curious)about schools there in PI. My wife says she went to Ateneo Davao and she cannot recall any other high schools. So I am guessing that the Science High School is a private school. That seems to pretty strict rules for only being a PI Citizen to get into that school. If I recall correctly, a little soft $$ from one hand to another goes along way there.
Hi Neal in RI – Oh, there are literally hundreds of high schools in Davao City! And, sorry (or maybe happy) to say, you won't get into Philippine Science High School with a bribe. Actually, Philippine Science is a Public High School, but only for the best and brightest kids. For example, out of thousands of students from Ateneo de Davao (that's where my son goes too) only one or two students from ADDU are able to be accepted into Phil. Sci. It is really a class A high school!
PhiSci (as we locals call it) is definitely top notch. i once dated a girl who studied there & she moved on to chemical engineering in college & i hear she later got a top lab job in singapore. it is difficult to get in & i don't know a lot of graduates from that school. they're legit.
as a kid growing up in davao, i can safely say that phisci students were looked upon as smart students because they got in. there was an air of mystery to them too. we rarely saw them being so far from the city & having not seen a competitive varsity team from them.
i also like the location of the school. it was once looked as quite far from the city, but nowadays, with the road improvements, it's a good serene spot that the students don't get easily distracted by malls & theaters. i should know, i studied (& lived) for 2 yrs in the nearby UP Mindanao (or as my brother call it UP Mintal).
All the luck to AJ in getting in Phisci.
On Dual citizenship, it's interesting about the BOI commish's comments on having it easier to apply overseas than there. My mother just said the same exact thing over the phone the other night. She & my sister (both US citizens – my mom born a citizen) are vacation the US later this year & will be applying here instead. She was advised to do so also by someone familiar with these things.
i guess my wife & I should do the same. we recently got our US citizenship & plan to apply for dual. we might as well do it here in california.
no need for barangay clearances, notarized typewritten paperwork (with some liquid erasing, of course) & all that hubub that makes red tape in the philippines oh so special.
on high schools in davao, bob is right. there are literally hundreds in the city (public & private). like many cities, some so-so's & some quality ones as well.
aside from ADDU, there's also Stella Maris Academy (where the children of US diplomats of the local US consulate used to attend in the 80s. i attended both schools, hence the bias). I can name many more, but it's quite easy to look them up on the net.
sorry for the long posts, bob.
Hi macky – no need to be sorry for the long comments – you have some good info there! Yes, if you want to get your dual citizenship, I highly recommend doing it there! It is the same for foreigners wanting to get a resident visa to live here, it is quick and easy to get it abroad, but getting it inside the Philippines is a long arduous task! 🙁
That piece of news about your son being what he was declared to be was news to me … and cleared up some mystery,and posed others. I'm glad you reported on it. For some reason there is a huge amount of information and mis-information that floats around the groups and blogs … many former Filipinos are hesitant to reacquire their Philippine citizenship, for reasons I do not know. People lobbied for years to get RA-9225 (the dual citizen law) passed to eliminate all these issues, and yet many now steer away from the opportunity like the plague … it's a mystery to me … my wife did not take steps to get her US citizenship until RA-9225 was on the books, declaring that if she could only be 'one', she would stay a Filipino. Now that she can legally be both, she's happy to have both passports .. and she patiently waited today while I extended my visa and took care of my annual report … something she never has to bother with.
One advantage to parents is, as you have noted, that children under 18 are automatically made Filipino citizens when the parent reacquires. Folks outside the Philippines would be well advised, in my opinion, to register births with the Philippine embassy a get get their children Philippine birth certificates and passports … who knows what the future may hold … Americans may not think very highly of Philippine citizenship, but it is the children's birthright, after all.
I respect the advice you got, but my wife reaquired her Philippine citizenship in one day (she waited a while for the papers to flow, but she made only one trip to Intramuros), it's basically just a simple one page form and the usual 2×2 pictures, copies of birth certificate, etc.,so I don't know that the gentleman's advice is accurate.
RE: PhilSci … they have a number of branches across the Philippines and it is indeed tough to get in there … one of my nieces tried to get into PhilSci Manila last year but didn't make it, she's now in Quezon City Science High, a school with similar standards. She certainly paid no bribes nor were bribes solicited.
Bob,
I am in a boat just like yours but on the other side of the river. My kids have their Philippine Citizenship but not there American Citizenship. The information on Dual Citizenship for the wife is a good peace of information though. Thank you both Bob and David Starr.
Hey Bob,
after reviewing this blog, there is a chance that I may have downplayed the elite status of the Phil Science School by suggesting that a bribe may help with the admissions process.
No harm meant 😳
Hi Bob – My children have Philippine Birth Certificates and Passports because they were born in the Philippines. I also registered them with the British Embassy in Manila who issued them with British Birth Certificates and Passports.
I re-acquired my Philippine Citizenship last year at the Phil Embassy in London and I was with fellow british nationalised filipinos there who were already retired back in the Phils. They came back to the UK to visit family and friends and then took the opportunity to apply for dual citizenship while here on vacation.
Thanks for posting this Bob.
I'm not sure if I mentioned it in my previous posts, but this is the top reason why I will want to become a dual citizen, aside from other perks. I wanted my son to become a Filipino citizen so that he can meet the citizenship requirement of PSHS. I was already naturalized when he was born. Though we still have a decade to wait if he's really "mentally" qualified. 🙂
When I was in 6th grade in Gensan, around 1987-88, I took the first screening of the exam for Davao campus, and passed. However, I didn't take the second screening because I knew my parents can't afford to support my other needs/requirements. In fairness to my parents, we're not that poor though, we're just not liquid as others. I think the school is free like other public schools because it's government-owned, and you can or have to live on campus. I don't know now. I remembered the Davao campus was fairly new at that time, around 5 yr. old or less, if I'm not mistaken.
Back to dual citizenship, I am almost 100% complete with the paper requirements, just waiting for tax season to be over to process it because you have to be physically present in the embassy for the approval. As long as you have the complete requirements, approval will be in the next day or two after submission of requirements. I am speaking for the NY and DC branches only.
Hi Bob,I am slightly confused on the citizenship issue.If a filipina leaves Phils and takes up the nationality of her foreign husbands country i presume she has given up her filipina citizenship and is then technically classed as a foreigner her self.Would this not prohibit her from buying property in phils when she returns permantly.Wrongly or rightly i am presuming she would have to reinstate her phils nationality,or acquire dual citizenship to regain her rights as a Phils citizen.
Hi Dave Starr – In Feyma's case, it comes down to the question of what benefits are there for her to re-acquire her Philippine Citizenship, and really she sees no benefits in it. About the only thing is land ownership, but as a former citizen she is able to own land in a sufficient quantity for our desires anyway.
Hi Mike K. – Getting American citizenship for your kids should be quite easy, just go to the US embassy and claim it. They sometimes require DNA testing to prove that you are the father, but if they pass that (not saying they won't!) they are in without a hassle!
Hi Neal in RI – Don't worry, no harm! I didn't take it in a negative way, no big deal!
Hi Marilou – That's great! Congratulations to you!
Hi Lea – Good luck to your son, I hope that he is able to get into PhilSci, and maybe he and AJ will see each other there! You are not required to live on campus at PhilSci, but it is available for out of towners. Do you know how much the room and board is? P50 per month! It is heavily government subsidized, because they want the brightest students, regardless of family income. That's amazing, don't you think? I had a tour of Davao Campus of PhilSci last year, and the dorms are rather nice too!
Hi Chas – A Former Philippine Citizen is allowed to own land, but in limited quantities. As a former citizen 1,000 square meters of city property can be owned, or 1 hectare of rural property.
I am wondering about the BOI staff's advise against getting applying there in the Phils for Dual Citizenship (takes too long, etc.). I guess 1 month wait is long, compared to a shorter period it takes here in the US. When I went to Naga Coity last October 2007 for a 10-day visit with my family, I processed my application there. I got the notice (approval) in the mail a month later (mailed to a local address I designated). My sister emailed me the scanned copy of of the document. No hitches encountered, whatsoever.
Hi Ruth – Congratulations to you! When you say "I guess 1 month wait is long" that is not really a fair statement,is it. I am not questioning your experience, I am sure that it is just as you say. But, that is a different office. According to what the Commissioner in GenSan told me, it would take much longer there. All I know is what I was told by official sources. If it took one month, I guess that would be different.
Hi Bob,thanks for clearing up my confusion.BTW, this is the best expat site in Phils,so many others are so out of date and rarely updated,keep up the good work,regards,Chas.
Hi Bob,
I'm not a U.S. citizen yet but as soon as I obtained my citizenship here, I am planning to apply for my dual citizenship. I guess applying for dual citizenship is not only beneficial for me but for my husband as well. Once we moved back to the Philippines for good, I won't have to apply for residence and my husband can apply for permanent residence. Also, when we ship our personal property to the Philippines we will save on Customs Duties and Fees.
I can work as a teacher again, if I want and I can also vote for local and national elections at home.
Hi chas – Thanks for your compliment on the site, I appreciate it very much!
Hi Laura – Even if you are a US Citizen and do not have dual citizenship, it will not affect your husband's ability to apply for residence. His rights are the same whether you are a citizen of the Philippines or a former Citizen of the Philippines. Also, as a former citizen your rights to bring in personal property are the same as if you were a citizen.
Hi Dave Starr – It really comes down to a personal choice when it comes to Citizenship. Feyma simply doesn’t care to be a Philippine Citizen at this time. Perhaps she will change her mind at some time, but it is really her choice, and nobody elses. Regardless if it is easy, hard, or whatever, each person must decide on their own where their allegiance lies. At this time, Feyma has chosen that, and it’s not up to me or anybody else to say that her choice is wrong, no matter the reason that she has chosen. That’s just my opinion, and I think that it is valid.
Understand on the personal choice, Bob … but also, as recounted by Ruth's account … reacquisition is hardly 'arduous', and since BI Hq in Intramurous is the only office which actually processes reacquisition applications, I don't see what difference it makes to a local office… of course, like everything else, when it comes to the BI, YMMV 😉
@ Marilou, a small point of clarification … your children are not Filipnos because they were born in the Philippines, they are Filipinos because you were a Filipino at their birth. Unlike the US law, being born in the Philippines does _not_ convey Philippine citizenship on a child … under the current (1987) Constitution, only the citizenship of one or both parents conveys citizenship … it's confusing, this citizenship stuff
Hi Dave – Thanks for the clarification.
Sorry for the confusion. I didn't mean to imply that being born in the Phils entitles an automatic Phil citizenship. Perhaps I should expand. We were living in Nigeria at the time but I went home to the Phils everytime I gave birth because I wanted to be looked after by my Mum in a familiar environment. What I wanted to convey in my post above is that we were home in the Phils for both births (before 1987) and that's how my children happened to acquire both Phil and British birth certificates and passports.
Hi Bob,
Are you and your wife already a dual citizen?
Hi princess – No, Feyma is a US Citizen, not a dual citizen.
Hi Bob l am maried to a Philipina who has retained her Philipines Citzenship and as Australia reconizes marriage between an Australian an Philipino she was given Australian Citizenship an is now has duel Citizenship when we travel t
o the Philippines we also go for balikbayan visa.
I can see why you and your children (if you have any) would get a Balikbayan Visa (actually called Balikbayan Privilege), but your wife does not need any visa if she is a dual citizen.
Sofia and I have been married for over 31 years. When ever the idea
of her obtaining US citizenship was raised she alwaysejected it on the basis of
1. She was a Filipino citizen and proud of it.
2. She couldn't own the property she wanted if she gave up her
PI citizenship.
Dual citizenship is now out of the question since she is physically absent fromthe US most of the time.
Rick
Hi Rick Austin – If you wife is "physically absent from the US most of the time" as you say, she is risking losing her resident visa there.
Hi Bob – I've just finished reading the various posts and comments in the Visa area and I still have a couple of questions:
1) Since the land we purchased is in my wife's name and I being an US Citizen, where do things stand if my wife were to pass away before me?
2) My wife is currently a Philippine citizen and a green card holder here (US). Is my wife required to come back to the US every year, if she doesn't become US Citizen and wants to maintain her status after we move to PH? If she becomes a dual citizen, how does that affect things or does it? Is there any down side to her becoming a dual citizen?
Hi Randy c – Here are my answers to your questions… remember, I am not a lawyer, so this may or may not be correct. It is my belief that this information is correct, though.
1. If your wife dies ahead of you, at this time, you would have to sell the land, because you could not legally own it. Alternatively, if you come here to live, after you have legally been a resident for 5 years (with a resident visa), you would then be entitled to inherit the land from your wife in the event of her death.
2. If your wife leaves the USA for an extended time (I think 6 months) her green card would no longer be valid. For her to return to the USA you would have to go through the entire application process again. I would highly recommend that Rechie get her US Citizenship. Then, immediately file with the Philippine Embassy to become a dual citizen. When she has those two things done, she is a citizen of both countries, and there are no downsides that I am aware of.
Good luck!
Hi Bob, I like the idea of dual citizenship and support it 100%. What I get alittle erked about is that when my wife obtains the US citizen ship all doors open for her here in the states, which includes property ownership. As we all know for us living in the philippines we cannot own land but we usually are the ones who come up with the cash to make things happen.
I hope someday the Philippine government will see the light and change their policy, after all we are paying their WWII benefits for fighting so honorably with us during the war. I am proud to see this bill is going forward. I have always admired them.
God Bless America and the Philippino people.
Hi Keith – Yes, I totally agree with you on the land ownership issue. Like you, I hope that the law will change, but I doubt we will see that within our lifetimes. The people who would have to make such a change are the very wealthy land owners who would be hurt by foreign land ownership. Thus, it probably won't change! 👿
Look at the deluge of comments! Just a quick one: how does the US look at dual citizenship? In what way does she discourage dual citizenship? Now back to ur videos, I luv them–anything that brings me "local color"! I'm just waiting that you feature Bangkerohan, that huge fish market DVO City. I would luv to see all kinds of fish, fish vendors, fish cargadors etc. 😀
Hi Bob – this is for you or Dave Starr (as he seems to be up on these things), does Dual Citizenship affect social security in anyway? For instance, if Rechie works in the US for the required ten years, does she need to be a US Citizen to be able to collect her SS? She mentioned that as a reason to get a US Citizenship, but I can't find anything that says she must be. If you've got a good source for this kind of stuff, please steer me to it.
I think it's a good idea (dual) regardless, for the various reasons already discussed.
Hi Roy – Citizenship, it seems is always an area of wide interest! The USA discourages dual citizenship by simply keeping her citizens in the dark, not letting them know that it is possible. They even say that it is discouraged! ha ha…. Don't worry, I'll be doing a video trip to Bankerohan sometime in the future! It's a place where I go on a fairly regular basis.
Hi Randy C – It is my understanding that citizenship should not affect Social Security, except in the case of a non-citizen spouse collecting her spouses social security. I believe there are some rules in place about that. I am not an expert though. Hopefully Dave will drop in with more info, because I do know that he is more of an expert on this topic than I am.
Bob: Regarding the first comment from Patrice, Becky has been having a much harder time adjusting to living here than I have… In the Middle East, she was mistreated and was miserable… but it became home. Perhaps the most difficult thing for her has been how she is regarded by other Filipinos now that she has returned. The fact that she now has an American fiance seems to make the situation worse. I can support her and am there for her to talk to, but she is facing issues that I will never have to face. Surprising is the pressure to stay in the province rather than return to Manila… Then there is the money issue that we thought was resolved. It reared its head this week due to the death of her uncle…. She was regarded as the one with money. I guess it boils down to the cultural differences you reference so frequently. Finally, her emotions are very mixed… glad to be home, but an awful lot of change all at once. I made her a promise that if, after two years, she was not happy, we would go anywhere she wishes… BUT, she has to try her best to adjust (She is trying really hard) and give the move a chance to work.
As to citizenship, the idea of moving to the States scares her… Though, we are in a different position than most in that I travel all over the world for work and I would love to take her to Japan and some other places I frequent.(For now, we have applied for a US visa and she'll have to make due with Hong Kong and Singapore for the time being…She LOVES shopping in HK, though!) A US passport would make that type of travel MUCH easier. Our trip to Gensan this week was, as a side note, the first place IN the Philippines she has ever visited outside Manila and her province (Nice little city!)… It was important that she see more of her own country and I plan to take her to GenSan again when I return in a few weeks and also to Cebu on that business trip. Also, Rebecca is proud of being Filipina and of the Philippines, as she should be (And I am proud of her for her patriotism and beliefs). She has a sense of "guilt", I guess, at the prospect of becoming an American citizen. She told me that she never even contemplated going to the States for a visit, even. It was an impossible dream, so why waste time dreaming? Now that the possibility is reality, she is having to adjust to the newness of it all (She tells me, when no one else is around, that this is all like a dream…).
Hi John Miele – Your (and her) experience is very typical for a Fil/Am couple returning to the Philippines. Almost every single event that you described I have been through, and I've also written about most of them here on the site. When we first moved here, Feyma went through some really hard times in regards to these issues. Adjusting to living here after having lived abroad is not easy for a Filipino. Family pressures are among the top of the difficulties.
Bob… I must say this also… Your blog has been VERY helpful to me in making this transition easier. There are many sites on the net that list tips, etc., many of which I find disrespectful, quite honestly. You have created a useful, and, I believe, non-biased forum where I can get some very useful information.Pat yourself on the back, my friend, and please accept my thanks for this wonderful resource you have created.
Hi John Miele – Wow, thanks for the nice words! Much appreciated.
Hi bob
your blog is really amazing i almost read the whole of it, it gives me a better view of how foreigner thinks about the philippines. as i said on my previous posts about how westerners thinks about us, i think i should stand corrected, what i experienced with some american who i dealt with everyday can be considered an isolated case, although it is still a fact that there's a huge number of them with the same mentality and thoughts every time they hear philippines, and i cant blame them, your blog can really help them understand the *real* life living in the country, the advantages and disadvantages, the do's and don't and the "what to expect and what not to expect', as the saying goes "people of that country will not adjust for you for you, you adjust to fit with them"
regarding patricia post, my personal opinion, any filipino who are born and raised in the philippines and later on went to another country and comes back should not have any problems adjusting when going back to the phlippines, i don't believe that a filipino whose been living abroad long enough in another country will have an issue living the old life, it is innate for anyone to re-live the old life, i've been living abroad for the past 18 years and once in a while i come home for a long vacation (8 months) and i never had a trouble living my old life. isn't it one of the traits of the filipino is when they lived abroad they bring with them their culture and traditions? i bet you saw that culture and tradition with your wife when she still lives in the states. don't get me wrong all i am saying is, it is innate for anyone regardless of where they came from, to re-live their old life with little or no adjustment at all.
i know personally a person who went to japan and lives there for 5 months, when she came back, she is always complaining how hard for her to adjust living the old life, for me her complain is nothing more but being a "maarte"
i could understand if the filipino is born and raised in another country and comes back home to live their parents old life. then, i would agree that a huge adjustment has to be expected from them.
keep up the good work.
Hello foreigners and filiipinos alike,
I would like to share my opinion about land ownership. How would Americans feel if Japanese, Germans, Koreans, Swedish, British nationals (to name a few) own pieces of American land without becoming a citizen first? I am not sure if foreigners can actually own land in the US, by the way. One foreigner said that his wife became a US citizen and doors opened up for her. That's the point; she has become a US citizen so she can own land. Hence, if you are willing to renounce your US citizenship and be a Filipino citizen, then I guess it is okay for you guys to own Philippine land as Filipinos. HOwever, as foreigners, it is like foreigners in the US owning land. YOu see, any race for that matter would like to protect their sovereignty over their homeland. Yes, you have the money, but then the problem is if foreigners can easily acquire property, then properties here in the Philippines can no longer be affordable to the middle class and the masses because it will jack up the price land. It is like some of our export products which are available here but out of reach to the common people. So please, don't gripe if you can't own land as foreigners. Let your filipino spouse own land for both of you.
Cheers,
Judy from the Metro Manila
Hi Judy – any person from any country in the world can own land in America. There is no need to be a citizen. Heck, even if you never visited the USA in your life, you can own a piece of land there if you want. You don't have to be married to an American or fulfill any other requirement. if you have the money to buy the land, you can buy it, no matter who you are.
Hi dans, and thank you for your nice comment. I appreciate what you said very much.
The only thing that I disagree with you on is that I know that my wife had a very hard time in re-adjusting to life in the Philippines. She lived in the Philippines until she was 22 yers old, and then moved to the States for 10 years. When she went to the States, she was not yet mature, and was not worldly. She really grew up in the States. The problem came when she returned and was a much different person than her family knew. Thus, she was no longer well understood by her family, and she was not what they expected. This made the transition very difficult.
Other than that one point, I agree with pretty much everything you say.
hi bob,
I concur about what you said owning a land in the states without being a citizen, it is a fact that there lots of wealthy filipino who are not a u.s. citizen and still owns property in the states, a lot of them are our politicians who stashed their wealth abroad. i won't name names but they have been found out to own buildings, hotels, restaurants, house etc..etc..
Hi dans – thanks for backing me up on that! 😆
Hello all,
Been through all the same issues with my wife who has been here in the US for 8 years. We see the chief benefit of US citizenship is to bring in the parents but they are happy in the PI. We're also eyeballing exiting the US and setting up shop in Davao or Cebu.
I agree with the Philippines and their laws about foreigners not owning land. Japan tried to take it by force 60 years ago, whats to stop them from buying it? China is the next threat. The Philippines is very understanding in letting foreigners buy condos … but they are smart to draw the line there.
It is true .. America is for sale .. but we have tons of land and have fooled the Japanese into losing billions several times.
My wife and her friend have enrolled in US colleges and they are excelling so that tells me that the Philippines educated them well.
Three cheers to Bob, this site is phenomenal!
Hi Bob,
My wife just obtained her American citizenship last week. She is very excited because she will be able to vote in the November presidential election. If she does decide to apply for dual citizenship will it affect her ability to vote in elections in the United States?
Thanks!
HI Thomas Shawn – Thanks for visiting. I personally believe that by allowing foreigner ownership it would help the Philippines move forward, improve the country, etc. Right now, many foreign companies or individuals who would invest in the country don't do so because they cannot own the land, and they also cannot even own their own company here! Just my opinion.
Hi Joe Parisi – Becoming a dual citizen would have no effect on voting at all. Your wife could do that without consequence.
Hello Bob,
Thanks for the information about foreigners owning land in the US. Well, I guess our Philippine law about land ownership is more to protect poor Filipinos because land here is relatively cheaper compared to buying land in Japan, the US or the UK, etc.. So foreigners can actually own most of the Philippines theoretically. 80% of Filipinos do not own property and can't afford to do so at this moment. The Koreans are already here and doing good business even without owning property here. If they can own the land legally, I think they will and more of them will be here since my Korean students told me they prefer living here than in South Korea. What will happen if foreigners can own land in the Philippines will be 80% of Filipinos won't have their own homes because of mass poverty while foreigners will be able to do so and these Filipinos will feel left out and resentful. The reason the Philippines is not moving forward is because of corruption and not because foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines. I am not sure but I think Japan also has the same protectionism of their own land. Foreigners cannot own land in Japan I was told. I think you cannot own land in China or in South Korea or in Taiwan, but these countries are more developed than the Philippines. If corruption is nipped or at least minimized, the Philippines wouldn't be in such a state as it is today. Foreign investments will come in because they can do business with less corruption. Remember, we used to be no. 2 after Japan and we were able to export rice before and we trained specialists in neighboring countries. Sadly, we are no longer that country.
Cheers,
Judy
Hi Judy – Sorry to disappoint you, but foreigners indeed can own property in Japan. I don't think that anything I say will change your mind, nor will you change mine, so I'll just agree that we will disagree on the issue.
Take care.
Bob,
Let's assume for this discussion that Feyma obtains dual citizenship. Let's also assume that she is 50% owner in your enterprise.
Does she have income tax liability to the U.S. and the R.P. ?
I hate to be the sour grape in an otherwise very good thread. 😆
Hello Bob,
Okay, no problem,but how come my Japanese student told me foreigners cannot own land in Japan, but then you might tell me that foreigners can also own land in China, Korea and Taiwan. Anyway, Thomas seems to understand our situation here and yes, we won't agree on land ownership since you want foreigners to own land here and I would like land to be more affordable to the Filipino masses.
Anyway, thanks for your time.
Judy
Hi Danny – For my enterprise, this is only an academic discussion, because my enterprise is based in the USA. For a Philippine based business, I suppose that she would owe taxes in both countries, but there are lots of ways to make sure that doesn't happen.
Hi Judy – I'm afraid that your argument about "keeping land affordable" doesn't hold water for me. In the USA anybody can own land. In the Philippines only citizens can own land. Can you explain why land is generally more expensive in the Philippines than it is in the USA? If what you say is correct, land should be much higher in the USA than it is here, but that simply is not the case.
hi bob,
I have to disagree with you when you said land in the philippines are more expensive than it is in the u.s.a,
i've met americans who are married to a filipina as a matter of fact from where i am now, there are at least 80% of americans who lives here who are married to a filipina, they owned hectares and hectares of land in batangas, quezon province etc..etc.. as a matter of fact two of the americans are my close family friend, i am the godfather of their sons, they've been telling me, for 50k dollars, they can buy few thousand square meters of land in the states, with the same amount of money, they can buy 3~4 hectares of land in the philippines or more depending on location.
I think, arguing about the cost of land is a complex subject as there are things that need to be considered.
Hi dans – there is land in the Philippines that is quite expensive, and there is land in the USA that is quite expensive. I guess my point, which is aimed at Judy is that her statement that by opening up land ownership to foreigners, that does not necessarily mean that land will skyrocket. For that matter – land here is already out of reach of the masa, so saying that it should be kept closed to foreigners so that the masa can afford it just doesn't make sense to me.
bob – well, in some point i have to agree with judy, philippines is about the size of texas and with the ever growing population, i don't know how the philippines can cope up to develop remote places for the people.
the point is, the land in the philippines is already expensive especially in key cities, cost of land in remote areas are a lot cheaper and affordable, however, everybody wants to get a piece of land in the cities (which i think is stupid) if you looked at the google earth map, you will see that 70% of luzon is overly crowded, the remaining part of the philippines is uninhabited and this actually prevents the entire country to move forward.
if philippines will open up its door to the foreigner to own a land especially in the key cities, it will really pumped the price up as the foreigner can afford to buy it and not the masa, condos in manila are already expensive since most of its owner are foreigners. the common idea in the philippines is this, "why would i sell a land to masa for a small price if there are foreigners who are willing to pay 4 folds for it".. it is the greedy part of the people that makes the philippines expensive and hard to live.
for a typical american, 50k dollars to buy a piece of land in the philippines is easy, but what about the masa? can the typical pinoy afford to raise such amount? i will leave that to you.
Hi dans – Let me just ask you one question. I have been married to a Filipina for 18 years. We bought a lot in my wife's name, using our joint money that we earned together. I have lived in the Philippines for 8 years. If my wife dies ahead of me, I will be forced to leave the property, because I cannot legally own the house that I paid for. I have no choice in the matter. All this time, I have promoted the Philippines through various venues. I have put a number of Filipinos through school (preschool through college). I have purchased a house for my in-laws. I have given thousands and thousands of dollars to help my family-in-law here when they had needs. I have never asked for anything in return. Yet, if my wife dies, I will be forced out of my own house and off the land which I purchased.
Is that fair?
If you think that is fair, then I can't say anything else on the subject.
bob -as what i have gathered from my american friends here who are married to filipina and she died a long time ago, the property they owned is still under his name, i made some research on that a long time ago as i could not believe it and i just found out that indeed, you cannot own a property while your wife is still alive but once she passed away, the property will be still under the foreigner's name, i think you can find that in the inheritance law
Hi dans – I am sorry, my friend, but you are incorrect. I have talked with people from the Bureau of Immigration and also with an attorney on this. If the wife of a foreigner dies, he cannot own the land. He has 3 to 6 months to sell it.
A foreigner’s guide to owning propertyin RP
Friday, March 7, 2008
Rule number one: Generally, foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines . As with all rules, this admits of exceptions.
But first, definitions. Who are considered foreigners? Everyone who is not a Philippine citizen is a foreigner. Philippine citizens are the following: (1) Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this Constitution; (2) those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines; (3) those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and (4) those who are naturalized in accordance with law. Everyone who does not fall under any one of the definitions above is a foreigner in the eyes of Philippine law.
The only instances when foreigners can acquire land in the Philippines are if they are natural-born Filipino citizens who lost their Philippine citizenship, and in case of hereditary succession. A natural-born Filipino is a person born of one or both parents who are Filipino citizens at the time of that person’s birth.
A natural-born Filipino who has lost Philippine citizenship because he or she has become a naturalized American or Australian or what-have-you, is considered a foreigner. However, Philippine law allows these persons to own land with the following limitations:
1. They can own only up to 5,000 square meters of urban land, or three hectares of rural land.
2. They can acquire no more than two lots which should be located in different municipalities or cities anywhere in the Philippines . These two lots should not exceed the maximum stated above.
3. If they have already bought urban land, they cannot buy rural land, and vice versa.
4. For married couples who are both natural-born Filipinos who have lost Philippine citizenship, the total land that they buy should not exceed the maximum stated above. The conditions on location of the properties also apply.
Related to this, Filipinos who lose their Philippine citizenship through naturalization to other citizenships, and later on reacquire their Philippine citizenship, are not considered foreigners and can therefore own land without limits.
Foreigners can also own land in the Philippines through hereditary succession, that is, by inheritance. However, they must inherit the land by intestate succession. Intestate succession means that the foreigner inherits the land because he or she is an automatic heir under Philippine law, without the need of a will naming the foreigner as an heir.
Indirectly, a foreigner can own land if he or she is married to a Philippine citizen. The land cannot be registered in the name of the foreigner but the law recognizes that he or she has an interest in the land. Of course, one must always marry for love, and never for land. Foreigners who do otherwise may find themselves at the bad end of the bargain and end up losing more than what they invested.
A foreigner can also own land indirectly as the stockholder of a corporation. So that a corporation may own land, at least 60% of its capital must be owned by Philippine citizens. The foreigner can constitute the 40% portion of that corporation.
source : http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Real%20Estate&a…
Hi dans – I am unable to bring up any data on that link that you provided. Not sure what the problem is.
Anyway, these land ownership issues are complicated, and they always have arguments going both ways. Nothing can be clear until the thing is actually tested.
Can Foreigners own real estate in the Philippines?
Generally, only Filipinos are allowed by Philippine laws to acquire by purchase, transfer or assignment any lands in the Philippines. However Foreigners may be able to acquire properties in the Philippines by any of the following:
* Lease the Property — You can lease public and private land for 25 years with an automatic renewal for 25 years, (just enough time for return on investments). This is also a cheap alternative, but it makes it difficult to make any sort of investment return on a property. However, it is ideal for those thinking of retiring here. Unlike many countries such as Thailand or Indonesia, a lease on property for a foreigner is a very easy and straightforward step to take in the Philippines. This is the easiest, least time-consuming, and safest way for a foreigner to purchase small areas of land within the Philippines. It can be done directly with the owner.
* Through a Filipino Trustee or wife – Have a Filipino (you can trust) where you can put the title or ownership of property in his/her name. This is the most common way for small-scale investors to buy property here.
* Purchase land as a Balikbayan – The Government of the Philippines has recently passed the Dual Citizenship Act which gives all former Filipinos the right to purchase land within the Philippines.
* Buy A Condominium Unit — You can own 100% of the unit but not more than 40% of the entire condominium project.
* Form a Corporation – You can form a corporation with Filipino partners with the sharing of 40% foreign – 60% Filipino capital. This is the most iron-clad form of property ownership for foreign investors, and definitely the preferred form of property ownership for those thinking of establishing a resort, or tourism facility. In fact, the majority of existing resorts and businesses owned by foreigners are using this form of ownership.
* Inherit the land if your Spouse dies: This simply means, when your Filipina wife dies, you as the compulsory heir, together with your children if you have any, will become the legal owners of her property.
bob – you can google the the inheritance law of the philippines, i will provide a link shortly.
Hi dans – I see one problem, even if everything in your last comment is 100% correct. It says that I will own the property with my children. Frankly, if my kids want property, they can buy their own… I worked hard for the money to buy that property, and I should keep it myself. At the time of my death, I would pass it along to my kids, but that should be my choice.
Frankly, though, I have checked this out, and acquiring property through inheritance is not guaranteed or easy at all for a foreigner.
Thank you for the info, though! 😀
Hi dans – Just one more thing. I was just reading about Philippine Inheritance law. Here is a list of who the designated heirs are (in the order that they fall):
1. Legitimate children or descendants;
2. Legitimate parents or ascendants;
3. Illegitimate children or descendants;
4. Surviving spouse;
5. Brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces;
6. Other collateral relatives within the fifth degree; and,
7. The State.
So, not only would my kids inherit ahead of me, but my parents-in-law would also inherit ahead of me as well.
bob – it is worth to consult a lawyer about owning properties, there's already a republic act on that, it is hard to convince foreigner that they can own properties through inheritance as there are very few of them actually did it.
bob – i don't think the list has to be in that order, it is only a list of "who" are the legal heirs but not necessarily in that order. a "Last will" can make you on the top of the list. My wife just inherited from his father a hectares and hectares of land in batangas, and it is under the name of my daughter.
my point is, the "last will" can provide a protection when inheriting properties.
Hi dans – Under Philippine Inheritance law, a foreigner cannot inherit if there is a will, he can only inherit if the person who died (his spouse) is intestate. Under the laws of intestacy the order of inheritance is as I listed.
Here is a direct quote:
Non-Filipino citizens, who can inherit land by hereditary or intestate succession (without a will) but not by testamentary succession (with a will).
So, if there is a will, a foreigner cannot inherit land. Only under the law of intestacy.
bob – i am not an expert on the inheritance law, but just like any other law in any country, there's always a flaw on it. consulting a lawyer is the best route to find out.
Hi Dans – I totally agree. Thanks for your help. 😀
on the lighter side, if we were to base the list as the order of inheritance, that should make you feel somewhat secure since the next in line is your own children as opposed to what other foreigner belief about owning a property, other good thing though is that, after all the children, the next in line is you and not the other family.
i could understand why the law is written like that, i feel it has something to do with our culture and traditions, that a children has to be protected and secure their future. as you are aware, filipinos always want their children's future secured than the spouse.I would feel it is unfair and would leave my children in the dark if my wife inherits all the properties i owned and leaves nothing for my children, and then the wife would re-marry again.
all i can say is.. enjoy your life in the philippines, don't worry too much about your property as your children will automatically inherits it if your wife dies (god forbid). isn't i the reason we are buying properties so that we can give it to our children when we die? i've seen it many times, look at the pure chineese in binondo, a lot of them owns a property because they inherit it from their grand-father.
bob – on the light side, if we were to base the order of inheritance, that should give you a level of security, your children will automatically the legal heirs of the properties and not your wife's family, in a way, that should protect all your investment, the good thing though is, you are the next in line to inherit the property after the children and not them.
I could understand why the law is written that way, I feel that it has something to do with our culture, as you are aware, filipinos does not want their children to be left behind, we always make sure that their future is protected even if they are adults. I would feel bad if i die and my wife will inherit everything i owned and nothing for my children, then the wife would re-marry again.
I suggest, enjoy your life in the philippines, don't worry about your properties, isn't it the main reason why we buy lots of properties so that when we die there is something we can leave to our children and their children's children?
i've seen it many times, just go to binondo in manila and you will find lots of pure chinesse who own properties because they inherit it from their father who migrated to the philippines and are married to a filipina.
Hi dans – what you say is true – the inheritance laws here really reflect the culture. For an American, like me, I think we tend to prefer our assets go to our spouses first, and pass along to the kids upon her/his death. The kids will get what they have coming, but they can wait their turn! 😆
bob – being a filipino with a pure culture and all its trait, i would rather hand over my assets to my children than to the spouse who might re-marry again, i can't imagine if my wife remarry again and her new husband will benefit from all of the assets i acquired, it is my blood and sweat, it is only right to hand-down whatever properties i have to my children.
hi bob – being a Filipino with its pure culture and traits, i would rather hand over all my assets to my children than to leave everything to the surviving spouse, i can't imagine if my wife re-marry again and the new husband will benefit from all the assets i acquired. it is my blood and sweat that builds all the assets, i would definitely, have my children to have it and not someone else.
Hi dans – we just have a different cultural outlook. For me, i love my wife very much and I trust her completely. I trust her judgment with my assets more than a trust kids. If the kids are adults when I die, that is different. But I would not want to leave a substantial sum to teenage kids who could easily end up spending it on drugs or some other wasteful way. Kids are not responsible. i know that Feyma is.
Feyma has worked just as hard as I have to acquire what material wealth we have. She deserves a comfortable life, whether she re-marries or doesn't.
bob – it goes both ways, you would trust your wife as much as i trust my kids, but it all depends on how they will utilize or waste the assets we give them, there are children who are not responsible so as the wife. so it really boils down to one's character once they get hold of the assets. my view is totally different, i could raise my kid to be responsible and they could benefit from whatever i leave for them, OR they can waste it, i could trust my wife and leave everything to her, she can benefit from it or she can completely waste it.
my strong point would be, i could train my kids and teach them how to take care of the asset, it is for their own good and for sure with a good guidance they will understand it, i have seen this many times in the philippines, you probably have a different outlook because children in the states is brought up differently from the filipinos.
Bob, solution set: become a Filipino citizen.
Hi Bob,
As always your blog is a great source of things to ponder about. As a former Filipino citizen married to a foreigner and living in the Philippines, I had been considering applying for dual citizenship with the long-term goal of buying properties here in the future. But the main thing that used to discourage me from doing so was that if I would become a Filipino citizen again, my income from sources outside the Philippines would be liable to taxation.
I'm afraid the recent discussion here has given me another reason not to reacquire Filipino citizenship. I would rather have my husband inherit any properties purchased in my name -automatically- should I pass away before him, whether I die intestate or not, whether my parents are still living or not, and without any requirements to sell within 6 months and so on. Just as our bank accounts abroad are jointly owned, I wish that we, as a married couple, would be allowed by Philippine law to jointly own properties or businesses or other assets in this country, or at least be allowed to inherit each other's assets automatically.
If your attorneys and the Bureau of Immigration officials you consulted are right, as well as the snippets of the Philippine inheritance law inserted into your comments, then the simple widespread notion that 'foreigners can own land in the Philippines through inheritance period' can be very misleading.
Hi Thomas Shawn – Thanks for your input there.
Hi F – Thanks for visiting, I'm glad that you find my column to be something to ponder. I think that there is no firm answer as to whether a foreigner can own land here by any method. Too many questions!
Hi all! Hi Bob great site! i found it so much interesting and informative.
anyway Land prices depends on location and in PI also depends on developer credibility, u can also do bargaining strategy especially with private landowners willing to sell their lands.
Talking about adjusting and living in PI? if u r former filipino it will not be that difficult dont get me wrong but those who say it is are the once who r not proud being a filipino and tried forgetting they are, no matter what u say and do u can never change the fact that it already runs in ur blood. I always admire filipinos who come back to country and still embraces traditions culture and still proud being filipino! Mabuhay Pinoy!
😥 Land ownership in PI ? laws here always have loopholes sad to say!
Hi Mariel – Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments. I'm glad to hear that you found the site useful! 😆
"ANG TAONG HINDI MARUNONG LUMINGON SA PINANGGALINGAN HINDI MAKAKARATING SA PAROROONAN" pakatandaan mga pinoy!
TO ALL FOREIGNERS who married filipino, thanks for admiring filipinos and their cultures traditions and beliefs we r glad that u people understand us and our situation a salute to all of u!
Hi Mariel – Thanks for your comment. Generally, I prefer that English comments be posted here, because my readers cannot read Tagalog, so the audience is limited. Feyma says that your comment is a favorite saying of hers, though, as her Dad used to always say that… so I won't complain too much! 😆
Hi Bob,
Do you have a single friend would like to meet filipina.
I am interested to have american friend but i am scared.
Please help.
thanks.
Lai
from Cebu
Hi Lai – I get a lot of such requests, but I really don't know anybody, sorry.
hi there…
Do you mind If I ask you where your wife (Feyma) came from? or what Province she came from the Philippines? I'm from Manila and I have a friend that kinda looks like her…just wondering…
thanks!
Hi Richelle- Feyma is from Sarangani Province.
I am a filipina married to an american. My baby was born in Thailand and got her american passport there. We called the Philippine embassy and ask if we could also get her a filipino passport and they declined. They mentioned though that she will be given a one year visa whenever she wants to visit the Philippines. We got this information last year. We are hoping though that she could avail a filipino citizenship as well.
Hi regina- If you were a citizen of the Philippines at the time of birth, your baby is eligible to be a citizen of the Philippines. You said that you "tried to get a Philippine passport" but did you first file for citizenship recognition?
hi bob i am inglish i whont to retiyer in 2010 in philipenes i met my wife to be ther going to get marrid ther dont no about visa to stay ther can you help thanks
thanks bob on infourmashon on tourist visa after i get married i will get 13 a visa thanks bob
I am a naturalized US citizen when my son was born in 1986. He is now 20 years old and would like to be a dual philippine citizen, is that possible? pls let me know.Thank you
Hi Dina – If you were already naturalized when your son was born, I am not sure he qualifies for Dual Citizenship. You should check with the DFA and get a ruling on that.
Thanks
Hi Dina – Way sapayan!
hi im a filipino who is born and raised in the philippines i got married with the american citizen and now have a 3 yr old son who was born in the philippines and now is a us citizen we are in the us right now but are planning to stay in the philippines for a while.im not naturalized yet to be a us citizen im holding a permanent resident visa what do we need to do to stay in the philippines for a long time without losing my sons foriegn citizenship
Can anyone think of a compelling reason for a former Filipino citizen to NOT take advantage of the opportunity to regain their original citizenship while retaining Canadian citizenship?
Someone suggested that by only being citizens of Canada while visiting the Philippines my wife and Canadian-born children would have a much-desired protection from arbitrary acts of allegedly corrupt local officials which they could not avail themselves of if they took advantage of the dual citizenship law. In other words, if they remained only Canadian, then Canada could rescue them from within the Philippines if needed, but could not if they were dual.
This was a frustrating bit of advice as we had already paid the non refundable fee x 4 and stopped short of the oath taking because of what seemed to me to be an extremely unlikely scenario – but I don`t really know what perils there might be and it was arresting when Canadians were advised by our government to be cautious about travel during a Filipino election a couple of years ago.
Thanks for your website and any feedback you or others can provide.
Hi Bruce – I believe that something like citizenship is a deeply personal matter that only the person affected can decide. I will say that the advice about "protection" is not good advice. If you are a citizen of Canada you are a citizen, if you are a dual, it means nothing. Canada can do no more or less whether a person is dual or not.
Thanks for answering my question 8 years ago! We now have dual Canadian/Philippines citizenship for my wife and 3 children, though it came only last year. We are also documenting a third citizenship we didn’t know I had been born with (Italian), and my oldest son married a US-born wife and is now a green card holder. The rest of the family is a little bemused by my passion for multiple citizenship and it has taken some persuasion (or, in the case of my oldest son, a desire to be in the same country as his wife). But we have a great daughter in law who has agreed to register any children they may have at the Canadian, Philippines, and Italian consulates as well as with US authorities.
Please excuse a second question, which arises out of my sheltered Canadian life. One of our children has reached the age of majority and wants to travel to the Philippines. Alone. She has only been there once before, several years ago, under close parental supervision. She only speaks English. She is drop dead gorgeous too. Mom and Dad are worried. How do you feel about a young single Canadian female travelling alone to and from the Philippines and riding public transportation in Manila?
Thanks again for your website – my middle name is Bruce
Hello,
I am a US citizen. Born here. My fiance is Filipino. He lived here in the US with me then went back to Philippines when his father died. I am contemplating moving there. I have a 12 year old American daughter. Speaks only English. If I were to move there would she be able to attend a public school? Would I be able to find a job. I have visited there 2 times now and not sure how my daughter will get by there. I feel I will manage but how about a 12 year old American girl?
For me, there are some areas where I would be concerned, but Manila, I feel she will be fine. She should, of course, exercise caution and be aware of what is going on around her, but that applies everywhere in the world.
hi,bob im filipina going to citizenship next year im married to american,i want to visit in the philippines,how long can i stay in the philippines?
Hi marie – I am sorry, I don't really understand what it means when you say "going to citizenship next year." You mean you are going to be a US Citizen next year? Just want to make sure.
If you visit the Philippines… if you are a US Citizen, you can stay here for 1 year on a Balikbayan Visa, then convert that to a tourist visa and stay another 16 months, so a total of 28 months stay.
If you are a Philippine citizen, of course you can stay as long as you want.
hi bob i,m a canadian citizen thinking about marrying a phillippine lady she has lands that she will be inheriting in the phillippines and already has lands in her name there , plan to retire there, now if she dies , will i be intitled to her lands and what she will be inheriting , and can a canadian citisen , born in canada get dual citizenship , for the phillippines , also her dad remarried a women in the phillippines , after his first wife died , what is the new wife entittled to when he dies , thanks for your input
Hi will – Philippine inheritance and also land ownership are both very complicated matters. This case that you present is a combination of the two, making it twice as difficult.
Firstly, when the father dies, I believe that his new wife will be entitled to inherit half of what he has. Maybe that means she gets part of the land, maybe it means she gets other assets and your wife gets the land.
If your wife gets the land, and then she dies, you may or may not be able to take ownership of it. There are many factors to consider, including how the land is titled, whether you have a Philippine Resident Visa at the time of death, and whether you are living in the Philippines. I can tell you that your rights are very limited when it comes to inherit real property.
Travis,
Can you confirm that you will not have to pay duties and taxes to ship your house hold goods to the Philippines because of your 13a visa and her dual citizenship. I am shipping my goods to Davao City as a retired USNavy this month, my wife is dual citizen and I am applying for dual too. Please share me your experiences on your shipments.
You can ship in up to $7,500 worth of household goods tax free.
Bob,
Is there a document supporting the $7,500 tax free limitation?
Yes, the Visa documentation says that. I am sure you can find it on the Bureau of Immigration website…. that, though, is for you to look up, not me! 😉
Bob,
You’ve done enough , thank you. Appreciate the help. I will be residing at Bangkal, Davao City. Hinay- hinay basta kanunay.
Phew god luv ya Sir Bob. Appreciate your response.
Extract from the text above….
On the other hand, a former natural-born citizen of the Philippines, who was born abroad, shall submit the original copy of the Report of Birth…..
You make any sense of this?
Your child would not be a “former natural born citizen” of the Philippines, because he never was a citizen of the Philippines. He is an Australian citizen because he was born in Australia. If you file a paper (the Americans call it a report of live birth abroad, I don’t recall what the Philippines calls it) with the Embassy, he will be given Philippine citizenship instantly by way of the citizenship of his mother.
Bob- since Neng expects to own properties in the Philippines, and if he has any income on those properties, I believe that as a US citizen he will be taxed on such income as part of his world wide income that all US citizens are taxed on. And that he will certainly have to declare those properties to the IRS. But I bow to your greater knowledge in the matter ! lol
Hi ian – There are a couple of things to consider here:
1. Neng never said anything about income producing properties, so if the properties produce no income there should be no taxes. If the properties produce an income then there would be taxes to be paid to both the Philippines and the USA. But, that was not said to be part of the equation.
2. I have never heard of a requirement to report the ownership of property to the IRS. If the property does not produce income, I see no reason why the IRS would care about ownership. Maybe I’m wrong on that, I can’t say for sure. Probably Paul Keating would be the most knowledgeable about this.
Hi Bob,
In addition, I also read that there is a new law for Dual Citizenship now in Philippines. They just approved of it last year.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks.
Hi Joy – The Philippine Dual Citizenship law is actually 3 or 4 years old now.
Bob,
I still want to retain my PH Citizenship so I can stay much longer in PH. Is there any way you know that I can do regarding this matter?
Thanks.
Hi Joy – If you want to be a dual citizen, you can do that…. just not Singapore and the PH.
CAN WE GET DUAL IN AZ
The Australians have no problem with dual citizenship… they’ll even let you renounce* your Australian if required to get a foreign citizenship, then claim it back after your foreign citizenship has been granted.
*Don’t do this without taking legal advice though!!
That’s great news. Thanks for sharing it, Kent! Much appreciated.
HEY BOB, WAS READING YOUR DUAL CITIZENSHIP PAGE. CAN WE AS US CITIZENS HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP WITH PHILIPPINES
Hi Cowboy – No, unfortunately we cannot. It is only for Filipinos. Unfortunately, if you want to obtain Philippine citizenship, you must first renounce your US Citizenship.
WELL THATS A NO NO CAUSE THEN YOU WILL LOOSE ANY GOVERNMENT BENIFITS LIKE YOUR….SS
Actually, if you were to renounce your US citizenship, you still get SS (if it still exists!), but you will lose many other benefits, though.
HOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICADE
I am not 100% certain. But, you can’t use that in the Philippines anyway, right?
THAT IS TRUE FOR NOW BUT I HEARD THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE MADICADE WORLD WIDE. LETS HOPE
Hi Cowboy – Things are pretty bad in the States.. I think it’s more likely for medicaid to be severely cut rather than expanded, but who knows….
Hello too Sir Robert,
Have a good day sir and thank you so much for replying my email and its a big honor for me to answer my question. Sir the problem is my mother don’t have any birth certificate because my father only make her birthday and she was a stow away child when she was a young and no read no write so what can I do sir to have proof for her citizenship is okay her marriage contract sir?Please let me know and thank you so much.
God bless and for your whole family.
Respectfully yours,
Zenaida
Hi Zenaida – Wow, that’s a little tough, then. In your case, I believe your best bet would be to contact an attorney and see if they can sort out your situation. Good luck to you.
HELLO zenaida, may name is excel, i am also from general santos city and we have the same problem,my mother had also a difficulty obtaining a philippine passport since her father is chinese and her mother is a filipino but she was denied by DFA Gensan. i would just like to ask for an update with regards to your inquiry? did you manage to obtain a philippine passport? thank you very much
Bob…I’m just a little surprised at the comment Evelyn made as we were lead to believe it HAD to be processed here in the Philippines. My wife just got her US Citizenship and we planned to do the paperwork here in Mindanao while we were here. Wonder if it would be better/faster in San Francisco??
Hi David – Whoever told you that it had to be done in the States simply did not know what they were talking about. Re-acquisition of former Philippine Citizenship can be done at any Philippine Consulate or Embassy anywhere in the world, or it can be done at any office of the Bureau of Immigration here in the Philippines. It is quick and simple in any of the locations. It might be a bit quicker in the SFO office, but overall the time difference would be only minor.
Good luck to you wife!
thank you sir bob .. MAy God continually bless your page.. thanks a Lot !
You are most welcome, Jennifer. Good luck to you and your child!
hello sir good evening.i have 2 children living here in philippines now .i gave birth both in korea and my husband is korean.my children have only korean passport.my problem is we will staying here for good but they are korean.how can i get their dual citizenship while im here in philippines.?
Hello,
Australia alllows dual citiez Shop, see below :
Australia side: http://www.citizenship.gov.au/current/dual_citizenship/
Philippines side: http://www.philippineconsulate.com.au/dual-citizenship/introduction-note.html
Regards Mabuhay
Hello,
Australia alllows dual citizenship, see below :
Australia side: http://www.citizenship.gov.au/current/dual_citizenship/
Philippines side: http://www.philippineconsulate.com.au/dual-citizenship/introduction-note.html
Regards Mabuhay
Thanks for sharing that, Chrstian!
Not a lot of info there, but if she is expressing a desire to gain S citizenship for the daughter, the father must be present at the interview at the US embassy in Manila
Hi David – Actually, as I understand it, she is applying for Philippine Dual Citizenship, nor for foreign citizenship. I believe the girl is already a foreign citizen (not sure which country), and she wants the girl to also be a Philippine Citizen. I might be wrong, though, but that’s the way I read it! ha ha
Bob:
Jacky in fact has the right to get a dual citizenship for her son since he is a us citizen. like my two kids they have both us passport and an american citizen. i applied for dual citizenship and it was approve kahit i am not a us citizen at the moment. she can go to the bureau of immigration and ask how. that is what i did as my stepping stone to all this citizenship matters. or i can maybe of help to her.
Hi Jenny – Thank you for sharing your experience. I am sure that it will be valuable for Jacky.
hello Sir Bob..
hi jenny..
thank you so much guys for ur help/info. it was really a big help for me. Ur both right .. my son has dual citizenship coz me bein his mother is still a filipino and i gave birth to him here in PI and his father is an american. i just got back from the dfa coz i applied for my son’s PI passport nd twas approved. I just need to wait for it to be delivered. again thank you guys for ur help. more power to ur Sir Bob .. ur such a big help to many people. and to u jenny thnx for taking time to answer my query here. GODbless both of u .. ;-))
Thank you for letting me know, Jacky! I thought your son would already be considered a dual citizen, I’m glad to know that all worked out for the best!
Just a comment, Bob, about Pearly’s situation. In the multiple times we have traveled back to the Philippines, both of our kids, (US citizens born in the US while my wife was a green card holder and I, a US citizen), have ALWAYS been admitted for a full year without question, but….we carry US passports….Her son could get an expedited US passport probably much more quickly than establishing dual citizenship and getting a Philippine passport. Then as long as he travels with his mom he will get the automatic one year entry stamp and THEN she can apply for the dual citizenship here. If he’s NOT traveling with his mom, he definitely would fall under the criteria you outlined and he’d HAVE to have the US passport to travel. (Unless he actually completes the dual citizenship application and gets approved and Philippine passport in time.)
Hi David – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I could be wrong in my interpretation on this, but it is my understanding that the child’s Philippine passport has expired, but he does have a US passport. Pearly was a bit unclear, so either of us could be correct, it’s hard to say.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
Um, you can be a dual citizen in Germany. It’s not against the law.
What good is it to spread lies like that? Only worthless people lie to others.
Wow Tom, don’t you have a nice attitude.
Generally, Germany only allows dual citizenship to children who acquire multiple nationality at the time of birth. Philippine Dual Citizen is not compatible with German law. You can check references here and here.
Tom, be sure to take your meds regularly, as I am sure your doctor has told you,. It would seem to me that you are a bit out of balance. Good luck to you.
I agree with that, I’ve been naturalized as german citizen and I have given up my filipino citizenship as the law in Germany. I have no other choice except to choose one of them.
But fortunately, my son was born before I got my german passport, he has able to keep his dual citizenship till the rest of this life.
Enjoy Vietnam Bob. I can’t say that I loved it there back in 1967-69, but it WAS a beautiful place and I really enjoyed the people. Are you going to Saigon (sorry, but it’s still Saigon to me)?
Ha ha.. sorry, Glenn, but you misinterpreted. I wrote an article about somebody who is going to Vietnam.. I’m not going myself, though! 😉 Nice to hear from you, though, I hope you are doing well.
When the child grows up and goes to college, it would be cheaper if they were Philippine citizens. I know that there is is price difference for those that want to go to medical school and applying from out of the Philippines. Maybe this is what Charity was referring to.
Hi Kevin – At all of the colleges that I am aware of, the tuition is the same whether you are a foreigner or a Philippine citizen.
Bob, I don’t think your response is entirely accurate. There is a naturalization protocol for foreigners to become citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, which includes residency in the Philippines for a specified number of years and fluency in a Philippine dialect. For a U.S. citizen, it is not necessary to relinquish your USA citizenship to become a citizen of the Philippines. The mere act of swearing a citizenship oath to the Philippines does not mean loss of U.S. citizenship. To lose US citizenship, one would have to make a formal request to do so before a U.S. consular officer.
It would be interesting to hear from an attorney who has assisted foreigners in obtaining Philippine citizenship.
Hi John – I am sorry, I don’t mean to be mean to you, but quite simply, you are wrong.
One of the requirements of Philippine Naturalization is that you MUST renounce any other citizenship. I know, because I have text of the law, and also, I am considering become a Philippine Citizen, but am hung up on whether I am willing to relinquish my US citizenship. I have an attorney here in Davao whom has advised me on this matter. The first question he asked me on my first visit to his office was – “do you realize that you will be required to renounce your US citizenship?”
Here is a link to the law on Philippine Naturalization. Be sure to check Section 12, which clearly states that you must renounce other citizenship.
hi! Im Patrick. i have the same question, my father and mother are both Indians. i have born here in Philippines im already 23yrs old. but my passport is Indian. i have graduated seaman course (seafarers). and now my problem is my citizenship. what should i do? anyone can help me?
Hi Patrick – I would say your choice comes down to either becoming an Philippine Citizen or continue as an Indian Citizen.
I’m a retired US airline employee @ my wife carries both US & Philippine passports.
Bob, what you say is basically correct. Buy the ticket using the PI passport. Upon arrival in the PI show immigration BOTH passports. All of the benefits of both will be afforded.
We arrived in June for this trip through Manila and breezed right on through.
Hi Dave – Thanks for sharing your experience. Very helpful!
I booked my ticket on expedia.com with no problems. It was a one way ticket booked using my US passport because as a US citizen I can only enter and leave the US using a US passport. When I get to the Philippines, I will use my philippine passport to enter and leave as a filipino citizen since I have dual citizenship. If you book your ticket online, you won’t have to deal with an American travel agent. They wont know about dual citizenship because the US does not recognize it. Use the Philippine passport in the philippines to avoid getting questioned by immigration.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Zefyrah! Your experience is very valuable for our readers.
Have to agree with Dave H on this one!
Thanks, Dan.
You also have the choice of presenting two passports (Philippine and US passport) upon entering/departing the Philippines. In this case both passports will be stamped (US passport with the same “PP” designation). This is the preferred approach as it allows full documentation of travel for US immigration, and avoids the Philippine travel tax.
Hi Miss August – I didn’t know that you could present both passports simultaneously! Thanks for passing that along.
Bob, thank you for your quick answer and also thank you Miss August!
One more added to my question is;….When my wife takes the re-afermation oath of allegiance and gets her notorized certificate….who askes for it outside of previous filipinos that have been us naturalized and without a passport must do this. But, if you have a current Philippine passport, and enter the philippines, I doubt very much they would ask for this. What I am saying Bob is when is it required to show this certificate outside of getting a philippine passport?
As Always, thank you for what you do!!!
Denny
Hi Denny – nope, nobody will ask to see the certificate. Once she has the passport, nobody can deny she is a Philippine citizen!
Take care!
Thanks for your advises Bob!…..So, getting back to my original question and looking for an answer for;
“Does my wife really need to travel to Calif. to take the oath of allegiance at a philippine consulate and pay the fee if she already has a current philippine passport and a US passport?”….. My thinking it is not necessary and it is really for Philippine citizens that are now USA naturized and do not have a current philippine passport.
Thats my thinking anyway BoB…
Take Care.
Denny – Las Vegas
Hi Denny – Actually, I did answer that question in my original response. Your wife is not a Philippine Citizen. She already renounced her Philippine Citizenship. She must apply for re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship and take the oath now. That is the law.
Hi Bob, I’m responding to the questions and answers that have been posted here, my wife to is a us citizen as are my children and when we enters the country as a family my wife presented their us passports as well as Philippine and there’s was stamped pp and mine was stamped bb, we didn’t understand the pp so we went to Davao immigration the next day and they said so what’s the problem and my wife explain to them that she don’t understand the pp stamp and they said you have unlimited stay and that was 6 months ago. Hope this helps. Chuck
Hello Ana – It is difficult to answer your question because you did not really give enough information.
Let’s start with your Grandfather. You mentioned that he is a Veteran of the US Military. So, I am assuming you are talking about VA Medical benefits. There is a VA clinic in the Philippines (in Manila), but under the VA rules, only Veterans who have a service related disability are eligible to receive medical benefits from the clinic in Manila. So, if he has a service related disability, he can get benefits here. If he needs health services but does not have a service related disability, he will need to go back to the USA if he wants to avail of VA medical benefits.
Regarding your grandmother, unless she also served in the US Military, she is not eligible for VA Medical benefits to be administered in the Philippines, or that is my understanding.
Good luck to you, and God Bless your grandparents. I thank you grandfather for his service to the USA.
hmm, there’s no other choice sir? aside from choosing 1 citizenship?
I know of no other choice,.
Her birth certificate showing her mother is a Filipino is another proof of dual citizenship. That’s good as gold in any government office in the Philippines.
Yes, indeed. Her birth certificate or passport will prove her Philippine citizenship.
Hi Bob,
In regards to 21 day visa, i believe that applies to individuals who are not married to a filipina or filipino, or who are not former or current filipino citizens by birth. When both the wife and I entered NAIA using strictly our u.s. passports, we were both given a 1(one) year balikbayan visa. I ask the immigration agent about that and he kindly pointed out that as my wife was filipina, we both were allowed the 1(one) year “balikbayan visa”.
John D.
Thanks, Chuck. Yep, that sounds right to me!
hey bob, my government just approved the papers i sent them for princess gwapa to come to America …. what is the next step?
Hi Mark – To be honest, I know little about the immigration process to go to the States. It’s been more than 20 years since I did it, and so much has changed. I believe that the next step will be an interview in Manila, but I am only going by memory, and really don’t know. It’s outside my area of expertise.
thanks bob … i received an email notice that the government is mailing me an approval letter so maybe the instructions for the next step will be in the letter … wish us luck
Hello! A lot of this is handled now threw CEBU immigration Office a fellow named Robert Lee handles some of this.This is new a few years ago.They to can advise you.
tnx for the accept..
Thank you, Nancy
my pleasure bob…
Can an American achieve dual citizenship in the Phillipines? My wife is a filipina and I am planning to go there for a while. But I keep seeing that I will have to get extensions and leave the country and can not work. Which these things hender our plans. But now I just don’t know what is the best way to go about this.
Technically, no, an American cannot have dual citizenship in the Philippines. Philippine law requires that you renounce your citizenship upon your naturalization.
However, your assumptions about having to leave and such are incorrect. You, as the spouse of a Filipino, are qualified for a 13(a) Resident visa which allows for a permanent stay in the Philippines.
we applied for german citizenship.thats why we are now using german passport. what about the so called allien certification of recognition. is it better to have acr rather than dual citizenship?
thanks for your answers.
Hi Jane – If you applied for naturalization in Germany, your child should be a dual citizen already, because the act of a parent cannot cause a minor to lose citizenship.
Being a citizen is always preferable to being an alien. With citizenship you have right.
Take care.
Hi Scott – I’m glad that you found the information useful. Good luck.
Hi Mr. mindanaobob i need help with my situation. I was born in the u.s in new mexico. My deceased dad was born filipino but got naturalized as a u.s citizen because he was part of the u.s airforce. My mom on the otherhand is still a filipino citizen. We went back here in the philippines when i was 2 years old. And now im turning 25. I have overstayed for a very long time. They didnt file for my report of birth abroad, and i found out that im not a dual citizen. The catch is i have two birth certificates. My dad got me a philippine birthcert but instead of stating i was born in the u.s, it is written that im born here in the philippines. I now have renewed my u.s passport which is stamp-free, and i was told to get a philippine passport using my phil birth cert. would it be possible? Can you please give me an advice? Thank you
Hi Jen – You would be a Philippine Citizen under Just Sanguinis if your parents had filed that report of birth abroad. But, because they did not file, you are currently an illegal alien in the Philippines, and you can be deported to NZ if you don’t get this straightened out. You are not eligible to get a Philippine Passport at this point, and if you go apply that is when they will catch you for being illegal here. You are right, your situation is very complicated.
Even if my mother is a Filipino? I see , But before i went to japan a person told me who worked for the Japanese embassy in the Philippines that i could go get dual citizenship so that my fines would be wavered . I just didn’t go for it because we knew nothing of dual citizenship
When your brother became a US citizen, he ceased to be a Filipino citizen. He lost that. So, yes, he must report to Immigration and pay for a visa to stay here. If he has been here for 36 months or more, he must leave.
This is easy to fix, though. He should apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship. Once he applies and it is approved, then he can be a citizen of both the Philippines and the USA, and then he can live here as a Filipino, with no immigration worries.
My husband is american and i am a filipino,if my baby is just holding american passport if we visit philippines does he need a philippine visa to stay in philippines? what is best just to have two passport?need help thanks
Hi. Really it is not too complicated. Just go to the Bureau and file for dual citizenship. Once you reacquire your Philippine citizenship all of your immigration problems will go away.
My husband is american and i am a filipino,if my baby is just holding american passport if we visit philippines does he need a philippine visa to stay in philippines? what is best just to have two passport?need help thanks
Wow, Bob, I’m glad you’re planning to learn tagalog as well, good for you! Lot’s of younger generation nowadays are having difficult times learning fluent tagalog specially those from middle and upper class filipino families, i just watched the news from ABS-CBN that lots of student from high school failed their exam in filipino class but actually i’m not surprised about this coz even myself was not fluent in tagalog coz i spoke tag-lish and given that the Phils had over 100 regional languages i think speaking in english is more easier and understable.
Hi John – I’m like you, there was a day when I wish I could have gotten such answers. ha ha.. my wife and I just celebrated our 21st, far behind you, but still, there was no internet back then!
Congrats on the Tagalog! I can speak Bisaya pretty fluently, and it has really made my life so much better living here in the Philippines! I will be starting Tagalog class pretty soon too. I just have to take my final exam in Bisaya first!
Take care, John!
Hi Bob,
Excellent explantion! Your expertise is greatly appreciated, wish i had someone like you to help us years ago when we went through the marrying, petiton, green cards etc etc. But then again that was about 38 years ago and we’re still married. So we must have done something right…and learning tagalog out of respect for the lovely wife also helped i think :-).
John D.
You are right, John. I have fully explained the Balikbayan Privilege elsewhere on the site. A person traveling in on a US Passport will be issued a 21 day tourist visa waiver, unless they as for the Balikbayan stamp. Sometimes it is given without asking,but it’s always a good idea to ask for the balikbayan visa if that is what you want.
The reason I did not recommend a Balikbayan Visa for Denny is because he said that he and his wife were going to visit the Philippines for 2 weeks only, so a tourist visa is just as good as a Balikbayan Visa in that case.
The last I read on it it was 2 hectr of ag land or 100sq mtrs in town
A former Philippine citizen can buy a limited amount of land. A dual citizenship is not limited in that way.
R U sure Bob? My wife got sworn in as a American one day..and three days later we went from there to the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC and got her reinstated thus making her dual. The info we received at that time stated the limits I stated about..Rules here are written in wet sand at low tide and change all the time.. problem is they never get the news out very well and you get repeatedly bad info from good intenstions people
oh that was in 2009
I am 100% certain. A dual citizen has the exact same rights as a “regular” Philippine citizen, except that a dual citizen cannot become President.
Ed, here is information from the Philippine Consulate in Hawii’s website: Having reacquired Philippine citizenship, can I now acquire land and other properties or engage in business?
As provided for under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a Filipino citizen is entitled to purchase land and other properties and engage in business. This right would now apply to former natural-born Filipinos who have re-acquired Philippine citizenship under RA 9225.
thx
I’m 17 yrs. Old and I would like to live in the phillipines when I turn 18 next year, I want to go college there and be able to work as a flight attendant someday. Is that possible for me to be a dual citizenship as soon as possible because I want to be a permanent resident in Cebu.
Hi Chelloreal – To be honest, I don’t know anything about you, so I can’t really answer your question. If one of your parents was a Philippine Citizen at the time of your birth, then yes, you can quickly become a Philippine Citizen.
Oh sorry. My moms was actually born in the phillipines and my dad was born in Hawaii, does that count though?
I am sorry, but where your mother and father were born is not helpful. What I need to know is whether either of them were Philippine citizens on the day you were born. It would seem that your father was not, since he was US born, but what about your mother, was she a Philippine Citizen, or had she been naturalized abroad before your birth?
Oh I was born in Hawaii when my mom was pregnant to me she was already married to my dad he’s a us citizen. My mom use to be a phillipines citizen till after 3 years giving birth to me she applied for American citizenship.
Ok, it does not matter where your mother lived or who she was married to. On the day you were born was she a Philippine Citizen or an American Citizen? If she was an American Citizen, then you do not qualify to be a Philippine Citizen. If your mother was still a citizen of the Philippines on the day you were born, then you may obtain Philippine citizenship by having your mother report your birth to the Philippine Consulate in Hawaii.
Oh I see thank.you sorry for my weird language. Thanks ^_^
When my mom gave birth to me she was still a phillipine citizen. Is there any other way I can change my citizenship without my parents.
No, your only path to citizenship is for your mother to file a report of your birth abroad.
Hi Bob,
I am Angelica, I went to US way back 2004 while I was pregnant to my daughter. I gave birth at California and went in the Philippines after a month because my visa is already expired. My daughtetr and I have been living here in the Philippines for 7 years now. My problem is that I am not aware that I should declare her birth abroad and pay taxes for her. What would you recommend for me to be able to have her legally stay here? I am a Philippine citizen while my daughter is an US citizen. Help me if confuse.
I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank you for making this blog… I find t very helpful.
Hi angel – Actually, had you reported her birth right away, it would have cost you nothing. There are no taxes due on that. Problem is, now your daughter has been living in the Philippines for 7 years as a US Citizen. You should contact the DFA and see what the procedure is, because i don’t know for certain. There will be fees due now, because your daughter has overstayed her visa, and you will likely have to pay to get her up to date.
Good luck to you and your daughter, and thank you for your kind words too.
Take care.
Thanks Bob for the quick reply. Where should I report her birth?
Thanks Bob for the quick reply. Where should I report her birth?
Thanks Bob for the quick reply. Where should I report her birth?
Thanks Bob for the quick reply. Where should I report her birth?
need to find out how to get duel citizenship for me and wife and son and our kids. as want to live there and have our business get started there and want my wife and kids to be able to travel in the U.S. with me when needed and not worry about overstaying as my family is here in the states and hers is in the Philippines
Hello Richard – Because you are a foreigner, you do not qualify to be a dual citizen in the Philippines. The Philippine Dual Citizenship law only applies to Filipinos, not foreigners like you and I. You can still live here permanently, though, just get a resident visa.
As for your wife, she needs to become a US citizen, and then apply to re-acquire her Philippine Citizenship under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law, which will also cover dual citizenship for your children.
Take care.
Bob< Henry Ford said two things that a apply to you directly. The first is "An idealist is a person who helps other people to be prosperous." The second, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Keep doing what you do, You are good at it
Thank you Joseph, I appreciate your kind words… and Henry’s too! 😉
I read all of your blogs as your posts them and also all other contributors on all of your sites now on a daily basis. The news of Mindanao, the experiences in your LiP mag and even youre face book posts and I Like!
It always makes me feel good, Joseph when somebody tells me that they enjoy my sites and get useful information there. So, thank you for that. Good morning to you.
Hi Bob,
So if I was born in the U.S. to filipino parents at the time of my birth about 30 years ago, all they would need to do is file a report of birth and that’s it?
I spoke to someone in DFA here in Phil. that after the report of birth is filled out, we must then fill out application for Recognition of Philippine Citzenship or something to that extent… which costs approximately P15,000… so anyway, what is your thoughts on this?
You should follow what the DFA says. It is probably because so much time has passed. That report of birth abroad should have been filed at the time of your birth.
Hello angel – You should report her birth at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest to where your daughter was born.
Bob, Many dual-citizens are natural-born Philippine citizens and therefore eligible for the Philippine presidency.
Hi Ron – It is my understanding that once you relinquish your Philippine Citizenship and then reacquire it, you are no longer eligible to be President.
Are you able to list actual Philippine laws that would validate this?
Read here.
Be sure to check page 56, Number 2, which reads:
DON’T YA JUST GET TIRED OF ANSWERING THAT ONE?
I think nobody searches the previous questions and answers, Cowboy! They keep asking that same question! ha ha
I KNOW OF A GUY THAT LIED AND GOT A FILIPPINO BIRTH CERTIFICATE THEN GOT HIS FILIPPINO PASSPORT AND THEN HIS GUN PERMITS.
Amazing, Bud!
Hey
Hoping you can help me with a question. Wife just now got her dual citizenship and P.I. Passport and we’re planning a trip to Macau so that I can come back and get a Balikbayan visa for 1 year.
Will I still be able to get the Balikbayan Visa if my wife enters the P.I. with me using her Philippine Passport?
Yes, it should not be a problem. I would recommend that upon entering the Philippines, your wife should show both her US and Philippine passports, and both will be stamped.
Thanks Bob!
Would you recommend also that we depart the P.I. using both Passports?
I would think that departing just to use the U.S. Passport to avoid Taxes instead of showing both as that might confuse them on whether or not to tax her? What do you think?
Hi Bob.. Love the site, it’s quite helpful! I’ve got 2 questions for you, not sure if you can help me. Is there such a thing as Tri-Citizenship? I’ll give you a little background info:
Dad was stationed at Subic Bay while in the USN, married mom, a Filipina. Together they were transferred to Australia… where I was born. I just found out that I am, in fact, still considered to be an Australian citizen, even though I have always claimed myself as a US Citizen (we now live in Florida). Do I have any right to Filipino citizenship?
Next question: Mom became a US Citizen in 2006. I know in “The Oath” it says you renounce all former countries, but I’ve since read articles and seen sites that talk about some act in 2003 that enabled Filipinos to retain their citizenship. I distinctly recall my mother having to send in her old passport when she became a US Citizen, so is this not true? What benefits would there be to my mom trying to regain some sort of citizen status?
Okay, so that was more than 2 questions. Hopefully you’re able to help with a few of them… any answers are appreciated! Thanks and know it’s appreciated by those of us who have no clue ^^
Regards,
Audra
Hello Audra – You are eligible for Philippine Citizenship, but in order to receive it your mother needs to file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy in Australia.
When your mother became a naturalized US citizen, she gave up her Philippine Citizenship. She can regain it by filing for Philippine Dual Citizenship at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest where she currently lives.
Hope this helps.
It certainly does… and sorry about that, didn’t realize I posted within an answered question. ><
One more question… is there such a thing as Tri-Citizenship?
Sure…. there can be any number of citizenships, as long as each country involves allows multiple citizenship.
He could also go the “unofficial” proxy route. Select someone to run as a barangay captain then throw all your support to them (money and clout). Once they win, the barangay captain gets “guidance.” My wife relayed that true story to me. 🙂
Personally, I never make recommendations on things that are illegal.
Hello! I have a question about dual citizenship. My father was born and raised in the Philippines but gave up his citizenship when he became an American citizen. He now wants to apply for dual citizenship. If he gets his dual citizenship can I apply as well? I am 29 (so no longer a minor) and I was adopted as an infant so we are not biologically related. Us it possible for me to get my dual citizenship?
I am sorry, Maria, but you are not eligible.
Hey Bob!
Great sight sir! It’s the first sight that actually answers my “dual citizenship” questions! =)
I just wanted to clarify something though. Are you saying that Sarada and her sisters need not apply for dual citizenship first at the BOI, before getting a Philippine passport at the DFA, even though they currently carry American passports?
My daughters are in a similar situation, in that they were born in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and American father (me) and currently hold an American passport.
Best regards,
Max
Thank you Max, I’m happy that you find the site helpful!
You are exactly correct. If your daughter was born in the Philippines to a mother who was a Philippine Citizen at time of her birth, and if her Philippine Birth Certificate shows that her birth place was in the Philippines, and that her mother was a Philippine Citizen, then she is a Philippine Citizen. No applications are needed, no other paperwork. All you need to do is go apply for a Passport. The fact that she currently has an American Passport is not material.
Good luck to you and your family.
You just put a huge smile on my face! =)
Many many thanks!
ROCK ON MindanaoBob!
Hello Bob,
This is something that we’ve been discussing about for months now because we’re planning to go to US for the first time. Just like Max, who is one of the commenters, me and my sisters were born here in the Philippines to an American citizen father and a Philippine citizen mother. We all carry US passports but we’re thinking of getting PH passports too. If we decided to use a PH passport to go to US for the first time, would that be possible? Are we required to apply for an immigrant visa even if we already have dual citizenship? We’re trying to avoid the penalties because we have our birth certificates showing we were born here so recognition and retention/re-acquisition don’t really apply to us. Thank you so much in advance.
PS. Had to send you an email just in case but will also wait here for your reply.
Hi Eugene – You are a dual citizen, if your parents filed a “report of birth abroad” with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate at the time of your birth. If they did not, the report can still be filed with an explanation of why it was not filed when it should have been.
Good luck.
Thank you bob. Could you tell me about the requirements of obtaining a dual citizenship
Thank you ,
Randy
Use your Philippine Passport and US Passport when leaving the country. When you enter the USA use only your US Passport.
Thank you Bob for your response.. Your site is very useful, keep it up..
Thank you Wendy, I am happy that you found the site useful!
They can inherit dual citizenship as long as it is done anytime before they turn 18.
I have found that sending e-mail to the Philippine Embassy to be more forth coming. Have Totie look for the list of e-mail address in Va. More and more in the USA The consulate’s are doing away with contact with Embassies through the phone. 95% is now done by e-mail. Just something I thought I would mention since I found that out the hard way. Take care Bob. Good luck to you Totie.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Matthew. I am sure Totie will find that most helpful.
Thank you guys for the informations you provided…more question
can i apply on line to request for my birth certificate and have them send to our philippine address and my family can send it to me in US..or give my nephew an authorization letter to take it to NSO
to pick up my birth certificate..please advise
Thank You
Totie
Yes Totie, that’s exactly what NSO requires you to do, a written authorization from you for someone to get you Birth Certificate for you. Did that, done that…..we’re exactly “On the sameBoat” together…Good luck….
Thanks Bob…..
Hi Hecky – Rather than sending somebody to the NSO for the Birth Certificate, I recommend that Totie applies for the certificate online, through the link I provided in the article. It is inexpensive, and very quick.
If your children are still under the age of 18, they can still acquire dual citizenships even though they were born after you became a Korean citizen. After they turn 18, that option is lost.
@Maria Since you were born to a Filipino mother and a foreign father before 1973 and didn’t elect citizenship when you reached the age of majority or soon after, you are not a natural-born Filipino citizen and cannot become a dual citizen.
My name is Randy my fiance is pregnant with my child. I started processing her papers a K-1 Visa.. the time the process will be complewte our child will be born in the philippines what will be the process of getting them both here . Is there anyway that I can become a filipino’s or dual citizen. any useful information will be helpful.
Thank you,
Randy
No, I don’t think that is necessarily correct. You probably lost your Philippine citizenship when you were naturalized in the USA. You need to check with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate about reacquiring your citizenship through the Philippine Dual Citizenship law.
I’m a single mom.born in Phils. just got my citizenship 2 months ago my daughter in 9y/0 born in the Phil’s and got his US citizen recently. Do I still need to apply a dual citizen for her or is she automatic a dual citizen?
You will need to apply for dual citizenship for her. When she was naturalized, she lost her Philippine Citizenship.
Good Day,
My wife and I are Egyptian nationals, we live in the Philippines, we expect a baby within 30-40 days from now, wish to know if the child will be granted the the Filipino citizenship or not, also how may this affect his Egyptian Citizenship now and after according to the rules in the 2 countries. will this be dual or the child must choose between them sometime later or another situation? thanks.
Hello Mark – Because neither you nor your wife are Philippine citizens, your child may not be a Philippine Citizen regardless of birth in the Philippines.
Can a child born to Egyptian parents in the Philippines be naturalized as a Filipino citizen according to “The Administrative Naturalization Law of 2000”?
Anybody can be naturalized if they meet the requirements. Important to remember that the child will be required to renounce his Egyptian citizenship as part of the naturalization process.
ok thanks for the detailed clear answer, so no dual citizenship available in the Philippines? what about Filipino Americans for example then?!
Hi Mark – I did not say there is no dual citizenship in the Philippines. I said that your child is not eligible for Philippine dual citizenship.
Philippine Dual Citizenship is available for people who were Philippine Citizens in the past and gave up their Philippine Citizenship to become naturalized in another country. They can keep their foreign citizenship and re-acquire their Philippine Citizenship.
Because your child has never been a Philippine citizen, or will not be upon birth, he has no path to dual citizenship.
ok perfect and very clear thank you very much, now here is a condition that wish to know from you if it is possible, please;
The Administrative Naturalization Law of 2000
Sec 4. Disqualifications – The following are not qualified to be naturalized as Filipino citizens under this Act:
g. Citizens or subjects of a foreign country whose laws do not grant Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subject thereof.
does Egypt come under this category? thanks in advance.
I really don’t have any idea on that, Mark. I know nothing about Egyptian law.
Good day. I have a niece staying with me here in the Philippines and she mentioned her visa is valid only for 21-days as told by the immigration officer at the airport. She had just re-acquired her Philippine citizenship but the only document she have at the moment is the certificate. The Philippine passport is expected to be issued around December or early January next year that’s is why what she used to travel to Philippine is a US passport. Is the 21-day visa still apply? Does she need to re-apply in the US embassy to extend her stay in the Philippines? Thank you.
Hi Jeremias – Because your niece traveled in on a US passport, for this visit she is considered a US Citizen, and not a Philippine citizen. In order to renew her visa she will need to visit the Philippine Bureau of Immigration – the US Embassy has nothing to do with this – and renew. She will need to renew before 21 days, then she will need to renew before 59 days, and every 59 days until she leaves..
How could apply a dual citizen of my child though my Canadian baby is in the philippines. What should we do and what are the requirements needed? Can I apply dual citizen of my child eventhough his not here in Canada for a while?
Hello Fredalyn – I need to know first, were you or your husband a Philippine Citizen on the day your child was born?
‘HI’ I AM AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN INTENDING TO MARRY MY PHILIPPINO GIRLFRIEND NEXT YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I OBTAIN INFORMATION AND FORMS FOR A 13(a) VISA APPLICATION FOR RESIDENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES.
REGARDS AND THANKS;
BRIAN CRAIG
Hi Brian – Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Firstly, you are not eligible for a 13(a) Resident Visa until after you are already married, you cannot even apply until the marriage takes place. Once you are married you can get the application from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration if you are in the Philippines. If you are in Australia, check with the Philippine Embassy for the forms and information you need.
hi my gilfriend and i are planning to get married here in the philippines. She has dual citizenship, filipino and american, and we are planning to use her filipino citizenship since we are getting married in the philippines. my question is, if we file for a spousal petition in the future will the US embassy recognize our marriage if she used her filipino citizenship in the marriage process.
Hello jl – I don’t think this would be a problem. However, if she is a US Citizen, there is no reason why you would ever file for a spousal visa. She is a citizen, she can go to the US anytime.
thanks Bob! she is a US citizen, im not and we plan to file the petition in a year or two. we wanted to use her filipino citizenship so she wont have to get a legal capacity… affidavit from the US embassy. thanks again
Im having the same issue.. im dual and me and my gf planning to get married… do i need to get ghe legal capity of contract marriage or not??? Seen im filipino and american cetizen…. so what will be my requiremnets to get married then
I am determined to be w/ my husband in the Philippines. Due to unfortunate circumstances, we were torn apart.
I would like to know how am I able to find a job in the Philippines (Manila). I am an American Citizen and do not know much about finding employment there.
Thank you.
Lailani
Hi Lailani,,
You left a comment on my Philippine Dual Citizenship site asking about getting a job in the Philippines, so I am sending along this information to you.
If you are interested in living in the Philippines, but you need a source of income, getting a job here is generally not the way to go. Firstly, most companies are not looking to hire foreigners. Secondly, you probably won’t want to work for the kind of wages offered here, usually only a few dollars per day.
To help out people like you, I have written a book called “49 Ways to earn a living in the Philippines” and I cover ideas of all sorts on how you can earn a good living while living in the Philippines. I have been earning my living here since 2000, and I earn more money now than when I lived in the States. So, I know that I can help you do that too!
To check out the book, go to:
http://books.auctiontopia.com/books/49-ways-to-make-a-living-in-the-philippines/
Check it out today, I am sure that this is what you are looking for, if you want to live in the Philippines!
Hello. my name is jean. i am a vietnamese american citizen. i’ve been looking online for months and have so many questions about moving and getting married in the philippines to my boyfriend who is a citizen there. i was wondering what would be the first steps into moving there and getting married. can i buy a one way ticket and do everything in manila or would i have to do all the paper work here in califorina and then move there? my boyfrien’s family is willing to give me anything that i need like a place to stay and food to eat. i wouldn’t have to worry about not being taken care of.
i got alot of information online about this but there were about 4 years olds. would you been able to tell me exactly what i need to move and get married there.
i would appreciate any information you have for me and i am looking forward to your responses. thank you so much.
i am a green card holder in US who has two children living on the philippines. Being that they were born with a filipino mother and US citizen father, does that give them an automatic dual citizenship? Do I still need to pay the fine because my kids are lives in the Philippines? Help!
Hi Maria – Not sure exactly why you are posting this… you e-mailed the same question to me several hours ago, and I answered.
Well the fact is that they do NOT automatically have dual citizenship by birth.
If your husband (as the Philippine Citizen) filed a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate or Embassy in the USA at the time of your children’s birth, then they are dual citizens. If he did not file the report, then your children, at this time, are US citizens only.
If your husband did not file the report, then he still can file it. However, any penalties for overstaying up until the time the report is filed and approved will be due.
Dear Bob,
My mom is half Filipino (mom is a Filipino), Half American (dad is American) and was a born in the Philippines before she migrated here in the US at the age of 10. She does come back in the Philippines for a visit once in a while and then she married my father (American) and has acquired the US citizenship before marrying him (they married here in the US). Prior to that, she applied dual citizenship and acquired it.
She gave birth to me in the US. Upon, reading I am thinking that I am a Filipino Citizen by blood because of my Mom and she has a dual citizenship. Yet, I am an American citizen due to that I was born in the US and my father is an American citizen. The question is, will that makes me a dual citizen automatically? Or do I need to apply for dual citizenship? How about acquiring a Philippine passport? I am a little confused with it.
Thanks,
Eugene
Hi Randy – All of the requirements and fees for Dual Citizenship are given in our book, which you can find here. The book is an electronic book that can be downloaded immediately upon payment.
Take care, and good luck.
Hi Bob,
I was born in the Philippines and moved in the US. I’m married to a U.S. Citizen. I believe that I am qualified for dual citizenship. We are planning to move to the Philippines and my husband wants to apply for a job as a teacher in an International School. Is he also qualified for dual citizenship by marriage?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Dawn – you really did not give the information needed to answer your question, but I will do my best.
For you – being born in the Philippines does not mean that you were a Philippine citizen. If your parents were Philippine citizens, or even one of them was then you were a citizen and you are eligible for Philippine dual citizenship.
For your husband – unless he is a former Philippine citizen, then he is not eligible for Philippine dual citizenship. There is no citizenship through marriage.
Hi Bob,
You advised Lester -“When entering the Philippines, I would always use the Philippine passport, though”.
What is the advantage of using the Philippine passport over using the US passport? How about when returning to US would Lester have to use the US passport? Wouldn’t there be a problem because his US passport will not show that he entered the Philippines in the first place?
What are really the upsides of having a dual citizenship?
Actually, Dariu, my opinion has changed since I wrote this. I would now recommend showing both passports when entering the Philippines, and authorities will stamp each.
Bob, if i show 2 passport (US and Philippine passport) would they allow me to stay there for a long time like 4 years?
Hi Ryan – if you show a Philippine Passport, you can stay here for as long as you want. 4 years… 40 years… it doesn’t matter. If you are a citizen, there is no time limit.
Sorry about the typo in my name. Actually it is Darius.
Thanks for your quick response. However you did not address my other question: What are really the upsides of having a dual citizenship?
Is it just a sentimental gesture?
There are lots of benefits. For example, unless you are a citizen you cannot own land in the Philippines, etc. Basically, the benefit is that you get the benefits and rights of a citizen in more than one country.
Hi Bob. I was adopted when I was little but before that, I was a Filipino citizen. After I had become a U.S citizen, my mother reacquired her dual citizenship in the Philippines. My cousin had obtained my birth certificate at the national statistics office in the Philippines and it says that my parents were Filipinos. Am I a dual citizen? What does the law say?
Hello Mich – in my opinion, if you became a US citizen while you were still a minor, then you are a dual citizen. If you became a US citizen after the age of 18, then you have relinquished your Philippine Citizenship and are only a US Citizen, unless you apply for dual citizenship.
This is my opinion, you should check with an attorney to be certain.
Do you know of any immigration attorneys?
hi bob,
i am from guam and would like to get married to my girlfriend in the philippines next year i was wondering what are the steps i would need to take to bring her here back to guam with me? If there are any websites that are helpful to ease the hassle please post thank you..
Fyi My fiance’ is an OFW at the moment in abu dhabi..
Hello Bob me and my Husband have a plan to stay and live in the Philippine when he retire in work..Can he get the benefits from the social security every monthly even were in the the Philippines?
Hello Alicia – You didn’t really give me much information to go on, but I’ll do my best to answer. When you ask about your husband’s Social Security, I will assume you are talking about United States Social Security (lots of countries have Social Security). If that is what you are asking, then yes, he can still get his Social Security payment.
Good luck with the move.
Hello Bob,
I just want to make sure I got this right. If I was born in Philippines and I have the Philippine Birth Certificate and I was adopted. This still make a Philippine Citizen even with a US Naturalization Certificate? Thanks so much for help.
-Kevin
Hello Randy – I am sorry, I don’t know much of anything about US Immigration. It’s been more than 20 years since I dealt with that. So, I can offer no answer for how long it will take to get them there. I know about Philippine Immigration (coming to the Philippines) not US Immigration.
You cannot become a Philippine Dual Citizen unless you have been a Philippine Citizen in the past. You can become a Philippine Citizen if you want, but there are requirements for that:
1. You must give up your US Citizenship
2. You must come and live here for 10 years before you apply (can be 5 years once you are married to a Philippine Citizen)
3. You must learn the language here.
4. There are other requirements, but these are the most difficult.
Good luck to you.
What is the process of acquiring an NBI clearance when you are an American Citizen? Are you allowed to acquire an NBI clearance? Thank you!
Hello Sam – Sure, foreigners can get an NBI clearance. Just go to the NBI office and tell them that you need NBI clearance and they will process it for you.
my name is Rodelia Musslewhite. I am Filipino American. my Son is born in Houston Texas.
we come in the Philippines 2008. my Son and I, went to Philippine Immigration 2009. we claim our dual citizen. and all you need is. U.S passport, and your old Philippine passport and your U.S Citizen Certificate, marriage certificate authentication, and my son only need Birth certificate and U.S Passport. and photo ID. and both of us. only cost P4. 750 Pesos. when we walk out the Immigration building. we both Dual citizen. we just wait the letter for our Dual Citizen Certificate for 3 weeks. then you have to go back to Immigration and pick it up..
we did it here in Manila. I never have any trouble. for those who!s Filipino American. you do have a Dual Citizenship, all you have to do is go to Immigration an claim it. if you have a children under 18. it is easy to apply, but if is over 18, you have to hire a Lawyer to represent you.
I did it 2009 with no Problems. at least if they change the Law. so ever since then, we have been living in Surigao for over 3 years. if you don!t believe me ask my Husband JAMES MUSSLEWHITE. he is on Cebu Forum. he was with me when I claim my Dual Citizen…
thank you, I hope this comment would help someone, if you are doing Paper works just like mine..
I have live in Houston Texas for 25 years. I know that this is the Procedure I followed. and it went well…
If you are born in the USA, you cannot attain dual citizenship in the Philippines. Same law applies to naturalized citizens. They can become Filipinos, but not dual citizens.
Like they said, only if you renounce the USA citizenship, reattain it, then reattain Philippine citizenship, then file for dual. A long process that has more risk, and little benefit that I am aware of…
I am sorry, John, but the information in your comment is incorrect. It most certainly is possible to be a dual citizen for some people born in the USA. If a baby is born in the USA and one of his parents is a Philippine Citizen he will most certainly be a Philippine and a US citizen.
I think you need to make clear the difference between being a dual citizen and holding dual citizenship. They are not the same.
It may be possible to gain dual citizenship if born abroad. However, they generally cannot gain dual citizenship by birth alone under the law. I was born in he USA and am therefore a US citizen. I also am a Philippine citizen. However, I am restricted from having dual citizenship.
For instance: One of the requirements of dual citizenship is a presentation of your NSO live birth. You can’t receive this off of RP soil.
Dual citizenship is generally restricted only for those that were originally born Filipinos, lost their nationality due to the acquisition of a foreign nationality, and then re-acquired their Filipino citizenship.
The dual citizenship law states: “It is an act declaring former natural-born Filipino citizens who acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization are deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship”
Such as when a Filipino marries a foreigner and becomes naturalized in the spouse’s country of origin.
This is generally not possible if you are born a foreigner, and THEN apply for recognition.
Hope this helps.
I am sorry, John, but what you say is incorrect. If you have dual citizenship, you are a dual citizen. You are just not a dual citizen under the Philippine Dual Citizen law. The Philippine Dual Citizenship law only applies to people who lost Philippine Citizenship by being naturalized in another country. However if you became a Philippine Citizen by the fact that one of your parents is a Philippine Citizen, you still have Dual Citizenship, it is simply by means other than the Philippine Dual Citizenship law.
Hi delon – I recommend having both passports stamped when you enter the Philippines. When entering the US, just present your US Passport, I do not believe they will stamp two.
I would not expect any problems at US immigration. They know about dual citizenship, and probably encounter it daily.
The only place where you should probably show both passports is in the Philippines. because if you are leaving/coming to the Philippines you would have to show your origin/destination visas. In this case when entering the Philippines, the important passport would be the Philippine passport, but since you probably acquired the passport abroad (in a Philippine consulate), it would probably be blank and he would need to know how you got out of the Philippines in the first place, hence a US Passport would explain it.
They will stamp both passports, and both would not have any term limits. (just an entry stamp)
When exiting the Philippines, they would need to see any visa or proof that you are able to get in to the country of destination, and unless it’s a non-visa country (like Hongkong or something), they will not allow you to leave for the US without showing the US visa/passport.
In the case of entering or exiting the US, all they need there is the US Passport, so no need for a Philippine Passport. hence no hassle.
John, MindanaoBob is right,
My first born was born in the US, we were both Filipinos at that time, that made him automatically a US citizen (being born in the US aka Jus Soli), but the Philippines is Jus Sanguinis (by blood) so, he is legally still a Filipino. We filed a Report of Birth to a Philippine Consulate in New York, applied for a Philippine Passport for him. We came back to the Philippines a few years later, showed both Philippine and US Passport, both of them got stamped, and both didn’t indicate any time limit or terms indicating he has to leave the Philippines as since he is considered a dual Citizen.
When we left to migrate to Canada, we only used his Philippine Passport. Since then we had two more kids (born in Canada), and both of them also have Philippine Passports. If ever they would need to prove their citizenship, all we need to show is the Philippine Passport and the Report of Birth (which is the legitimate equivalent of a Philippine Birth Certificate).
hi bob, i have a question. i am a US citizen and planning to apply for dual citizenship. the consulate requires a copy of both of my US passport and Phil. passport but they have different names. my US passport bears my married name while Phil passport, my maiden name. i used my married name in all my paperwork now. i came here in US single, then got married, that’s why the difference in name. should i do something else before i submit my application for dual citizenship? please kindly advise. thanks.
Hi Lori – the most likely thing is that they will just ask you to show your marriage certificate to prove that you name changed due to marriage.
thank you very much for your prompt reply.
I was surprised to find out that if your an American married to a Filipina living in the Philippines and have a baby born in the Philippines you can get USA citizenship for the child by going to the US embassy and get a DNA test. I always thought you are a citizen of the soil you are born on.
Hi Terry – There are two ways of acquiring citizenship:
Jus Soli – based on the soil on which you were born
Jus Sanguis – Based on the citizenship of your parents.
An interesting fact, if you are born in the Philippines to two American parents, you are not a Philippine Citizen, because the Philippines does not pass on citizenship through Jus Soli.
I do know this that my friend in PI has two sons born in the Philippines took them to the US embassy had a DNA test and obtained USA citizenship for both, Father American and wife Filipina.
Bob,
If my wife which is now with me in the USA obtains US citizenship does she loose any rights to Philippine citizenship, purchasing property in PI etc???
Curious if they lose their citizenship, why does the Law state:
“Sec 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It is hereby declared the policy of the State that all Philippine citizens who become citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under the conditions of this Act.”
I feel that the country in general are unfair to foreigners especially Americans that have Freed them and gave them back their country you would think they would be a bit more appreciative. Americans will allow any anyone from another country purchase land. I understand somewhat about the Philippines wanting to keep it Filipino but i believe they should at least allow those who are married to a Filipino keep the land. I read some legal stuff that said if your married to a Filipino and the Filipino dies it is the foreign spouse but can only go to a Filipino upon their death or selling.
As far as American Tax if i find a store that is fact charging more than a Filipino i tell the person to screw off and God punishes thieves for many generations and my family and friends will never shop in your store again. I have had a few Taxi drivers try to gouge me and i just throw the the money i want to pay them and say not tip and walk away, but once im away from the city i don’t see those things. I did have to pull my wife back over the taxi drivers seat she jumped on top of him whaling on him for trying to take us down a dead end ally where about 6 guys were waiting, it was in manila and defiantly was a robbery attempt.
Oh boy, Terry… why would you even want to own land in a country that you describe as so unfair, ungrateful and such? When Americans come here with the kind of attitude that you describe, frankly, it makes life for Americans living here, like myself, much more difficult, and is quite embarrassing.
Good luck to you.
Do get me wrong i love the people and the place , i just hate corruption and dishonest people it will be something i will struggle with but we all have our own little itches under our skin. I am nice to and giving to everyone and that in its self will be a problem for me, giving to one poor family then other coming asking for the same.
Do you think there are no dishonest people in the States? How about corruption in the States. I can assure you that there are plenty of both. For foreigners like you and I, it really is not our place to preach to Filipinos about how they need to change their country. If corruption and dishonesty are big issues for you, my advice would be to clean up your own country first.
My friend who lives in Minidoro has his father living there in which he has told his father to leave go back to the states because hes always causing problems drunk all the time messing with married women. He went to the BC and said i am not my fathers keeper i have nothing to do with him but every time his father gets in trouble they come back to him to pay all the fines. Hes at wits end and don’t know what to do, if that was my father inlaw or brother in law i would help them once then say your on your own and when the BC comes to my door again i would ask him was it me who broke the law? I dont have a job here and the Philippines does not allow me to be employed so the person is on his own.
Hi Bob, I have a follow up question. In the front page of your website, it says, “The United States allows dual citizenship, although it does not encourage it.” I was just naturalized not long ago. When I took the oath, I renounced my other citizenship and now I am trying to re-acquire it. Am I not jeopardizing my US citizenship?
Hi lori – You are in no way jeopardizing your US Citizenship by applying for Philippine Dual Citizenship. US citizenship will not be affected in any way.
I have a beef about the vague terms in the Philippine Dual Citizenship Law as I have recently become a Naturalized Canadian Citizen… the law states:
“WHEREAS, R.A. No. 9225 declares that natural-born citizens of the Philippines who become citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under conditions provided therein;”
And then I am being told by the Philippine Embassy in Toronto that I should apply and pay ($50 plus) for reacquiring my Philippine Citizenship…
It’s confusing as at first they are saying I didn’t lose my citizenship, and then later they are saying I lost it… I was under the notion that after 2003, all filipinos who became citizens of other countries do not lose their Philippine citizenship…but now their saying they did and that the new law is only to re-acquire it…
I totally agree with you, the way the law is written is confusing. However, if you want to be a dual citizen, you must re-acquire it by applying under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law.
Does she still need to do this even if I’m 23 years old?
I also have an old Philippine passport, could I just get that renewed n use that as proof of my citizenship? And what about the ROTC… Would I be required to take that?
Thank you for your timely reply! Your awesome!
It’s ok… You’ve given great insight to my next steps thank you again for your quick reply.
Ohhh okay, I’m just so worried about it because I’m planning on studying here also..though I think my school will take the receipt of dual as confirmation that I’ve applied.
As for my visa, it’s a balikbayan because I came here with my Mom, so they gave me a one year stamp. Oh so while I’m waiting for my dual citizenship process, I’m able to change my visa to a tourist visa and that will enable me to stay beyond march 3?
Or shall I just apply for a tourist visa when march 3rd approaches?
I see you have an old philippine passport, this means that you have already been registered and have already been deemed a filipino. this means that you don’t lose it anytime unless you naturalized or gain another citizenship there is no new development in your status since as far as the philippine government is concerned, you are a natural born, and have not “lost” your citizenship by gaining another citizenship…
As far as I am seeing, only those who took up another citizenship are being FORCED to apply for dual citizenship oath….
hi roland…
is this a reply to my situation that i asked bob awhile ago???…would be really glad to get your advice…thanks…
I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen but was born here in the Philippines. I came back to Manila in 1997 to study college and was supposed to go back after graduating. My parents however asked me if i could try to get work experience here and i have been working here ever since. My parents have given me the option to return to Canada this year to continue to work. I have renewed my Canadian passport already and my question for you is…Am I going to be able to go back to Canada without any problems with the Philippine Immigration??…by the way…does this make me a dual citizen since i was born here in the Philippines to both Filipino parents but migrated to Canada and got naturalized??…just read about the article with R.A. 9225 from the comments above…just want to make sure…thanks
you were probably naturalized when you were a dependent. and came back to manila. In your case, you are a dual citizen. You are naturalized before RA9225 but since you are underage at that time you are deemed to be still filipino. Although I do not know if you are required to elect which citizenship to choose upon reaching adulthood like in other countries and since you are within the Philippines during promulgation of RA9225.
The gist of RA9225 says that those who naturalize as citizens of other countries are deemed not to have lost pinoy citizenship. but stupid embassy personnels seeing a penchant for more money making enforces the “regaining” part of RA9225, to ALL even to those who got naturalized after RA9225 (which states that we didn’t lose it).
So in your case, even though you are able to get Philippine Passport, and has lived in Philippines as a citizen, I would guess somewhere along the way, lets say if you are living in Canada for a long while, and then decided to renew your Philippine passport in a consulate, they would probably charge you for the Oath Taking fee to “regain” your pinoy citizenship. I would suggest you either do the oath taking, or just renew your pinoy passports in the Philippines. Although I think this would be hard, specially if you plan on staying in Canada for good.
You mentioned you already HAVE a Philippine Passport, so I assume that your parents ALREADY Registered your birth abroad. You’re birth certificate is probably US, and based on this, in order to get a Philippine Passport, your mother would’ve had to register your birth to a consulate, and get your passport after registering. you can just renew.
Hello Lori – Indeed, you can apply in Jakarta. You should apply at the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta.
How long it takes depends on the workload at the Embassy.
When I was looking at how to get my Philippine Passport renewed… it said that i would have to have proof of my philippine citzenship… but all i have is my old passport… is that going to be good enough?
Old passport is proof enough for citizenship, report of birth abroad may be required too… In my son’s case, when he renewed his passport, we only submitted his old passport. If you are renewing in Manila, then it is probably no problem… if renewing abroad, they might ask for the report of birth or worse, oath taking certificate (and other potential fees to wring out of you)
Hey Roland! thank you for replying… I just need clearification, so what your saying is that all i would need to do is apply for the LATE registration of bith and pay whatever charges come with it? or, I have an old Philippine passport but it is outdated and expired… do i just need to renew that in order to study there in the philippines?
Thank you again
No, he doesn’t have to apply for dual citizenship. He is still filipino, all he needs to do is to submit LATE registration of birth to the consulate nearest him, (and Pay double fees, late registration fee, and registration fee) and apply for philippine passport based on his parent’s citizenship at time of birth. He never lost his filipino citizenship.
Hi Sarah – I would go convert to a tourist visa around the first day of March so that you will be OK and not on an expired visa. You can extend a tourist visa for up to 16 more months.
Good luck to you.
will do Bob…thanks for your advice…have a good day…
Hey Bob,
I have a question about Dual Citizentship too, so I just found out that i might be already a Dual Citizen of Us and the Philippines… but I’m not sure about a lot of things. My father Join the U.S miltary and when my Family was station in Germany, thats when I was Born, But on a U.S. soil (Base) so that made me a U.S. Citizen by birth, but I read, that if my mother was a Philippine citizen at the time of my birth (which she was) that automatically made me a Dual Citizen of the Philippines… so my first question is: is what I read correct, that because my mother was a Philippine at the time of my birth, does that make me a citizen of the Philippines too?
The reason why I am asking about it, is because I am planning to study in the Philippines, which leads me to my 2nd question: What would be easier, cheaper and better for me to get, a student visa or just apply for dual citizenship? (can you please estimate the cost)
and lastly, if it is better for me to get dual citizen, I also heard that, if i were to get a dual citizen and attend a college in the Philippines, i would be required to do ROTC?
I appreciate your time 🙂
It will be much easier for you to get dual citizenship. In order to do that, you need your mother to file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate serving the area where you were born.
Currently you are not a dual citizen. Until your mother files that report, you will not be recognized as a dual citizen. Does it have to be done? No, but if you want to be a dual citizen then it has to be done.
On the ROTC, firstly, there is no ROTC in the Philippines. There is something similar, but under a different name: CAT. I don’t know for sure if you are required to do that. I can research it and let you know, but would need to charge you a consultation fee for that. Let me know.
How about if you are dual citizen (US/Philippines) and you have property in the Philippine, Do I need to pay a property tax here in US for those properties that I own in the Philippines?
Thanks in advance?
You will pay property taxes in the USA for any properties that you own in the USA. You will pay property tax in the Philippines for any property that you own in the Philippines. No other property taxes will be due.
I’ve been reading conflicting information on dual citizenship. When a dual citizen (Phil/US) leaves for the Philippines, does he present both passports in the Philippines? Will both passports be date-stamped. When the dual citizen returns to the US, does he present both passports? One site said don’t say anything about dual citizenship. But if the dual citizen doesn’t have his US passport stamped in the Philippines, the US immigration officer will be looking for date stamp from the orignating country. Lastly, I know the US does not like dual citizenship but ‘tolerates’ it. Would the dual citizen be given a hard time in the US port of entry.
Yep, that’s exactly how it is done, Terry!
Hey Bob, just a quick question;
I’m Sarah, I’m an Australian Citizen and I now live in the Philippines. Due to the numerous times I have been back and forward from the Immigration here with my questions remaining unanswered, I have put off filing my dual citizenship.
My problem is now, that I have been advised that this will take 4-6 months, though my visa ends on March 3rd.
If I stay after that, it’s obviously classified as an overstay and I’m guessing illegal?
One I file my dual citizenship, can it be effective straight away?
What advice could you give me?
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Bob! im reading all these comments in your site and already getting an idea about my sister’s situation who now resides in the Philippines and studying as well =)
Well, we planned on making her stay until she finishes school or 2 yrs at least but she told us when she got there her passport was stamped that she can only stay for a year..
We planned on getting her a dual citizenship to avoid any problems like that or applying for school there..but was not able to accomplish until she left in september, 2011. Also, she didnt get any student visa prior (so before she enrolled in any school, that was a major question) luckily, she was able to enroll and got accepted in one of the colleges in Manila…
Can she apply for dual citizenship while in Manila and if so, where can she do that? Also, would that affect her us citizenship for that reason? I already read a few articles and learned that obtaining Dual Citizenship is LegaL but i just want to hear it from you… You are such a knowledgeable person to ask.. 😉
thanks for your time Bob.. Bless you and your family…
Hi Sarah, no it cannot be effective right away, or I know of no way to do that. My wife filed for dual citizenship in June 2011 and it is still waiting for processing. We are hoping it will be approved this month.
Yes, as you describe, you will be staying here illegally once your visa expires. What kind of visa are you using now? If you have a balikbayan visa, when it expires you can convert it to a tourist visa, though.
Hi Bob…
I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen but was born here in the Philippines. I came back to Manila in 1997 to study college and was supposed to go back after graduating. My parents however asked me if i could try to get work experience here and i have been working here ever since. My parents have given me the option to return to Canada this year to continue to work. I have renewed my Canadian passport already and my question for you is…Am I going to be able to go back to Canada without any problems with the Philippine Immigration??…by the way…does this make me a dual citizen since i was born here in the Philippines to both Filipino parents but migrated to Canada and got naturalized??…just read about the article with R.A. 9225 from the comments above…just want to make sure…thanks
In my opinion, yes, there would be a problem, because you have overstayed here for years. You could end up in jail, or have to pay some very serious penalties. Just go to the BI office and clear this up, you’ll be glad that you did.
where can i apply for dual citizenship . is it possible to get it here in jakarta, indonesia? how long does it take ?
hello. my boyfriend of almost 3 years is an australian-filipino dual citizen. he came back here in 2009 and our relationship started. he plans to go back to australia this year, 2012, and he plans for us to get married there. if that is the case, what visa do i need to apply for first so that i can go there and marry him there? he wants us to live there together. we are both Filipinos by the way, although he got dual citizenship in australia since 2008. what is the best thing for me to do?
Thanks for your speedy response bob.. 🙂 really appreciate it.. More power to you… And keep it p! You’re helping a lot of people in this way,,, 🙂
I am a united states citizen and i plan on moving and marrying my filipino boyfriend who is a citizen in the Philippines in a month. I read your response on how to move and get marry. I would Buy a one way ticket to Manila and then a ticket leaving the philippines, get married and apply for a visa.
If I want to move there, is that what I should do too?
Will they say anything about why I don’t have a ticket leaving the place of the throw away ticket since its illegal to buy a one way ticket.
Hey Feyma
Wow they put you through a lot of Chichi Baruchi for your Phil Dual Citizenship.Why couldnt you just show your Phil Birth Certificate, old Phil Passport, US Naturilization Certificate and be done with it. It seems easy as you could document you was born in and originally from the Phil.
Linda got it all done in less than 3 hours here at the NY Philippine Consulate and that included the swearing in ceremony.
Our Son Doug was born before Linda became a US Citizen so he was considered a Phil Citizen at birth and all we had to do is report his birth and he got his Philippine Passport processed the same day, then 3 weeks later he got his Phil Passport in the Mail.
HI Neal – I wish to God it’s that easy to get the citizenship back. It is more difficult now, have to get the birth certificate that had to be processed through the National Statistics office in Manila. Luckily Bob got me a birth certificate from there through on-line application. In 3-4 days I got my NSO birth certificate delivered directly to my house. That was amazing. I think I was just amazed that we had on-line services now here and it was quicker than I expected.
I’m glad that Linda got her dual citizenship instantly. I know that it’s much quicker and easier and cheaper too, to apply there in the US than here. I’ve heard bunch of friends telling me that. Hmm, with regards to the kids I’m not sure if they will be approve same time as me. Will see though when I get my approval. I will post here.
Good to see you again here Neal and thank you for the good info.
Have a pleasant day!
Hi Gary – Thank you… Ha ha ha… It is really hard to get a Philippine citizenship. We’ve been looking at the requirements, wow, I felt it’s endless. Nah, I will not force Bob into getting the Philippine citizenship thing. I’m happy the way it is right now.
Really proud of the dual citizenship in-charge here in Davao city office of the BOI. Very helpful.
Hey, are you thinking of getting the Philippine citizenship?
Good to see you here again. Have a good day!
Hi Alfre – Thank you! Best bet for you is to really go to the Philippine Embassy in the Middle East and ask the person in-charge of the dual citizenship. It might be easy for your kids to get the dual since you are still a Philippine passport holder. I am just guessing here. You should try to apply the dual citizenship now before your kids turn 18 years old.
I will definitely let you guys know after we got our approval papers. Thank you for the nice comment.
Thank you for stopping by here.
Cheers!
Morning Feyma,
Were ANY of your children born in the Philippines ?
I did not think you could obtain DUAL CITIZENSHIP for your children unless they were also born in the Philippines & are under age 21 years ?
Have you been informed by the B.I. if there are any birth or age restrictions for your children obtaining Dual Citizenship ?
I am about to apply for Dual Citizenship via overseas Philippine Embassy and am also very interested in my children who are above age 21 years also applying.
One child was born in the Philippines so there should be no problem, but the other was born overseas.
Congrats!!! Now talk Bob into getting his Philippine citizenship. 😀 I agree that the BI office in Davao City is great. So helpful.
Hi DB – Good evening to you. All of my 3 kids were all born in the USA. I can apply dual citizenship for my kids those kids of mine who are under 18 years of age. My oldest he is 20 years old now. But still I did apply for him under me because he had medical problems. I had papers from his doctor and I had papers from the lawyer too.
Try to ask the Philippine Embassy/consulate office in the area where you are. Somebody from that office will definitely guide you in obtaining the dual citizenship there.
Good luck to you and thank you so much for stopping by here.
DB, when a form3r Filipino reacquires her/his Philippine citizenship all minor children of that person reacquire (or acquire) Philippine citizenship as well.
This is one of the perpetual myths that float around the rumor mill … caused, perhaps by the fact that US citizenship works differently than. Under US law, you are (almost always) a US citizen if born in the USA.
Under Philippine law, where you are born doesn’t really matter. Under the current (Cory) Constitution, you don’t gain Philippine citizenship by being born in the Philippines. The only way to be a ‘natural born’ Filipino is to be born of one or two Filipino parents. The ‘where’ doesn’t matter.
Thank you so much Dave and Mita. Really so thoughtful of you guys. I really appreciate very much.
For sure just do it. It’s easy really. Just follow the requirements and its not a lot anyway.
Good advice there Dave. Hey, if you had a post about it, will check it out, something to read and learn then. Looking forward to it too.
Take care and hello to our 2 special friend there. You know who I’m talking to S & M.
Good work Feyma,
You will be Filipino again soon! Oh well, you know what I mean.
I am also seriously thinking of getting my children Phil passport/citizenship.
It is not quite straight forward so I have to check out more info. They hold British passport but both been born in the Middle East. I still have my Philippine passport but was married in the UK. I wonder if I apply for passport in the Philippines (we can only stay 1 month at most on holiday) as we are still based in the Middle East, or from Phil embassy UK (we only also stay there a couple of weeks a year). The best will be at the Phil embassy here in the country where we live, but I really can’t muster how I am going to start explaining the documents that they hold. In good time I will as I think it will be for their benefit if they so decide to live or even stay for a long period of time in their half home country.
Give us an update when you and your boys are officially bestowed your Filipino status ok.
Cheers for now,
Alfre
Mrs Feyma,
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you and your kids. I’m sure Bob is too. I wish US Citizens could get Filipino citizenship w/o renouncing US Citizenship. Oh well just have to be a legal permanent resident. As long as i am able to live there i’m happy. Have a nice day.
I previously asked a similar question above and you mentioned that I qualified since my mother was a PH citizen at the time of my birth. Now, she renounced her PH citizenship when she became a US citizen. How do I go about gaining dual citizenship? Based on the Philippine constitution, I almost automatically qualify but I was not born before 1979. I was born in 1984. I keep seeing info about the Retention Act No. 9225 but nothing about the son or daughter acquiring dual citizenship. I would appreciate any advice or a link to the documentation I might need to apply.
Thanks,
KLH
Hello Kent – In your case, since you were born to a Philippine Citizen parent (she was a citizen at the time of your birth, even if she is not any longer), all you need to do is have your mother file a late report of birth abroad with the Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you were born (I am assuming that you were born abroad), and once that is done your Philippine Citizenship will be recognized.
Thank you for such a quick response. I really appreciate it. I think what you are doing is great and very helpful.
KLH
Hello Kent – Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words!
Do you know when I go through the airport, will the people at the airport in California and Philippines,question why I don’t have a ticket leaving the place of my throw ticket?
I am an australian living in the Philippines on temporary visas atm> Both my filipina partner and myself have looked into this and the cheapest way is to apply for a 3 month holiday visa and then return back th the Philippines after you marry. Spousal visas etc are expensive and very time consuming. We will be marrying here and then applying for her to get a working visa in aus befor returning later back here to live perminently. Best of luck 🙂
I was wondering since i have dual citizenship US & Philippine if i was able to get married using my Philippine citizenship to my boyfriend here in the Philippines without any complications
If i use my Philippine citizenship will the process in filing a petition for a visa be any different than marrying using my US citizenship?
Just as a matter of interest Bob my wife is filipina by birth and lived in the UK for some years, before we moved here she got her Philippine citizenship we have since found out and this is according to the B.I in Davao unless you hold both passports your citizenship does not stand, this is what we got told there as I was going to apply for 13A.
Hi Andy – I believe somebody was mistaken on that. There is also a certificate of citizenship, which will also prove your citizenship.
to apply for your birth certificate on line..do they have to send my birth certificate to my address in the Philippines or can they send it to my USA address
Hello Totie – They will send the certificate to any address that you specify, in any country in the world.
tried to fill up the application on line….but when I am trying to get to the next page to confirmed the informations are correct…The system would not even give me chance to press confirm….please help….I am leaving and going back to the Philippines at the middle of March this year..and trying to get my dual citizenship before I depart..I am going home for good….PLEASE HELP
Hi Totie – I am sorry if there is a problem with the website. I am not connected with the Philippine Government, so there is really not much I can do about the problem with their site. I am sorry about that.
Hi Bob
I got married to an australian citizen in 2002. Moved to Australia in the same year. My marriage didnt work out and so i applied and gained my divorce in 2006. I already gained australian permanent residency at the time. I gained my citizenship in 2007. My ex husband sponsored his fiancee and got married here in Australia. I am now planning to marry my filipino fiancee at the end of this year. What requirements do I need to legally marry in the Philippines. And is my previous marriage in the Philippines now void with my divorce? Please help
Helli there. I am from the states and I was wondering to get Married to a Filipino citizen and apply for a visa, do I need my birth certificate? I have my passport.
Hello Nes – Once you become a Philippine Citizen through the Dual Citizenship program, you do not need any documents from the US Embassy in order to marry in the Philippines.
My son was born in the US, we were both Filipino at that time, and we registered his birth, and he has Filipino and US passports. We migrated to Canada, and recently became naturalized Canadians. My son also became a Canadian Citizen so now has 3 passports (Filipino, US and Canadian). Did he lose his Filipino Citizenship? With the wording of RA9225, it says Filipinos do not lose their Filipino Citizenship (anymore) but the subsequent statements instructing people how to reclaim Filipino Citizenship (applying and oath taking), is being used by most consulates as the norm for affirming the Filipino Citizenship clause rather than the exception (for those who lost their citizenship prior to RA9225).
And in the case of Obet’s question, if the child became an Adult, in the future he would probably be asked to get an RA9225 certificate, as since it means more money/fees for them to earn, and it blankets everything, and makes it unnecessary for him to prove his filipino citizenship everytime he applies for a passport. In my son’s case, on hindsight, I should’ve probably used his US passport to come here to Canada, as since if we apply for his passport renewal, they will see the Canadian immigrant visa, and will probably think he is an ordinary Filipino who became a Canadian. If we had used his US passport to come to Canada (the immigrant visa will be on the US Passport), and his Philippine Passport will be blank. We can then just renew his passport in Manila, as since they will think he has never left the Philippines (and gotten a new citizenship).
I am a filipina applying for US Citizenship at the end of this month and planning to apply dual citizenship too in the future . My husband work overseas and hopefully will come to the USA when my petition will be grandted. My questions are ‘If I have my dual citizenship do I still have the right to give birth in the Philippines? and petition him/her to come in the US? Do I still have all the rights and responsibilities in the Philippines for having Filipino-American dual citizenship? I really appreciate your help about this matter since my husband and I cannot make our minds what to do in the future . Thank you so much and you have a great day!
I’m in the process of getting visas for my wife and step-son after recently moving back to the U.S. Prior to my move back, I lived in the Philippines for 4 years (i’m really hating winter). We have a daughter who was born in the Philippines and holds U.S. and Philippine citizenship (and Irish too. she’s a lucky kid). She has never traveled on any passport.
I’ve read some things that state that now she will present both passports and get stamps in both upon exiting. I know friends who had to go through immigration to get clearance in similar situations, but it was before the laws changed.
Do you know current information on what i need to get her out of the country without hassle.
thanks for any help that you can offer.
Hi Wilbert – If she is going to the USA, he basically has two options to make it easy:
1. Use a US passport.
2. Us a US and Philippine passport.
If she goes with #2, yes, I would recommend having both passports stamped upon exiting the Philippines. Only the US passport when he enters the USA.
BTW, your son does not need a visa if he is a US citizen.
Good luck.
Son isn’t citizen. From what i understand we can apply as soon as he enters the country though.
So, it is your understanding that we don’t need to do anything for my daughter except to show up? They won’t complain that her U.S. passport has no entry stamp?
and thanks for the quick reply!
I see no reason why they would complain. She is a US citizen and certainly has the right to travel to the country of her citizenship!
Hello. For being a dual citizenship Filipino and American. Can i get married in the Philippines and file for a fiance visa to get him here? Thank you.
Thank’s for the info my friend. I’m thinking about doing it myself, but dont know where to start..Now, I know where to run too..:-) hehhehehe..Goodluck.
Hi my dear friend – Try to get your dual there. It’s much easier to achieve that there than here. It takes awhile here unless you are from the Manila area.
After I get my dual I will write here the details on what’s needed and what to do.
Good to always see you friend. Take care!
Hi Bob,
Is it possible get a dual citizenship if I marry a Filipna in the Philippines? Since I’m a Canadian citizenship.
Thanks.
Hi Tyler – No, I’m sorry, it is not possible. The Philippine Dual Citizenship law only applies to people who were born as citizens of the Philippines and lost their Philippine citizenship through becoming naturalized in another country. Foreigners like you and I are not eligible for Philippine dual citizenship.
Hi
I just wanted to get an exact answer as its a bit confusing trying to get an answer for my question from answers to different questions…
ANYWAY! I was wondering if I could apply for dual citzenship and how? My father is a british citizen and my mother was filipeno at the time of my birth and is now british. I have a british passport and if i can, how do i apply for dual citizenship in the philipenes?
I’m currently learning Bisaya and have a lot of family there and would love to be able to visit them in future and move there as my mother and father are building a house there…
I can only visit the philipenes once a year due to costs so can it be done from britain via the filipeno embassy in london?
Thank you this is much appreciated!!
Hello
I am back again…I am so frustrated…I did apply on line to get my philippine birth certificate from NSO..a week later they found my birth certificate..paid the fee….and it’s been processed…they asked me if I want to expedite the mailing of my birth certificate..I had to open account with Fed Ex….which I did…send all the informations back to them to e-census…reply to all the emails from them…and it’s been a week and they keep saying they still haven’t receive my FedEx account…I been sending to the same email they sending me…..I don’t know what is going on.its frustrating…same email address over and over ..I sent my account number five times already..and every time they will reply we don’t have your account number…PLEASE HELP….
Hello Totie – I am sorry you have had problems with the NSO delivering your documents. I am not connected to the NSO or to the Philippine government in anyway. I only know that when I used the online ordering for a birth certificate, it was delivered in only a few days. Sorry I can’t help, I just don’t have any connection there to assist you.
I don’t understand…what the problem…I replied so many times to the same email they sending me…and they will reply back ..telling me they don’t have the account number……..I really don’t understand what’s going on with them…UGHHHHUGG
I can finally say…I am glad they received my FedEx account and my documents are on the way to VA. estimated arrival 03 February……now I can be able to apply for my Philippines passport…..I think I need to make a trip to Washington DC…to apply in person…..I need my passport before the end of March….
My husband passed away, he is american citizen, I am Filipina we got married here in PI last 2009 and we had a daughter born in korea, my daughter is american citizen also, so when he passed away me and my daughter got back here in PI..because i was too stress of what happend to my husband i forget about the situation of my daughter, we had vacation here in PI since she was 3 mons. old only that was september 3 2010 and my husband return to korea september 7 an he died september 15 2010, now my daughter is 1yr & 9months old now,then i tried to go to immigration here in palawan to ask about the situation of my daughter and i got shock for her penalty 20k for over staying here in PI.. Is it easy for me to get her a dual citizenship and how to apply? thanks in advance, looking forward to your help!
What you need to do is file a late report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy in Korea. When you do that her Philippine Citizenship will be recognized. You may still have to pay the penalties of her overstaying, though, as you declared her a US citizen by entering on a US Passport.
Hi bob, Just wanted to ask a question I applied for dual citizenship back in 06 because I was attending college here, I was a born in the Philippines and Naturalized as a US Citizen back in 95, my Question here is that I since I have my Identification Certificate and some order stating I took the oath of allegiance back in 06, but I never got a copy of my oath of allegiance, do I still have to pay just to get my Oath of Allegiance?? because as in today I went to the Immigration place to try to get my copy of the Oath of Allegiance for DFA Purposes so I can get a Phil Passport, and they were Charging me 2030 pesos just so I can get a copy of it. seemed suspicious because when I first went to the records window they said 1010 pesos then later on they told me 2030 pesos i was like WTF, anyways thats just my question because i was planning on getting a Phil passport but since I herd the price I dont want to get a Phil Passport not, i’m think will the Identification Certificate be good enough for me where I wouldn’t need an exit Clearance anymore??
Hi Gerard – I’m sorry, I am having a bit of trouble following your comment. I don’t understand why they did not give you all of your paperwork at the time you originally applied. If you got a certificate of dual citizenship, I would think that is all you need.
yes bob I actually called immigration yesterday and told them my story that some guy in records was asking 2k+ just so I can get my notarized copy of the Oath of Alligance, I have never gotten it yet, but i have an order stating I have done it and also my identification certificate, they told me it should be free and told me to go straight to 4th floor, i’ll keep you posted i’ll be back there on monday
That’s great to hear, Gerard! I hope everything continues to go well for you!
i am not a dual citizen, however, i entered Philippines on my Philippine passport. What passport i’m going to use to exit Philippines. My first stop is Hongkong going back to US. if i use my philippine passport to exit will they ask for a return ticket before i leave. i plan entering hongkong with my US passport to travel home. im just worried about philippine Immigration and return ticket requirements.
Thank you Rebecca!
Hi Bob:
I am a Canadian Citizen. I came here Oct 1 2011 to check out the place and see if I could survive the heat. I have fallen in love with the Philippines and the most loving Filipino lady.
Recently I decided to stay and get my affairs in order here in the Philippines. I wish to be cremated. I had Lina call the cremation people. They came to the house and showed me all the plans. Last evening they called and said they would need the approval of the Canadian Government and my family.
I am about to start the process of staying here permanently. Too bad we can’t become dual citizens as you say. I enjoyed your blog very much.
My question to you is where would I go to get the approval of the Canadian Government? I have never heard of such a thing.
Hi Ed – Interesting.. I have never heard of such a requirement. I suppose if I were you, I would inquire with the Canadian Embassy in Manila. Good luck, and I hope you don’t need those cremation services for a long, long time!
Hi bob. My name is ken. I am getting married to my Filipino girlfriend at the end of this month. I have already bought my tickeT to Manila nd the only thing I have to do is buy a onward ticket. This will be my first time in an airport. Is tiger airway safe to buy from and where would I pick up my ticket? At the airport in Arizona when I check in and get my boarding pass for Manila? Thank you
if i am doin dual citizenship do i still need to do legal capacity certificate. im in u.s. shes in phillippines
If you enter the Philippines on a US Passport, then you are not considered a Philippine Citizen for the length of your stay. All you need to do is obtain a Philippine Passport, present both passports upon your entry to the country, and show that as your ID.
Yes, you should have your birth certificate.
It has been many years since I have had any need to inquire about visas, so I am not certain. I believe that a fiancee visa is faster than a spousal visa, but I am not 100% positive on that.
Unfortunately, your divorce will not be recognized in the Philippines, because you were a Philippine citizen at the time you applied for the divorce. If you had been an Australian Citizen at the time you filed for divorce, or if your husband had filed for the divorce, it would be recognized by the Philippines. But, given the information you have given, I’m afraid that it will not be recognized.
I am in the same situation… I would also like some advice if I am required to provide the ‘legal capacity affidavit’. Since I am a dual citizen, will the Philippines require me to get this affidavit? I was born in the US, but filed for my dual citizenship when I moved to the philippines.
The law is that if a Philippine Citizen applies for divorce in a foreign country, the divorce will not be recognized. I can’t say if that is fair or unfair, I only know that it is the law.
I’m only the messenger, Sara. I don’t work for the Philippine Govt, I’m not even a Filipino. Just telling you what the law is.
My only official identification is a US Passport though.. will this be a problem?
Ok. Thank you very much for your help.
Walk in the registrar’s office. Ask for an application for a marriage license. On the application it will ask for your citizenship, write in “Filipino” or “Philippines”. You don’t need to mention your other citizenship as it is none of their business. You are now done, will be issued the marriage license with no other questions, and no need to get the affidavit from the Embassy. Simple.
whoa. hahaha thanks for the advice, but I think it might end up being almost the same if I just got the affidavit. I have already filed for dual citizenship and have the letter size paper from the philippine embassy which shows this… just no passport, but based on the document they gave me, it clearly says that I am a citizen of the philippines since my mother was not naturalized in the US at the time of my birth. But I suppose paying the ridiculous affidavit fee might be the least painful option considering the lines and time to get a philippine passport. Thanks for the advice Bob. Regards.
Really? but it was only a matter of months between i gained my divorced and i gained my citizenship? It was me who filed for the divorced just because my ex was stingie and it cost nothing being me on a concession card at the time. He asked me to file the divorce so he can remarry again. I didn’t know that this will take massive consequence on my part. And how would they know who applied the divorce and what not when doest say on the divorce paper who applied who? What do I need to do now so i can get remarry in Philippines?
Hi Ken – Sure, it is safe to buy tickets from Tiger. I am not sure where you would pick them up, though.
Hi Sara – I am only telling you what the law is. I am not going to advise you on ways to break the law, that would be unethical for me. I am sure there are ways around this, but I am not in a position to go into that.
No, that would be visa fraud. You can get married in the Philippines and file for a spousal visa. Or you can file for a fiancee visa and get married in the States.
Hi Anne – Yes, you lost your Philippine Citizenship when you became a US citizen. You can, however, apply for dual citizenship and be a citizen of both countries.
If you get married in the Philippines, unless you become a dual citizen, yes, you need to get the legal capacity documents from the US embassy.
Do you happen to know which is faster is fiance visa o spousal visa?
My granddaughter is US citizen by birth , her mother is a Pilipino now, the kid is in the Philippines for 4 years now , The mother wants her child to go back in USA. My question is does she needs a Philippine passport to return USA OR she will just use her US passport.
Easiest thing would be to just use her US passport.
Hi Bob,
I know you can help me with my question.I am natural- born Filipino .I am now a US citizen through naturalization.Does this mean that I lost my Filipino citizenship?I’m getting married to a Filipino citizen and have it done in the Philippines.Do i need the legal capacity to marry from the embassy?Thanks a lot.
Can i petition for a fiancee visa to a filipino (man) even if i have dual citizenship (american/filipino)?
Hi julz – Of course! You are a US Citizen and have all the same rights as any other US citizen. No problem at all for you to file for a fiancee visa.
I’m a filipino by birth but became a US Citizen. My question is can enter to the philippines if i have 1 way ticket only?
Hello har – Technically, the answer is no, unless you acquire your dual citizenship.
Hi Wilbert, hi Bob!
Just additional information for you Wilbert, before just showing up at the airport. If your Philippine-born US Citizen daughter is leaving the Philippines for the first time, you will have to acquire an Exit Clearance for her from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (in Intramuros). They will look for this at the airport if they see your daugter is flying from the Philippines for the first time. You acquire this clearance at least 2 weeks prior her departure. I’m assuming your wife is the Philippine citizen, so she will have to apply for your daughter (whoever is the Phil citizen) at the BI. This is the Philippines’ anti-child trafficking strategy, it will only be required for your daughter’s first time flying from the Philippines, not each time. I know because I will be doing this for my son come May this year 🙂 The only thing I am uncertain about now is whether or not your daughter will have to go to BI with your wife when filing the Exit Clearance.
The PBI has a website and has phone number on their site for further questions. The process — from what they told me over the phone — shouldn’t take longer than two hours at the most.
As for passports, I would take Bob’s advise and present both at the immigration in the Philippines and only the US one once at the US Port of Entry.
Hope this is helpful.
Why not just do the ECC at the airport when departing?
can a grandparent report of birth abroad in the philippines?
the kid is almost 15.
I believe it must be done by the parents.
yes, it is very helpful. I was pretty sure that there was still some requirement. I’m hoping that it can be taken care of at an immigration office besides intramuros. I’ll see what I can find out and then report back here about procedures and cost for the clearance.
HI Bob. I’m Schayenne. Im a filipino American born in the USA, but now that I have seen the Philippines on my family vacation I want to study in the Philippines now. How long does it take for the process of dual citizenship? and where can I get the papers and send them to?
Hi schayenne – Well, the first thing is to determine if you are eligible for Philippine Dual Citizenship. Have you ever been a Philippine Citizen before? If not, the Philippine Dual Citizenship law does not apply to you.
There is one other possibility, though. You say your are Filipino American. Was either your mother or your father a Philippine Citizen on the day you were born? Or, had they been naturalized in the USA before your birth? I also need to know your age, in order to determine if there is any path to Philippine Citizenship for you.
my mother wasnt naturalized into the USA until two years after I was born and five months after my brother was born, whichmakes my mom a filipino citizen when my brother and I were born. I am the age of 20
Hi Schayenne – OK, thanks for the additional information. Given that your mother was a Philippine citizen on the day you were born, you have one chance for Philippine Citizenship. You need your mother to file for a late report of birth abroad. She should file with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you were born. They may or may not accept the report this late, though. If they accept the report, then you will be granted your Philippine Citizen, and will be a dual citizen. If they will not accept the report, due to it’s lateness, you have no path to Philippine Citizenship.
Good luck!
so if they donot accept the report i would have to file for a visa correct?
You would need a student visa if you want to study here.
I was born in 1968 in the Philippines and got a Philippine passport twice then became US citizen in my late teens. Can I still become a dual citizen? i.e., do you have to born after 1973?
Hi Francisco – I believe that you would be eligible.
I am trying to find my old FIlipino passports and birth certificate but having trouble. People have said I can get a copy somewhere. Do you know where? Also, I have my US passport book, a US passport card, and a copy of the US Naturalization paper. Is that enough valid IDs? Don’t have a driver license with me since that was stolen recently in El Nido.
I have my original US Naturalization paper but it is in the US. I am worried about sending the original, will a color copy work?
As a permanent green card holder (U.S. immigrant) in the U.S., what is the real advantage of obtaining U.S. citizenship before and if that person is going to retire in the RP? Is it really worth the effort?
Hi Randy – Well, the first thing that would be an advantage is that when you retire in the Philippines, you can keep going back to the USA whenever you want. You see, if you are a greencard holder and are out of the USA for 1 year, you will lose your residency there, and cannot return unless you get a visa.
Would this be true even for permanent green card holders?
Hi Randy – Indeed. If you have permanent residence in the State, but leave the country for a year, generally the ICE people will consider you to have abandoned your residence, and it will be revoked. It may not happen the first time you are gone for a year, but eventually that is what they will do. They can do it on the first time too, but it is at their discretion.
Hi bob! I’m planning to go back in the Philippines for good together with my 9 month old son, he’s dual citizen. I’d like to know, is it true theres a yearly fee for my son if he will stay there for gooD? And how much? Thank you:)
Be sure that your son shows both his US and Philippine Passport upon entry to the Philippines. If he does that, there are no fees to pay ever. If your son enters with only a US passport, then there will be plenty of fees, and he must leave the country every 16 months, so be sure that he has and uses his Philippine Passport.
Upon some second thoughts and after some research and a simple consultation with a tax attorney friend of mine, it is NOT an advantage tax wise to be an American citizen residing overseas, even with the dual citizenship status. In the case of my wife obtaining her citizenship (therefore obtaining dual citizenship status) the tax consequences can be enormously penalizing and complicated and to the U.S. citizen (in her case), very costly in the long run. This article http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1983238,00.html
is one of many articles that explains why many Americans are renouncing their U.S. citizenship. The guidance I was provided was to retain my citizenship and the wife to not seek U.S. citizenship for us to enjoy the best of both worlds. She will still have to file specific forms with the IRS for 5 years once we leave the states (even though her permanent residency expires), or there can be expatriate taxation issues. This has become a very complicated navigation through U.S. tax laws and those individual citizens that have income or government pensions and who may be liquidating assets prior to leaving can be highly scrutinized under tax avoidance laws (expat tax laws). Capital gains on the sale of a home (that normally would be protected up to a certain amount) could also be placed at risk. The U.S. government is one of the most intrusive governments in the world when it comes to taxation of foreign earned income by it’s citizens. I suggest anyone that is planning to leave the U.S. for residency outside the U.S. should assess their own unique tax consequences by contacting a competent tax attorney. But before you do, have a couple of drinks first. The truth could be unsettling for some. Thanks Bob for providing me with the incentive to dig deeper. For those who wish to know more, just Google “expatriate taxation” to get started.
Nevermind Bob, I found the link with your affirmation and all the other answers to many other questions here http://www.uscis.gov/greencard
Glad you found the source, Randy. I went and looked, and their official site verifies my thinking on the matter.
What about if my son will not return to the US every16 months?what will happen
Ok, I will use both passport, thanks for the info:) God Bless
Hi Bob,
We plan to travel to Manila in May. My son has had both his US and Philippine passport prior to my husband adopting him. I was told at the Embassy that the Change of Name on the Philppine passport can only be done in the Philippines. His US passport and his Philippine passport will not have the same hyphenated last name. He also will stay there for a year so he needs to use the Philippine passport and we were gonna get him a one way ticket. Is that going to be a problem? We have both Birth Certificate and Court order showing the name change so I am wondering if that would suffice.
Thanks in advance!
It could be a problem, Dawn. Hard to say how they will handle it. I know people who have changed names on their Philippine Passport in the USA, so I know it can be done.
Hello,
My Filipino wife is getting permanent residency in Poland. Afterwards, she will apply for polish citizenship. What are the benefits she may lose if she has to waive her Filipino citizenship for polish one, and returns back to visit Philippines ? Currently she owes a property and is a farm co-owner in the Philippines.
Sincerely,
Tom Osuchowski
Hi Tom – If she gives up her Philippine Citizenship and does not reacquire it through the Philippine Dual Citizenship law then she will lose all rights of a Philippine Citizen. She will lose the right to vote, property ownership rights (except for a very small amount of property as a former citizen), etc.
Thank you for your answer. Would she lose property ownership rights to the current property she owns as well? Is reacquiring through Philippine Dual Citizenship difficult or rather easy process?
I just wonder what valid arguments I could use to polish officials, in favor of retaining her Filipino citizenship while acquiring polish one.
Hi Tom – Re-acquiring Philippine Citizenship is very easy and inexpensive. Nothing difficult about it.
As for land ownership, if your wife relinquishes her Philippine Citizenship and does not re-acquire it, she will be severely limited in the amount of property she can own. Since I don’t know the size of the property, I cannot say about her currently held property.
Pls is’t possible for foreigner to obtain a philipino passport?
Thank you very much for your help.
You are most welcome, Tom.
hi bob, is it true that i will pay $300 every year for my dual citizen child, his filipino-american? because im planning to send my baby in the Philippines cause i have a job here and no one will take care of my him. i hope you can give me some information regarding this. thank you
If your son is a dual citizen, meaning that he holds citizenship of both the USA and the Philippines, then there are no fees to pay at all. Just make sure that when he enters the Philippines, he shows his Philippine and US passport. If he shows only his US passport there will be fees to pay for visa renewals, but as long as his Philippine passport is also stamped, there are no fees at all, and never will be, no matter how long he stays.
I am an American citizen who lived 15 years in the Philippines in the 70’s and 80’s as a Permanent Resident. My wife was a Filipina and my 3 sons were all born there, but I declared them as US citizens born abroad. My wife and I returned to the US in the 90’s where she eventually became a naturalized US citizen, although she never renounced her Philippine citizenship. She died of cancer in 2004 in the US. I still have her old Philippine passports and her birth certificates as well as the Philippine birth certificates of my sons(They are all adults). Can they be dual citizens?
Hi Jim – No, I do not believe they can, due to the fact that your wife is no longer alive. Sorry for your loss.
hi bob
i plan to travel malaysia for about two weeks maximum this coming may or june 2012 for just a tourist, i just want to know, what requirement i needed and what should i present the phil immigration in the airport if i leave? by the way im from philippine going to malaysia…
Hi Louie – Not really sure how your question is related to Philippine Dual Citizenship, whihc is what this site is all about.. but…
If you want to go to Malaysia, the only thing that I can think of that you would need to show at the airport is your passport.
I’m a Canadian citizen. My grandmother was born in Minnesota, am I eligible for dual citizenship?
Based on the information you have given, I have no idea.
Hi MindanaoBob,
I was born in the Philippines and became a naturalized citizen on year 1997. I married an American citizen in 1996. I had two children with my husband born 2002 and 2005. My husband passed away last year and I am thinking of taking my children to the Philippines and raise them there. My question is : Do I just apply for dual citizenship for myself and the children? Or do I have to wait and get my dual citizenship then apply for the kids? Or just apply for multiple entry visas to try it out for the summer and then if all goes well then apply for dual citizenship??? I hope you can answer my questions. Thank you for your time.
Colt, you are a Filipino by blood due to your mother’s nationality at your birth, you are also an American, due to your father’s nationality at your birth. In essence, you are a dual citizen. Since you are born outside of the philippines, your birth should be reported to a consulate/embassy and if you have a Report of Birth (Philippines) document, you can apply for a Philippine passport based on this document. If your birth hasn’t been reported, you would have to pay a Late Report document/fee plus the Report of Birth document/fee. But all in all, you are a Filipino and American citizen by birth.
Hi Bob!! Both my husband and I are Filipinos.
We have not registered our marriage certificate and ours sons birth certificate. We got married in the USA and our sons were born there too. Now we are back in the Philippines for good. My question is do we have to register them in the embassy of the Philippines in the US or can we do it from the Philippines through DFA. How can we do this and what website can we look for late registration requirements.
Thank you
Hi Maria – For your child’s report of birth, it must be done at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where your child was born. I am sorry, I do not know about the marriage, though.
If you became a naturalized US citizen by marriage you can get dual citizenship. as for your sons, if you were not a US citizen before they were born, you would need to go to DFA and file proof of citizenship (an old Phil passport, your naturalization cert that indicates the date and birth certificate, to prove you are filipino when they were born)… it is harder to declare your kids to be filipino because of the red tape in the Philippines thru DFA, but it is possible… in essence once you are able to file the kids for late registration, they do not need to apply for dual citizenship since they already have it by birth…
If you were US citizen when they were born, if you get dual citizenship, you can just add your kids to your dual citizenship application.
Could anyone help me please ,I have a friend in the Philippines ,you wants to vist me in the UK ,her passport is fine ,her visa is Canada which is being changed to UK visa ,the problem is that she .needs vaild id to travel and too book the ticket ,can anyone help
You said she has a passport… that is a valid ID.
Boni, you are right on with your first question, as for the 2nd one, you are effectively not a filipino due to Commonwealth Act No. 36, wherein if one becomes naturalized by a foreign country, you lose your filipino citizenship. Although RA9225 states that all Philippine citizens who become citizens of another country shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under the conditions of this Act, an Oath of allegiance to the Philippines is a proof of “reacquired” Philippine citizenship. I was at odds with the “shall be deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship” statement, but when I read CA #36, I understood why we are still being forced to do the Oath of allegiance requirement… For me, it is a money grab, red-tape process, but such is the price of getting to keep the Filipino cItizenship.
As for the passport, you may be caught with the invalidity of the Philippine citizenship, specially if you are coming back to the states as they will see your US passport (which you will need to show if you are exiting NAIA) and they will know you are a US citizen. If you have a US visa stamped in your philippine passport you may be able to use the Philippine passport, but since you are a US citizen, then I doubt you will be able to pull it off…
Hi bob. I own a lot of properties in the Philippines before I became a us citizen. I don’t have a dual citizenship and I’m concern about my properties in the Philippines. Since I am no longer a citizen of the Philippines does it mean I will loose all of those properties? I have been a us citizen for over 4 years now and I have a 2 year old daughter. We are currently living in Florida and will be going back to the Philippines next month and hoping to stay there for good. You can email me @ [email protected]
If you are a former citizen of the Philippines you can still own land, but it is limited to 1,000 square meters only.
Why not just apply for dual citizenship? It’s easy, and then you can own all the land you wish to own.
Can I apply dual citizenship in the Philippines?
Yes you can, but it takes a long time to do it in the Philippines. My wife applied in June 2011, and she is still waiting for it to be completed. They say 7 or 8 months, but her experience is that it takes longer than that.
Good day,
I am an american citizen who was born here in the US. I almost spent my entire life in the philippines. Ive been ther for almost 14 years and now im 19y.o. I live here now in Pennsylvania US, I was able to get back here without paying over P250000 fine for my overstay but the deal is i cant go back or i cant enter Philippines anymore unless i pay the fine. Someone told me from the Phil. Consulate in LA that if I apply for the dual citizenship since both of my parents are Filipinos, I can enter the Philippines again without paying the fine. So I did apply for it but didn’t applied for the philippine passport. now, i really need to go abck because my father just died his morning.
Is this true? that I can go back without paying my debt if I applied for the passport? I think I’m halfway through the dual citizenship process. I already have the report of birth document and all other papers proving that my parents are Filipino citizen, its all authenticated by them. I think all I have to do is ask for a philippine passport.
i would really appreciate any immediate response to my question. please. im really desperate. 🙁
thank you
hi, im a dual citizen (Fil-Am) studying here in the philippines. ive been here for 6 years now, and my philippine passport had since expired. since graduating, i plan to leave within two weeks. i have a valid u.s. passport and i have my dual citizenship forms (for Philippines) with me. Question: Will it be alright to return to the United States with just a valid U.S. Passport and and Dual citizenship papers with an expired philippine passport? Or do I need to renew my Philippines passport first?
When you enter the USA the only thing you should show is your US passport. Your problem is leaving the Philippines.. but I think you will be OK with your US passport and your citizenship papers.
hello, i will be going to the philippines next month to study.. i have already acquired dual citizenship but i dont have a new philippine passport yet. i have inquired at the consulate in L.A and they told me that the processing of the passport will take 5 to 8 weeks. my question is, if i enter the philippines with my us passport, will i still pay for the fees? because my option is to apply for philippine passport when i arrive in manila
Hi Camille – I would recommend that when you enter the Philippines, show your US Passport and your Philippine Dual Citizenship certificate. You should be covered if you do that.
I’m not sure of many advantages of becoming a dual citizen. In any event as long as you have U.S. Citizenship, you have to pay U.S. income tax on all your earnings regardless of where earned. I know of a number of filipinos and expats who earn income and are not reporting it and I think it will come back and bit them in the butt some day. The U.S. government is getting very aggressive in collecting taxes on non U.S. residents (expats) and those who have dual citizenship who think that exempts them from the tax rules.
My friend has this problem. She is married to a Swiss. The adopted daughter has a Swiss passport with her adopted name and an old Philippine passport with her Filipino name. Problem: The daughter wants to be a dual citizen of the Philippines but the Phil. Embassy in Switzerland is giving them the run around and it’s been years of follow up but nothing happened. The daughter lives in Switzerland and she’s 30 years old. Hope you can help my friend. Thanks so much.
What happens if my mom is american citizen and i am in the USA overstayed for 5 years and my mom filed a petition and approved. Can i still be here in american without going to the philippines to have my petition fixed???
Wow, Neira. This is a complicated situation, and I’m sorry to say that it is beyond my expertise.
Hi, I was born in the PHilippines but became a naturalized citizen due to my father being in the military. I have recently learned that one can have dual citizenship and one can do it themselves. I am willing to do that and have tried calling the Counsalate but to no avail and there is no extention to ask questions. When one dials the 0, it just rings and rings. Can you please help? Should I just go to Wilshire and ask there?
Hello Sofia,
You can go to any Philippine Consulate or Embassy to apply.
Hi Bob, my wife just obtained dual citizenship via delayed Report of Birth. Is there any good reason for her to get a Philippines passport if her U.S. passport is good enough to use coming in and out of the Philippines? Other than added proof of citizenship I’m having trouble seeing the urgency for a Philippines passport. Does she need one to do business, own property, etc.? Thanks!
Hi Vic – I would highly recommend that she get her Philippine Passport. If she enters with a US passport, then she has no rights of a Citizen, she has declared herself to be a foreigner, and that is the law that she must abide by. If she enters showing both passports, she has all of the rights of a Philippine Citizen, because she has declared herself to be a Citizen of the Philippines upon her entry by showing the passport. If she wants to start a business or buy property or such, and she is asked, she really needs to be able to display proof of citizenship, and a passport will be the best way to do that. Passports are cheap, I see no reason not to get one.
Hi bob.
my arizona bf wants us to be get married here in phil. what are his and my requirements? how long will the marriage license takes?
tnx for ur prompt reply bob. i will tell this to him. he want us to be get married when he is having his vacation here. but he will stay for only one month do u think we can arrange everything in a month only?
tnx bob 🙂 i will my man the luckiest man. 🙂
What about if I only have a US passport? I am 18 and I wish to avail my dual citizenship. I got my US passport as soon as my dad became a US citizen and that was before I turned 18(just last year). We had it through his certificate, anyway. I still do not have my certificate of naturalization, can I just use my dad’s certificate together with my US passport?
Wow, that’s quite a benefit! I’ve always wanted to become a dual citizenship simply to stay longer in the Philippines when visiting family and friends. I did not realize that doing so would make me viable for social security benefits as well!
My issue is that I was not born in the Philippines, but in the UAE. At the time of my birth, my parents were both Philippine citizens. However, we are all U.S. citizens at the moment. My understanding is that I cannot become a dual-citizen simply because I was not born in the Philippines. Is that true?
hey bob, my parents were born and raised in the philippines but became naturalized canadian citizens when they immigrated to canada. i was born in canada after they had become canadian citizens, so i have canadian citizenship. currently i’m residing in manila and looking to work here as well, but find having to buy visas every 2 months to be a pain. is there a way i can get either dual citizenship or balikbayan status? my parents are both retired, so i don’t think they’ll be coming back to the philippines at any point.
I am sorry, Alex, but given your status, you are not eligible for either Balikbayan or Dual Citizenship. Your only option would be to become naturalized as a Philippine Citizen, but that would require giving up your Canadian Citizenship.
@Ann Yes indeed Ann you can, however check the company that you intend to work with, they may require you to file additional documents. Unless otherwise there would be no problem.
I am sorry Nathan, but you are not fully correct. If Ann does not re-acquire her Philippine Citizenship, she will need an AEP (Alien Employment Permit), which is nearly impossible to get on a tourist visa.
Hi MindBob,
I will be applying for dual citizenship, Australian & Philippines. Once dualed, I am only required to fulfil the requirements of a local pinoy to marry in Philippines, is this right?
I wont need any other requirements from Australian gov.
Another question. I have been married here in Australia and got the divorce done. Certificate is here with me.
Is this the only thing I require to prove that I am single in Australia, keeping in mind that I will be dual citizen?
Do I even need to mention this in Philippines, even though I have never been married in Philippines and just apply for single status certificate?
Bob,
You are correct. Although it is highly unlikely that Ann will encounter any problems working here.
Likely or unlikely, it would be illegal for her to work. I cannot advise people to do illegal things, it could get me into serious trouble.
That’s true!
Hi Bob,
I am natural born Pilipino and now Australian Citizen.
I intend to live in the Philippines indifinetely, would I be able to buy a residential property and in the future own a business? Do I need to acquire dual citizenship : ie; Philippines and Australian? I don’t really want to give up my Australian Citizenship. What other benefits does dual citizenship will give me? What are the cons and pros?
Thanking you for your time
Hello Maria – If you wish to purchase property, you will need to get dual citizenship. There are no downsides to doing it, only the upside that you will regain your rights as a Philippine Citizen.
hi bob. i’ve been reading all the Q’s & A’s, but I haven’t quite found what i was looking for.. Hopefully you can give me some answers and some advice.
Ok I am a dual citizen US/Fil. I was born here, moved to the US (guam) became a citizen, then 6 years ago came back to PI for school and became a PI citizen again. Blah blah..
I finally graduated and I’m planning on moving back to the US by June. My BF or Fiance and I have been talking about marriage. We are anticipating a long process.
I have a few questions… i hope you don’t mind. please. i’m so confused.
– At first I was considering to petition him using the Fiance Visa once I get back, but I’m being told to petition him with the Spouse visa instead so it’ll be faster and the US Embassy will issue him a green card. Unlike with the fiance visa, he’d have up to 3 months (if we dont get married asap) on guam not doing anything. Then once we marry, he can then apply for the green card.
Which brings me to another problem… if I petition him using the spouse visa, that means we’d have to get married ASAP like… before I go home. OMG.
I know in order to obtain a marriage licence, I’d need a birth certificate and cenomar. But since I’m a dual citizen, would I need to still get the Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (from the embassy)??
And since I am a Dual citizen, would this have any negative effect if I the time comes for me to petition him to the US?
we’re really not rushing into marriage, I just want to gather all the information I can while I’m still here… and see what options we may have, if any. And prepare for the long process ahead.
Anyway. Thanks Bob!
Hi bob !
Here’s my reaction to your comments above.If i were to fill-up any immigration forms or ids that asks for my citizenship, i will write any of the Two ONLY :
1. Filipino
2. US or American Citizen
The word “Filipino-American” does not connotes citizenship and is only use to describe a racial or ethnic origin. There is nothing in the US immigration laws that identifies Filipino-American or Fil-am as a naturalized citizen of the USA. I travel a lot too. In my recent work assignment in Doha, Qatar, i filled-up a lot of their immigration and work permit forms and i can only choose two…to declare myself a Filipino or American…that’s the ONLY choices i have to checked. Iam not a Canadian citizen so i am not gonna say anything about Canadian citizenship. Have a nice day, Bob !
Thank you! Finally.. CLEAR ANSWERS! =)
Hi Bob,
I have a rather unique situation. I was born and raised in the Philippines but upon birth my dad was a Chinese citizen. A few years later my dad applied for Filipino Citizenship and was granted so the whole family are all Naturalized Filipinos. Fast forward 30yrs, I now live in Canada and had acquired Canadian Citizenship as well. My existing Phils Passport is almost expiring and I would like to renew and retain my Filipino citizenship under the Dual Citizenship Law. Do you think it is still possible for me to do this? I would love to retain my Filipino Citizenship since I call the Phils as my motherland.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Infinitum – Yes, you should have no problem in re-acquiring your Philippine Citizenship. Just go to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves your area and apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship, you should have no issues in obtaining it.
Hi Bob!
I don’t know where to begin, but here’s my story:
My mother is full Filipina and is a Philippine Citizen. My father is a US Citizen and was stationed in Philippines at the time my two parents met. I was born in Olongapo City and was there till I was about 4 years old, but when Mt. Pinatubo erupted, I was escorted to United States. Originally I had my documents with my father and when I arrived in the US, my father apparently destroyed the original copies. So my mother spend several years trying to prove that I was a legal immigrant in the US. As of 2004, I finally became a US citizen (by paper) and is now planning on trying to get a dual citizenship. I’m not sure where to start or what I need to do. If you can help me, that would be great. I’ve called several places at the US Department of Immigration, but keep getting a run around.
Hi Janice – The US Government is not where you need to turn in order to re-acquire your Philippine Citizenship under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law. You need to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you are living. Tell them that you wish to apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship.
For information on the costs involved, documents needed and procedure to follow, please check out our eBook, Philippine Dual Citizenship, which is just $9.99 and may be downloaded immediately upon payment. Thank you.
I’m a Filipino/Canadian. I am debating which route should I apply. Should I apply for dual citizenship or should I apply for PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority). Which one is better and why? What are the Advantages and the Disadvantages? Your response is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hello G. Calotes – I know of no downside to becoming a Dual Citizen. For the PRA SRRV program, you will need to invest between $10k up to $50k to participate, and there are paperwork hassles. I can think of no reason why you would want to do the PRA thing when it is very easy to re-acquire your citizenship.
im a uk citizen my wife is philipino can i become a dual citizen of the philippines if i can wot do i need to do ?
Bob,
I have two daughters in the Philippians they have a passport for the Philippians but not the us. How do I get there american passport to get my daughters and wife here with me? she all so have two more kids that are not by me but i want to bring them to. I was there when both my daughters were born and signed the birth certifications that they are my children, I really need to get them to me here in the US… what are my options if any? what will be my first step in the process? to get it moving …
You need to go to the US Embassy in Manila and claim the kids as yours, and they will get US Citizenship. The Embassy will likely do DNA testing to verify that you are the father, but once that is done, there should be no problem granting them citizenship. For your wife and her other kids, you need to file a petition to sponsor them to the USA.
What if I’m not in the there in manila? what could i do? and what would be my options if i’m in the states? were should i start first?
do i have to be there for this ?
Hi Kelvin- As far as I know, what needs to be done must be done at the US Embassy in Manila.
can she do it ?
No, you must do it, because you have to undergo DNA testing. She cannot do that for you.
I am a natural born citizen of the US..My wife is from the Philippines & became a US citizen. She is now in the Philippines & wanting to get a dual Citizenship while there..How long does it take to get the dual citizenship does she need to stay there until she gets it? Or can they mail it to her here in the US? Thanks
hello , i was wondering if any one could help me.. i am born in canada..but both my parents were philippine citizen at the time i was born..i am now 19 yrs old and want to study in the philippines for college..i want to study asap. so i was wondering how long it would take in order for me to get process the dual , or a student visa? or which woul dbe faster?
Hi Ashley – You do not qualify for dual citizenship under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law. Because you were born abroad to Philippine Citizen parents, all that is needed is for your parents to file a late report of birth abroad at that Philippine Embassy or consulate that serves the area where you are born.
so..i will not able to go to school in the philippines? what does filing a late report of birth abroad at the philippine embassy do ? how long do student visas take to process
I never said any such thing, Ashley. File the required reports and you will be a dual citizen by right of birth, and can attend school in the Philippines.
bob worded it wrong, what he meant was you do not need to apply for dual citizenship as you are ALREADY a dual citizen. All you need is a Report of Birth Abroad document, indicating you were born abroad thru Filipino parents and with this document you can apply for a Filipino Passport. If you do not have a Report of Birth (which should be filed by your parents in your first year of birth), you will have to file a Late Report of Birth AND Report of Birth (which means two fees).
You can get both social security benefits if you worked in both countries for minimum months of employment.
Hi Bob,
My daughter was a natural born Filipino as my husband and me were both Filipino citizens when she was born. I am also a Chinese citizen and holding Philippine Passport and HKSAR passport. I applied for naturalisation as a Chinese national for her and relinquished her Filipino citizenship. I am planning to move back to the Philippines and let her study there. I would like to know if she can
reacquire her Filipino citizenship and get dual citizenship.
Thanks,
Samantha
Based on what you have told me, I would say that yes, she can re-acquire through the Philippine Dual Citizenship law.
Hi Bob,
I have a dual citizenship. My siblings told me that I should give up my Filipino citizenship because the US government does not endorse it as a matter of policy because of the problems that it may cause. This is what they stated “Dual citizens owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. There may be a conflict with the U.S. laws, which may cause problems for the dual citizen. Additionally, dual citizenship may limit the United States Government’s efforts to assist United States citizens abroad.”
How should I give up by Filipino citizenship and keep my US citizenship intact?
Thank you.
Your siblings are wrong. The United States has no official policy against dual citizenship. There are millions of Filipinos who are citizens of both countries, and your US citizenship is not threatened in any way by your Philippine Citizenship.
Hi Bob! I am a Dual citizen from the US and I came to the Philippines with only a PI passport. I have never applied for a US passport and I am going to apply for one in the US embassy manila. Will there be any questions or problem for my application? Do I have to tell that I have a dual citizenship and what do I need to show them? Thanks……Your website is really helpful
Hi Mark – Leaving the USA without a US Passport was not a wise move. You may have difficulty getting a US passport in the Philippines. Inquire at the US Embassy, but I think you will have problems. Good luck.
I have a question. Is there a contact number to know the status of my dual citizenship? I had applied here in Manila 1st week of march and still I haven’t receive anything yet. Any help is greatly appreciated. Oh and I do live here in Manila also.
Any advice on what i should tell them on why I didnt get a passport on the US.? thanks for the quick reply I really appreciate it
I guess just tell the truth.
yeah your right thank you sir. . 🙂 God Bless
Hi Bob, my kids and I are leaving next month for Canada. We have both Canadian and Philippine passports. My kids were born here in the Phils. Do I have to show both passports at ONCE at Philippine immigration or start of with Canadian passport, then if asked, show Phil passport… thanks and please advise.
You have two choices:
1. Show the Canadian Passport
2. Show both the Canadian and Philippine Passport
If it were me, I’s show both, but it’s a personal choice.
Thanks Bob! 🙂 I just want to make sure that there will be no hassles on our part.
Hi Roland!
I just read your comment on Markymark’ situation. My son has almost the same situation , he is in the philippines now, last time he was in canada was 2007. Now he plans to return to canada, he is just waiting for renewal of his passport that expired.
In the meantime, he also plans to apply for a phil. Passport to avoid problems at the immigration when he exits. Can he apply for a philippine passport without taking oath or he has to go through the process of applying dual citizenship? Will there be problems if he applies for dual citizenship since he has been in the philippines since 2007? My son was born in the philippines and naturalized when he was 15 years old. Will appreciate your advise. Thanks.
Hello Pyxasfo – When your son was naturalized, he renounced his Philippine Citizenship. Since he is no longer a Citizen of the Philippines, he cannot legally apply for a Philippine Passport until he applies for and is granted dual citizenship in the Philippines.
Btw, we, his parents are both philippine citizens before migrating to canada. Thanks.
@pyxasfo
since he was minor when he was naturalized, he has not lost his filipino citizenship prior to being 18, but after 18 he is deemed an adult, and has lost his filipino citizenship (unless he elects to renounce his canadian citizenship)… in this case, he has to apply for dual citizenship and take the oath.
As far as the philippine government is concerned he is canadian and unless he has the proper visa, he is overstaying and will need to pay penalties up to the day he becomes a filipino again…
Hello, Bob-
My situation may be unique from the others. I was born before 1972 in a hospital on one of the US military bases. My father a US citizen and my mother a Philippine citizen. She later became a naturalized US citizen in the late 70s. Four years ago, she received her dual citizenship at the San Francisco consulate. Can I apply for dual citizenship? If so, what documentation is required?
You are already a dual citizen, my friend. Just go apply for a Philippine Passport and show your birth certificate. You were born in the Philippines to a Philippine Citizen mother. You don’t need to apply for Dual Citizenship, you already have it!
Hi! Is my 37 yr old cousin, female, single, born in the States to Filipino parents & living in the States eligible for dual citizenship? Her parents who were both born and raised in Manila migrated to the States more than 35 years ago are now retirees who had acquired their dual citizenship and comes & stays in Manila every 6 months.
Hello Tess – Your cousin qualifies for citizenship if at least one of her parents was a Philippine Citizen on the day she was born. If they had already been naturalized on the day of your cousin’s birth, then she does not qualify.
Hello good morning, my mom cannot get a passport because on her bitth certificate she is chinese because her father is chinese but she was born in the philippines. Her mother dont have a birth certificate and they’re not married too. Can she apply for a dual citizenship because she went court to change her nationality to filipino but that was denied because the court said her father is an allien so now they turn over to court of appeals. I petitioned her since 2008 to come to the us and we;ve been waiting for a long time and we dont know what to do now. Please give some advice on what to do. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.
You can obtain a Baptismal Cert.from the church where she was baptized then obtain a Letter of Attestations to testify or certify that they knew your mother from birth from two persons who had known your mother from birth then have it Notarized by a lawyer and you can apply or Registers your mother at your local Municipal Hall for a Registering her for Live Birth.Late Registrations and make sure you follow it up with the Philippine Bureau of Census.
For these cases many older people born during WWII their records were burned during the war and churches mostly have old but good archives.
Hi Bob…sorry for interruptions and I did took the liberty of answering this message.
I enjoyed reading your blogs as I am also going to retire in the Philippines soon with my Indian American husband but before doing that I will make sure to apply for my dual citizenship as Filipino born but naturalized American Citizen.
Sincerely,
Glenda K.
Hello Bob!
Gratitude to you and your article! I was web-surfing and happen to find myself here. Your blogs are very insightful and has sparked my curiosity to learn more.
I have the similar situation as the individual above. My father is a US citizen and my mother, a Filipina. I’m born and raised in the philippines and left in 2004. I hold a US passport w/c my father processed when I was a kid before he left(military). I wasn’t sure if I still hold a Philippine citizenship but seeing your response from the query above, I now feel somewhat relieved.
If I do hold already hold a dual citizrndhip and all I have to show is a copy of my birth cirtificate to obtain a Philippine passport, should I then go to a Philippine embassy to apply for one? Do you of any chanve know where I can find one in Chicago? and lastly once i’ve obtained my passport, are there any rules i have to follow to maintain my dual citizenship?
Hello KC – If you have a Philippine issued Birth Certificate, and it says that your mother was a Philippine Citizen, then you are a Philippine Citizen. You can indeed go an apply for a Philippine Passport.
Here is the contact information for the Philippine Consulate in Chicago:
Philippine Consulate General
30 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 332-6458
Fax: (312) 332-3657
Great! That location is pretty close by me too, and it’s right beside my orthodontists’ office. Thank you Dave!
OK, you’re welcome, but my name is Bob, not Dave! 😉
Hi Bob, you shouldn’t give legal advice. In some places it is a crime to hold yourself out as an expert and give legal advice without being licensed as a lawyer.
I believe the advice you gave is not complete. The youngest girl is fine since she’s never left the PI. The oldest girl is a Philippine Citizen by birth, but it depends on how she re-entered the Philippines. If she entered on her US passport she entered as an American Citizen and as such is subject to the Visa restrictions and has in fact over-stayed her visa. If she had a Philippine Passport and re-entered on that, she is fine.
Jim – Perhaps you did not read our Disclaimer page, where I specifically say that I am not an attorney or authority. My answers that I give are only based on my personal experiences.
My dad, who is both an American Citizen and Philippine Citizenship, who currently resides in the US flew to the Philippines late Feb 2012 and is scheduled to return June 1 2012. He used his American passport on his way there, but for his return…some people are telling me that my dad would need to file for a Visa? Others say he does not need a visa but will need a Philippine passport to return to the US? I am confused? Please advice.
Hello Bob!
I am an American citizen, born in Hawaii. At the time of my birth, both my parents are Filipino citizens. After i was born, i stayed here in the Philippines till i turned 13 years of age, then i went to Las Vegas to continue my studies. After turning 16, i went back here in the Philippines to attend high school. Unfortunately, i am not a BI registered alien here. (BTW, i am studying college here which they are already telling me i cannot enroll due to the fact that i can’t present an NSO birth certificate or recognition as a filipino citizen) Can i still apply for dual citizenship? if so, what are the requirements for it? Because a lawyer told me i can’t apply for it. That is why the lawyer is applying me for recognition. What is the difference between the two? and what would you recommend me get? Recognition or Dual Citizenship? Thank you in advance.
Hello Lora – Your parents need to file a late report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate that serves Hawaii. If the report is accepted, you will then be recognized as a Citizen of the Philippines, and still keep your US citizenship as well.
PS. i’m now 20 years old, so i have been overstaying in my own country for 4 years now 🙁 i just want to continue my studies here and i can’t do so 🙁
Actually, the Philippines is not “your own country,” as you are not a citizen of the Philippines. You are a US citizen.
HI…MY NAME IS EDWARD AND I AM A U.S. CITIZEN. I WAS BORN HERE IN HAWAII, BUT WHEN I WAS 7 MONTHS OLD UNTIL I WAS 10 MY MOM SENT ME TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES. I AM NOW 31 YEARS OLD AND I WANT TO LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES FOREVER. WHAT SHOULD I DO? ALL THE LAWS THAT I AHVE READ IS NOT GIVING ME A CHANCE TO BECOME A FILIPINO CITIZEN. MY MOTHER WAS ALREADY AN AMERICAN CITIZEN WHEN I WAS BORN HERE IN HAWAII SO I CAN’T BE A DUAL CITIZEN. SHE PLANS TO BECOME A DUAL CITIZEN BUT I AM TOO OLD TO BE INCLUDED. SIR WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO BECOME A FILIPINO CITIZEN…??? CAN I GIVE UP MY AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP TO BE A FILIPINO CITIZEN INSTEAD?
Yes, you can become a naturalized Philippine Citizen. You can learn more about that on our sister site, Get Philippine Citizenship.
My son and i just applied for “Reconsideration” . I was born and raised in the Philippines but was an American citizen when Mike was born in the U.S..I got my dual citizenship this year ,however Mike started his papers but before he can get his finger printing and oath taking, he had to fly back in the States..Can he do his oath taking and finger printing while here in the States so he doesnt have to fly back in the Phils to do both ?
I am sorry gil, I do not know the answer to your question.
Hi
My niece, Savannah was born in Canada but was brought back in the Philippines when she was just 3 months old, she is now 6 and wants to go to school but could not because she does not have any Philippine issued birth certificate, her mother has only a photocopy of the birth certificate from Canada but no school would acknowledge it saying its illegal to admit an unregistered alien. Her mother tried to get her a late registration at our local civil registrar using the the photocopy of the birth certificate from Canada but was also denied, saying the child should get a dual citizenship first before she can be issued a Filipino birth certificate, her mother was then forwarded to the immigration department of which she was also forwarded to the Canadian Embassy in Manila, they lived in Cebu and having to go to Manila is very costly so she never get to have her into dual citizenship. My Aunt, Savannah’s grandmother is now a Canadian citizen, do you think it would be much easier if she would file a late report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate there in Canada? What do you think should we do? please we need good and clear advice. Thanks
Chivy
Hi Joey; I’m also retired US Navy (SS) The US doesn’t care how long you stay. Just have to renew your US Passport in Manila whenever it expires (Usually 10 Years) As for the philippines you can stay for up to 2 years on a tourest visa but have to renew it every 2 months at the local BI. It costs about P10T each renewal and can be a long waiting time. Like Bob I reccommend the dual or even permanent residence if your married to a Filipina. Feel free to ask any followup questions if you want. Good luck /JIM/
My mom is a filipino citizen while my dad(filipino) is a US citizen. Both of them live in the Philippines. When I was born here in the US my mom never applied for US citizenship. What should I do to have a dual citizenship? What forms are required? Thank you and God Bless.
hello this is arindam,
i have an indian passport and an indian seaman book.
i am a seaman on foreign going ships,my fiancee is a filipina, to aquire a filipino passport how much time will it take, and can i have an indian passport and a filipino passport at the same time?????
No, it won’t be possible Arindam. Two reasons: 1. The Philippines does not allow dual citizenship except for those who were born Filipino. 2. India does not allow it’s citizens to be dual citizens.
When you state that we must renounce our former citizenship,is this for Americans,or for all immigrants(like,say…Australia)? I am just wondering.
Thanks MB
The Philippine law for becoming naturalized in the Philippines states that all foreigners, if they wish to be naturalized as Philippine citizens, must renounce their citizenship as part of the process. You can learn more about becoming a Philippine citizen at our sister site: Get Philippine Citizenship.
I just want to ask for your help,I am currently residing here in davao city.Here is my story,my mother gave birth to me in newyork usa,last 1987,she is a psychiatric nurse there and a filipina.When I was 3months old she decided to send me here in the philippines with the birth certificate record that comes from the hospital,also with a blue passport.I am 24 years old now and planning to go back in newyork,I am not able to take the board examination in nursing last 2009 because of this citizenship,also I overstayed here since I arrived here as early as 3months old.Ireally don’t know what to do first.Please help me I do want to go back in U.S to fine a greater opportunity and to pass the board exam for nursing.Thank you in advance!huhuhu
There are two ways to fix this situation:
1. You can pay the fines for overstaying all of these years and go back to the States.
2. You can get your mother to file a late report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where you were born. Once that is filed, the Philippines should then recognize your Philippine Citizenship (you will also still be a US citizen as well), and you will have no fines to pay.
Good luck.
Hi bob. Im facing the same situation as pepper’s. I have emailed you earlier today and you courteously replied. But i was kinda confused because your first reply to me was the same either secure a phil passport to waive penalties or pay the fines.
Then you told me on your next email tthat once theres a birth report, the govt should recognize the phil citizenship and therefore no need to pay the penalty.
Please clarify. Thank you so much.
I was wondering if youre familiar with identification clearance being issued by the bureau of immigration? I read from the internet also that once a person shows a genuine passport OR BI issued identification clearance then the immigration officers should no longer require them to pay any other fees even if theyre using their foreign passport when they enter the philippines.
Thank you so much.
I think my mother didn’t registered my name on nso in new york,because for her during that time it really doesn’t matter at all.As long as you do have a hospital records of birth it’s enough.
I’m a bit confuse with your answer pepper’s situation. She had been in the pi since 3 months old but was born in the US, therefore she entered the PI with a US passport, your 2nd way to fix the problem is to apply a delayed registration of birth at the philippine consulate then the philippines will recognize her philippine citizenship with no fines to pay.
But then on Glenda’s case, you mentioned she would need to pay for the fines and that there is no other way around it.
***hi, i read your earlier posts regarding overstaying and dual citizenship,, but still just want to make sure if it applies to our case. i have 3 kids who are US citizens, the eldest is born in the Philippines and the other 2 kids in the US. I am still a filipino citizen and we went home may 2009. they were stamped BB and eligible to stay for a year. unfortunately , they overstayed for 16 months already. We have to travel to the US this sept and my question is are they eligible for a dual citizenship? I went to BI and they told us to pay almost 30k per kid for all the fees and they never told me about the dual citizenship option. and lastly you mentioned something in your answer to malou that her kids are not overstaying because they are still filipino citizens being that the mother is still a filipino . thank you so much.***
Hi Glenda,
Actually, because you, the mother, are a Philippine Citizen, your children are also Philippine Citizens. All you had to do is file a paper with the Philippine Consulate in the US stating that they were born abroad, and showing that you are a Philippine Citizen. They would automatically become Philippine Citizens as soon as that paper is filed. However… you let your children enter the Philippines as foreigners. Now, there is nothing you can do, but to pay the fines that have been accrued by the overstaying of your children, as you say, P30k per child. There is no other course of action. Because the kids entered on a US passport, they are considered foreigners for this trip. You can pay the fine, leave the country, then file their reports of birth abroad, and then you can get them a Philippine Passport. They will, at that point, be dual citizens.
****Unfortunately, though, at this point, I do not believe that you can avoid the fees, because the kids entered the country as foreigners.****
please clarify since I have the same case as peppers…thanks for your time sir.
When you get the report of birth abroad, that will enable you to apply for a passport.
Hi, Both my sons are dual citizens, and both were born in the UK. When my wife applied for her dual citizenship there was a place on the form to add any children that you wanted included, our first son had been born at that time to that was straightforward and he now hold a Philippine Passport as well as his British Passport. My second son was born after my wife got her dual citizenship and all though he is legally a dual citizen as well, the paperwork is significantly more complicated, the most important part of which is to remember to declare the birth of the child in a timely manner to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where you live. As a result my second son holds legal papers to demonstrate his citizenship, and to allow free movement after a fashion, but it is taking some time to get him a full passport.
Hi Jason – Yep, the procedures you described are exactly correct. Good luck on that passport, I hope it comes soon.
my daughter is now35 years of age. she went back to the philippines leaving behind 2 american children. they are now 17 and 18 years old. they live with their grandmothers respectively. my daughter was a green card holder. she attempted to go back to the us after over staying in the philippines for less than 2 years. she was told by the us embassy (philippines) that she won’t be able to go back to the us on the ground of her overstaying. she really would like to go back there. is there any hope for her? thank you for accommodating me.
When you enter the Philippines I would recommend using both a Philippine and US passport, that will give you the best of both worlds. Your child is both a Philippine and a US citizen, take advantage of both. I am sorry, I can’t make a recommendation of what you should do when entering Korea, I know nothing about Korean immigration law.
Hi Lady – Your biggest problem is that you just posted here on a public forum that you have committed fraud by having a fake birth certificate made. Now you are saying that you are contemplating using that fake paper to have a passport made, which will be a second case of fraud. That might send you to jail.
You can still become a dual citizen, without resorting to fake papers.
You can file a late report of birth abroad. Because of your mom’s citizenship, you are entitled to dual citizenship. File a late report of birth abroad at the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles, then get a Philippine passport.
It was my understanding that you only owe US taxes on income earned from the US or a US company operating a business in the foreign country but still based in the US. If you were to earn income in the Philippines from your own business in the Philippines or a domestic company you would only owe tax on that to the Philippine government and not countries.
Hello Bob, My asawa and I presently live in Belize. She wishes to go through the process of reclaiming her Philippine citizenship. Would you give me the web address of the NSO where you found the on-line application so she can get a copy of her birth certificate.
Thanks for your help.
Hi JoeM – You will find that at: http://ecensus.com.ph
Good luck to you!
So, once we move to the Philippines, will I have any requirement to report my income from US sources (retirements) to Philippines BIR? I do not anticipate having any earnings from Philippines sources.
As a U.S. born citizen, How can I stay in the Philipines. My wife is a Filipino. I am a retired military and we are wanting to move to the Philipines.
Hi Bill – Thank you for visiting my site. Really, your question is not about dual citizenship, but rather about wanting to live in the Philippines. You really need to visit our sister site, Your Philippine Visa, that is where there are answers to your question.
In short, though, because your wife is Filipino, you qualify to get a Resident Visa – either a 13(a) or a 13(g) resident visa, and with that you can stay in the Philippines for as long as you would like to. I have a 13(g) (I am also an American), and have been living here in the Philippines for the past 12+ years.
Head over to our other site to find lots of information on getting a visa to live in the Philippines.
How long can u stay in the Philippines if u are a dual citizen, (US and Philippine)? My US passport was stamped “with PP”, i dont know what it means and didnt notice it until we are home (Philippines). Is my stay in the Philippines has limit and have to return to the US and come back? will i consider overstaying if i stayed in the Philippines for more than a year?
Hello Miss Megan – If you are a dual citizen, Philippines and USA, that means that you can stay as long as you want in either country. No limit. You can stay 100 years if you want, then go to the other country for another 100 years if you live that long! 😉 A citizen cannot overstay, because they can stay forever if they want.
I Agree. I am a US Citizen only and for 18 months I lived in Cebu (Philippines), during that time I earned about 30k from a business I ran there. I also earned 50k from my business in the US. The 30k I earned was NOT taxed by the US because it was below the $95k limit. I still needed to pay tax on the 50k. When I go back I plan to earn more than $95k so I will likely need to pay taxes to the US.
wat should i present 2 the immgration officer in airport if i will travel goin 2 singapore and i present d approval of my dependent pass in immigrtion officer in airport
I am sorry, but to be honest, I do not understand your question. Perhaps you could make it a little more clear?
Bob, I have heard from homeland security that she would have to re-enter the US at least once every 12 months, not six months. Where do I find out the “Official” ruling on this?
You also need to get a re-entry permit before you leave the US. You can only get reentry permit while you are in the US, that is very important to remember!
Here’s a couple of website that gives detail information. If the link is not working, just copy and paste the url to your browser.
How to Live Abroad and Keep a Valid Green Card:
http://www.immigrationunitedstates.org/products/Live-Abroad-Green-Card.html
I am a Permanent Residence, How do I?:
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/B5en.pdf
Hi Hudson – The truth is that the amount of time is not written in stone, it is at the discretion of the Homeland Security officer that you meet at the re-entry. They can deny entry at any time. It used to be that if one year had been exceeded, most officers would deny re-entry. There are many now, though, who deny re-entry after 6 months absence.
Thanks for sharing this helpful information, Miss August.
FYI, Some schools in Metro Manila charges extra fees for foreign students… I think University of the East charges an extra Php10,000
thanks for the information you are giving you really helps alot of people
i too have a question hope to hear your answer soon.
ok im 22 years old student and living in the philipines for 13 years im studying and already in college my mother is an angolan citizen and my father is a filipino citizen when i was born till now. at school im having a problem cause when i ask to get a school certificate to renew my angolan passport they say that they cant do that cause i say that im a filipino citizen when i enrolled to them thats why they dint ask me for other papers. when i say that im a dual citizen and i have the right to be a filipino and angolan they tell me i cant and that i dont have any right to be a filipino even my father is a filipino cause i need a proof from BI to proof that i am consider a filipino..
i want to know if its that true do i really need to go to BI and file for dual citizenship..?
note: i have my NSO birth Certificate
i have my redribbon birth certificate also
i can get philippine passport cause my brother just did
i live for 13 years here in Philippines
my father is a Filipino Citizen
do i still have no right to say that im a dual citizen or a filipino citizen?
pls help me sir
Hi brenda – In my opinion, you are a dual citizen already, but that is my opinion. I don’t know what your school is up to with their request, it seems strange to me. You say that you can get a Philippine Passport, if I were you I would do that. Having a Philippine passport proves beyond a doubt that you are a Philippine Citizen. That would be my recommendation to you.
Good luck.
thank you so much it really helps me..
Godbless and keep helping other (^_^)
one more question Sir.
do i need to show my Angola passport when getting a Philippine passport?
cause when my brother got his they ask him to show it but since it being renew he was not able to show it but the lucky they let him pass and still get the Philippine passport. im afraid that i might not be as lucky as him and just waste my time if they wont allow me if i dint show my Angola passport.
are i will not put in the appointment paper that i hold a foreign passport.?
if i do that they might ask me why i dont have one since i was born there.
plss help me
Brenda – I am not an attorney. I am not a Philippine Government employee. I am not even Filipino. This is only my opinion. You said that you have an NSO birth certificate. If you were born in the Philippines, have an NSO birth certificate, and your birth certificate says that your father is Filipino, then it is my opinion that you can go to the NFA with your birth certificate and apply for a passport. If it were me, I would not mention anything about your Angolan passport, I would simply apply. That is my opinion only.
hello BOB
hope you can answer my question i already post mant question here hope to get your help soon
i want to know if im being over stying in my own country (philippines) my father is a filipino citizen and my mother is an angolan citizen and i was born in Angola. im i automatic dual citizen cause i have my NSO birth certificate already and my father is a Filipino citizen when i was born till now (^_^) do i need any proof like aplly for dual citizenship..?
Brenda – You have asked me this question 4 times now on this post and others. I have already answered you twice.
helo Bob
I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
i born in Angola with Filipino citizen father i got my NSO certificate
and currently living in the philippines 12 years college student now and always
used filipino as my nationaly and i dont got any problem regarding foreigner taxes i got here with my angolan passport.
my question is:
1. i want to know if i got an Philippine passport here in Philippine do i need to pay overstaying taxes when i plan to go back to angola using philippine passport at the philippine airport?
2. or do i need to apply for dual citizenship
Brenda – You have asked me this question 4 times now on this post and others. I have already answered you twice.
Hi Bob,hope u are doin well
I am a indian seaman married to a filipina.I understand that if i aquire a filipino passport then i have to denounce my indian citizenship,i dont want to do that. Regarding 13a resident visa i have a couple of questions
First, after i get a resident visa can i come back to philipines anytime i want that is after completion of my work on ships that is 6-7months?
Second,for how much time is a resident visa valid for and does it required to be renewed after a certain period of time or i leave philipines and are there any other alternatives so that i can stay with my wife for 3-4mnths after returning from the ship.Your help will be highly appreciated thanks.
Rico
Hello Rico – Yes, India does not allow for dual citizenship, so if you were to become a Philippine Citizen you would have to renounce your Indian Citizenship.
After you have completed the process of getting your Philippine Resident Visa, yes, you can come and go as you need, it should nto be a problem.
The resident visa is good for life and never needs to be renewed.
I went to the University of the Philippines for my bachelor’s degree. Of course as a national university, foreigners do pay extra to study in U.P. I think Roland is referring to college students, mainly in Metro Manila.
Hi Bob, I am a dual citizen of Philippines and Canada. I am going back to Philippines on October for a month vacation. What is the best way to do?
1. When I exit Canada, I will use my Canadian passport and then when I enter the Philippines, I will use my Philippine passport. Is that OK? If so, vice versa, exiting the Philippines using the Philippine passport and entering back to Canada using Canadian passport.
2. When I exit Canada, I will use my Canadian passport and then when I enter the Philippines, I will still use my Canadian passport. Canadians are only allowed to stay 21 days max free visa but since I have a Philippine passport (proof of Philippine citizenship), this will be void. Is that correct?
3. What is the best possible way that will satisfy both countries immigration laws?
Hello Bob, Good day!
I am a 21 yr old US citizen and my parents are both filipinos but my mother got her US citizenship through naturalization. I’m pretty sure I’m qualified to obtain a dual citizenship but I don’t know where to start. If ever I go to the consulate do i have to have both of my parents proof of Philippine citizenship? or can I just provide either my father/mother’s documentation?
Thank you!
Hi Mar – If your mother was a Philippine Citizen on the day that you were born, you need your mother to file a late report of birth abroad, and your Philippine citizen will then be recognized and you will be a dual citizenship. If she had already undergone naturalization on the day you were born, then you are not qualified for Philippine Citizenship.
Thank you for writing back quick Bob,
I understand what you are saying but my father is filipino, so that still qualifies me to have dual citizenship or not?
Cheers!
Hi Mar – If either of your parents were Philippine Citizens on the day you were born, that parent should file a late report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you were born. That is how you can claim your Philippine Citizenship.
Thanks again Bob,
I have one last question. Can I file a late report of birth abroad myself?
Cheers!!
Read this for a full rundown of requirements, Mar.
Hi Bob,
I arrived in Manila with my son back in Nov 2007, using US passports. We both acquired dual citizenship in May 2008, before our tourist visa would expire.
I am planning to return to USA:
How do I go about which passport to show to what agency/department at the airport?
Also, how much would you estimate the total cost would be at the airport? (including airport fees, exit fees, travel fees, etc…if applicable)
Any tips/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
-Katheryn
Hi Katheryn – I would recommend that when you leave or enter the Philippines, show both of your passports. For other countries it is best to use your US passport.
I am sorry, I don’t have any idea how much your taxes and fees would be at the airport.
Hello there! I just want to ask cause it really bothered me a lot regarding my identity. I was born in chicago il. Us. When i was 6months old my grandmother took me from chicago and i grew up here in the philippines and never got the chance to go back to chicago. Am i still dual citizen?
You are an American citizen based on the fact that you were born in the USA. If your parents were Filipino Citizens when you were born, then you can be a Philippine Citizen as well.
Hi Bob how are you and your family hope they are well just reading about the aussie asking about dual citizenship, just further to that what about becoming a dual Resident is that legal and possible can you be a Resident of both countries?
Regards
Philip
Hi Philip – Sure, that is legal, you can reside in more than one country, on a shifting basis. No problem at all on that.
Hello sir….
i have been living back and forth between usa and philippines since 2007. I thought by now thati would have aquired permission to stay and permission to own land. I have yet to visit a lawyer. Any suggestions. ? Note. I keep running into foreign guys who are dumped by their philipina wives who have taken o ver any house,business,or property.
Hi Chuck – I am not sure of your marital status, but if you are married to a Filipina, you can easily get a visa to stay here permanently. If you are not, it is a bit more difficult and costly.
Permission to own land? You can never get that unless you become a Philippine Citizen. The Philippine Constitution specifically prohibits foreigners from owning land in the Philippines. The only way you will ever be able to own land here is if you become a Philippine Citizen.
Sir…I subscribed and read your excellent explanation on citizenship..I have been married to a Filipina for over 25 years..We married in Cebu City on 1 Jan, 1987 (lost the marriage deduction due to a typhoon but that is another story)..My Wife is an American Citizen..but is not a dual citizen..Since my wife is a prior Citizen of the Philippines would I be able to become a dual citizen even though my wife has no desire to do the same..Thank you Robert and I enjoy the questions and your explanations on this site.. Robert Sutherland – Sarasota, Florida usa
Hi Robert – Unless you are a former Philippine Citizen, then the answer is no. Foreigners like you and I are not eligible to be dual citizens. We can become Philippine Citizens, but in order to do so we must renounce our US citizenship.
Hello! everyone.
Philip if you have some doubt about her, you can make some background check about your friend (either thru some friend or you hire somebody to check her real life situation over there)… and maybe don’t give any penny unless you already met her and you are sure of yourself that she’s the right person for you.
Good Evening Bob,
thank you for your reply, just reading Chucks entry about the wives dumping their husbands sounds a bit scary but that happens everywhere would’nt you agree, although it does worry me a bit when you hear all these accusations about the women there. I have spoken to quite a few here and I think they are beautiful people, they do seem very genuine and loyal to their husbands here in Australia and the couples I have met have been together for some time. I think what Chuck said can happen in any relationship no matter what race or culture but I don’t know why there are so many bad comments relating to this subject. It appears if you buy a house or build one there for your spouse it has to be in her name and if you have a business locally it has to be in her name that is one that only relates to products in that country, but I am not sure I know you have a wealth of knowledge of this subject and have been most helpful to me on my many requests of information. It does appear though unlike here everything must go in their names which could be a worry if you did end up seperating???? I would like to know the attrition rate of marriages failing between Western Men/Women and Philippine Men/Women, I know the ones here have lasted longer then some Western couples by far. Any way take care there Bob was good to hear from you.
Good Morning Bob thank your email I think you are right about the statistics
I used toplay golf here for quiet a while and at the club I counted 15 western marriages break down and end up in divorce which is sad as some of them were good friends anyway it must have been catching because it passed onto me after 30 years of marriage and also my brother who has been married 3 times and is looking to further that I guess? I know I have a friend over there and she informed me today that her properties where she and her families are
living are going to be demolished which is very sad a confusing to me, her sister and her informed me that they are on Government land and that they have to move I can not follow this because it is strange if you pay the rent you not have to move but must be different laws over there I guess. Her parents live in the mountains and that appears normal I guess my family are over there now and I want to come there as well I do get worried when she informs me of these changes, I sent her some jewlery from your store to make sure she did exist and she wears it so that part is true and she talks to my family here.
I am concerned she asked me to build her a house the other day???? I said I am not sure about that but also she keeps saying she works seven days a week then she dissapears into the mountain every week to visit her parents so I get confused with all this if you understand. I have known her for 7 months and she has never asked for money up until now which shocked me a little just aksing for some advice on this as you have some local knowledge she lives in Ormoc.
My ex Western wife took everything so I am used to that part but do not want to get burnt again like that in life. All the ladies I have met here seem very nice and genuine as does she just some strange happenings at the moment there it seems. Take Care Philip
hello Good day bob! i have question about marriage. I have dual citizenship US and Philippines do i need to ask permission to the us embassy before marrying my filipino girlfriend? i know i already red all the comments here i just want to be sure.
ok im going to get the affidavit to be sure. Thank you bob for sharing your thoughts =)
Hello Bob
I am happily to say…I acquired my dual citizenship last April a week before I depart for the Philippines….I will be leaving in the Philippines on and off..my question to you is…..do I present my Philippine passport when I leave for USA….or my US passport…what about when I am read to come back to the Philippines…which passport do I need to present to the immigration….can I keep using my US passport Thank You
Its me again…..I will be residing in the Philippines on and of…and when I am ready to return to USA..which passport do I use….and the same way coming back from USA to the Philippines…
Your question was answered in your other comment. Thanks for stopping by.
Hello Totie – When you leave, you will HAVE to use your US Passport, or else you will not be allowed to go to the USA, since you won’t have a visa. Generally, I would recommend that you show both passports upon entry or exit from the Philippines.
we returned in the philippines last year me as permanent resident in US with re entry permit that means i can stay outside US up to 2 years my problem is my baby she was born in US with US passport and i didnt report birth in phil consulate in US the problem is her balikbayan stamp would be expiring what should we do…please help as this is urgent.thanks
Hi abbie – I would advise you to double check on your US residence. Generally, if are a permanent resident, and leave the US for 1 year or more, you stand the chance of losing your ability to return again. Aside from that… your child could stay for one year, and then you could convert her Balikbayan visa to a tourist visa and she can stay an additional 16 months with that (you’ll have to pay fees for renewal regularly, of course). Alternatively, why not just report her birth now and get dual citizenship for her?
Hey bob,
I’m american and my wife of course is filipino, What do we need to do to live in the philippines? is a dual citizenship really required? and we have a 3 yr old son too.
Hi Kevin – Well, to be honest, it’s all up to you. Technically, all you have to do is hop on a plane and come. Since your wife is Filipino, you may want to apply for a resident visa for yourself – a 13(a) Resident Visa, and also for your child. It is not required, though, you can live here on a tourist visa if you wish. I think it would be best to get the resident visa, though, to avoid future hassles like constant renewals of your visa.
File a report of birth abroad for your child, and then he will be a dual citizen, that is a great thing to do.
For yourself, you do not qualify for dual citizenship, that is only for former filipinos, and children of filipinos.
Good luck to you.
Aloha Bob,
My wife became a US citizen and now holds a Philippine dual citizenship. So…My understanding from reading above; she is allowed to stay in the Philippines as long as she wishes? No time requirement for her to return to the US? We are preparing to retire in the Philippines in the next five years or so. I’m just finishing up my time in the Navy, until I’m in the Philippines. Thanks for the 13(a) Resident Visa information, diffidently helps.
Hi Jose – Yes, when you are a citizen of any country you can stay there as long as you please. If your wife is a US Citizen and also a Philippine Citizen she can stay in either country as long as she likes, and can come and go as often as she pleases. Never needs a visa to enter either country since she is a citizen.
hi
im sajjad butt
i have one question to u
i m citizen of pakistan and im married here in pakistan with philppina
can i apply for citizenship of philppines to stay there long time
and can i apply for philppines passport if i go to philppines and do marry there again thnx
No, you are not currently eligible to be a Philippine Citizen. Your first step is that you need to live in the Philippines for a minimum of 5 years first, before applying.
There are cases when your parents were Philippine citizens on the day of your birth (in the U.S.) but eventually got naturalized and became U.S. Citizens. In this case, you’ll need to acquire a report of your birth signifying that your parent(s) were Philippine citizens at the time of your birth.
You can get that at a Philippine Consulate in the U.S. (there’s one in L.A.) They’ll ask for this document at the Immigration office in Intramuros.
Hello can I ask a question about my daughter !! I am married in a Japanese and I have my daughter born hir in Japan, I and my husband deside that my daughter will going to school in Philippines but she is naturalized as Japanese
The question is can my daughter stay in Philippines for how many years without losing her Japanese citizenship?? And how !!? Please hope you replied soon my daughter is 6 years old and we prepared to go study in Philippines
Hello Jhiem – Your daughter should be a dual citizen, and going to school in the Philippines should have no effect on her Japanese citizenship. I would recommend that you check with the Philippine Embassy in Japan as to the citizenship status of your daughter.
As long as she can give proof that she was still Filipino during your birth, it is still possible. However, as MindanaoBob says, it is doubtful you can prove it. Since most of your documents are probably lost or too old to authenticate. Your best bet is to hire an attorney who can gather your legal papers and submit irrefutable documents (certified copies of 1957 passport of your mom or documents stating the date she was naturalized, etc.) proving your Filipino citizenship at birth.
Hi Bob
Thank you for this site!
I am a UK citizen, born and have always lived in the UK, and next summer I will be marrying my Philippine fiance in Butuan. I intend to work there as a maths tutor, English language teacher (TEFL) and swimming instructor. After my wedding, do I get Philippine citizenship and does this entitle me to a Philippine passport? I do not want to have to keep getting visas. My fiance and I wish to put our house in joint ownership which I can only do with Philippine citizenship. I am aware that only Philippine citizens can own land there. Thanks again, Carey
Hi Carey – After marriage, you will have to live in the Philippines for 5 years before you can apply for Philippine Citizenship. Keep in mind that in order to become a Philippine citizen, you must also accomplish the following:
1. You must renounce your UK citizenship. (foreigners like you and I cannot be dual citizens, that is reserved for Filipinos)
2. You must learn to speak the local language.
3. There are other requirements as well, which you can find on our sister site, Get Philippine Citizenship.
We need to travel to the Philippines ASAP,..my husband is processing docs. to be dual citizen(Fil-Am).Can we just He just use his US passport?..and also the kids,..they have US passports.What are the pros and cons of using the US passport instead of getting another Philippine passport?
Yes, your children can certainly enter the Philippines on a US passport. I would encourage for you to ask for Balikbayan stamps for them. That will give them a one year stay in the country. If you need longer than that,you can let them enter on a tourist visa, but will have to pay for Visa renewals every 60 days or so.
Hey Bob! How u doing?
I live in Nicaragua, have dual citizenship (USA/Nica), I want to go to the PHil, but do NOT know what is the easiest-closest most convenient way to get there.
I just found out that Los Angeles City, PI is really close to Mexico (east of)
Now can you tell me how long is the initial visa (tourist)? I am a disabled US vet, and can’t move around too much as to be renewing visas.
I’d like to go over for like 60 days, but not sure what the requirements are.
Can u pls assist me? I eventually want to live there permanently. I am divorced, I’d be looking for an asawa.
Hi Gilberto – Firstly, let’s clear a few things up… there is no such place as “Los Angeles City” in the Philippines. There is Angeles City, and it is indeed near Mexico, Pampanga.
Initial stay on a tourist visa is 21 days, but that can be extended for up to 16 months.
There are no real requirements, you come here, get off the plane, get a 21 days visa stamped in your passport, and before 21 days is up, you extend that to 59 days.
Hi I have a question. I was born in clark and got my US citizenship from my American father while my mother is a Filipino citizen. I have a NSO birth certificate and a certificate birth of abroad. However, after finishing my college in the Philippines I went here in the US but before that it was a very long process for me in the immigration. They let me pay my overdue fees for not converting my ACR paper to card then let me do an ECC and cancelled my ACR. I’m just wondering am I already a dual citizen because my mother is a Filipino when I was born and I was born in Philippines? Or I still need to file for dual citizenship?
Questions;
I was a US green card holder when I married a my Filipina wife in ’96. Our son was born in ’97 in Manila. In 2000 I moved to Guam and became a US citizen. My wife and son moved here in 2001 and she received her Green Card that year. My son became a naturlized US citizen.
Can my son apply for Philippine citizendship, and what is the process?
My youngest son was born in Guam in 2001. Does he also qualify to become a Philippine citizen?
How long does my wife have to be a US citizen before applying for dual citizenship?
Hall
Hello Hall – If your son was a Philippine Citizen before naturalization, then yes, he is eligible to be a dual citizen.
Regarding your youngest, if your wife was still a Philippine Citizen at the time of his birth, then he is also eligible for Philippine Citizenship.
hi Bob!
great morning!
i just want to ask if my canadian boyfriend and i marry here in the philippines, will he lost his canadian citizenship? and if i would go and visit his family in canada, what would be the requirements needed for me to visit there…i have no wish to stay there for long, just a month or 2… thank you so much!
Hi Frances, no, there is no way your boyfriend can lose his citizenship for getting married in the Philippines, don’t worry about that.
I am sorry, I do not know the requirements for you to go to Canada. I am not Canadian, so I just do not know that.
frances,
you can get married in the Philippines, but once you get married you are supposed to wait for his sponsorship as an immigrant to Canada and not apply as a visitor. Applying as a visitor when you have a Canadian spouse is a red flag and they will think you are trying to circumvent the normal sponsorship processing in the Philippines (by going to Canada and having your immigration application done there where it is faster). If you want to apply as a visitor to Canada before you get married, you will need a letter of invitation (from the person you want to visit), proof of funds, and some luck.
Hi,my son is Japanese citizen but i already decide to live here in Philippines for good since his 3 weeks old,now his 11 months old,is it possible to make him a Filipino citizen without using Japanese name?and the only document i have of him is the passport…
Anyway i am Filipino citizen…
If you are the parent of the child, and a Filipino Citizen, then your child is also a Philippine citizen. All you need to do is file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where the child was born.
Thank you so much it helps…God bless MindanaoBob
Hi Mindanao Bob,
Can I get dual U.S.- Philippine citizenship? My mom was born in Tacloban City, and my dad was born in Mindanao – both full-blooded Filipinos. But in 1966 or so, they emigrated to the U.S., and eventually became naturalized U.S. citizens. After they became naturalized U.S. citizens, I was born in the U.S. My mom passed away in 1997, and my dad passed away in 2001. I do not have either of their birth certificates, but I do have each of their death certificates. Am I still eligible for dual citizenship? If so, how do I apply, what documents do I need to apply, how much is the average processing fee, how long is the average process, and what is involved in the process of becoming a dual citizen?
Thanks, in advance, for your time and attention to this matter! 🙂
No, because your parents were naturalized in the US before your birth, you have no path to Philippine Citizenship.
Thanks for your prompt response! I did a little more research on my parents’ immigration records and found that they did not receive a certificate of naturalization until three months AFTER I was born. In this situation, do I have some sort of loophole to gaining dual citizenship?
When the certificate is received has no bearing at all. It depends on when the oath was taken.
My dad received his certificate of naturalization on the same day he took the oath of allegiance to the U.S. – on August 30, 1974. I was born on May 11, 1974. However, he passed away in 2001, and the new law providing dual citizenship was passed in 2003. What do you think…..do I have a case?
If your father was still a Philippine Citizen on the day you were born, as it appears to be, then you are eligible to be a dual citizen. Whether he is dead or alive at this point should not be of any consequence.
hello,
my kids are born in saipan,& i wasnt able to fixed thier report of birth in saipan.could i fixed that hir in pilippines??my kids are staying in pilippines now..how could i apply thier dual citezinship if i dont have their report of birth in saipan.
You cannot do it in the Philippines, it must be done in the country where the child was born.
The US embassy like most foreign governments will require a DNA if the parents were not legally married.
David is correct. A DNA test will only be requested if there is a question of a biological connection, the citizenship of the foreign parent, and if there is no evidence of an authentic/genuine relationship. Children born out of wedlock will require a DNA test.
You must apply for a CRBA(form FS240); “Consular Report of the Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America”. This form is a US birth certificate issued in lieu of a birth certificate that would have been issued if the child had been born in the US. It would be needed if you were to take the child to the US, as a foreign birth certificate would not be accepted, for example, when entering the child in a US school.
MindanaoBob,
Thank you so much for your promptness in answering my questions. I’ve pitched the same question to the Bureau of Immigration in the PI, but still have not had any response. I will now purchase your book on dual citizenship and go from there. It looks like a very comprehensive resource. Thank you so much again!
Hi Esther – I saw that you purchased my book, thank you for your purchase. Please, if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to let me know, I am happy to help you as best I can.
Hi Bob! My name is Brenda, I was born in Cavite City, Philippines, 1961. Now living in the USA since 1979, became a USA citizen in 1997. I am also married to an american citizen, and both of my children are also american citizens. I wanted to know how to acquire a dual citizenship for me. Maybe one day when I retire. I can have a longer visit while I’m philippines. regards, brenda
Hi Brenda – Thank you for writing. You can get all of the information about what the requirements are, and the price of applying in our book, Philippine Dual Citizenship.
You can find the book at this link:
http://philippinedualcitizenship.com/get-our-book/
The book is only $9.99, and is an electronic book which can be downloaded immediately once payment is made.
Also, when you apply for dual citizenship, you can include your children in the application and they will be dual citizens as well.
Thank you again!
Hi Bob,
I was born in California but my parents (my dad is an American citizen and my mom is a Filipino citizen) got divorced/anulled so my mom and I moved back to the Philippines and have been living here since 1996. I’m 18 now, and really confused about my citizenship. I got a job offer, and need to complete some requirements (TIN no., SSS no., etc.) before the end of the month (which is when I finish the first phase of my training, but to apply for those papers, I need to prove I’m a Filipino citizen right? And I don’t have any papers to prove that I am, except for the “jus sanguinis” law- (I’m Filipino because my mom is Filipino) Do you have any advice for me? I really need this job but I won’t be able to push through with it if I don’t get my papers ready in time. I’m also looking into getting dual citizenship because I plan to pursue further studies in America, but I understand that it’ll take months to process. I only have two weeks! Help please 🙁
Also, I have another question. What’s thing thing wherein I have to decide what country I want to be a citizen of when I turn 18?
I’m afraid of not having a future because I can’t work here:(
Hi Ally – You do not have to choose, you can remain a citizen of both countries, it is called dual citizenship.
Good luck to you.
To become a citizen of the Philippines you must have lived here for at least ten years ( five, if married to a Philippine citizen), and be fluent in one of the languages here ( not Spanish).
The cost of gaining Philippine citizenship is approximately 150 to 180,000PHP.
Although there is a clause in the Oath taken, which indicates you renounce any alegance to your home country, the US feels that a US citizen really doesn’t want to do that. I to lose your US citizenship you would have to have served in the military of and enemy of the US, be guilty of treason, and/or renounce your citizenship personally, to a US consulate.
Dual citizens are born here, quite often.
hello i am a filipino mom and a american dad i would like to inquire about dual citizenship about my kids . my kids are us citizen but i forgot to report at the close philippine embasy at the u.s. now im leaving in the philippines. since im here in the philippines can i still report in here. i plan to make them dual citizen
hello, the only way for your children to become dual citizens is for you to file the report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate serving the area where they were born. It cannot be done here, it must be done at the proper consulate or embassy. Once you do that they will become dual citizens, but that is the only path to dual citizenship.
my children are US citizen i would like to apply them a dual citizen here in the philippines. the problem is i forgot to file report of there birth abroad now im here in the philippine since im here in the philippines is that possible i can apply dual for them
hello, you must file the report of birth abroad in order for your children to become dual citizens. It can only be done if the Embassy or Consulate serving the area where your children were born.
Hi Bob, we’re former Filipino citizen then became a naturalized citizens of USA. Now we have three kids born as U. S. citizen. What should they do if they want to visit or stay and live in the Philippines. Will marrying a Filipino citizen gives him the right to live in the Philippines, thank you for your much needed info. Oh by the way, my U. S. citizen son wants to marry a Filipina in the Philippines, is there anything else he need to do…
If you or your wife were Filipino citizens on the day that the children were born, then your kids have a right to dual citizenship. If you were already naturalized in the US before the birth, then they have no path to Philippine citizenship.
If they want to live in the Philippines, then they can apply for a resident visa, if they are married to a Philippine citizen spouse.
My U. S. citizen son, born and live in the USA, wants us to look for a Filipina girl in the Philippines to marry, if one is found, can my son file for a fiancee visa for this girl or would it be better for my son to marry this girl in the Philippines. What’s the best way for my son to do so that he can bring this girl/wife to USA, how long is the wait, thank you
Generally, your questions are outside the scope of this blog. However, it is really a personal decision on where they marry. It will generally take a year or so to get the visa approved whether they marry in the US or in the Philippines.
Good luck.
So what’s the possibility for my U. S. citizen son to be able to lived in the Philippines, thank you
Hi Raymundo – if he wants to live here, his chances of doing so are 100%. All he has to do is get on a plane and fly here.
Once he gets here, he can live here on a tourist visa. He can stay up to 16 months on a tourist visa, so long as he renews it regularly when that is due. At the end of 16 months, he can leave the country for a day and return to start another 16 months of living here. He can go to HK, Thailand or some other nearby country for convenience.
If he married a Philippine citizen, he can then apply for a resident visa, which means he can stay forever, without having to make trips out of the country for visa renewal purposes.
Hi Bob,
Would I be correct in stating that if you are a Filipino it would be possible to obtain dual citizenship with Australia but if you are an Australian it is impossible to become a dual citizen with the Philippines?
My wife is a Filipina, I am Australian, and our son has a Philippine passport. I am hoping to arrange for him to be a dual citizen with Australia……….is this possible.
Regards,
Hi Roger, your wife can be a citizen of both countries. Your son can also be a citizen of both countries, due to his father being Australian and his mother being Filipino. You cannot be a dual citizen, you can become a Philippine citizen if you ever want to, but would have to relinquish your Australian citizenship in order to be naturalized.
Hi Bob
I have a question about Dual Citizenship also. I’m 19 years old and I’ve lived in the US for 7 years now but now that i’m a college student I decided to go back home in the Philippines for my education. and I’m leaving March of 2013. How long does the process takes? How much? where should I apply?
Thank you for writing. You can get all of the information about what the requirements are, and the price of applying in our book, Philippine Dual Citizenship.
You can find the book at this link:
http://philippinedualcitizenship.com/get-our-book/
The book is only $9.99, and is an electronic book which can be downloaded immediately once payment is made.
Thank you again!
hi bob im from the uk im married to a philippina we are going back to the uk to live after 5yr she can get uk citizenship will she still be able to keep her philippines passport and still be a citizen of the philippines cheers RUE
Hi Sir , my daughter is already 2 yr old and was born here in Philippines.We applied her citizenship here in US Embassy Manila and She was approved as US Citizen because her Father is Naturalize American. I’m a Filipina, so is she automatically a Filipino Citizen too? can i apply her a PHilippine Passport? if ever, what will i use for her nationality in Philippine passport?still a Filipino?I guess?
or she can use her US Passport only? and is she overstaying here?I’m so confused Sir. Maybe this year my daughter and I will going to US.
Thank You for the help!
Hi sir, I am 30 yrs old and was born here in the Philippines.
I applied for Canadian citizenship and was approved last year because my
father was a naturalized Canadian at the time of my birth. My mother was a Filipino.
Am I automatic dual citizen of the Philippines or not?
How can I be a dual citizen if I wish to?
thanks for the help?
Hi. I would just like to ask.. I am a dual citizen of US and Phil but I’m planning to work in dubai because my husband also works there. That would be my first time to exit the Philippines. Is it ok that my first travel abroad is dubai and not USA? Thanks in advance for the reply 🙂 I only have my US passport. Does it have any issues about my citizenship afterwards? I would like to keep both of my citizenship
My son will be serving the military by july,and because of his dual citizenship the job for him will be limited. What is the possibility that he can renounce his filipino citizenship.He will 18 by june, and he only wants to be US citizen. Before philippine consulate close their office thats the only time we decided to apply for their dual. Pls. let us know if it is possible.Hoping you can help us. Liza david os saipan
Sure, he can renounce if he wishes to do so.
Hi Bob, i have a question for my daughter, She was born in NY City USA on May 13, 2000. i bring her here in the Phils. after 2 months for the reason that i am not a US Citizen and dont have any legal papers to stay in US. For the first two years she was legally staying here. but after that bec of some financial problems, i did not pay her extension to stay here. now she is overstaying here in the Phils for 10yrs. already. now i want to ask help from the US Government to bring her back to US for i dont really have money to spend for her school this next school opening. i dont want her to stop, bec she is a consistent honor student since kinder1. she is also a badminton varsity player in their school but cannot compete in national games bec of her nationality.. pls help me to give some information on who am i going to talk to, to ask help for her to go back in US. thank you very much in advance and GOD BLESS!!!
Hello Marge – Your child is eligible to be both a US and Philippine Citizen. All you have to do is file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate in New York. Once you do that, a lot of your problems go away – she will not be overstaying, she will be eligible for the sports and such, no more problems.
When you say that you want the US Government to assist with things like education and such.. well, I am just going to be honest. I find that offensive. Why would you expect for me and my fellow Americans to support your child? It is not our responsibility to do so. No government supports my children, why should we support yours? I don’t want to be mean to you, I just think that you are expecting too much.
There are traditionally two disadvantages of dual citizenship irrespective of the countries involved. Firstly that you are eligible for military call up in time of war by either country, and secondly the country of one of your citizenships will not help you in problems involving the government of the country of other of your citizenships in the way it might with any other third country government.
You also can’t run for any political office including at the community level.
hi..
now im determined to leave get back to US asap this year…need to be there to take care of ‘family trust’ concerns….dad left family trust and i being 1 of 3 siblings, not for sure, but whoelse will be named as beneficiaries?….
my ‘relatives’ in USA just all of a sudden stopped talking to me…when i just said that i did see sumthing definite and concrete as to the question – did my dad leave a will…the answer is NO…
a family trust was dated 4-28-06….
JUST VENTING OUT….tks for listening…. 🙂
any other updates on dual citizens leaving philippines, heading to usa?
how bout in the usa?…any other updates concerning duals, i need to be aware of when i get to lax?
thanks!
-Katheryn
Hi..i just became a US citizen and were planning to go to ph and i still have my philippine passport can i still use it? Coz i dont want to buy a roundtrip ticket coz i dont know when im coming back..but im gonna apply for dual citizenship in the philippines when i arriive..and im travelling with my baby but im not gonna purchase a ticket for her, what are the requirements for an infant to travel in the ph? Thank you in advance.
You say you are not a dual citizen, yet you have more than one passport? How? That is fraud, and you can be in serious trouble if you are not a dual citizen yet holding more than one passport.
There is no return ticket requirement on departure of the Philippines only entry.
Bob is right. Marrying a Filipino does NOT automatically grant you Phils citizenship. All is does is make you and your family “legal” (as a family) in the eyes of Pinoy law, which isn’t a bad thing. It however (no surprise!) thus makes you completely liable for everything your wife does whether you are aware, consent or not, so be very sure about who you marry.
On the Phils citizenship question, a lot of digging (sorry I didn’t save the URL before that brownout) told me that presuming you meet a bunch of simple requirements, for example keeping your nose clean, respecting values, integrating with the community, continually enrolling your school-age kids in school, etc., you may apply for Philippines citizenship after 10 years of legal residency. (Which reminds me that I need to dig out my current and old passports and a bunch of other documents.) I expect to start that process soon, surely to the incredulity of BI officials when I’m the first to ask them in a long time.
If you are married to a Philippine Citizen, then the time is reduced to 5 years that you must live in the country to apply for citizenship. Probably the two most difficult requirements is that you must learn one of the Philippine languages, and also are required to renounce your citizenship – foreigners cannot be dual citizens in the Philippines. Good luck to you, Ed.
Bob, after attending at BI in Davao a week ago, you seem to be 100% correct.
As I expected, my foreigner Philippines citizenship query was met with polite incredulous looks, as in “You want to do _what_?” At first they referred me to the person who handles visa applications. After 10 minutes of explaining that I actually want to become a naturalized Philippine citizen, she realized that I already have a proper Immigrant Visa and said (translated to english: “you already have all you need, why would you want to become a citizen of the Philippines?!?”). Bottom line, she and the others there explained that BI doesn’t handle citizenship applications from foreigners, instead it requires a special legal petition, recommended that I contact an attorney for such, and sincerely wished me “Good Luck”. I hope that relating this may help any other immigrants with the same questions.
Ob-comment: I found the Davao BI people very nice, kind, respectful and helpful for the normal things they are there to process, like my ACR annual reporting and kindly aided me with my reporting, change of address and marital status, plus creating a new set of records at the Davao office (given that my original files are at BI in Manila), all at minimal possible cost. All in Tagalog, of course, while my wife went across the street to Victoria Mall. 🙂
A Philippines birth certificate would certainly help before attending at BI to petition for re-aquisation of Philippine citizenship for a native-born Pinoy under the “CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-AQUISITION ACT OF 2003” “REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225”. BI can’t be expected to do much of anything without documentation. Presumably the birth in the Philippines was registered at the time, so he should be able to attend at an NSO office to request an official copy. Some pawnshops and travel agencies also provide such document request services for a nominal fee. Wait time is typically 1 to 2 weeks to receive an NSO registered document, or so it was when I had to get a copy of my wife’s birth certificate.
After that it seems to be a fairly easy procedure for native-born Pinoys, or so the Act says.
Thanks for the confirmation, Ed, and good luck to you!
Reading the comments (thanks) I see that there’s really no downside to acquiring Philippines citizenship. In the case of war, if it’s so bad that they really need to call up a “senior” to defend the country, they’ll need to go find me on the front lines already defending my family, neighbours, and friends as best I can. What would _you_ do if that happened, eh?
As for political office, I’m quite happy letting my wife shoulder that.
The only real down side that I can see is that you have to renounce your citizenship, you cannot be a dual citizen under Philippine law.
Hi guys, this is forever who can answer my question. I was born in the Philippines at Cavite city, at a base called Sangly Point. At the time of my birth my father,a Filipino, was already a naturalized u.s. Citizen and my mother was born u.s.citizen. My birth certificate is from the city of cavite. My parents took my birth certificate to the u.s.embassy and registered me as a u.s.citizen. Now will I qualify for dual citizenship? I am just wanting to know for future reference, in case I decide to go home.
He must have been naturalized in the USA, or else how could he have ever gotten his citizenship there? In any event, he should qualify for Philippine Dual Citizenship, he should simply go apply at the Bureau of Immigration.
My not-yet-expired Philippine passport was void after I got naturalized. I applied for dual citizenship, but I have not yet apply for a new passport because I am planning to get it there instead as I am leaving in a month.
Since I have to show a US pp when leaving US, can I also show them my not-yet-expired Phil passport too or the IC for dual citizens so they won’t ask me a return flight?
Technically, it is my belief that the Philippine Passport is no longer valid, since you lost your Philippine Citizenship. But, since you have already re-acquired it I am just not sure.
Hello! 😀 My father was born in the Philippines to Filipino citizens ( it says so on his birth certificate). His family moved to the US when he was 14 years old. He is not certain if he ever had a Philippine Passport, but he has a US Certificate of Citizenship . He does not have access to his mother or fathers old records anymore… being that he is already 65 years old. He has now been living in the Philippines for 4 years now. Question: Would he be qualified to acquire dual citizenship?
Thanks a bunch!
Thanks too, Bob.
A few more items on the question of a foreigner acquiring Philippines _citizenship_, gleaned from my own research and a bit of email with Bob, that might help others considering it.
In short (you can google for details), the requirements are fairly simple things, such as continuous residency for 10 years (or 5 if married to a filipino/a), integration with the community, becoming marginally proficient in the language, staying out of trouble, honestly swearing allegiance, etc.
The big kicker is that a foreigner is required to renounce his/her natural citizenship.
No dual citizenship for foreigners in the Philippines!
That typically defacto means:
1/ shutting down your overseas business with attendant loss of vital income. It’s gone.
2/ giving up your right to any possible pension from your former country, no matter how much you paid in there, it’s gone.
That’s a show-stopper for most people, hard to live and support your family and (Philippines) community with 100% forced loss of income. That may not be the intention of the Philippines immigration laws but that’s surely the effect. Your good intentions are irrelevant, the law is the law.
I am a Filipino Citizen and recent got US citizenship by naturalization. I have my philippine passport and soon my US passport. Do i need to apply for dual citizenship at the Philippines consulate?
Jenna, you are no longer a Philippine citizen, you renounced your Philippine citizenship when you took the oath of United States citizenship. If you use your Philippine passport at this point you will be committing immigration fraud. You need to apply to get dual citizenship if you want to be a Philippine citizen again.
Bob is right.. I knew a former Filipina who got her new Irish passport. Her old Philippine passport’s validity still existing but when she went home for a holiday to the Philippines, she used her Philippine passport and when she’s coming out from the Philippines, she used her Irish passport where she was held by the immigration control, brought inside an immigration room at Manila airport and got a lot of non ending questions. She missed her flight and she was charged by the Philippine authority. Her mistake is.. she should have applied for the re aquisition of Philippine citizenship through Philippine embassy nearest her but she didn’t instead, she used her already voided Philippine passport after getting an Irish passport.
Thank you for the confirmation, Edwin.
I would like to get some information about how to apply for passport. I m from Bangladesh married to Filipina girl in 2007 in Cyprus.We have 1child 7 years old.Last year September we came to Philippine I m still renew my tourist visa.Now I m here in Philippine more then 8 months so please could u inform me if I can apply for Philippine passport.Thank u very much
Hello Linda,
Firstly, there is no Philippine Consulate in the Philippines. Consulates and Embassies are located in foreign countries, not in the same country. Your husband and child must be dealing with some other agency in the Philippines, but certainly not a consulate.
If the SFO Consulate tells your husband that he is already a Philippine Citizen, he should ask them to give him some kind of documentary proof of his Philippine Citizenship, that should suffice for the Philippines to recognize your daughter as also being a citizen.
Good luck to you.
Bob
i married to pakistani in the philiipines can we apply for dual citizenship? thanks
No, being married to a Pakistani does not make you eligible for Philippine Dual Citizenship.
I’ve looked around and haven’t found the answer to this question so, I’m sorry to ask it if it has already been answered somewhere.
How soon after becoming a naturalized US citizen can my wife apply to reclaim her Philippine citizenship? We want to get her US passport right away so that we can be prepared to move to the Philippines at a moments notice if we need to.
Hi GunnyD – She can apply for dual citizenship immediately. Even just one second later, it is no problem. Hope this helps!
Hello Bob,
I have been reading a lot of articles and am now confused as to what the status of my son is.
I am a Filipino citizen who gave birth in NJ in 2004 which is why son acquired his US citizenship. When we got back his passport was stamped which allowed him to stay for a year in the Phils.
I did not file any report to the US embassy in the Phils or Phils consulate in the US.
Is my son automatically a Filipino citizen? If so, why then am I being asked to pay fees for overstaying?
What are specific “benefits” of filing a report of birth to the Phil Consulate in the US?
I am planning on travelling outside of the Phils. with my son within this year.
Thanks,
MaryJane
Hello maryjane – If you file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate in the USA, then your son will be recognized as a Philippine Citizen. If you don’t file that report, then your son is not a Philippine citizen. You really should file that. If you file, then there are no fees or overstaying, as your son would be a citizen.
Good luck to you.
It is a good thing I developed a liking to reading blogs cause now I know better. Thanks Bob!
My father is a Filipino citizen holding an permanent resident visa and will expire 2019.my father left u.s.a. On Nov. 2011, and we were wanting him back since he’s been sickly lately and we thought it would be the best choice having him here with us, someone told us that we should refile for my dad’s case since he overstayed in the Philippines, and pay taxes too since he overstayed for 1 year and 4 months now. Do we really need to file again and how much is the charge for taxes for over stayng?
Hi Bob,
Good thing I found this forum.
I have a question for my daughter, she was born in Chicago,IL USA. After 7 months my daughter visit me here in Philippines and she went back to US when she was 1 yr old. then she came back here in Philippines we she was 3 yrs old and never go back to US cause her mom couldn’t take her and can’t leave my daughter alone while she was working, now she want to get my daughter after years passed by and she was 10 yrs old now, her passport was already expired and Im wondering if I will pay taxes due for overstaying? her mom was just immigrant there. Pls I need advice thanks.
Hello Wynz – I don’t know the answer, because you did not give enough information. I am a bit confused because you talk about “your daughter” but you also talk about “her mom”. I thought you were her mom? Does your daughter have dual citizenship> If she entered with a US passport and does not hold Philippine citizenship, then yes, she is overstaying, and penalties will be due, unless you can apply for dual citizenship for her. Good luck to you.
Hello, I have 2 kids in the Philippines right now 2 yrs old and 1 yr old. they are on the Phil. since Feb. 2012, they are already american citizens and their father is a dual citizen. The other child has a Philippine passport but the other one has only american passport.
my question is, how much would be the fines if ever we we’re gonna fly back to the US next month and where can I pay it? Is it possible for me to just pay it in the airport?
No, you cannot pay at the airport, you pay at the Bureau of Immigration. I am sorry, but I do not know how much it will be.
I mean the two kids have both american passport and the other has a philippine passport also but the youngest has just her american passport
Hi, got a question. I am retired, ssi, and pension from work. how do I get my money in Philippines if I live in Cebu ?
As part of taking the oath of US Citizenship, you renounced your Philippine Citizenship. If you use your Philippine Passport now, you will be committing immigration fraud, because you are not a Philippine Citizen and have no right to use your Philippine Passport. Both your and your child will need a valid passport.
Hi Sir, I would like to ask, if the baby is US passport holder(born here in the philippines with american dad) can i still apply her for Philippines passport? Thanks
Hello mary ann – If you are a Philippine Citizen, and your child was born in the Philippines, then the child is a Philippine Citizen already. Since the baby has an American dad, and already has a US Passport, the baby is also an American citizen. Your child is already a dual citizen. Yes, you can apply for a Philippine passport for your child, if you wish to do so.
Hello,
I have the same situation with Annmarie. I have a 19 months son that was also born in the US–my wife and I are Filipino citizen. The only difference is that we already filed a “report of birth abroad” with the Philippine Consulate in Chicago. I just want to ask what are the remaining steps that needs to be done for my son’s dual citizenship? Do we also need to apply a Philippine passport for our son?
Thank you for your time.
If you filed the report of birth abroad, you should have been issued a certificate of citizenship for your child. With that, you can apply for a Passport, and you should be done.
Good luck.
hey bob im naturally born us citizen with atleast 1 of my parents still being philippine citizen at the time of my birth im told that yes i am considered dual citizen and just need to file the necessary documents for recognition of my duel question my question is if i wanted to work here in the philippines will there be any other additional documents or applications that i will need to complete? thanks
You are not currently a dual citizen, unless your parents filed a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate or Embassy that serves the area where you were born. Once that report is filed, you will receive a certificate of citizenship, at which time you will be a Philippine and a US citizen.
Thank you for your response. Your site is very helpful–more power!
Hi Bob! My aunt is a filipino who worked and got married w/ an american citizen, and lived in US since then, been living in US for 20 yrs now. Just last Sept 2011 she decided to come home here in the Philippines, she is now overstaying for almost 1 and a half year. She finally wants to go back to US, but she’s not sure how much she needs to pay for overstaying fine. I believe she is having a dual citizenship, we hope that it will make the fine lower than usual?
If she does have dual citizenship, she only needs to show her Philippine Passport and there should be no fines. If she does not have dual citizenship, then she needs to go to the Bureau of Immigration and ask how much the fines are.
Question: My father was a naturalized US citizen. He was formerly a Filipino citizen. My mother is a Filipino citizen. When I was born I inherited my Dad’s citizenship as US citizen. I was born in Philippines and lived there for 19 years. I like to come home but I want to have dual citizenship due to my inherited properties that I want to claim. Pls help
Hi amy – You should already be a dual citizen. If your mother was a Philippine citizen on the day you were born, look at your birth certificate, if your mother’s citizenship is listed as Filipino, then you are already a dual citizen.
Scenarios:.
Filipino Citizen – till January 2012
US Citizen – from February 2012 to July 2012
Dual Citizen (Fil-Am) – from August 2012 up to present, I re-acquired my Filipino citizenship in the Philippine Immigration.
Question:
Can I renounce my Filipino Citizenship May 2013, but probably re-acquire it again by applying again to the Philippine Immigration by December 2013… is it possible? can I still be a dual citizen if I do this? or is it one time re-acquisition and one time renouncement? Advise will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
I don’t know the answer to your question, but the way you ask it, it seems to me that you are being pretty cavalier with your citizenship, and not taking it as a serious matter.
Yes, you can reacquire your Philippine citizenship if you have renounced it. You may wish to renounce your Philippine citizenship to obtain employment in the US Government (the most common reason for doing so). You would no longer be a dual citizen, but would become one again if you reacquire it.
Singapore/Philippines dual citizenship ??
As Bob suggests, you also need to check Singapore law on this issue – as with any dual citizenship issue there is the possibility that the 2 countries involved have different attitudes and laws.
If a Filipino acquires Singaporean citizenship Singapore requires him/her to renounce all other citizenships – but then the Philippines also takes away their Philippine citizenship in any case once Singaporean citizenship is granted.
As Bob has described, the Philippines has a process for re-acquiring Philippine citizenship and becoming a dual citizen.
But what view would Singapore have of this? And would it impact your Singaporean citizenship?
I know that in the past Singapore has generally not allowed dual citizenship. If things have changed then someone can enlighten me, but I’m not aware that the situation has changed. I think the process of re-acquiring Philippine citizenship is something you would go through if you no longer wanted Singaporean citizenship.
I don’t know if it’s been tested but if you gained Singaporean citizenship and tried to re-acquire Philippine citizenship then you may be putting your newly acquired Singaporean citizenship at risk.
I have Singaporean friends now living abroad who have investigated the dual citizenship option but have been told they cannot be dual-citizens They have retained Singaporean nationality to avoid restrictions on land ownership in Singapore in the future (e.g. if left to them in their parents’ will).
Hi Bob. I want to ask something. I have a friend who was born in the States and have a Filipino father. He is currently overstaying here in the Philippines for almost 6 years now. He is ready to apply for his dual citizenship complete with all the documents needed but he is afraid to go to the Immigration because he might get deported. I want to know if there is really a chance of him to be deported? And his father is a Filipino citizen does he need dual citizenship? Hoping for your response. Thank you so much.
Your friend cannot apply under the Philippine Dual Citizen Law. He is not eligible for that. What he needs to do is file a late report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where he was born. That should have been done at the time of his birth. If he does it now, and it is accepted by the Consular authorities, then your friend will become a dual citizen.
please let me know if i have this right- if i am from the us and my wife is a filipino citizen and we have been married a few years,she never came to the us,i just work in us and go back and forth,if i decide to quit working here and go live there i can just get a one way ticket there, and an ongoing ticket to hong kong,..then me and her can leave after 20 days (before my 21 day stamp is up) on a round trip to hong kong or somewhere and come back the next day with her and get a bb visa when we arrive. then if we decide to just take a round trip together to hong kong or somewhere every 364 days i can stay there permanently this way?
also what are the most popular bb trips people take and are inexpensive?
Hi Bob,
I have a question, my boyfriend is a US citizen, he wanted to apply a dual citizenship here in the Philippines, is it okay to apply a dual citizenship even if we are not married ? or any single white man can apply a dual citizenship ?
It is unlikely that your boyfriend is eligible to be a Dual Citizen. He is eligible only if he is a former citizen of the Philippines. If he has never been a Philippine citizen in the past, he can never be a dual citizen.
Thank you Bob for the answer.
Hi Bob.
This may sound redundant. But It would comfort me to hear it directly from you what your thoughts may be on my case.
My 6 yr old US Citizen son entered the Philippines 4 yrs ago. His mom is Filipino, and I’m dual Citizen. He’s passport expired long time ago. I am booked for Passport Renewal at the US Embassy in June 2013, and my biggest concern now is whether applying him for Dual Citizenship or Report of Child Abroad, will help me avoid the horrific Overstaying dues? Honestly, I have no idea how much penalty I need to pay. Or how is the calculation work.
What kind of expectations am I facing here? What is my best course of action ?
If the father is willing to apply for the girl’s US citizenship, and if he passes a DNA test to prove patrnity, then it should not be a problem for her to get US citizenship. If he unwilling to to this then it is doubtful that she can become a US citizen.
She won’t be able to go to Korea if her Korean passport is expired.
The amounts you mention sound too high. Maybe you can contact a supervisor at Immigration to find out if it is correct.
hello Sir, I’m a US citizen and have a son living in the Philippines with his Mother who is a Filipino Citizen. My son is a US citizen through CRBA at the US Embassy in Manila. Do i need to get him a Philippine passport to enable him to stay in the Philippines as long as he wants. He hasn’t left the Philippines yet, but i planned to take him to the US for visit and return to PI and stay until He graduated college. Please advise.
oh man… I dont think i have anymore time to get one since i’m leaving in two weeks. What about my birth certificate/report of live birth abroad and marriage cert, both nso certified, which also states my citizenship?
Hey Bob! Just wondering if I apply for dual citizenship, how long is the process? Is it a one day process or will it take a couple of weeks? It’s my first time to apply alone without my parents
Hi Sam – When my wife applied (here in the Philippines) it took almost a year to be completed. There were a few complications. For most people, I would say you should expect 4 months or so.
Woooooooooooooow 🙁 It takes sooo long.. May I know why?
I really have no way of knowing. I only know that is how long it takes, in my experience.
I cannot understand the disconnect between the Philippine Consulate in USA (San Francisco) and the Philippine Consulate in the Philippines.
I hope you could shed some light on the situation.
My daughter Raylene Larot, was invited and selected to play on the Philippines Women’s Soccer team (Maltidas).
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/309421/sports/football/malditas-upset-iran-explode-for-six-in-afc-women-s-asian-cup-qualifier
She has been in the Philippines since April 27th training for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Since April, my husband Daniel Loresco Larot Jr., has made at least five visits to the SF Consulate to process paperwork that is being requested by the Philippines Immigration and Consulate.
He originally was instructed to request a Dual Citizenship. The SF Consulate explained, that based on his situation, he does not require a Dual Citizenship.
(My husband was born in the US in 1963, while his father was still a Philippine citizen. His father did not receive his US Naturalization until 1972.) My husband did receive an Authenticated Report of Birth.
Because Daniel is not able to provide the Dual Citizenship certificate and oath to the Consulate in the Philippines, the Philippines Immigration and Consulate has instead requested several Authentication and Acknowledgements, which we have provided to them.
– Report of Birth for him
– Authentication of his father’s death certificate
– Report of birth for my daughter
– Acknowledgment of his birth
– Affidavit of PI Citizenship
After providing all that has been requested, my daughter Raylene, has still been denied her Philippines passport. Thus, not being allowed to play soccer.
I can’t understand why there is a disconnect between the SF Consulate and the Philippines Consulate. The SF Consulate insists that Daniel does not require a Dual Citizenship/Oath, but on the other hand, the Philippines Consulate/Immigration is insisting that he DOES have his Dual Citizenship.
I feel as if my daughter is being penalized because my husband/her father was born in the United States. Based on what I am being told by the SF Consulate, Daniel Loresco Larot, Jr. falls under the following:
Daniel Loresco Larot, Jr. holds Philippines Dual Citizenship because that right was granted automatically at the time of birth,
based on his parent’s Filipino Citizenship on May 1, 1963.
– Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s. The Philippines adheres to this principle.
As of this week, now the Philippines is asking that my husband actually go to the Philippines in order for my dauther to receive her Philippines Passport.
Can you recommend another option in order for my daughter to receive her Philippines passport?
Maraming salamat po.
Hi Kristi – If you are eligible for dual citizenship, better go file for it, otherwise you will owe huge penalties for 12 years of overstaying in the country. If you get your dual citizenship, those penalties will likely be waived.
my son is in college now,he is dual.the school requires him an authenticated birth certificate from NSO. what shall i do? tnx
Contact the NSO and request an authenticated birth certificate. The cost is negligible and should be provided in only a few days time.
Tnx Bob, he got his dual citizenship in 1999, is it possible that his birth certificate was been forwarded to NSO> How will i know that he has record there?
TNX Bob! is it possible that the his birth certificate was been forwarded to NSO? as far as remember, he got his dual citizenship sometime in 1999?
When you apply to receive an authenticated birth certificate, they will let you know if it is available or not.
If a ROB was filed, NSO will have his Duly Authenticate LB. No problem.
As for the original question, there is no oath for the filing of the ROB, nor the issuing of a passport.
Hello Bob,
My daughter is us citzen and so am i we were both born in the us but i have recognition and she has dual citizenship when we came back in the philippines last april 2010 she only had her us passport but we applied for her dual later on and i never came back to immigration to get that stamped again so basically her us passport has a stamp that has expired april 27 2010 since they only give us 21 days(this passport has expired) we have a new us passport and philippine too as well as report of birth would she still be paying overstay fees?
Hi Carmille – No, she should not have to pay any fees for overstaying if she shows both her US and Philippine passports upon leaving.
I am confused though as why they stamped her passport stay until april 27 2010 when she is a recognized filipino.
Because you handed them an American passport instead of a Philippine passport.
Yup thats exactly what i did 🙁 but if we exit we would not have to pay penalty right? Ill just need to show them the report of birth and passport?
Hi Bob,
I’m a naturalized Filipino citizen born in Hong Kong. I’ve recently acquired Hong Kong’s Right of Abode and am planning to get an HKSAR passport for ease of travel in Europe. Will acquiring an HKSAR passport as Hong Kong’s permanent resident make me lose my citizenship as a Filipino?
Hi Mike, I’m sorry, but the honest answer to your question is… “I don’t know.”
Hi Bob,
I didn’t think there was an easy answer to my question. But thank you very much for your time.
Best,
Mike
Thank you Mike. Good luck, I only wish I could have been more helpful.
Thank you so much sir for all your help.
hi,, im a filipina and holding a philippine passport,, i have 2 children a british passport holder,, im planning to have a vacation for 6weeks with my children in philippines,, how much do i have to pay for the travel tax for my children if the they stay for 6weeks with me.. and how may days are my children allowed to stay without paying tax… hope to hear from you soon, thanks
Hi Cathy,
You can get full information about obtaining Dual Citizenship in my book, it is an electronic book that you can download immediately after paying. Get it here: http://expatisland.com/philippine-dual-citizenship-guide/
im am to marry next yeah in the Philippines what does she need to stay here in America while we file for a green card
Hi, I just want to ask what are the additional requirements to get a Philippine passport for a dual citizen (minor) who has a US Passport and CRBA already ? Thanks Sir
I am sorry, but I don’t have such a list. Check with the DFA, they can tell you what the requirements are.
Hi bob!
Thanks for your forum, it’s helping out a lot of people. I’m hoping you could advise me on what to do. I have lived in the PI for over 20 years now, on and off. I was born in the US of filipina mother. I have reported my birth to a Phil embassy in the US and have since received my birth certificate printed on NSO (national statistics office, RP ) paper, now I’m working on getting dual citizenship and later a philippine passport. I will also have my us passport renewed which herein lies my problem under acts or conditions on page 4 on ds-82 form (US passport renewal form and instructions) it states: (If any of the below-mentioned acts or conditions have been performed by or apply to the applicant, the portion which applies should be lined out, and a supplementary explanatory statement under oath (or affirmation) by the applicant should be attached and made a part of this application.) I have not, since acquiring United States citizenship, been naturalized as a citizen of a foreign state; taken oath or made an affirmation or other formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state; ….) against Philippine republic act RA 9225/CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND RE-ACQUISITION/ under Sec 3. RETENTION OF PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP – Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their Philippine citizenship by reason of their naturalization as citizens of a foreign country are hereby deemed to have re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon taking the following ***oath of allegiance*** to the Republic: “I _________________, solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and legal orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines, and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto; and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.” << with this, I'm a bit hesitant on apply for dual citizenship. 2nd problem: I entered the philippines with a US passport and hopefully I'll be leaving with both a US passport (new, no stamps for entering the PI, or would they transfer stamps or note I entered philippines on X date?) and also a brand new philippine passport. With that said, would I still need to pay overstay fees? Thanks for reading my "novela" …lol. hope you could help..
What does it mean to be “half American”? Do they give out partial citizenships now?
It doesn’t say half American citizenship. It says half American. I am pretty sure you know what that means.
Ah…wasn’t even considering this kid is half Indian. He looks very white, so I was confused. Curious what the other half is?
My wife and I became American citizens in 1995. Our son was born as a US Citizen in 1999 in Yokosuka, Japan while I was stationed there. Is my son eligible for dual citizenship?
Hi Rey ~ given that neither you or your wife are Philippine citizens now or when your son was born, he is not eligible to be a dual citizen.
If you or your wife decide to apply for dual citizenship before your son turns 18, he can be included on your application.
Hi! I am 21 years old, i was born in the philippines, i am chinese citizen because my parents were both chinese citizens. It is written in my birth certificate that my citizen is chinese. But i dont have the alien registration certification. What can i do to get the ACR-ICR to become a legal alien in the philippines?
My son’s father is American citizen..can my older son apply dual citizen even he is American citizen….I just got my Filipino citizen 2 yrs ago……so I had carry dual citizen…cause I was born in the philippines
Your son’s father must be the one to apply for your son’s US citizenship.
Hello bob,
I was wondering if I am a dual citizen, all I have right now is my dads death certificate stating he died in the us but was a Filipino citizen. I was born 1988, he passed away 1991, my mother was naturalized 1985, my dad was never naturalized, do I have the birth right for dual?
You did not really give enough information for me to give a definitive answer, but, I will do my best to answer you.
You said that your mother was “naturalized” but did not say in what country she was naturalized. If she was naturalized in the USA, then you should be able to become a US citizen. You also did not say where you were born. If you were born in the USA, then you are a US citizen already.
Since your father was a Philippine citizen, you have the right to Philippine citizenship.
Hi again bob,
Okay so I found my dads passport and a copy of his immigration papers, but still no birth certificates, also I found my moms us naturalization certificate and us issued wedding certificate. would that be good enough to process for dual citizenship?
I was born and raised in the U.S, also the death cert is the only document I have stating he was a citizen is that a problem if I apply for dual?
Bob, when is the Global townhill meeting? Are we allowed to ask questions? If yes, I would love to ask a question based on my situation…
I am travelling next yr with one way ticket to Phils. I have US passport and I have my dual citizenship paperwork but did not applied for phil passport. Do you think I can still travel with one way ticket? Thanks
Legally, you won’t be able to travel without an ongoing ticket. If you get a Philippine passport, then you can.
Im a dual citizen fil & american and is my husband is also dual but not filipino (slovak & american) and we are planning to retire in phil..My question is can he get a permanent resident visa in phil even if he is a dual citizen for other countries?Dont wanna keep on renewing his visa…Pls advice..
Yes, he is eligible for a 13a Resident Visa. The fact that he is a dual citizen has no impact on that.
THANK YOU!!!
Good morning, i want to ask a question, i am a filipino citizen and i am married with an australian citizen. I gave birth on my son here in the philippines and we apply for philippine passport already, and while we are here in the philippines we apply his australian citizenship. do we still have to apply for his dual citizenship or heis automatically australian and filipino citizen? Please help me with this it is too confusing.
You don’t need to do anything else. Your child is already a dual citizen, by birth.
Oh thats so helpful sir! I appreciate your help, thank you so much!
Hey Bob! I have both a violent reaction and inquiry.
According to R.A 9225
Section 4. Derivative Citizenship – The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this Act shall be deemed citizenship of the Philippines.
the keywords here for me would be “below (18) years of age”.
Then I read in another article (it is not indicated in the R.A 9225 that Individuals over 18 years old who were born after the formerly Filipino parent acquired foreign citizenship are no longer qualified for derivative citizenship under R.A. 9225. Their only other options would be equivalent to that of the foreign spouse (e.g. permanent residence or naturalization) under other applicable laws.
In my case, my mother never added me to her dual citizenship petition for beneficiaries. Only the petitioner can do this. .
For me, this is unfair because I am an adopted child to US citizens who were former Filipino citizens. I was born in the Philippines, and it makes me sad that I was stripped of my Filipino citizenship at a young age without even knowing it. Now, I am 21 years old. I have either the choice of a foreign spouse which is not fair because by blood, I am Filipino. Only by law am I an American. It just makes me angry that adopted children like me has a deadline to meet for us to acquire dual citizenship.
I know this is a long post Bob. I’m so sorry for it.
Hi Sammy, sorry to hear of your slight. Unfortunately, the law is the law, and I know of no way to change the situation that you describe.
Good luck to you.
I’m so sorry for ranting. It just makes me angry about this law.
The part where I said: “Individuals over 18 years old who were born after the formerly Filipino parent acquired foreign citizenship are no longer qualified for derivative citizenship under R.A. 9225. Their only other options would be equivalent to that of the foreign spouse (e.g. permanent residence or naturalization) under other applicable laws.”—> This is not stated in the law. I believe this is someones presumption of those children who are already over 18 years old. The original R.A 9225 has no statement about what to do with children over 18 years old.
I have to ask myself, why does she want to have the child in Australia?
I’m just a bit suspicious because of the difference in divorce/annulment laws between the Philippines and Australia.
How much are you prepared to risk loosing, 75 to 80% of your superannuation, your house if you are living in it and she gets an AVO taken out against you.
Immigration may be aware of the “Russian Bride” act, but I guarantee the Family Court will still let her have most of your possessions including a large part of the pension you may be receiving.
The “Russian Bride” act is something that some immigrant women pull in Australia.
A man meets and marries a foreign woman and he sponsors her visa to Australia.
Everything is fine until she gets Permanent Residency in Australia, then they have a party to celebrate her getting Permanent Residency.
At the party she acts like a tramp with someone and the husband responds violently by either attacking her or the man she is cavorting with.
The police are called, he is arrested and she gets an Apprehended Violence Order taken out against him, he now can not go near her or he will be arrested, he can not even enter his own home because she is living there.
Because he sponsored her visa he is responsible for all social security (CentreLink) payments she claims for 10 years and she has his house as well, which if he has a mortgage on it, he still has to pay.
If she divorces him she will get, his house, a large chunk of his superannuation and child support if they had any kids.
The Australian Immigration Department is aware of this practice and have started cancelling some visas and even deporting the women but not their children, so the father if he’s lucky can still keep his kids.
But the Family Court are still giving these predators a lot of the husbands assets before she is deported.
This happened to a friend of mine in the Army, unfortunately he also liked to dabble with recreational drugs and she told the Army, so he lost his security clearance and was discharged from the Army.
Hi I’m rea I have some questions regarding to my child I’m filipino citizen and I’m married to an indian nationality. .we have 8months child born in philippine..any possible to register him as an indian citizen..but his already having a philippine passport my husband and inlaws want to register as an indian citizen…how yo register him?thanks
Hi Rea – I am sorry, I do not know much or anything at all about Indian law. Since your child is already a Philippine Citizen, I can’t help you any further.
i also has problem regarding my son. his father is an indian and i is filipino,we are not yet married and our son was born here in philippines. what should be his citizenship?
Im filipino citizen..and i born my child here in canada..i want my child to have dual citizen..how will i do that here in canada?..and in case i get my child dual citizen..what about the passport of mychild? Will it become 2 passport? one canadian and one filipino passport? What if we go home phils, will i get problem of having my child with 2 passport?…
Thnks
You should file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate or Embassy that serves the area where your child was born. Once you do that, your child will be recognized as a Philippine Citizen, and will be a dual citizen. He wil have two passports. You will not have any problems because of that.
Hello. I’m a Canadian currently studying in the Philippines and i had hoped to obtain my dual citizenship one day, but from what I’ve been finding on the internet i would have to give up my Canadian citizenship to do so. It there a way to obtain my Philippines/Canadian dual citizenship without having to lose my Canadian citizenship?
Hi Eric, if you are a former Philippine citizen, or if one of your parents was a Philippine Citizen on the day you were born, then you can become a Philippine dual citizen.
If you do not meet one of those two criteria, you cannot legally become a Philippine citizen without giving up your Canadian citizenship.
Hi, my son is in the Philippines right now. Every other month i pay in the Philippine immigration for his extension of stay there. I already report his birth here in the Philippine consulate in los angeles. What requirement do i need to have to get inorder for my 3 year old son to stay and study there for a while. Thank you
Hi percy – You need to get your child a Philippine Passport. When you enter and exit the Philippines, show both his Philippine Passport and US Passport. If you do that, there will be no fees for his visa, as he will be showing that he is a citizen.
Hi, i am wanting to apply for dual citizenship i have already downloaded the application and OofA, I am a Fil-Am currently here in the P.I. and yes my mother was a Filipino Citizen at the time of my birth, what do i need to do?
File the application, pay the fees and take the oath.
How to obtain this application and where? please advise thanks
Have him get a 13a Resident Visa. With that, there are no renewals, and the visa is good for life.
Hi Julie – Just go to the Bureau of Immigration and ask for an application for Dual Citizenship. It’s that easy.
my mom was born in japan. when she’s a year old her mom died,she’s a japanese and my grandpa is a filipino, through the years all she was holding was her japanese birthcertificate which she can’t understood co’z it’s written in japanese. mt. pinatubo errupted last 1990 which destroyed the old house including her parent’s marriage certificate…later we found out that this b.certificate was not registered my mom’s now 55 yrs. old and she’s not registered here in the philippines. my question is how could she apply for a dual citizenship? or is she qualified to apply for it?we really need it for her visa application.. thank you!
Hi! I wanna ask regarding retention of Filipino Citizenship. I was gonna renew my Philippine Passport, and I stated in the form that I am currently a holder of the Japan Passport; which was recently renewed but not used. Because of that, I was asked to go to the Immigration for the retention of Filipino Citizenship. I was told that I had lost my Filipino Citizenship coz Im holding a foreign passport and my old Philippine Passport expired last 2008. BUT when I arrived at the Immigration, I was told that the “Retention of Filipino Citizenship” is not applicable to me coz I was not naturalized at a foreign country. Actually, I am a Dual Citizen (Japan-Philippines) by Birth. My mother was a Filipina and my father is a Japanese.
I wanna ask if the DFA was right to require me to reaquire my Filipino Citizenship when it wasn’t even lost in the first place by naturalization in a foreign country. And how can I, when the Immigration themselves told me that I can’t fill out the form for retention of Filipino Citizen coz I am not a naturalized citizen of a foreign country. I was even asked for a certificate of Naturalization and I don’t even have one. Pls. help me figure this out. Thank you!
Since you were a dual citizen from birth, it is my opinion that what you were told was incorrect.
how can i get dual citizenship without paying any money?
here is my situation:
i was born in saipan,USA then after 6months of staying there my mother held me in the phillippines.
now im 16yrs. old. i lost my passport it was swollen by the thypoon “UNDOY”
and my birth certificate of the united states of america has no registration number. i only have my mother’s guidance because my father and mother was separated since i was still a baby but they are both filipino citizen please help me with my problem.
Thank you so much for the response. Is there any advice you can tell me on what to say if ever they give me a hard time getting out?
If she has two passports, then she is a dual citizen. However, there is something strange about that, because Japan does not allow dual citizenship.
In terms of proving your citizenship (which will be required to cancel the fines for overstaying) you need a document that proves it. A postal ID is of no value in proving that you are a Philippine Citizen. The certificate of citizenship would probably be OK. The absolute gold standard for proving your citizenship, though, is a Passport. A Philippine Passport is what you need to have to be 100% certain of avoiding the fines. That is what I would recommend that you obtain.
Oh I forgot to mention that she’s 23 years old now, which is why she needs to apply for the recognition. Before she became 22, she just always had to bring hers and her mom’s Philippine birth certificate and passport to the immigration office to have her stay stamped. Because technically, she’s dual citizen at that time.
You said that your father is a Philippine citizen. If that is so, it is impossible that he over stayed, because a citizen can stay forever.
I have the same problem as stated above. I already have my philippine passport will they still give me a hard time getting out of immigration side when I get to philippines airport. What are my rights to having that passport? I really don’t want to pay my fine. Thank you in advance. Samat!
My advice would just be to be respectful and kind. I don’t think you will have any problems.
It would fix your problem if you became a dual citizen. However, in your case, you cannot become a dual citizen, because the Government of Japan does not allow dual citizenship. Sorry for the bad news.
I have a very frustrating situation as well. My mother is Filipino, but my father is American. My mother finished naturalizing very soon before I was born (less than a year), and was not involved in the Filipino community so had no idea about attaining dual citizenship until after I was 22, so I am by definition full-blooded American, even though my mother is Philippine born. My grandmother wished me to inherit the family land, but by Philippine Law, non-citizens can’t own land. Of course, nobody thought about this while I was still a minor, and by the time that we figured it out we ran into dead ends.
Since then, my mother has gotten her dual back, can you think of any possible way for me to follow without losing my American citizenship? Alternatively, ways for my future children to attain a dual citizenship? The family farmland is very important to my family and it would be devastating to lose it because of irresponsible planning on my mother’s part.
Thank you,
Jennifer
I am sorry, Jennifer, you are not entitled to Philippine Citizenship, because you were born to two American Citizens. Your mother was not a Philippine Citizen on the day you were born, and the way the law is written, that is a requirement. Had she re-acquired her citizenship before you were 18, you could have become a Philippine citizen that way. At this point, your only chance to become a Philippine Citizen would require you to naturalize in the Philippines, which would also include renouncing your US citizenship.
Sorry for the bad news, but that is the law.
What is the fee for an Australian citizen to get an duel citizenship in the Philippines. I am married to a filipino. I want to retire there
Hi Ken – Unless you are a former Philippine Citizen who became an Australian citizen, you are not eligible for Philippine Dual Citizenship. Only those who were Philippine Citizens before can become Philippine Dual Citizens under the law here. You don’t have to be a citizen to live here, though. If you have a spouse who is a Philippine Citizen, you are eligible for a 13a Resident Visa.
Hi sir, i am planning to get a Philippine Passport. I was born in the US. I have a US passport and a Identification Certificate that says that I’m a filipino citizen. Will these be enough to get me a Philippine Passport? Or do I need a report of birth? I am not aware that i do have one. I’ve been staying here in the PH for 20 years now and I am planning to go to US this Christmas.. Thanks.
If you have a certificate proclaiming you to be a Philippine Citizen, that should be what you need to get a passport. Good luck.
Hello bob.i wanted know how to get philippine citizenship.im japanese born in japan and my mother is filipino she was born 1970.but i have some complicated situation.im overstayed here in the phils. Almost 8 years and im now 20 years old.so can i still get phil citizenship?ty bob
Hello Bob. Just for clarification, did you mean,if we file for child born abroad and already at the NSO, my son automatically becomes Filipino citizen too? Although we filed only after. 4 yrs of my son overstaying in the Philippines,will overstay fee be waived? Also can he leave the Phil using his US passport?thanks very much!-Diane
If you field a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where you child was born, you should have received a certificate of Philippine citizenship for your child. If you show that to the Bureau of Immigration, fees will generally be waived, regardless of how long your child has overstayed.
I was born in the Philippines and my dad is US citizen and my mom is Philippine citizen. I grew up in the Philippines as a naturalized US citizen. can I get a dual citizenship?
Yes, you are eligible.
hi bob.heres my scenario,i was a US green card holder since 1981,had a girlfriend and a son from her..born in US.i got deported here in PI,2001 my son’s mother passed away now my son wants to come here,and i need to kno what,where,how much do we need to get him a dual citizenship.so he can stay here longer..thanks in advance and lookin forward for ur response..god bless..
Hi Abel – I am a bit confused by your question. You keep using words like “here” but I don’t know for sure if “here” is the USA or the Philippines.
Can you tell me:
1. The girlfriend whom you had a child with, what was her citizenship? US? Philippines? This is what was her citizenship on the day that the child was born?
2. Where did you get deported from, USA? Philippines?
3. Where are you now?
With these answers, I can then answer your question properly
Thanks!
my sons mother was a US citizen..i was filipino citizen when my son was born.i got deported from US now im in the philippines.
my sons plannin to come to PI nxt month.can we apply for his dual here or does he need to apply there in US?what are the differences in costs if its here or there in US..those extensions hurts your pockets alot..because my son plans to stay around 10months or so..thanks for your qiuck response bob.god bless.
Hi Abel – OK, thanks for your reply on that.
Your son is not eligible to be a dual citizen under the Philippine Dual Citizenship act. He is, however, eligible to be a dual citizenship by birth. In order for your son to acquire his Philippine citizenship (while still keeping his US citizenship), you need to file a “late report of birth abroad” with the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where you lived in the United States. Your son can’t do that, you are the one who must do it (since you were the Philippine citizen parent). That report should have been filed immediately after your son’s birth, but even at this late date, it is likely that the Consulate will accept it and recognize your son as a Philippine Citizen.
Good luck.
again thanks bob for all ur help..when he was born i know nothin about that plus i also didnt know this was gonna end up this way.ive been here(PI) since 2005 but since im in the philippines can i apply for that here?and what will i need to bring wit me and where do we go.i have a PI passport and all other docs i might need.what kinds of docs will i need for my sons part so i can tell him before he comes.my son will be here nxt month..im tryin to avoid havin to pay for extensions..more power bob..
Unfortunately, my friend, under Philippine law, it can only be done at the Embassy that serves the area where your son was born. It cannot be done in the Philippines.
hi bob i’m kristi….a us citizen but been here in the philippines for 12 years and i really wanna go back to us, ,i’m 22 yrs old and not working, , do i have to pay anything for my stay here or if will i apply for us phillipine citizen, ,i mean dual citizen can i go back anytime to us?
Since you are not a Philippine Citizen, you cannot get a Philippine Passport.
If you wish to become a Philippine Citizen, you can apply for naturalization after you have been here for 5 years. You will have to give up your Bangladesh citizenship, though.
so were just stuck with keep on extending then?coz i wont be able to do it for him unless one of my siblings can do it on my behalf since i cant make it back to US.actually wen i got deported here in 2005,my big sister was my sons guardian,im hoping she can do it for me?any more options?anyways?thanks much bob..
Hi Abel, I believe that one of your siblings could do it for you. You may need to give them your power of attorney.
Hi Bob. I am dual citizen. Which passport I should present to the immigration in Philippines upon arriving? Some says it should be the Philippine passport so I won’t need any visa. But how about the supposed to be stamp in my US passport showing my arrival date? If they won’t stamp my US passport, coming back to US, all they will see is just departure date from US. Please help, Bob. Thanks.
In my opinion you should show both passports. They will stamp each passport for you.
Hello bob, i am a Pakistani Christian citizen, i am going to Philippines for ministry training, can you please tell me if i get married to a Philippines citizen, how many months/years will it take me to get citizenship and a Philippines passport?
Thanks
After you become married to a Philippine Citizen, you must move to the Philippines then wait for 5 years before applying for citizenship. It takes about 2 years after you apply for everything to be completed, so figure a total of about 7 years.
Hello Bob, what a great and informative site you have here. I really appreciate your effort for creating this. I have a similar case with Michelle. Even though I have lived in korea for six years, I have kept my philippine citizenship. My korean husband died last month, so I moved to the Philippines few weeks later.
Ours sons were brought to the Philippines last January and were given a balikbayan status which will expire after a yr. I want to apply them to a dual citizenship here in the Philippines, and based on your answer to Michelle’s question, do I really need to go back to the phil embassy in korea to apply, or can I do it from here?
Hello, as the article clearly says, you must do it in Korea. It cannot be done in the Philippines.
hi mr.bob i am a filipino married to a korean national..and i just have my dual citizenship last few months..i will just going to ask if my son. can get also a dual citizenship…thanks
Hi amor – if your son was already alive when you applied for dual citizenship, he should have been included in your application. If he is newly born after your dual citizenship, then you need to file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy in Korea.
Hello,
Can you please help? I’ve sent several emails and left many voicemails for the embassy in dc regarding dual citizenship. Parents born in PI, moved to US. I was born in the US while they were still PI citizens. They both became US citizens and recently moved back to the PI and aquired dual citizenship. Can I obtain dual citizenship also? If so, what documents do I need and how long in the process? Thanks in advance!
Hi JoAnn – The way for you to get Dual Citizenship is different than most, since you can acquire Philippine Citizenship due to the fact that you were born to at least one Philippine Citizen. What you need to do is file a late report of birth abroad at the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where you were born. Through that report, you can acquire your Philippine Citizen, thus become a dual citizen.
Hi, My husband is from America (American Citizen) and I am Filipino Citizen. We got married in Philippines and we have 1 daughter born in Philippines too. Recently, we are living here in Dubai because of my husband’s work. My question is, if my husband can apply a Filipino passport? because he wants to have dual Citizen. if he can, what are the requirements to submit?
Thanks in advance.
Anna
Thanks for the info! I wish the Bureau would include information on processing times as a guide on their website.
Hi MindanoaBob,
My couisin is married to an 80 year old american they got married here in cavite . Is there any other way for him to stay here and gets discount from paying the renewal of visa? His sickly and requires medicine everyday.
Hello MindanaoBob! Thanks for this informative site. My son was born in the Philippines to a Filipina (a Filipino citizen) mother prior to our marriage. We are now married, and have a NSO marriage contract, a NSO birth certificate for our son, a Certificate of Birth Abroad from the US Embassy, and my son’s American passport. He IS listed as illegitimate since we were not married as of his birth date. He does not have his Filipino passport, but after reading your site’s info, we will apply for it soon. My son and I are planning to travel to visit his grandparents in the USA while his Filipino mother (my wife, his mother) is awaiting her marriage visa to go to the USA (We just started that process in August 2013). Long preface, I know… my question is… does my 3-year old son need any special permission to go with me? We already have a duly-notarized permission letter from his Mom that grants me permission to take our son with me to visit in the USA. Thank you for any light you can shed on this topic.
Hello Sir,
I am a Filipina U S citizen and have 2 kids, divorce 2 years ago, and I would like to bring my kids back home to study in the Philippines? do I need a tourist or dual citizen? please help!
I would recommend that you file for dual citizenship. Include your children on the application so they can also be dual citizens.
Hi Bob. Just want to ask if my son can go back to the U . S even if he has already overstayed here in the Philippines? You see I gave birth to him in the U.S but I brought and raised him here in the Philippines.
Hi,
In the Philippines, do I file my dual citizenship application at the Bureau of Immigration head office in Intramuros, Manila? Is that the only office where I could apply? Also, do you have information as to how long the process usually takes? Thanks in advance.
Bob, when you say “If she has been naturalized as a US Citizen, then she will also need some type of Visa to live here, or she will need to acquire dual citizenship.” Will the Balikbayan Visa meet the requirements? If dual citizenship can’t be obtained prior to going to the PI (because of time), can it be obtained just as easy over there?
Hi Craig – Sure, a Balikbayan Visa will do, but remember she will have to leave the Philippines every year, which is a bit of a pain in my view.
Yes, Dual Citizenship can be accomplished in the Philippines. Just as easy? Ha ha.. nothing is “just as easy” in the Philippines. My wife did it here in the Philippines, took 9 months to get it done! 😉
Hummmm… Easier maybe but Hong Kong sounds like a great trip away for the weekend! Thanks for your reply. I sincerely appreciate it!
Get your 13a visa before departing the US. Its much more difficult when you get to the PI. It seems quite involved but its much better than trying to get it here. I got mine before leaving SC and even the Philippine immigration folks told me I was lucky that I got mine earlier. My wife also obtained her dual citizenship before leaving. All that made life so much easier when arriving here. Good luck.
Hi Bob my name is Joseph S . I ask you how do I get immigrant visa for the Philippines ?Because I am moving there this August 1 2014. I ask you can you give me the web sites that I can get from you please that has this immigrant visa forms please ? So that I can stay in the Philippines for permanent residency in the Philippines .
yes bob i will be getting marrige to a Filipina.
bob ? how long will that take for she and i to get that marriage certified copy ? and can i get there just on a passport only ? and how long do i need to wait for that 13a resident visa ? and how much will it cast me ? and do i only need to do this 13a resident visa only one time or every year or every few years ?
but i only want to move there to be a permanent stay in the Philippines for permanent residency in the Philippines . will the women i marriage there will she know this what u said to me ? so i do not need a immigrant visa to move to the Philippines for permanent residency like some other websites say to me when i call them up on the phone ?
but you did not say how much it will cast me every time ?
and how much will this 1st year provisional visa cost me ?
and how much will this 2 second year to remove the provisional visa status will cost me ?
i did not get no link that you sent me .
i ask you to resend to me the web link in this chat only pls ?
bob i looked for what you said. in the past two chats and i did not see what you said click here on it is not there .
Joseph – It is there, I just checked it. Go to my comment that is labeled “December 2, 2013 at 7:02 am”
Look at the second to last line. Look for the words “read here” and click on them!
Here is another link for you to follow to the same webpage:
http://liveinthephilippines.com/my-13a-visa-experience/
Read the article. Read every comment. All of the information that you are asking for is there.
ok bob thank you so much for the info that you took the time find for me and sending me the web link i under sand it now but i had my ipad to read it for me on that website so that i can understand it and i do understand .thank you so much bob and GOD BLESS YOU and yr family always in every way always.
just be carefull, with this ,i get the feeling if you become a dual citizen,in oz,thats fine ,but bear in mind if you are entitlled to an aussie old age pension and return to the phil’s to live,i would suspect you may lose your oz pension entitlements,,,,,could be wrong ,,buttttt,be aware thats all
hello sir, how many years to get approval for dual philippines?
my parents got green card and they want to apply dual citizen in the philippines. my question is how many years to get approval for dual citizen in the philippines?
I am sorry, but I am very confused by your question. You say your parents got a green card… In the USA? A green card does not convey citizenship, so your parents are still Philippine Citizens and would have no reason to apply for Philippine Dual Citizenship until they are naturalized, not green card holders.
good evening sir bob.actually my problem is same as with jenny but i have 2 children living here now in philippines with me and my korean husband.how can i get them a dual citizenship here in philippines ?we stayed here last july 16 ,2013.we stay here for good.,thanks!
You must file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy in Korea.
I agree the question is unclear. However, if the mother is Filipino or Former Filipino the father would have nothing to do with acquiring dual citizenship for the daughter. If the mother is still a Filipino citizen the daughter is also a Filipino citizen. The birth would have to be reported as a foreign birth at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that services the location of her birth. If the mother has lost her Filipino citizenship by virtue of being naturalized, reacquiring her Filipino citizenship per RA 9225 could included her daughter with her application.
Hello bob am here in korea and planning to be back in the philippines for the next few days.my son was born in the philippines and was registered but I was not able to get him a philippine passport.can I process his dual citizenship thier in philippines or do I need to go to the philippine embassy in korea.thank you.
You need to apply for recognition of his Philippine Citizenship, through a report of birth abroad, at the Philippine Embassy in Korea.
Bob is correct about Nicaraguan Citizenship. All nations have their own laws on dual nationality. Many allow their citizens to hold allegiance with another nation, while many do not. While the United States may allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship, if the nation of either origination or acquirement does not also allow dual citizenship, then only one can be held.
Nicaragua does not allow for dual citizenship outside of birthright. That is, individuals who naturalize as Nicaraguan citizens must denounce their previous citizenship. Reversely, Nicaraguans who voluntarily naturalize or apply for citizenship of another country through marriage automatically lose their Nicaraguan citizenship.
American citizens can become Naturalized Philippine citizens and while having to renounce their former citizenships while taking the oath, the US doesn’t recognize the renunciation. So it is entirely possible for naturally born US citizens to hold dual citizenships.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7219116_dual-citizenship-requirements-nicaragua.html#ixzz2pauFesR1
Hi Bob I am so glad to have come across your site. I am Filipino and my husband is a dual citizen. I will be renewing the Philippine passports of our Philippine born dual citizen children. Should I still mention that they hold American passports? I heard that better not declare this during renewal since it complicates things. I hope to hear from you soon. More power!
It’s certainly a personal choice, but if I were the one applying, I would not mention it. It’s really not anybody’s business to know.
Good luck to you.
Thank you!
Hey Guys I have a question. I am currently a Dual citizen (USA-Fil) I was born in the USA (Washington) to two US citizens. My mother formerly being a Philippines citizen and my father a US citizen. Currently my mother and I are both Dual citizens since 2007.
Can I own property here? Being initially a US citizen it may be sorta of a unique situation since I was not originally of Philippine citizen. Thanks guys.
Here is a question for the history books both in the Phhilippines and the United States. My fiance and I have been together since 2010. I am a U.S. born Citizen and he is a Filipino born citizen. He just got his k-1 visa, a fiance visa to marry me legally both in Californnia and by law by the United States Federal Government due to DOMA, the Defensive Marriage Act, which gave gay men and women the right to marry in the United States; in States that have marriage eqaulity, but reconginzed Federally in all 50 states reguardless of a marriage equality state. The key here the couple must be married in a marriage equality state regardless of where they live. They then can live in any state they wish. We two gay men very much in love. My question to you is that my fiance is moving to live in the United States. After we are married with in 90 days of his arrival on US soil, we must file for adjustment of status so he gets his green card, permanent residence card, and after 2 years and 9 months he is allowed to file for US citizen ship. Can he keep his Filipino Citizenship and be a US citizen at the same time? Bob you have an outstanding site. Keep up the great help for all humanbeings of the world.
Hi Bob – The act of taking the oath of US citizenship also renounces your previous citizenship. Because of that, he will lose his Philippine citizenship. However, he can then apply to re-acquire it and become a dual citizen.
However… the Philippines does not recognize gay marriage, so I am unsure how that will play into the dual citizenship. I don’t think it would have any affect, but that is only my guess.
Hi Bob!
I’m a green card holder. I stayed in the US for 1yr and 7 months then went to Philippines and stayed for 10 months, how long will it take if I will pursue my US Citizenship? If I acquire a re entry permit then I went to Philippines for 1 year, will it be counted in my application of US Citzenship?
I am sorry, I don’t know that much about US Citizenship laws, I am more up to date on Philippine Citizenship. I believe that you will have to go and be in the USA for like 5 years or so before you can apply for citizenship. The time is shorter if you have an American husband, but you did not mention anything like that.
My dad is a military and i acquired my greencard through him
Hello Bob, I was wondering what is needed to file a late report of birth. I’m above the age of 18, born in the US to a mother who was a Filipino citizen at the time. We have my birth certificate, her old Filipino passport, and the documents that say when she became a US citizen. This proves that I was born when my mother was still a Filipino citizen. Can you think of anything else that might be needed. Also, does that fact that I’m an adult make me ineligible to have a late report of birth? Thanks!
so how do u go about staying in phillipines permanent pls
It depends on many factors. You really gave me no information. How old are you? Are you willing to invest money for retirement visa? Do you have a spouse that is from the Philippines? All of these sorts of things will determine what type of visa you are eligible for.
Hi Bob. My grandmother is purely Filipina and have lived in the U.S. for a long time and was granted U.S. Citizenship. She is now having her vacation in the Philippines and wants to apply for dual citizenship. Where does she need to apply and how much for the fees? Thanks a lot!
You can get a full rundown of everything needed in our electronic book, Philippine Dual Citizenship Guide. The book is just $9.99 and can be downloaded immediately after making payment.
http://expatisland.com/philippine-dual-citizenship-guide/
Hello Bob, My daughter is almost 2 years old and I and my wife decided to bring her to the Philippines for my mother in law (My wife’s mother) to take good care for 2-3 years. I am a Filipino who is a US Citizen and my wife is still holding a Philippine passport since she only came to US last 2 years. My daughter is an American citizen holding US passport. My question before sending my daughter to the Philippines is that IS THERE ANY OVERSTAYING ISSUE IF SHE STAYS THERE FOR MORE THAN 1 YEAR?. OR DO I NEED TO DO ANY PAPERWORKS JUST FOR HER TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR MORE THAN 1 YEAR? HOW LONG CAN AN AMERICAN CITIZEN CAN STAY IN THE PHILLIPPINES BEFORE he/she WILL BE CONSIDERED OVERSTAYING?
Since she is our first child and my wife and I are having hard time taking care of her when both of us are working especially she is still a baby so we have decided to bring her to the Philippines but I have these questions just to anticipate any problems that arises.
thanks in advance, God bless.
roland
A US citizen can stay in the Philippines with a tourist visa for up to 3 years, provided you extend the visa when appropriate, but it is costly. Why not do the easiest thing and claim your daughter’s Philippine Citizenship so she can stay in the US or the Philippines for as long as she ever wants. She can be a citizen of both countries at the same time.
Thank you for such information. do you know the process of how to claim my daughters Philippine citizenship? since me and my wife have been here in the US for awhile.
Your wife needs to file a “report of birth abroad” with the Philippine Embassy or consulate that serves the area where you live.
thanks alot
after applying for “report of birth”, does my daughter needs to apply for Philippine passport too? Many thanks.
Yes, she should do that so that she can stay long term in the Philippines, as a Philippine citizen.
then what passport will my daughter use for travelling to the Philippines if she will go from US to Philippines?. Will the Philippine Consulate office will give a Certification that my daughter is also a Filipino citizen once she applied for report of birth?
I would recommend that your daughter use her US passport for all travel, except when entering the Philippines she should show both passports.
Yes, a certificate should also be given when registering with the consulate.
hi bob! my name alex, im a senior citizen now im a dual citizen im arrived here in the philippines May 2011 with my 2 son.. 6 and 4 years old, my 2 son is a u.s citizen my question is since we arrived here 2011 and at the present and i use my u.s passport to enter here in philippines am i have a fee to pay? do i need to pay for over staying of my 2 sons?
Hi Alexander – Yes, right now you are all overstaying and fines will be due! However, since you are a dual citizen, you should have shown your Philippine passport when you entered the country! If you had done that, you could stay as long as you want. I would recommend that you go to the Bureau of Immigration, show your Philippine Passport and get it all straightened out, so that the fines will be waived for you. Also, while there, inquire about obtain dual citizenship status for your boys!
Hi! Mr.Bob I have a foreign boyfriend he is here in the phillipines 3 times travelling now i am pregnant for 4 months and I am not merried to her cause she is merried to in u.s. but her ex wife she have a boyfriend now ,,,,her merrage contract in underprocessing to annual but me I can apply to u.s embassy to tourist and I am denied now I can apply again cause I want to born my baby in u.s what can I do?
Hi bob. we are processing my daughter’s report of birth and passport but just a question, do we need to apply for her dual citizenship of just apply for the passport and the report of birth? thanks alot
Hi Roland – Obtaining Dual Citizenship through a report of birth abroad and through applying under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law are two completely different things. Those who are eligible for citizenship based on birth, like your child, are not eligible for the application for the Philippine Dual Citizenship law. So, don’t worry about that at all. That law only covers people who are former Philippine Citizens and were naturalized in another country, but want to reacquire their Philippine Citizenship, a situation that does not apply to your child.
Once you complete the process of the report of birth abroad, your daughter can then apply for a passport.
Hello Bob, this site is wonderful! I also have a concern. I’m a Filipina married to a Canadian.But I still don’t have a Canadian Citizenship coz we are just processing my Canadian visa. We have a daughter last year and we got her Canadian Citizenship Certificate already. WE would like her to have a dual citizenship, so we are planning to get her a Philippine and Canadian passports before we leave the Philippines. What are the procedures? Pls email me asap also for your answers.
Hi Sandra – You didn’t really give me enough information to give you a full answer. What I will say is that if your daughter was born in the Philippines (to you as a Philippine Citizen) then your daughter is already a dual citizen. If she was born outside the Philippines, then you need to file a report of birth abroad at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where she was born.
hi,Bob! I’ve asked you a question before about Fil-Am dual citizenship and I wanted to thank you for the very helpful information. Here are my questions: I am on the process of getting my US citizenship ( I am married to an American and we have a daughter born in the US), so once I acquired my US citizenship and then reacquire my Filipino citizenship in the future, 1.)can I just use one passport (US) to travel? or do I have to have my Phil passport too? My Phil passport already expired and I have no plans of renewing it. 2.) Do i need a valid Phil Passport to reacquire my Phil citizenship? 3.) We are planning to move back to the Philippines to retire (in 20 yrs),how we are gonna pay our taxes? Do we need to file taxes in the US too? (we are planning to sell our family business and all properties in the US in 20 years) I’m just wondering how we are gonna pay taxes if we are (basically Americans but are living in the Philippines). Thank you. I will greatly appreciate any information you can provide.
1. You should use both passports when traveling to/from the Philippines.
2. No
3. You must always pay US taxes if you are a US citizen, regardless of where you live.
Hi Bob i am inquiring for my husband. He overstayed for 3years. He was scammed and the girl took all her money and was left homeless, i met him took him in. He was able to process his army disability enabling him to pay and fix his status. For 2 mos since january we were able to pay P105000 already, Immigration said even.if we were able to pay this he still can.get deported. The only option for him to stay is to apply for permanent residency which they said would cost P50000 and P30000 for the lawyer. We just completed paying the P105000 this march and. A week.after they told us to come up with the P80000 for the lawyer and application for residency ( we got married ). Our contact in immigration said if we cant pay we need to pay P8600 again for another extension. I am scared because week after week they threaten us that my husband will be detained even.if we paid and even.if we opt for deportation, they said he will still be detained if he wont pay for the lawyers fee. Please enlighten us on what to do. My husband’s disability pay is P50000 and since January everything goes straight to Immigration leaving us with nothing. He is a US veteran. Thanks hope you can give us tips on howto deal with this.
You will need a Philippine passport to enter the Philippines, or pay the fine.
Will he be able to get a Philippine passport with the Report of Birth application form that will provide him with dual citizenship? How was he able to leave without paying the fine? Who did he make this arrangement with to leave PI without paying the fine on the provision that he can’t go back there?
We were referred to her she really works there. Will my husband be detained. I am sorry we dont have any idea that is,why we keep on asking questions. We are scared that if we cine forward they might detain my husband 🙁 Thank you again.
Hi, I am inquiring in behalf of my 81 year old mother. She is a US citizen currently on a vacation here in the Philippines. How can she apply for a dual citizenship? Is she required to appear in person when she applies for this? Thank you and hope to hear from you soonest.
You did not give enough information for me to answer your question. Has she ever been a Philippine citizen before? If so, how did she lose her citizenship?
sorry, Yes, sir, my grandmother was born here in the Philippines and went to the US in 1998 and became a US citizen i think around 2003.
She can go apply at the bureau of immigration. Yes, she must appear in person.
thank you
hi where i should apply for dual citizen ship and i’m native born at phil.
If you’re in the Philippines you will apply at the bureau of immigration. If you’re not in the Philippines you will apply at the Philippine embassy or consulate which serves the area where you are.
Hi Bob! How long is the process of acquiring citizenship? I’m a greencard holder. I aaquired it through my dad who is a US army.
Hi Camille – I have seen it take from a minimum of 2 weeks up to a maximum of 1 year.
Hello Bob,
I am a dual citizen filipino-american, and i am planning to get married here in the Philippines with my filipino boyfriend. Do i need to file a certificate of legal capacity to marry in US Embassy?
Hello Bob,
I’m a US citizen and I’ve just finished college here in Philippines last year, my parents are both Filipino citizen. I was born in Saipan.. My problem is how can I acquire a Dual Citizenship(US and Filipino). What should I do to get a Dual Passport or Fully Recognize as Filipino?
You are eligible for dual citizenship through birth right. In order to achieve that, your parents need to file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you were born.
I have a Birth Certificate in Saipan and as well as the ribbon from the consulate that proves I was born in Saipan.. What’s the next step? Thank you so much Bob. 🙂
My dad was born in the philippines and my mother was born in the philippines (of course they both are filipino citizens. They moved to the United States in 1965, I was born in 1966 in the United States, my parents both being filipino citizens at the time of my birth. My dad became naturalized in 1987 and my mother became naturalized in 2007.
My dad passed away in 2003. My mother is still alive today Could I file to become a duel citizen, and if so would my mother need to be present to file? Thanks Bob.
Hi Dennis, at the time of your birth, your parents should have reported your birth to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate that serves the area where you were born. That is how you would gain Philippine Citizenship. Given that you were born nearly 50 years ago, if that report was not made, I doubt that you could still attain Philippine Citizenship.
hi ,i am from pakistan , i want to get phoilipine nationality , can i apply or not if yes let me know whats the way, thanms
First you will need to live in the Philippines for 10 years before you can apply. You must be able to speak Tagalog or one of the other Philippine languages (not English). You cannot be a dual citizen, but can renounce your Pakistani citizenship and be naturalized in the Philippines. All of the requirements can be found here.
Hi Bob,I’m inquiring in behalf of my mom,she’s 87 yrs old,a hndicaped,us citizen,formerly Filipino citizen,currently staying here in d Phil.for more than a 1year,cos of always sick,suffering asthma,hi blood etc.and alwys hospitalized,now she wants to stay here Phil.for good,and doesn’t want go back us..is she required to get dual,appear in person in bi,even she’s a handicapped?how about her VA us pension is it transferable here in the Phil.tnx
Hi Bob,
I have a question with regards to my kid, who is 2yrs old, being dual citizen. Here is our situation. I’m already a dual citizen and living here in Canada. My wife is Philippines citizen and my daughter as well is born in the philippines. They are still both in the Philippines. My daughter was born in the philippines and hasn’t left. My daughter has both Philippines and Canadian passport. My question is does my daughter still need to get a dual citizen when she goes here to Canada? Or her Philippines passport would be enough to show at the airport that she is Philippines citizen? It’s just that I don’t want them to have any trouble at the airport with the immigration saying that my daughter has to pay because she a Canadian citizen. Any information would help. Thanks.
There is nothing more you need to do, your child is already a dual citizen. Having two passports proves that. When she enters the Philippines, if she shows both passports, everything will be fine.
Thank you so much Bob for the quick reply. It was very helpful. God bless you and your family.
Good Day Bob,
Thank you again for the information regards to my daughter’s dual citizenship. I have a question not with regard to dual citizen but a letter that was email to me. I don’t know what is that they want especially the written explanation on the delay of sponsorship undertaking. What does that mean? And also they sent me an attach form Appendix A. And it said that to be filled out by each member of the family. Does this mean my wife, me and my kid? And the Applicant they are referring to is my right? Since I was the one who filed to sponsor my wife. Is that correct. And do they also need my kid’s Canadian Passport or just my wife’s Philippines Passport. Sorry for all the question Bob. Its just that it’s so confusing. This is also why I was asking about my daughter’s dual citizenship because I didn’t want them having any trouble at the Philippines airport going here to Canada. Below is the email that they sent me. Thank you in advance Bob for any info you could provided me. God Bless.
Dear Applicant,
This refers to your application as member of the family class.
Subsection 16(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act establishes that a person who makes an application must answer truthfully all questions put to them for the purpose of the examination and must produce all relevant evidence and documents that the officer reasonably requires.
Please provide us the following:
• Fully Completed Appendix A (attached) for you and each of your family members, whether accompanying you to Canada or not. Passport details are not required for any family member who is not accompanying you to Canada.
• Original Passport(s) for you and each family member who will accompany you to Canada
To ensure timely processing and facilitate your travel, we strongly recommend that you submit the new red-coloured passports currently being issued by the Philippines authorities as they are in compliance with the machine-readable passport Requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
• Original NSO Advisory on Marriages
• Written explanation on the delay of sponsorship undertaking.
This documentation is reasonably required to complete the assessment of your application. If we do not received a response from you WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45 DAYS) of the date of this letter, a final review of your application will be completed based on the information available on file. Please note that this may result in a refusal of your application.
My kid is in the philippines, stay with my grandma but he is american citezens do i still file dual citezens for him
I am sorry, but you did not give enough information for me to be able to answer.
Hi Bob,
I am Filipino and I’m married to a Korean.
I am pregnant now and we live in the Philippines.
My question is, will our baby be Korean or Filipino? How can our baby have dual citizenship?
Thank you.
Diana
Hello Diana, since you are a Philippine citizen, and if you give birth in the Philippines, your child will automatically be a Philippine citizen. I am not Korean and do not know their laws, but if they allow dual citizenship, your husband should file a report of birth abroad with the Korean Embassy in Manila so that the child can gain Korean citizenship as well.
Hi sir Bob, I don’t know where else to go to for answers.. I really need it. Here are a couple I hope you could give light to:
(1) I was born in the United States, I have a US SSN, a[n] (expired) US passport (which I will be renewing this year) and a US birth certificate. I have acquired the steps to have it renewed from the US Embassy site here in Manila, but I want to know if I have to take exams and tests to have it renewed? (Though there wasn’t anything mentioned in the website. I am just really paranoid. I don’t have any knowledge about American history). I have stayed here in the PH for almost 22 years now.
(2) I am planning to work here in the Philippines (financing for my thesis), but as you know, there are IDs which will be government issued, and I am wondering if that would complicate things, since I have plans to go back to the US after my studies here (currently on my last year). And when I say complicate, I mean, they would question my loyalty to the US (haha!)
(3) My mom said that she applied me for Dual Citizenship (Fil-Am), if I am holding that document, am I entitled to PH government IDs? Can I work here hassle free without the US embassy questioning my loyalty to the US of America?
P.S. I have no government issued IDs, not have voted even once yet here in the PH. Only ID I have is a school ID. Thank you.
Hello Cha – 1) If you were born in the USA you are a US Citizen no matter what. Having a US Passport, even if expired only reinforces that. No reason to be paranoid or feel worried, you are a US citizen. Even if you know nothing at all about US History, you are still a US Citizen. Many Americans know nothing about US History, but that does not affect your citizenship. When you go to renew your Passport at the Embassy, there are no tests, exams or anything of the sort. As long as you bring the proper forms and the money to pay for the renewal you have no other worries.
2. You can get any kind of Philippines ID or documentation without complicating your US citizenship. There is nothing wrong to be a dual citizen, the US government has no objection to you being a Philippine Citizen in addition to a US citizen. Don’t be worried. Also, as you are a natural born US citizen, there can be no question of loyalty, and being a dual citizen does not call your loyalty into question at all.
3. If your Mom really did go through the procedure for you to be a dual citizen – Philippine and USA, then you should have a document of Philippine Citizen. With that, you should be entitled to get any Philippine Government IDs that you are entitled to. You cannot, for example, get IDs which you have not earned, for example, you could not get an ID as a Medical Doctor unless you have achieved that education and the licensure procedures.
Good luck to you.
Thanks kuya Bob!
I found my Dual Citizenship papers. And I am grateful for your answers. However, do I need to acquire a Philippine passport because of my dual citizenship status?
AND, is it really true that I have to go back to the US before I turn 22 years old so that my US citizenship would not be revoked?
Thank you in advanced, hope to hear from you soon. 🙂
I am sorry, I don’t know, you really didn’t give enough information about the case for me to be able to form an opinion.
Bob, John McSweeney is correct, but so are you…to a point. A US citizen may certainly become a Naturalized Philippine citizen by meeting all of the qualifications. These include legal residency in the Philippines for 10 years (5 years if married to a Filipino) and the ability to speak fluently at least one Filipino language as well as English (or Spanish). You are correct that in the process an oath is administered and part of that oath is a relinquishing of all other citizenships. It will not be recognized by the US as a loss of US citizenship.
A person wishing to renounce his or her U.S. citizenship must voluntarily and with intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship, appear in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer in a foreign country (normally at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate) and sign an oath of renunciation.
Renunciations that do not meet these conditions have no legal effect. Because of the provisions of Section 349(a)(5), U.S. citizens cannot effectively renounce their citizenship by mail, through an agent, or while in the United States. In fact, U.S. courts have held certain attempts to renounce U.S. citizenship to be ineffective on a variety of grounds.
Philippine citizens take an oath or renunciation of their Philippine citizenship when they become Naturalized US citizens. However in these cases, the Philippines does recognize their relinquishing of Philippine citizenship. But they still retain certain citizenship benefits as Former Filipino and they may reacquire their Philippine citizenships via RA 9225..
Two different approaches, but in the end both Filipino and US citizens may become dual citizens. Then the question may be fairly asked, just what Philippine privileges do US citizens attain that make the act worth the time and effort.
hi.. my husband is Danish and he have overstayed for a year now. He’s been here for over 2years now. He have working visa for a year but he didn’t renew it or downgrade it.. what will happen to him if we downgrade his visa now and will he be deported?
Hi John, The fact that the Philippine Government gave your child a passport means that they recognize her as a citizen of the Philippines. The fact that the British Government gave your daughter a passport means that they recognize her as a British Citizen. She is already a dual citizen. There is nothing else that you need to do.
Hi Bob, I am born in the UK and have been living here for 23 years (my whole life) I hold a British Passport. At the time of my birth my mother had dual citizenship (Filipino and British) and my father has a British passport. My mother needs to renew her dual citizenship, and if she is granted again with dual citizenship will I also be eligible for dual citizenship? Thank you!
Hi James – Hmm… unfortunately, the things you say don’t really add up. Especially when you say that your mother “needs to renew her dual citizenship.” Citizenship is not something that needs to be renewed. If you are a citizen of a certain country, you are a citizen and need not ever renew it.
Basically, even if your mother were to renew her dual citizenship, something which I don’t think is even possible, it would not affect you, because you are over 18.
The only way that you are eligible for dual citizenship is if your mother (or father) was a Philippine citizen on the day you were born. If neither of your parents were Philippine citizens when you were born, then you are not eligible and never will be.
Hello, I am a dual citizen filipino/american, and planning to get married in the Philippines do i need to apply in the US embassy in the Philippines for a Certificate of legal capacity to marry?
dear bob,
I am married to a British national and we are based in Dubai we have a child and was born in Dubai, I have report his birth in the Philippine consulate here in Dubai and got him a Philippine passport as well. same thing we also got him a British passport coz my husband want him to carry his British citizenship. do I still need to apply him for a dual citizenship? im just quit confused of what to do if we go home in Philippines for a period of time?
Hi Meriam – If your child already has a Philippine Passport and a British Passport, he is already a dual citizen.
Thanks bob! Your such a great help. So if we go home to Philippines ill just have to show both of his British and Philippine passport or just the Philippine passport only? Does it goes the same way if my son will go to UK?
I would recommend showing both passports when entering or exiting the Philippines.
Dear bob,
Would there be any problem if we go home to Philippines on 25th of June and my son will used first his Philippine passport to enter the country? coz his British passport still not delivered to us. Then once we received his British passport my husband will use it for applying for my son’s visa in dubai, when we exit the Philippine going to dubai I will show both of his passport as the visa for dubai will be in his British passport?
Many thanks I’m really quit confused!
Dear bob
We still haven’t received my son’s British passport and we are going home to Philippines on the 25th of June. Would it be alright if I used first his Philippine passport entering the Philippine and later on when we exit the country I’ll used both his British and Philippine passport as my husband needs to put the visa for dubai in his British passport when we go back to dubai. My husband already checked his passport in UK and they said that it’s still on process and we can’t wait any longer for it coz we need to go home in Philippine.
I have a nine year old daughter born here in the Philippines. I have been married to her mother since before her birth and we continue to live in the PI. I have a SRVV retirement visa. She has a Philippine birth certificate & a Philippine Passport applied for by mum.
She also has a British Birth certificate & Passport applied for by myself. She has held both since she was a month old & renewed both. She has used the PI passport for trips to Asian Countries & her British Passport for trips to the UK & the USA without any problems at all
We applied and obtained a letter of recognition from the PI authorities which allows her to study here until she is eighteen without obtaining any form of visas.
The above is what I was advised to do by an official in the know, I now question his wisdom. Shall I continue to use/renew both without applying for dual Citizenship? I was told the PI had signed up internationally to permit dual Citizenship, but in practice made it difficult.
We are based in AC Pampanga any advice on wo to see, or where to go would be greatly appreciated.
Warm regards
JK
I would recommend getting a Philippine passport. If you use that when entering the Philippines then you will be recognized as a Philippine citizen during your stay and receive all of the rights of any Philippine citizen.
You never have to enter the USA again. Your US citizenship can never be revoked unless you petition for it to be revoked, and that is difficult to achieve.
I’m from Toronto, Canada and got my dual citizenship back in 2012. I applied in mid April and took the oath in June. It time depended on when an official would be in Toronto to do the swearing in of the oath.
My wife applied for her dual citiezenship in Los Angeles, and it seemed quick. Why you apply to reacquire your citizenship, you may also get citizenship for any of your children under 18 years old. We did this for my son a month before he turned 18. Great timing for us.
Would recommend you do it before going to the Philippines, but that is just me.
Hello Bob,
My Philippine born son got his US citizenship when he sign up for US Navy,Is that mean his has dual citizenship,and should be allowed to go college in the Philippine as a Filipino Citizen?
Hello Alma – Your son lost his Philippine citizenship on the day that he became naturalized in the USA, so no, he is not a citizen of the Philippines. However, he can file an application for re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship and become a dual citizen.
Hello Sam,
Dual citizenship is a same day process if done in the U. S.
Alma
Generally, it is not a one day process.
Thank you Bob,…
Hi I am Helen I’m british citizen and I’m dual citizen sept.2012 and my daugther is born in the Philippnes she arrive here in London dec 2011 she is granted as a British citizen this year june2014.and I would like to apply her a dual citizenship as filipino also… But Philippines embassy she is not allowed to apply dual until she is not 18. Is it really true that’s she is not allowed to apply a dual citizenship?in case she want to stay in the Philippines for a year or more what happen.we have to pay taxes? Please help me…many thanks.
Yes, she must be 18 to apply.
Hey Bob!
I am a 21 year old Norwegian citizen with a filipina mother. My mother was a filipino citizen at the time of my birth; am I eligible for a dual citizenship? I really love it here
Hi Pierre, given the information you provided, you should be eligible. Your mother should file a report of birth abroad at the Philippine embassy in the country where you were born.
Thanks Bob!
I forgot to include that we both live in Norway and are both Norwegian citizens at the moment: am I still eligible?
You should be, Pierre. Just have your mother file the report that I mentioned previously. I believe you are eligible, but if you aren’t then you can bet that the Embassy will inform you.
Greetings, i would like to ask if its possible for me to use my US SSN for employment purposes? i was asked to create my own Philippines SSN but i havent decide on whether to apply for one. I was advice that i don’t need a working visa since I am a dual citizen. But I am hesitant because i don’t know if it is illegal to have multiple SSN and i would like to follow my name in my US consular certificate of birth abroad instead of my Philippine issued NSO birth certificate which contains my mothers maiden name.
Thank you for your time.
A United States SSN is of no value in the Philippines.
okie dokie, so is it okay for me to register a philippines SSN right? im just concerned having multiple SSN is illegal
Hello Bob,
I’m doing a little research for a story. If one is a dual citizen by birth (say, American mom+Filipino dad), how does he maintain that American citizenship while living in the Philippines for most of his life? I’m thinking he may have to pay taxes in the US annually, but what else would he need to do? Thanks!
A person who is a citizen of the United States does not need to do anything in order to maintain his US Citizenship, no matter where he lives. Of course he is legally responsible to pay US taxes when appropriate, but it would not have any effect on his US citizenship if he pays or does not pay. In fact, if a person wants to renounce his US citizenship it is very difficult to do.
My parents have dual citizenship. My Dad filed a petition (UNMARRIED CHILD OF A us CITIZEN) for me way back in 1997 when he got his US Citizenship. Received notice from USIS to complete papers in 2011 but was able to complete requirements only in 2013. Medical exam expired though so had to have another one and was able to leave Philippines only in May of this year. WARNING TO APPLICANTS……DONT ARGUE WITH FILIPINO EMBASSY PERSONNEL OTHERWISE THEY WOULD GIVE YOU A HARD TIME WITH YOUR REQUIREMENTS……SAD BUT TRUE!!!! FYI
Dear sir, me and my American citizen husband are planning to retire in my home country Philippines, we have 2 kids ages 3 and 2 , we were thinking to apply for petition of dual citizenship of both kids here in the USA . My question is how long do we need to wait after the approval of out petition because asi read to the philippine consulate chicago after approval there will oath taking ?second is do I need to bring my American citizen husband when the applying the dual citizenship and so when the oath taking ? 3 is it ok I will just get a philippine passport for both of them without applying for dual citizenship?
The procedure for getting dual citizenship for your kids is different. They cannot apply for dual citizenship under the Philippine Dual Citizenship act. They have a birth right to Philippine Citizenship, and the way to do that is by filing a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you live. There is no oath taking involved in them becoming dual citizens.
Thank you so much ! God bless to you and to your family.
Hi bob,
I am a filipino, both my parents are filipino. I acquired my us citizenship when i was a child bec my father was a us navy. I was thinking of applying for a philippine passport, now my questions are:
1. can i apply for one even if i have a us passport?
2. Do i need to apply for dual citizenship before acquiring a PH passport? Because i was confused some of the immigration officer told me i could directly apply for a PH passport, and one officer told me to acquire for a dual citizenship.
3. I still have penalties, do i need to pay it first? Bec the day i acquired my us citizenship i never left the country yet. Thank you for you reply !
Hi Jas – It would be my opinion that you are a dual citizen now. I do not believe that you lost your Philippine Citizenship because you became a US Citizen through no act of your own and it happened when you were a minor.
Thus:
1. Yes, you can apply for a Philippine Passport and can hold both passports at the same time.
2. I would say that you do not need to apply for dual citizenship, because as I outlined above, you are, in my view, already a dual citizen.
3. There should be no penalties, since you are a Philippine Citizen and can stay here visa free as long as you wish.
Wow thank you so much bob! 🙂
Hi Bob and others, i really need your help.
Im jarel korber i am 29 years old now.
I was born in the philippines and still living here, my dad is pure german by blood and nationality. Was born 1983 but they got married 1999, but my dad was able to signed the affidavit of paternity that i am his Son in my birth certificate. My question now is Do you think i can still get or do i have a chance to have a dual passport??? Please i really need ur help.
Yes, I believe you can.
Good luck.
Hi Bob,
I have a Friend who is a Filipina ( born and raised here in the country ) and got married to a British. They were married here in the Philippines. She stayed in UK for quite some time and got her British citizenship. Now she and her family would like to stay here in the Philippines permanently. How can she apply for a Filipino passport again??? Would she just renew her passport or does she still need to apply for dual citizenship?? Also, where does she take her oath if ever? thanks a lot!
Hi Sarah, right now your friend cannot legally renew her Philippine passport because she us no longer a Philippine citizen. She gave up her Philippine citizenship when she was naturalized. To renew that passport would be an act of fraud.
However. She can just apply for dual citizenship, and after it us granted she may then renew the passport.
Thanks for that info Bob. I see, so she will just go to the immigration to do that?? Where will she take her oath??
hi bob i want to ask something about my grand parents status here in the philippines my grand father is a U.S. veterans and my grand mother is U.S. citizens also but they live here in the philippines for almost 10 years from now does my grandparents get and claim like their health benefits even they are here in the Philippines and how to apply it pls. help me Bob for the sake of my grandparents…
Hi Dave – I have an eBook that has exactly the information you need, and it’s just $7.99. Click on the title for full details: How to get your money to the Philippines.
I applied for Philippine Dual Citizenship last May 12, 2014 at the Phil Consulate Embassy in Wash DC. I saw on the website that there is an Orlando Florida outreach program oath taking for Sept. 28, 2014 here in Orlando but I have not been notified via email if I am included. Unfortunately, I lost my receipt when I applied personally in Wash DC. Do I just show up on Sept. 28, 2014 with just my ID, US passport and NSO birth certificate to participate in the oath taking?
Better call the embassy and check with them.
Hello Bob,
I need your help regarding my case. i hope you can give me some advice.
I am born in USA July 1990. My father was a Filipino but was a naturalized american citizen and my mom is a Filipino citizen. But I believe they didn’t report my birth in the Philippine Embassy there. I was around 2-3 yrs old when we went here in the Philippines and we stayed here for good. I have a valid US passport and other documents proof of being a US citizen. I’m currently 24 yrs old and my problem is that I want to leave the country and go back to USA but I’ve consulted some persons and told me that I have to pay for the overstaying fee. I’m really confused and don’t know what to do. Thanks
You will not have to pay any fines. You can make it where you have not overstayed at all, because you are entitled to Philippine Citizenship. You need your birth abroad to be reported to the Philippine Consulate in the USA that serves the area where you were born. After that is done you can get a certificate of Philippine Citizenship. With that certificate all penalties for overstaying will be waived.
Hi! This is Jessica. Just want to ask if my fiance can get his affidavit in lieu of certificate of legal capacity to marry in the Philippine Consulate in Guam?
Another thing, after we get married, can I still use my non-immigrant US visa to go back and forth to Guam because I can’t stay there for good yet because I need to finish my patients’ dental treatments.
By the way, my fiance is an American citizen.
Thank you so much for your answer! last question, do you know how long will it take him to apply for the affidavit? Can we get it on the same day of his application?
you nsay that if i got 9a or 13a i dont need a return ticket but i have a return ticket and i like to get the money back from the pal they say that the 13a is not good for this so how i go about gettting my money back fro pal i marride to a philp
You will have to work that out with PAL.
Hi Bob! I am now a US Citizen but I still have my Philippine Passport. Can I use my Philippine Passport to travel in different countries that do not require visa?
Hi Ana – It would be illegal for you to use a Philippine Passport, because you are not a Philippine citizen. To use a Philippine passport would be immigration fraud and you could be put in jail for that. File for dual citizenship, and once that is completed you may use your Philippine passport as much as you like, except for entering the USA.
Hi Bob, so thankful I have found your website. Ok so my kids are automatic Filipino citizens because I was a citizen at their birth. We have reported their birth to the embassy but was not given a Certificate of Cititzenship, however I do NOW have their NSO birth certificate of the Report of Birth. So my question is does this NSO birth certificate the same as the Certificate of Citizenship or do I need to acquire it at the Philillpine Embassy. Also, can I go ahead and get their Philippine passports with the NSO Certiricate? Thanks for any help! Pia
Having an NSO birth certificate should cover them. I would recommend that you apply for Philippine passports for them. Once they have a Philippine passport that proves their Philippine citizenship.
Thank you, Bob for clarifying!
Bob your a guardian angel.i been so confused.my name is elizabeth winterfeld.born august 17,1983,my father is pure german by blood.my mom is pilipina.they get married dec 1 1983. My dad sign in my birth certificate.but is it possible that even he sign at my birthcertificate.i can not be registerd at germany? Or i can not apply for dual citizenship? What procured or steps i have to do.i really need your help badly.im just so confuse what to do.
Hi elizabeth – Yes, your birth should be registered in Germany, or at the German Embassy, so that you may be recognized as a German Citizen. I am not an expert on German citizenship, so I do not know the exact procedure. If you contact the German Embassy, though, they should be able to guide you through the steps. Good luck to you.
Thank you mindanaobob 🙂 ill do it asap.
Hi Sir,
My father was a filipino chinese businessman. he was born in China in the early 50’s but was able to establish a business in the early time. My Mom is from Taiwan and my dad passed away when i was seven. I was transferred and grew up in the Philippines and now holding a Permanent Resident I Card. How can I get a Filipino Citizenship?
greetings, im a dual citizen but only with a US passport. it will be my first time departing the philippines and im not sure if i need the ECC and how to go through immigration with out the philippines passport.
If you have some kind of document proving your Philippine citizenship, such as a Certificate of Citizenship, you should not need an ECC. If you have no such document, then if you have been in the Philippines for more than 6 months, you will need to have an ECC.
Hello Bob, I think it is divine intervention that I came across your website as I really don’t know who to approach regarding my predicament. You see, I am a Japanese and Filipino, my father being Japanese and my mother Filipino. I acquired Japanese citizenship by blood and was born in Tokyo. However, when I was born, my birth was also registered with the Philippine consul and I have been staying in the Philippines since I was 2 years old. I have passports also of both countries. Recently, I was offered a government post to represent the Philippines abroad. As a prerequisite though to me getting this position, they are aasking me to renounce my Japanese citizenship. They say under the law an attache must give up any other citizenship if they would like to serve. My question is, under the law is it stated this way? Or does this only hold true for elected government positions but not appointed ones? And lastly, aside from Phil passport, what would be the easiest way to prove Filipino citizenship? Can I do it through immigration or will my copy of report of birth to the Philippine consul suffice? Thanks a lot Bob and more power!
Mario
Hi Mario – Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. Firstly, it is important to remember that I am not an attorney, I have no education about the law. The question you are asking is a legal question for which I am not qualified to answer, so anything I say is only a lay man’s opinion.
Personally, in my opinion, I agree that if you are to serve in a post as you describe, you should have only one loyalty, and that is to the Philippines. I feel that as a dual citizen it would be improper for you to represent the Philippines. As I say, though, this is only my opinion. For a legal opinion, you should speak with an attorney.
Hi Bob! Would like to seek advice from you, here’s my situation- I was born in US, i was only 8mos. when my filipino parents brought me here to the Philippines. I entered the country only with a pass ticket according to my mother. My us passport was sent secondly when we already came to PI. I had lived here my entire 20 years and just recently i had renewed my us passport. Is my situation considered ‘overstayed’ and am i paying a huge fine for the 20 years i’ve been here? Is there any way i could do to arrange it? Would really appreciate your response, thank you so much!
Thanks for imparting your knowledge on this matter. You’re the ‘Man’, Bob.
On my way to BI today.
-Cheers.
Hello Bob,
I’m planning on marrying a Filipino woman, and would like to do it sooner than later, unfortunately my divorce decree (United States – California) is dragging on and may not be officially complete for five or six months longer. I can provide paperwork to the Embassy which I believe would grant me the affidavit in lieu I need as I know there is no database there that actually verifies the information I provide, and then we could get the marriage license and marry, etc.
My question is when we’re in the process of then going through the visa for her to leave the country, could this technicality come back to impede the process?
Our plan is to have a Philippine recognized marriage for her family and for her to leave the country and then once all of the time period is satisfied in the US to legally renew the vows in the US, it’s just the California courts take forever (two plus years in some instances) to finally get the official decree and neither of us want to wait to start our life together.
Hi bob hope you cAn help me find answer to my question.
My daughter is staying in the philippines for 4 years now and she is a canadian citizen. Approximately how much tax we have to pay for overstaying. She is coming back this nov. 11 here in canada.
Better take care of that, or your daughter could be in serious trouble. I don’t know her age, if she is young maybe it would be you in serious trouble. Four years of overstaying could mean jail time.
The amount of charges? Well, it is P500 per month of overstay plus all fees that were never paid. So you are talking P24k just for the monthly penalty. Figure P3,000 or so every 60 days, for visa extension fees and you come up with P73k. There are also iCard fees that were never paid, that would be around P2,500 or so. There could be other stuff. As an estimate I would say that you are looking at nearly P100,000.
hi bob got a question, im married to a filipina that i married in the usa, she was under a k-2 petition that she lost, and i married her here in the usa, we have a baby girl that is now 7 years old, she was rejected to remain here in the usa from the immagration after 6 years of marriage, i did a volentary deportation, and went back with them, her two girls that i petitioned and my usa citezen daughter, it was agreed that my daughter would stay for one year and then she will return to me i had to come back to the usa to get started in a new job and of course i didnt have a place to live or anything that is why i left the kids there for me to get back on track here in vegas, i had a job waiting for me but business has been tough with the ecomomy, and i had been sending money over one year to her and the kids to support there living i stayed in a extended stay for quite a while, i lost everything i owned to give them a better start, although i found out in may of this year that she had a live in boyfriend in the house i was renting for them and she was using the money on this boyfriend that is into drugs, not sure what kind of drugs i had stopped the support due to the situation im still married to this person, and my mother inlaw lives here in vegas and they are very vindictive, my wife has not been employed there for quite some time in the philippines but i hear now she is working a call center job but not sure if its true, im trying to get my daughter back to the usa to me, iam now living in a nice house near a great school and have the ability to take care of my girl properly, but i dont have the money to make the trip there right now to get her, but i can get barrow it but need to find out, i get a lot of information from friends and legal people i know, but im not sure about if its right or not they are saying that my daughter that is 7 years old holding a usa passport cannot stay over 6 months and the mother can file an extension but its expensive and and she has to pay everymonth i know for a fact she does not have money and her mother here in vegas does not have a lot either but can help with the expenses of her place to live and a little food wich means she cant afford to keep my daughter there, and i have been getting reports from a lot of my friends that she is messaging them and saying that my daughter is in the hospital and needs money but in fact i know that is not true because i have inside people watching them and report to me that my daughter is fine but she does have a lot of allergy problems followed by fevers but nothing that ends her up in the hospital i keep myself quiet in the background and watch and she doesnt know where iam or if im alive or dead but i have a silent facebook account and im watching her because she leaves her account wide open, i dont want her to know what my plans are, my friends said that i can go back to the philippines and go to the usa embassy or immigration and report that my daughter is lost and i havnt heard from her and they will look her up and if they find she has overstayed they will deport her but because im there i will pay the fines and bring her back to the usa not sure if they are telling me the right thing or not sounds to easy if you ask me lol. all my wife had to do was do the right thing and be fair with me i have the right to see and be with my daughter that i love and miss very much i can take care of her better here in the usa the mother does not make enough money to raise my daughter and two other girls with the money she makes, and a drug addict boyfriend, i have a power of attorny over my daughter there watching, and i have friends in the same comunity xevera, would appreciate any better information if you have it i hate to go all the way there on my friends information and find out it was wrong and come back empty handed thanks bob.
Hello,
im an irish citiizen, my wife is filipino, we are back in ireland now just 4 months but will only be here for a year, both my kids were born in the phils (but dont have phil passports yet), but do have irish passports
we tried 3 times to get them before we left) once the passport machine was broken, then the mobile passport office wouldnt come because of the weather, then visa agent made a balls of it
then we find out about this rule where kids under 16 have to register to leave in manila (3 days before we had planned to leave the phils, mad mad mad rush to manila, to find out kids are travelling on irish passports (so they are not filipinos) and have to pay the fines for them overstaying (showing the BI in manila their authenticated birth certs made no difference, so had to pay over a 100.000 if fines and fees
so will be here in Ireland for 8 months more, and want to get the passport whilst we are here ( i understand the balikabyan visa, will cover them this time for a year
but i want to do the phil passports here and not have to depend on filipino efficiency
so how exactly does this dual citizenship work
do i have to make the authorities aware before hand that i want the dual citizenship, or do we just get the two passports and they carry the two of them when they come and go or is there an actual application form for this
they were born in the phils have all the paperwork to prove this, but only have irish passports as they were so so so much easier to apply for
also do i have to register their births here in ireland too as part of the phil passport application
we dont have phil embassy here only consulate and again the “efficency” keeps poppin up
regards
We are in a similar situation as you describe above, is there anyway we can dialogue with you privately (email) about the outcome of your situation with the hope of us gaining some insight/experience on how to do with our situation.
Hi zach – The Bureau of Immigration is the authority on this. I would follow what they say.
I believe the letter from his mother should cover your needs, but double check with the airline of avoid any problems.
hi bob was kinda wondering what you came up with on my issue
Thanks for your response Mr. Bob! 🙂
Wikipedia said,
“There are still some ways in which a person may have dual citizenship of Japan and another country, including:
They acquire multiple citizenships at birth, such as being born to a non-Japanese citizen parent and acquiring that parent’s citizenship as a result of that country’s laws or by being born in a jus soli country. However, they must choose one citizenship/nationality before the age of 22 or within two years if the second citizenship is acquired after the age of 20, or they may lose their Japanese nationality.”
He is just 19 years old. Does it mean that he can still use his dual citizenship until he’s not yet 22 years old?
We were referred to her she really works there at the immigration but i feel she is overcharging us. Will my husband be detained. I am sorry we dont have any idea that is,why we keep on asking questions. We are scared that if we cine forward they might detain my husband 🙁 Thank you again.
My friend overstayed here for a year and didn’t pay for anything. She just brought her Philippine birth certificate and Japanese passport over to BI in Intramuros and had he passport stamped. It took 3 hours though but worth the wait instead of paying the fees. 🙂
Japan does not allow dual citizenship so your friend will have to retain his Japanese citizenship and just apply for Recognition as Filipino Citizen instead. I believe this is like our senior citizens where they can carry an ID which states that they are Filipino by blood (no need for a Philippine passport). So technically here in the Philippines, your friend will be considered as a dual citizen but when he goes back to Japan, he’s plain Japanese. We’ve already talked to a BI lawyer about this matter, so this is why I know. We’re just completing the necessary documents for the said recognition.
As per the recognition requirements:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/services/citizenship-retention-and-aquisition/recognition-as-filipino-citizen
form:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS/VariousApplicationsForms/6.%20AF%20Petition%20for%20Re-acquisition%20and%20or%20Retention%20of%20Phil%20Citizenship.pdf
Cheers!
I would advise you to check with the NSO, they should have copies of your documents on file.
If you go take care of this, Joe, there should only be fees to pay, nothing more. I had a similar situation as you describe a number of years back, and it was all relatively straight forward.
ok well i will make it simple my daughter is an american citizen born in vegas usa, the mother has her in angeles city philippines i want my daughter back with me here in the usa,im gonna fly back to the philippines to get her back im the american father my ex is not a legal citizen at all here in the usa she is holding my daughter from me, she did not file an extension for my daughter to stay there my daughter is a usa passport holder she has no dual citizenshi[p and im not autherizing it, any info or help or something i need to know when i get there or am i wasing my time thats what im asking thanks bob
Hi Bob,
I am a Filipino citizen (born in the Philippines) who became a US citizen just this year (2014). I went to the Philippines using my US passport. Do I still retain my dual citizenship or did I renounced it by using a US passport? Do I have to go to the Philippine Embassy to apply for a dual citizenship? Please help. Thanks.
You renounced your Philippine Citizenship, not by using a US Passport, but by being naturalized as a US citizen. You will need to go to a Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and apply for Dual Citizenship.
she is the mother of the child my ex wife, she was deported from the usa i did a volentary deportation and took her back to the philippines, with my daughter, my daughter was born here in las vegas usa the mother agrred to let me have my daughter three months out of a year and she backed out and in order for me to talk or see my daughter on skype she wants money, im refusing to send her money because she now has a live in boyfriend in the place that im supporting, and he is a drug addict and has no job and she is not using the money that i send on my daughter, i want to go back to get my daughter, my daughter is a usa passport holder she has no dual citizenship, and my daughter has overstayed her stay there, just asking what my chances are if i go back to retrieve my daughter with the immigration and embassies help there, just asking what kind of things i need to know, or is it a lost hope my daughter is 7 years old
Hi Ashley – When you say your parents were Filipino, I don’t know if that means that they were of Filipino heritage, or if they were Filipino citizens when you were born. If they (or even either one of them) were Filipino citizens on the day that you were born, then you are also eligible to be a Philippine Citizen. You can be a dual citizen (USA and Philippines). Your parents were supposed to have filed a “report of birth abroad” with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you were born. If they had done that, you would have been recognized as a Philippine Citizen, in addition to your US citizenship.
It is possible that you could still get recognition as a Philippine Citizen and gain Dual Citizenship. I would highly recommend that you do that.
If you do not get Dual Citizenship, then you do face very steep fines and deportation from the Philippines because of your 20 years or so of overstaying in the country.
thanks so much
Good luck, Jermaine.
Hello Ann,
Actually, mostly your questions are easy to solve, with one exception, which I will answer below:
1. Since your daughter is a dual citizen, she can always go to the USA or to the Philippines. She can do this for the rest of her life, no matter what, as she is a citizen of each country. This is no worry at all.
2. This one is problematic. Because the 27 year old daughter is not your natural daughter, she does not easily qualify for any kind of visa to live here. Your husband is not Filipino, so he cannot sponsor her for any type of permanent visa either. I have a couple of ideas, but would require research. I cannot do that for free, but if you wish to pay me a consulting fee, I will research it and privately work with you and your husband to come up with a solution. If you wish to do that, please contact me through this link and we can make arrangements.
3. If you are still a Philippine Citizen, then your husband can qualify for a 13a Resident Visa. If you are no longer a Philippine Citizen, then your husband can qualify for a 13g Resident Visa. These are easy to get and not expensive and will allow your husband to live here permanently.
4. Your daughter is a citizen of the Philippines. She needs no visa and will never have to pay any fines or anything. She can live in the Philippines for as long as she wants without a visa and will never have to pay a fine. Your husband, if he gets the 13 series visas that I mentioned in #3 above can also stay permanently without paying a fine. For your step-daughter, that is what we will need to research, if you choose.
Good luck to you!
Hey Bob, hoping you can give me some sound advice for my situation. My son is a US citizen that has entered the PI with US passport. He is now 3yrs overstay here in the PI. I (his father) is a Filipino citizen. i never paid any overstay fees for my son and now i want to know what is my best option to save a little money on overstay fees. Hopefully you can give me some great advice. Thanks in advance.
Hi Tino – There is only one way that I know of that you could save on the fees.
Since you are the father, and you are a Philippine Citizen, your son should be eligible to be a dual citizen. If he applies for and is granted Philippine Citizenship (Dual Citizenship, he can still keep his US citizenship too), then all fees/penalties would be waived.
If your son does not want to, or cannot get dual citizenship, then his only option is to pay the fines which are due. Also, if he has been here for 3+ years he will have to leave right away, because a foreigner on a tourist visa is allowed only a maximum of 3 years stay.
Good luck to you and your son.
Thanks for the advice…What happens after 3+ years of overstay as a foreigner?
Hi Bob,
My cousin is a Filipino and Brittish citizen. He lost both of his passports. He plans to go back to the UK. The british embassy said they can give him an emergency travel documents however we still need to get a document from the immigration so that the immigration can stamp it when he leaves the country. Btw, he will be leaving the country using the brittish documents.
We asked the immigration of what type of documents will he be needing.. they said that they can give him his travel records which will show the year he entered the Philippines and what type of passport he used (which is his Philippine passport). However they said it wouldnt be enough and that a new philippine passport is really required so that they can stamp on it.
We are wondering if there are other documents which we can request that will prove he is also a Filipino. Because I believe without any proof it will look like that he’s a foreigner who overstayed in the Philippines. He stayed in the Philippines for 3 yrs.
Thank you.
Hi Vic – Once the report of birth is completed, the child will be issued a certificate of Philippine citizenship and will be eligible to apply for a Philippine Passport. Once a citizen, the fines are waived.
Bob I am an American Born Citizen can I get a Dual Citizenship for the Philippines and keep my American Citizenship I am living in the Philippines now for a little over 2 yrs renewing my Tourist Viss every 2 months Please let me know thanks Steven.
No, you cannot.
Hi Mr. Bob! 🙂 My cousin is a Japanese, he is born in Philippines and lived there in Japan after birth, his mother is a Filipina and his father is a Japanese, so it means he is a dual citizen by blood. He entered Philippines using his Japanese passport, so now he has to pay his visa extension and overstayed fee.
Questions:
Should he pay the fee or he can still do something to waived his fees?
If so, what should he needs to do?
What are the requirements that he needs to submit to the immigration for him to become a real dual citizen by law?
And how can he get a Philippine passport after that?
If there’s no other way to waived the fees, then at least please answer the questions so that he can use his dual citizen next time. 🙂
Please help us, we are young, so we need more information from others! Thank you so much Mr. Bob!!
Yes, you should really acquire your son’t Philippine citizenship to save on overstaying costs. You would not do it by apply for dual citizenship, you would do it by filing a report of birth abroad with the Philippine consulate or embassy that serves the area where your son was born.
I have no way of knowing how much you owe, it depends on many factors. Check with the BI to get that number.
I forgot to mention they are married as well
I have provided you with an accurate answer. I am sorry that it is not what you wish to hear. Good luck to you.
Hi Bob!
Thanks for the advice! I don’t know the least thing about how to file for dual citizenship. Could you kindly give me a link on the process please.
Thanks so much for all the help you’re extending to us.
Greatly appreciated,
Cathy
Thanks for your response Mr. Bob! 🙂
Wikipedia said,
“There are still some ways in which a person may have dual citizenship of Japan and another country, including:
They acquire multiple citizenships at birth, such as being born to a non-Japanese citizen parent and acquiring that parent’s citizenship as a result of that country’s laws or by being born in a jus soli country. However, they must choose one citizenship/nationality before the age of 22 or within two years if the second citizenship is acquired after the age of 20, or they may lose their Japanese nationality.”
He is just 19 years old. Does it mean that he can still use his dual citizenship until he’s not yet 22 years old?
Thank you so much Bob! Thank you!! More power to you 🙂
Hi here is my question my daughter is only 5 years old she had a 2 passport 1 in US and Philippine passport.She is a dual citizen.She was born in Qatar, my husband is an american and i am filipina i got my citizenship last march in the US and now were here in the Philippines i enrolled my daughter here as a Kindergarten. I tried to renew her Philippine passport today but they said i need to get a dual citizen before i renew her Philippine passport.
If you have a current philippine passport there will be no fines to pay, there should be no issues at all.
Hi! my daughter and i went to the philippines in 2012.. we were given the BB priveleged for 1 yr of stay..i left my daughter in the philippines and she overstayed there for 15 months now.. i filed her report of birth here at the phil.embassy in seoul..if she gets her phil.passport are all the overstayed fines waived? does she need to have 2 pssport when she leaves PH?
Thanks!
What does she need to show the immigration at airport both the phil.passprt and korean passport? what if her korean passprt expired already??
Hi Ashley – If you become a dual citizen, all the fines and penalties will be waived and you have no worries.
If you lost your US birth certificate, it is not difficult to get another copy. You would file with the State in which you were born, and they can provide you with as many copies as you want.
Good luck to you.
Ok thanks for the info Bob!
God bless!
One more question Bob.
If my daughter had filed her report of birth already does she need to apply for the recognition of phil citizenship at the immigration??
HI Bob, I was born here in the philippines, i am a US citizen due to my dad’s citizenship and I have my both passport now US AND Philippines. I’m about to leave this january. Im afraid there might be a delay or they might hold me again like what happened before. am I going to have a problem with this again? before they were asking for an EEC. Now I have both passports. which they told me to get to avoid delay and paying the fines. I hope I wont be experiencing the same problem. Because I was traumatize before with what hapened.
I was hoping you could give me advice or any insight or idea if im going to expereince it again or I’m free to travel and leave the phil
Hello! I’m born in Germany, but living as permanent resident here in the Philippines since 2010. As I know I’m keeping my german passport, but I would like to get Dual Citizenship, tho they told me that I cannot get one, because I reached the age of 21 already..and I could only apply Dual Citizenship with below 18 years. Is it true? Or is there a way to get legal dual citizenship somehow? Thanks!
Based on the limited information you provided, you do not qualify for dual citizenship at all. Was either your father or your mother on the day you were born?
What do you mean by that? May I email you directly for that case?
I lived with my Father and my Filipina Mother, who converted to German after their wedding, in Germany..
hi….. im born in kuwait…. my dad is indian n my mom is filipino…. ive indian passport….. my problem is my citizenship….
hi i am a us citizen but i lost my us passport but i still have my philippine passport and my citizenship certification. can i just use that to go back to philippines and renew my us passport there in philippines’ us embassy?
Hi ChristineA. You should not have a problem doing that. In fact, you don’t need a citizenship certificate, if you have a Philippine Passport that will suffice. However, I would not recommend it. If you have any problems getting that US Passport you will be in a world of trouble. Under US law, US citizens cannot legally enter the USA using any passport except a US Passport.
What a great thing this internet is! How did we ever live without it, or mobile phones? And it’s only been a few years!
Hi bob I’m seeking for answer hoping that you could help me. I’m a U.S. citizen born in the phillipines, at 2012 I flew to guam and currently residing here. I have a child born at 2009 and I wish to bring her with me. I’ve look throught websites for answers and I always get to file I-130 l, parents supposed to say in the United states 5 years prior birth of the child or 2 before the age of 14? So does it means even I’m a U.S. citizen I can’t get my daughter via naturalization or petition. Your advice is truly appreciated
Hi Brian. I am going to be honest, I find it very difficult to follow your previous comment. As I read it, I can’t make sense of it. I don’t know how to help you, because halfway through the comment I smile lost and can’t figure out what you are talking about. I am very sorry, but just telling you the truth.
Hi Brian – It is a bit more clear now, thank you for clarifying.
Actually, your daughter is a dual citizen. She may not have the papers to be a dual citizen yet, but under the law of the Philippines, the fact that the mother of the child is a Philippines Citizen, that makes the child a Philippine Citizen. Your daughter is a US Citizen based on the fact that she was born in the USA. The US recognizes citizenship based on “Jus Soli” or “from the soil”. US determines citizenship based on what soil you were born on. In the Philippines, citizenship is based on a principle called “Jus Sanguis” which means “from the blood”. For the Philippines, it does not matter at all where you were born, it matters on the citizenship of each parent. So, the US recognizes your daughter as a US citizen based on the soil that she was born on. The Philippines recognizes your daughter as a Philippine citizen based on citizenship of her mother, Philippine citizenship.
I believe it will be very difficult to get your daughter in the Philippines and take her out of the country, unless you have the cooperation of her mother. Under Philippine law, for one parent to take a child out of the country, he must have written, and notarized, permission from the other parent. If such permission is not present, the child will not be allowed to board the plane.
I am not an attorney, Brian, and you should consult with an Attorney on this, but this is only my lay opinion, based on my experiences.
Good luck to you.
Hello Maycel – In order to get a visa to visit the USA, you need to have a legitimate reason to visit the USA, and also have all the qualifications and requirements. Having a baby in the USA is not a legitimate reason, and in fact would possibly be a reason for denial of a visa.
Hello Francisco – If you stay out of the US for that long, unfortunately, you lose your green card. The only way for her to come back is to start a new case of somebody sponsoring her.
Thank you for your response if you know anyone that could give answers in my concerns please do re-direct me to them. Truly appreciate it
Hi!Im dual citizen holding a US and Philippine passport!I have been living in the Philippines for 6 months now and plan to go to the U.S. for vacation at the end of this month. My problem is that my Philippine passport is going to expire the first week of February and I figured it wouldn’t be a problem departing the Philippines since it would still be valid but I’m worried for my return back which would be expired. I was gonna renew it but here in iloilo DFA would take about a month and a half and they don’t have express.I would have to go to manila which would be a hassle for
Me right now. So would it be a problem with immigration when I arrive here in the Philippines? Thanks in advance..
Why not just renew your passport through the Philippine Consulate when you get back to the States?
If you return to the Philippines without a current Philippine Passport, you can enter on your US Passport, but by doing so, you don’t have the rights of a Philippine Citizen, and must abide by immigration rules for foreigners, pay fees for visa extensions and such.
I don’t think there’s enough time for me
To renew it back there cause I’ll be gone for 10 days only. Ok thanks for your help..
The Filipino laws on acquiring citizenship as a foreigner means renouncing ones citizenship. But once that citizenship is obtained is there anything to prevent one re-acquiring the native country citizenship (Australian in my case) in effect becoming a dual citizen? I will probably just end up settling for a 13(a) and let my wife own real property.
my grandmother used to get Old age pension in canada when she was there, she was here in our country for the last 3 years already and have recently joined our Lord. Our questions are: 1. Is it possible that she is still receiving the pension through our relatives in canada eventhough she wasn’t there anymore and 2. Is she qualify for death claims there in canada? thank you
I am sorry, this site is about Philippine Dual Citizenship. I know nothing about Canadian matters.
Hi bob! I’m a filipino citizen and I have daughter who acquired us citizen through crba in us embassy manila when she was 3 yrs old. She is already9 yrs old and she got her philippine passport w/o filing dual
Citizenship. Is it necessary to file for dual citizenship when she already has 2 passports? Do i need to pay any penalty for her overstaying in PI? When we leave PI are we going to show her us and pi passport? Thanks bob! Godbless!
Your daughter is already a dual citizen by virtue of her birth. There is no need or reason to file dual citizenship, because she is already a dual citizen.
She cannot be charged any penalties or fines for overstaying in the Philippines or the USA, since she is a citizen of each country. Just make sure she has both passports when she travels so that she can prove her citizenship.
Hi Bob. I am Filipina and gave birth to my only child in the US. The father of my child who is in US abandoned us so I decided to go back to Philippines. We are not married. Before I left US, I was able to obtain US passport for my son using my name not his father’s. He was only 3mos. old when I flew back here. At the Philippine Airport, an immigration staff offered me to cross the diplomat exit without having the trouble to line-up in the long queue for the immigration to get arrival stamp as my baby was in my arms while dragging all the hand carries and baby stroller. He also advised me to just come back another day to have our passport get arrival stamp from immigration. When I went back to have our passport stamped, the immigration said to just wait until the time we will go out of the country, whether it takes a long time and just have it stamped there at the airport on the same day of our departure. It’s been 15 years and I was able to renew my son’s US passport and my Philippine passport without any trouble. By the way,my mom is in the US as US citizen and she petitions me under F1 visa. My priority date is just few months away to become current. Most likely, we will have to leave for US soon. The immigration staff is nowhere to be found. Now my problem is my son’s status for overstaying. There were people, who suggested to apply for dual citizenship so the penalty will be waived and we can leave the airport with no hassles. Is this true? After 15 years of not reporting to BI about my son for fear that they might question me about why there is no arrival stamp in our passport. Will the fees be still waived. What we could only show is the connecting flight and stop-over with arrival stamp in Japan for one-day prior to our arrival in the Philippines. Will there be any disadvantages if I apply him for Dual citizenship since we are going back to US anyway? And I want my son to retain his US citizenship as we want to join our family in the US as we are the only two left here.thanks bob.more power
Hello, unfortunately, in this case there is probably not much that your cousin can do, because Japan does not allow dual citizenship.
thanks Bob.sorry, if posting here made you think that I was looking for immediate answer. i’ve been having problems with my email so I considered posting it here as well. Appreciate your advice.
Hi! I’ve been reading your forum and I was wondering if you could give me your opinion . Here’s my case:
I am 26y/o. I have dual citizenship (US & fil) by birth.. Born in the US while my morher was still a filipino citizen at that time and already went through the process at the philippine embassy and got my “report of birth abroad”. I have been living in the philippines since 2010, having entered the country with a US passport, and have studied here for college and even got married. I haven’t been back since I first came here but am now planning to go back to US because I am pregnant and my family and dr advised me to give birth over there to avoid any future hassle with my child’s citizenship. All my papers are legal; birth certificate (copy of report of birth abroad) and marriage certificate from NSO, BRGY. Clearance, school ID with registration forms, postal ID… The only thing I dont have is a philippine passport which I hadnt gotten yet bc I wasnt initially planning on going to US so soon. Going to US to give birth was a last minute decision that happened to fall under the holiday season and I must leave by the first week of feb. At first, my dad told me to get a philippine passport asap to avoid fines but then a few weeks later said after talking to a lawyer friend of his (not sure if he works in immigration matters or what) said that it would be alright if I didnt have one this time (but do get in the future) and that I wouldnt have to pay any fines for overstaying since I am also a filipino citizen. Do you think I have anything to worry about and would my nso certificates and postal ID suffice?
Thank you for your time.
In my case, I can NOT agree with that, we (my brother and I) have been legally adopted by our German uncle (in mid 1980s) and according to the Einwohneramt in Essen we had been recorded with both citizenship since then.
My decease father was born in the Philippines in 1905 and died in the US in 2006. What are the rules for me attaining dual Philippine citizenship?
Being born in the Philippines does not convey Philippine Citizenship, so I am not certain what the citizenship of your father was.
If your father was a Philippine Citizen on the day that you were born, you are likely eligible to gain Philippine Citizenship as well. If he was never a Philippine Citizen, or if he was naturalized as a US citizen before you were born, then it is unlikely that Philippine Citizenship is available to you.
Sorry ,my father was a Philippine citizen when I was born in 1948. He later became a US citizen around 1977, 1978. Thanks.
Juliet is right. I just called the Philippine Embassy an hour ago giving me the same information. My case is the same with hers.
I am sure you have a different situation that does not apply to ours (adoption).
Hi Bob…I found this section very helpful to those who seek answer when it comes to visa and overstaying issue.
I do have my own set of question and hope I get get some answer to this. I am married to American and still have my Filipino citizenship.Way back 2007 when we enter Phils. with my 2 kids and I did my petition to my husband and gave him non-immigrant Visa or 9(A) for 1 yr.,before that visa expired he was diagnosed for testicular carcinoma and we need to go back and fort in the hospital for more 4 yrs. to make my story short he is overstayed here in the Pi for 5 yrs and need to pay almost 180K and yet need to leave the country I just found out too that he is black listed for doing so. So my question is when do we need to pay for that fine? Is he still able to go back to PI? for how long doe he need to stay out side the country? Thanks hope to hear from you. 🙂
It sounds like they are arguing that when you became a US citizen that you daughter also did and lost her Filipino citizenship at that time. I disagree with that argument, but it is not for me to decide.
well we did not know the order yet, I will be back there by Thursday after I get him NBI.
I do have money to pay anyway is just I would like to know if he can be removed as black listed?
ok. thanks a lot 🙂
Good eve sir bob im a filipina having korean partner and i was pregnant id like to ask if my son can avail the dual citizenship if were not married ??
He can if his father acknowledges him.
Hi Bob,
Saw the threads here and was compelled to ask advice as well.
It’s about my brother’s situation. He was born here in the Phils. Gained U.S citizenship but came home last November 2014. Does he have to report to the Phil Immigration Office for an extension? Would he be penalized despite being Filipino by birth?
Hi Michael – I have never heard of an EEC, don’t know what it is. I suspect it is a typo and you really mean an ECC (Exit Clearance Certificate). If that is the case, it should no longer be necessary since you have a Philippine Passport.
Based on the things you have shared, I really don’t foresee any delays, it seems you have everything that you will need.
Hi Bob! I have a question. My cousin (Filipina) is married to a Filipino. They both live in the US (green card holders). But she wants to go back to the Philippines and bring her son with her (US Citizen, born in the US). She holds a Philippine passport while the son holds a US Passport. Can she do this without the father’s consent? The son is 5 years old.
hello sir bob…i have a son who acquired us citizenship by report of birth abroad in us embassy manila cos hes dad is a us citizen…he was born in philippines and after 2 years we applied crba and was approved last oct.27 2014…how long can he stay in philippines without penalty of overstaying?cos I’m pregnant now and has not yet have plan to go to america with my husband…im still philippne citizen .we have plan to go to us when my next baby become one year old…pls help me advice what to do to away from troubles in penalty of overstaying of my son….
For my answer, I am assuming that you are a citizen of the Philippines, although you did not say so. Given that, then your son is a dual citizen by virtue of the circumstances of his birth. He is a citizen of the Philippines and of the USA, and he can stay for as long as he wants in either country.
Hello Sir. with all these question seeking advise, i would like to do the same. I’m a US citizen and have two sons both born in the Philippines to a Filipino mother. we are not married. both son are US Citizen through CRBA. I am planning to return and stay in PI and retire in a coupe of years. I know that I either acquire a dual citizenship or apply for a visa to have unlimited stay in PI. However my issue is my two sons. I am not planning to move them in the US until they finish college in the Philippines. However at some point, I want to take them to the US or outside PI for a short vacation. By the way, they are only 2 and 4 yrs old, both living with their mother.
My question is, Do I have to acquire their PI passport prior to leaving for a vacation or later? Do they must have the PI passport before we can leave PI (their mother will be with us) and are they subject to a fine since they are only kids below 7 yrs old. wherein the PI law states that all kids below seven must stay with the mother. Please advise.
Hello Bob! thanks for creating this site . It helps a lot .i have questions :
1. my daughter is 7 yr old dual citizen- I am a filipina green card holder while my husband a natural born U.S citizen. we are planning to retire in the phillipines & planning to bring her with us .Can she still enter back to the U.S if she returns at the age of 25?
2. My husband do have a 27 yr old autistic daughter born as a natural american citizen . What visa does she need to stay longer in the philippines?
3. How about my husband, what visa does he need to stay longer in the philippines too?
4.Do our daughter ,my husband & step daughter need to pay fines if we live longer in the philippines?
Your answers are very much appreciated! More power & God bless !
ANN
It is only my suggestion as the best thing you can do. Given that you are 26 years old, you have had a lot of time to get it done, but you put it off until just right before your trip! Do what you need for now, but I would suggest that when you can you obtain that PH passport to avoid future problems.
Hello Bob ! i just found your site and was hoping to ask a question .
I am a japanese citizen i currently live here in japan im currently 18 yrs old i have a Filipino mother and a Japanese father i got fined for overstaying in the Philippines and now cannot go back my fine is about 100 thousand pesos and i’m having trouble paying it because my mother is in the hospital now . What I wanted to ask you was if I were to apply for dual citizenship will I still need to pay my fine? and I lived in the Philippines till I was 17 sorry for my bad English
Hi Jovelyn – I am sorry that you and your husband have gotten into this situation. Unfortunately, it is of your own doing, though. I understand that your husband was sick, but he still has to follow the law, and that includes immigration law.
To answer each of your questions:
1. The fine must be paid as soon as possible. It is already overdue. If he does not pay it, they can arrest him at any time, and if he does not have the money to pay, he will be put in jail.
2. Since he has been black listed, he will not be able to return to the Philippines. He can never come back again. He must stay out of the country forever.
If I were in your shoes, I would get an attorney to represent me to see if he can have my name removed from the black list. If the lawyer can accomplish this, then your husband will need to pay the fines that have been levied, leave the Philippines immediately, but he will be able to return as early as the next day. If he cannot get his name removed from the black list, then he will not ever be able to return to the country.
Good luck to you.
Does it mean if we acquire our citizenship from other country before R.A. 9225 our pension will be discontinued?
Hi bob my daughter have two passport
A Philipine passport and japanesse passport is she automatically a dual citizen
Tnxs
As I said previously, if he wants to be removed from the black list, I would recommend that you hire an attorney to appeal it and try to get him removed. That is the only way I know of to do it.
My husband and I are American missionaries to the Philippines (not of Filipino descent) and we have completed a domestic adoption through courts in the PHilippines of our 13 year old daughter. She has visited the States twice on a 10 year multiple entry visa. We are in the process of obtaining her US Citizenship via the N600K application and have a confirmed interview this summer. She will receive her US certificate of citizenship if all goes well. She will return to the Philippines a few weeks later. Can we apply for her to have dual citizenship although her ammended birth certificate has us as her parents? Can a child apply for dual citizenship ? Her original birth certificate has her birth mom’s name, but not her amended one. She has a Philippine passport (actually the old one with her former name and us visa inside) and her current one with her new name. Does she qualify for dual citizenship as a minor?
Hi Lenae – For the most reliable information, I would say you should check with an immigration attorney. However, it is my belief that your adopted child would qualify for dual citizenship.
Hi Bob! My daugther was born in the Philippines and i got her a Philippine passport will it be hard for me to apply for a US passport for her? I am not married with her father yet but he recognized my daugther by affixing his signature on her birth certificate.
I am sorry, this site is about issues around Philippine citizenship. Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of expertise regarding US citizenship issues. Sorry.
My parents are filipino citizens working in the us at the time i was born, they had to go back to PI due to work visa expiration w/o filing my report of birth. If i do that now and receive a dual citizenship even it’s late, is it still possible that all my fines will be waived? What about if i lost my birth certificate due to typhoon and Also my parents have been separated long time ago, will i have difficulty when filing my late report of birth now without having any document/ ids of my other parent? Thanks so much!
Hi! I’m 14 years old and I was born in US but I have Filipino parents. My mom gave birth to me in California and I stayed for about 4-6 months. My mom forgot to renew my US passport and it’s now expired. How do I renew my US passport and do we have to pay anything? I’m a Filipino citizen. I don’t really know if I’m considered dual…
Hello Kiana – The cost of renewing a US Passport for somebody under 16 years of age is $80. You would renew through the US Embassy in Manila. Read this article for more information: http://liveinthephilippines.com/renewal-of-a-us-passport/
My parents have 10-year multiple visas. Will their visa be affected in any way?
I really don’t know. I know about Philippine immigration, you are asking (I think) about US immigration. I don’t know much about US Visas and such, this site is about things on the Philippine end. Sorry I can’t help you.
It’s ok! Thank you for answering:)
Can dual citizen run for any political position? Tnx
I am not an expert on this particular area of Dual Citizenship. It is my understanding that a Dual Citizen can run for some political offices in the country. I am nearly 100% certain that a dual citizen could not run for President, though.
So, this Annual Reporting just came back into my mind as I sit here unable to sleep. I reported in 2013, however when i tried reporting in 2014, the immigration office in Tacloban had been destroyed. I was living in Tacloban at the time. I went on several occasions, but there was always an excuse as to why I couldn’t report there. Having lost 2 homes, and most of my belongings, and trying to rebuild / help family, 2014 was gone in a blink. Now it is Apr 2015 and I still need to report. Do you have any insight what they are going to want with me. I need to get this wrapped up ASAP. I’m not worried about fees etc, provided the fee schedule is documented, and not from someone trying to fill their pocket. Have you heard of them jailing people or deporting them?
Hi! I was born in New Zealand as my Filipino parents used to work there. They decided to stay for good in the Philippines and so I came here when I was just 7 months old, under a New Zealand passport (as my father acquired New Zealand citizenship back then). I’ve lived here in the country since, for 20 years now. However, my parents failed to file/report my birth outside the country. They also haven’t renewed my New Zealand passport since.
I am a little confused, am I not considered a Filipino citizen via jus sanguinis? I originally planned to simply apply for a Filipino passport and kind of neglect my New Zealand one.
Having read the article and the comments, I now realize how complicated my situation really is. How do I go about applying for dual citizenship (should I settle new zealand passport etc first), and is there still a way to avoid paying fines for overstaying?
Thank you very much Bob.
Very good information here!
I just need one more clarification (again). My mother has dual citizenship (Filipino and US). She now has the Philippine Passport after getting her dual citizenship. She also has her US Passport. Now, she will be going back to the Philippines and I need to know if I can purchase just a one-way ticket without any problems at the departure check-in and the Philippine immigration when she arrives in the Philippines.
This is the strategy that my mother will do when she checks-in at the airport, she will use her Filipino passport AND prepare her dual citizenship certification just in case the airline agent at the counter asks for it. Is this the right approach?
I heard people saying that the airline agent would ask for a Greencard (??)… this is estrange. If that is the case, why?
Basically, I just do not want to spend all that cash for a round trip ticket if it is not necessary. I did not mention, my mother is not planning on coming back here in the US for a very long time..
Any comments or suggestions will be much appreciated.
Since your mother is a Philippine Citizen, and American, she does not need to have a round trip ticket. Just make sure that she has both passports. If she is question about only have a one way ticket, she should just show her Philippine passport and there should be no more questions asked.
Your mother is a citizen, so there is no need for a green card. I am not sure I understand that part of your question. A citizen cannot get a green card, that is for an alien living in the USA.
My husband was born on may 29, 1971 to his pure filipina mom and pure chinese dad. Is it possible that he is automatically a filipino citizen since he was born in the Philippines? Or he needs to file for a naturalization?
Hope to hear your reply. Thank you
Jing
It is possible, but given that I know so little about your husband, I cannot say for sure.
Hi I’d like to ask if I’m a Filipino born here in Philippine and I’m already a Australian citizen and I’d like to go to Australia alone I’m 17 years old do I need to get a Philippine passport?
I would recommend having both passports if possible. If you don’t have a philippine passport, when you return to the Philippines you will be classified as a foreigner.
Hi bob, I have question for my son. How can I bring back my son here in usa, he overstayed for 3yrs in Philippines and he is a green card holder. Now he’s 5yrs old.i hope you can give idea about my situation.
Thanks
Hi Angie – I am really sorry, but I am just going to be honest. Your question does not make sense to me.
You said that your son overstayed in the Philippines for 3 years.
You said that your son is a US green card holder.
What is your son’s citizenship? If your son is a Philippine citizen, it is impossible for him to overstay in the Philippines. If your son is a US green card holder, it would be impossible for your son to have a US passport. So, he must have entered the Philippines on a Philippine Passport, in which case overstaying in the Philippines is simply not possible to do.
Can you clarify? Did I misunderstand something?
Hi MindanaoBob
Hi have somewhat similar situation with Jen. I was born in the Philippines to both Filipino mother and father. My mother married my stepdad who was a Norwegian, we moved to Norway and lived there and became naturalized citizen, but moved back here in the Philippines. We haven’t gone out of the country ever since. Back then I was about 12 yrs. I really don’t know where to start, much worse, my dad passed away 8 years ago.
Legally, I believe she must notify the father. Morally, it is certainly the right thing to do to get the father’s consent.
Janet – Hmm.. You sent me this exact same question via email just a short time ago. Do you not want to give me adequate time to give a well thought out answer before pestering for an immediate answer. I am sorry, but it is so inconsiderate.
OK, I will just give you a short answer. You have plenty of problems. When you went out the airport without getting your passports stamped that was illegal. Now, many years later you will be having major problems when you try to leave.
Your son cannot get dual citizenship in the Philippines. His path to dual citizenship is different because his dual citizenship is from birth, not under the Philippine Dual Citizenship act. You will have to go to the USA and file a “Report of Birth Abroad” at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where your son was born. You cannot do it here in the Philippines, you must do it there. So, that means you will probably need to leave your son behind and go do what you should have done at the time of his birth, so that he can get dual citizenship and have all of his penalties waived due to his overstaying in the Philippines.
Good luck to you.
I am, frankly, still confused. Please answer my question… the woman who has your child in the Philippines, is she the mother of the child? Or is some other woman the birth mother of the child?
Hallo Bob,
I, a Filipina and my German boyfriend are expecting a baby. Our baby will be a German and Filipino citizen by birth right. So when i get my baby’s birth certificate is that the birth certificate that I will submit together with the affidavit of paternity signed by him to the German Embassy here in the Philippines in order to get a German passport?
I am sorry, I don’t know much about German law. I know the Philippine laws of dual citizenship, but no so much about Germany. I would recommend checking with the Germany Embassy to get the details about the German laws.
My wife did it at the LA Consulate office. Show up early, file the application, pay the fees, then come back in the afternoon for the oath ceremony. You can also go ahead and apply for your Philippine passport if you want it, but you can travel on your US passport, and use your Oath of Allegiance to gain entry to Philippines. My wife got her Philippine passport and has both of them stamped at Immigration.
hi mindanaobob
i have an expired u.s. passport and i was wondering if i can use my dual citizenship certificate to go back to california to renew my u.s. passport
No, you cannot. If you are a US citizen you must use a US Passport to enter the USA. You will need to go to the US Embassy in Manila and get a renewal of your US Passport.
I am a dual citizen. I have a U. S. Passport and Dual Citizenship Certificate but with expired Philippine Passport. My questions are:
1. If I want to go back in the U. S. Can I use my U. S. Passport and Dual Citizenship Certificate even though my Philippine Passport is already expired(because when I enter the Philippines I already used my U. S. Passport and Dual Citizenship Certificate)?
2. I am already here in the Philippines for almost 3 years, do I have to pay any overstaying fee or are there any problems I will encounter in the immigration?
I hope you can help me with this. Thank you in advance.
Hi Noel – Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Yes, that will be perfect.
2. There will be no fines to pay if you show your dual citizenship certificate.
Thank you so much. I have another question:
I am getting married this coming September 2015 with a Filipina spouse and I plan to go back in the U. S. after a month. Here’s my other questions:
1. Does it affect my citizenship?
2. And how long can i get my future wife or wife in the U. S.?
1. Getting married can have no impact on your citizenship.
2. The scope of this site is in regards to Philippine Dual Citizenship. I can answer most questions about Philippine related thigns, dual citizenship, visas for the Philippines. I do not keep up with US immigration issues and cannot help you on that.
Ok sir thank you.. Have a nice day…
So I can use my Dual Citizenship Certificate instead of my Philippine Passport, right?
Did you read the last time I answered this exact same question for you. My answer was perfectly clear.
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your blog it is really educational. I have a question. I am a filipino living in the US and soon we will get our green card. i have 3 US born kids. my question is what are the advantages and disadvantages in getting them dual citizenship? i am want to know before i declare their birth at the consulate.
Well, to me there are many advantages. Your child would have the right to live in either country, or visit either country for extended time. Right to own land. Right to vote, etc.
I know of no disadvantages.
Hi bob, i have a 7 year old daughter with british passport and i was not able to report the birth in uk. She stayed in philippine for almost 4 years now and am sure there will be fines and penalties and i wont be able to afford that. My husband is here also and we both have no work but we have plans to go back uk by october this year. Can i still file the report of birth in uk even if its late, but since me and my husband is here in philippines can anybody of my inlaws who resides in Scotland do the report of birth in behalf of us? Just for us to avoid the penalties and fines.
The report oof birth abroad can still be filed, but it must be filed in the UK, since that is where she was born.
I do’t know if any of your relatives can file or not, I have not heard of that before. They can try and see what happens.
I have a daughter that is 8 yrs old has dual usa and Philippine passports both expired now the mother is refuse me to see or know where she is we are still married can i get immigration to blacklist my daughter so she can not leave the Philippines her mother recently contacted me to get the passports renewed she says needs usa passport to renew her Philippine passport
I do not believe that she can be blacklisted on such a request, she would be blacklisted if she has gotten into some kind of trouble.
Hi! I gave birth to my son in south korea but we now reside in the phils can i get korean citizenship for my son?
Under Korean law, being born in Korea does not convey the right to citizenship. Your child can be a Korean citizen if you or the baby’s father is Korean. Otherwise, your child has no right to Korean citizenship.
Hello Bob,
Ive been reading ur post for quiet some time.i hope u can advise me.
I was born in the Philippines with a filipino mother and iranian father. I grew up in the philippines until i was 14 yrs old.Then we left to Iran with travel documents for private reason. I applied for my filipino passport through philippine embassy in iran but i couldnt leave iran with filipino passport so I filed for iranian passport. and left iran to stay in the philippines for good. my husband (who s also an iranian) was granted temporary residence visa (being married to a filipino) to be renewed every two years for around 6 years. Just a few months ago while applying for renewal of his TRV, the hearing officer asked me about my maiden surname sounding foreign, i told her that my father is iranian. she asked me if i have another passport aside from my filipino one and i replied honestly that i did. She has denied my husband’s renewal and said i needed to apply for recognition of filipino citizenship. I have shown my case to a few lawyers even some casual immigration officer and suggested that i filed for motion for reconsideration since i have a filipino birth certificate. but i went to special bureau inquiry department and they had suggested i applied for recognition of filipino citizenship. I am confused why i have to be recognized as a filipino, dont i fall in the category of dual citizens? i really dont know what to do. I have a 6 yrs old daughter who’s born here, and has no passport yet because she hasnt left the country since birth. If im not recognize as a filipino, then my daughter is not considered as one too? do i have to pay for her overstaying?
Hi bob I’m looking to get my dual citizenship to the Philippines i was born in the U.S in 1982 and my parents were still Philippine citizens… i have all my documents ready except their original Philippine passports and their immigration status at the time of my birth both those documents are no where to be found is there anything else i can hand in to satisfy the Philippine embassy?
What you seem to be saying is that you want to file for dual citizenship under RA9225. However, you are not eligible for dual citizenship under that law. What you are eligible for is dual citizenship based on your birth to a Philippine citizen parent(s). Your parents should have filed a report of birth abroad to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves your area where you were born. If they did so, you should already be a dual citizen. If they did not file the report, as they were required to do, then you will need to file a “late report of birth abroad” at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate serving the area of your birth.
Good luck to you.
hi bob, just a quick question. i have a 9 month old daughter born in the philippines. i got her an australian passport, but we do not have enough time to get her a filipino one before she comes here to australia to visit in 2 weeks. we need to get a ECC for her to leave on her AU passport, will there be any overstay fees because of this? and on her return to the philippines can she come in on her mothers filipino passport? or will she have to use her australian one and only be granted 30 days stay in her own country?
She cannot travel on her mother’s passport. A person is only allowed to travel on their own passport.
Does she have any kind of proof of being a Philippines citizen?
she was born there and has a birth certificate
I am sorry, my friend, but a birth certificate is not proof of citizenship.
If she has a certificate of citizenship or a Philippine passport she can leave the country with no penalties. If she has only a birth certificate and an AU passport there will be significant penalties.
would it be possible to just get an ECC to leave then apply for a Filipino passport when we arrive back in the Philippines? is a certificate of citizenship not given at birth?
Yes, she can get the ecc and leave with the AU passport, but as I Just told you, she will have to pay significant penalties for a long overstay before she will be allowed to leave.
its a crazy system, overstaying in a country you were born in and have never left. do you have any idea of how much the fees would be?
I am sorry, I would have to do research to figure up how much the fees would be, I can do that if you want to pay me, but you can find out just as easily as I could. You can check with the BI, or use Google to search the overstay fees.
If you go and get a Philippine Passport for her, then the fees would be ZERO, it would seem an easy choice.
Good luck.
yeah theres just not enough time. we were given incorrect information on the subject by 2 different BI employees now we are in this situation
Hi Bob,
I am looking for an answer to my question when i came to see your site. I need your help. I had a 22 yrs old son he is a us citizen coz he was board inSaipan and at the same time a us citizen coz both me and his dad is a filipino citizen. When my sons Was 3yrs old we went back to the philipppines my son is holding a us passport when we return to philippined. Now my sister in Law who lives un california wants to get my son to stayi in the us. I would like to us do we need ta pay taxes when his ticket artive’s philippine?
Thanks in advance and i hope tou could rely me thanks!
Hi Erna – Since your son was born to a Filipino mother and father, you need to report his birth to the Philippine Consulate in the area where he was born, then your son can get Dual Citizenship and there would be no penalties or taxes to pay.
Thanks Bob for your help really appreciate it.
Hi Bob, I have been living here in the Philippines for 3 years now, and I never apply for a visa before coming here. I came here when I was 15 y/o now I am 18. I wasn’t aware before. Because my grandma was trying to handle my papers. And never told me anything, but trying to get my dual citizen. Until now we I am still US citizen, I probably have penalty for staying long. Is it true if we accomplish getting my dual citizenship we wouldn’t have to pay the penalty? Pls reply me when you see this, thanks bob!
If you complete your Dual Citizenship all penalties and fines will be waived.
Even if It has already been 3 years me staying here W/o applying for a visa when i arrived in the philippines? Whew.. I thought they would still tell us to pay before I get my dual citizenship. Thanks bob
hi uhm im 16 and currently in the philippines, i was wondering if i am overstatying when i have a dual passport for the philippines and japan. I went to japan four years ago for a vacation for only 3 weeks.
It is not possible to overstay in a country of which you are a citizen. If you have a passport that means that you are a citizen. Be sure to show the passport of the country you are in when you leave, and there should be no overstaying.
Hello Bob,
I think I’ve found the right blog to ask my concern. I am a Filipino citizen for 18 years and I acquired my U.S. citizenship last May 2015 through my dad who is a U.S. citizen at the time of my birth. Now I only have a U.S. passport with me. I went to the immigration last June 10, 2015 to get my exit clearance and my flight was 2 days after. They told me they wouldn’t let me exit the country unless I have to pay a fine of 37k or they gave me a choice of getting a Philippine passport or all my fine will be cleared out. So the day after I filed a Philippine passport and it’s due to be released by the end of July. My concern now is, if ever I have the two passports with me is it going to be sure they are not going to give me a hard time when I leave? Are they going to question me about the dates of the issuance of my passports since I had a U.S. Passport first before the Philippine one? My flight is scheduled on August 14. I am really looking forward to your reply to ease my concerns. Thank you and have a good day!
If you have a Philippine Passport in hand, show it when you are leaving, along with your US Passport. Having that Philippine passport will mean that NO FINES are due. There will be no hassles or problems. They will just waive you through, and you won’t have to pay anything.
When you re-enter the Philippines, again show both of your passports to avoid any future problems.
Thank you so much! I have a last question, do I have to show both my passports when I arrive in U.S. or just my US passport?
Under US law you MUST show your US passport when you enter the USA> there is no need to show any other passport.
Hi Great Blog, I am currently in the same position with my son, he was born 5 years ago in. Brunei and at the time we never reported the birth to the embassy, and was looking for ways out of this to save paying the overstay fees every time I take him back to the UK. On holiday , anyway though I would share what I received from the BI. Today, ( I explained on them the situation and this was the response
” Dear Sir,
Good day. Please be informed that a person born abroad but whose father and/ or mother is a Filipino under the 1935 Constitution or whose father and/or mother is a Filipino under the 1973 and 1987 Constitution may file an application for Recognition as a Filipino Citizen. Once the application is approved, the applicant may stay in the Philippines indefinitely. The applicant shall be deemed a dual citizen if he/she is also considered as a citizen of another country and overstaying fees, if any, shall be deemed waived. For further information on this kindly click the link provided below:
http://immigration.gov.ph/services/citizenship-retention-and-aquisition/recognition-as-filipino-citizen
When application for Recognition as Filipino Citizen is approved, an Identification Certificate is issued. The Identification Certificate can be used to apply for a Philippine passport.
Thank you.
-kaps
Should you have other immigration-related queries, please do not hesitate to call the BI Helpdesk Hotline at (632) 465-2400 and visit our website at http://www.immigration.gov.ph or like us on Facebook: officialbureauofimmigration and follow us on Twitter: immigrationPH.”
I have as Jed them again to confirm that they accept that the birth wasn’t registered and have asked if I need to go to do anything with NSO for this to happen,
Will post the reply when it comes,
Great sites.
Steve
None of this is a surprise. I have given this answer many hundreds of times on this site.
Apologies in reading it stated that in order to obtain the passport we would have to return to his birth place and report the birth at that embassy, I could have done this but would have been a pain, just sharing that this wasn’t necessary if you are already here in the Philippines
Hi bob. I was born and raised in the Philippines. Now I’m 27 and I have just gotten my US citizenship by virtue of Adult Derivative in Feb2015 as my father is an American and my mom is a Filipina. I’m interested in maintaining dual citizenship. Do I have to do anything special or do I just have to present both my US passport and PH passport (that I got long before my US passport) as I leave PH in Sep this year? Thanks in advance
There should be nothing for you to do. Show both passports any time you leave or enter the Philippines.
Hello, I am in the black list here in the Philippines due to over staying when I was a little baby. I was able to enter the country by using my Philippine passport that I applied for because I gave proof that I am a Filipino Citizen as well and they granted me a Filipino passport due to my parents both being Filipino citizens. My request for lifting of my name in the black list is now on going and I am just waiting for results. But due to some things i have to take care of back at my home, I need to return ASAP. is it possible that I am able to exit the Philippines while my name is still in the process of being taken off the blacklist. Thank you in advance and Thank you so much for your time.
As long as you have your Philippine Passport there should be no problem in leaving, or reentering.
Hi bob,
I am a philippine citizen living here in US with a 10 year green card ,my question is i am planning to live again in the philippine maybe after 10 years from now,do i really need to apply for philippine dual citizen?
Thank you,and i’ll wait for your response
Hi Aby – You certainly are not required to. For example, I live in the Philippines and I am not a citizen – I am a US citizen. However, since you are a former citizen, you have the right to dual citizenship, and there is no harm in doing so. I believe you should take advantage of all of your rights and get the dual citizenship. There is no downside to it. If you don’t, it will be somewhat of a hassle to live here.. you will have to get visas, pay fees for your visa each year, etc. But, it is not required, and your decision to make.
Hi bob i just want to ask me and my daughter are here in the philippines for a month im philippine passport and my daughter is american passport she has no visa and i dont know how long she can stay here. Thanks
When you entered the Philippines with your daughter, something had to be stamped in her passport. Either a Visa Waiver Stamp, or a Balikbayan Stamp.
If a Visa Waiver was stamped then she can stay free for 30 days, and by paying extension fees her stay can extend for up to 36 months.
If a Balikbayan Stamp was put in her passport then she can stay for free for 12 months, and then it can be converted to tourist and she can stay an additional 36 months as outlined above.
Hi Bob,
My son was born here in the Philippines and acquired US citizenship thru his dad. He has US passport, Social Security #, CRBA and NSO Certified birth certificate. My question is, should he decide to leave the country in the future, does he need to get permit (or any related docs) to travel? is he classified as an alien or as a Filipino citizen? thanks.
Hello Adell – If your son has also has a Philippine Passport, then he will not need any permit or anything when leaving the Philippines, and also will not be required to pay fines for overstaying. He will not be classified as an Alien when he returns. If he has no Philippine Passport, a Certificate of Dual Citizenship will also serve this purpose. If he does not have either document, then he will face these problems, unless you get one of the said documents.
Thank you for the info Bob. So my next question now is which passport do we use when leaving Phils. and/or when leaving US?
At Philippines when coming or going show both. In the USA you only need to show the US passport.
Hello Bob. I have 2 inquiries for myself and for my recently born daughter.
1) I was born in the US (1982) and my parents were still Filipino citizens. How would I go about getting dual citizenship by birth. Can I do it in the Philippines or does it have to be done in US?
2) My daughter was born in the Philippines less than a month ago, and her mother is a Filipino citizen. I assume getting her Filipino passport would be relatively easy, but for her US passport and citizenship, it becomes a bit more complicated (not married, and father (me) is US citizen. Do you recommend getting one passport/citizenship prior to the other to make things easier? Or is it the same thing?
Do you have consolidated lists for both situations? I’m starting to read up on both situations and it’s pretty overwhelming.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Omar,
1) To get your Philippine Citizenship you need to file a report of birth abroad at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that serves the area where you were born.
2) For your daughter, her mother should go to the DFA and apply for a Philippine passport. You should go to the US Embassy and recognize her as your daughter, they will likely do a DNA test, then file a CRBA and apply for her passport. It is easy, not complicated.
Hi Bob,
My son was born in the US. I reported his birth in Philippine Consulate in California and applied for Philippine passport.
My son went home to Manila last year using his US passport (was stamped 1 yr to legally stay, we didn’t worry about the length of stay due he has a Philippine Passport).
Now we need to travel in 4 days back to the US, We just realized that my sons Philippine passport is missing. As we don’t have time to apply for a new PHP passport, are we going to have problem leaving the Philippines and show only a report of birth.
Thanks.
You say that your some went to the Philippines “last year” is that more or less than 12 months ago? You say he was given a 1 year stay. If he has been here less than a year, he can leave with no problems. If he has been here for more than 12 months he will have fines to pay.
The fines can be avoided if he can find his Philippine Passport or a certificate of recognition of Philippine citizenship and shows that at the airport when he is leaving.
Hi bob!
I just have a question:
1) im a US citizen thru naturalization (i was born in the philippines). My husband is a filipino citizen.
But my husband and i wants to reside in the philippines. But our concern is the future of our kids.. we want them to have a choice later in life.
Im planning to have dual citizenship (but i also have my US and Phil passport)
We dont have any kids yet. But were planning to have one. And if i have the baby born in the phil. While im in dual citizenship would there be any problem.. How can the baby acquire the US passport? And Phil passport? Do they do it in US embassy in phil? And DFA?
Will the child be able to retain dual citizenship even after 18 years of age?
Will the child status will also be affected or be changed if i myself as dual citizen will no longer go back to the US and just live with my husband in the phil?
Would really really appreciate your reply
If you are a dual citizen, any future children will be able to be citizens of both the Philippines and the USA. It does not matter where you live when they are born, they will still have the right to each citizenship. They will be able to be dual citizens for the rest of their lives.
Hi Bob, I hope you can enlighten me on this, my daughter has a British passport, I am Filipino and my husband British, my daughter got her cert of recognition when she’s 4 yrs old in 1996. She’s 22 yrs old now. We went to hongkong in 2002 and during that time was asked an exit visa, sorry for the long intro but my question is, my daughter is going on holiday this month, will she still need an exit visa and will she still need to get a cert of affirmation? Thanks so much for your help in advance from Connie
You said that your daughter got a certificate of recognition of Philippine Citizenship in 1996, I assume she still has that certificate? If so, she should bring that certificate with her when she travels. An exit visa is officially called an ECC (Exit Clearance Certificate). She does not need to go to the BI and obtain an ECC before leaving. Since she has that Certificate of Recognition, all she needs to do is pay the ECC fee at the airport, it is very easy. When she is at the airport to leave and also on her return make sure she shows her British Passport and also her Citizenship Certificate from the Philippines.
Hi Bob many thanks for your reply, just a follow up, do I still need to get a cert of affirmation? I really have no idea about this, thanks Bob
You already got the certificate, she still has it, right? If not, I guess you need to get one, but I don’t think they will give you a second copy.
Many thanks Bob I appreciate your help,you’vebeen most helpful.
Hello Bob,
My son is a U. S. citizen born in Hawaii. He is 31 yrs. old. He’s Dad is also a U. S,. Citizen , retired, currently living in the Philippines. My son wanted to live with his Dad to pursue his Education in the Medical Field of which he plan to take a course in Physical Therapy. I don’t the duration of the course or how long it would take for him to finish. He has a U. S. Passport. Does he need to go to the Philippine Consulate and apply for dual citizen? Pls. reply. Thank you.
Jane
Hi Jane – I don’t know if your son is eligible to be a dual citizen or not. You did not tell me anything about yourself. If you are a Philippine citizen, then your son can be as well. He would not be required to be a dual citizen to study here, but it would be easiest and best, in my view.
HELLO BOB JUST A QUESTION FOR U I ARRIVED IN PHILIPPINES IN SEPT 2011 I BEEN HERE SINCE THEN SO AS OF TODAY IT IS 4 YEARS AND 1 MONTH. I plan to pay on JAN 6TH , and pay off all over stay fines and any other charges i figure its gonna cost me @ 125000 to pay off all my fines and fees my question to you is after i pay off all the fines and fees will i be off the blacklist and be able to come back in 6 months the reason i stayed so long is i live with my gf and her grandma her grandma is sick and i get disability From USA so im sort of the one paying for all things we live on ,plus im paying as i help to build a new house . MY ONLY CONCERN IS IF I GO THERE WITH MONEY READY TO PAY AND A TICKET SHOWING IM LEAVING WITH IN 15 DAYS WILL I BE DEPORTED OR BE HELD TILL MY FLIGHT ?? AND ALSO WILL I BE ALLOWED TO RETURN IN 6 MONTHS ??? AS I STATED B4 I WILL PAY OFF ALL FINES AND FEES PLZ HELP I JUST DNT WANT TO BE DEPORTED OR BLACKLISTED !!
I am sorry for the bad news, but the policy of the Bureau of Immigration is that if you overstay for more than 12 months you will be deported and blacklisted.
Good day! I am a filipina married to an american guy and staying here in the Philippines with two u.s passport kids holder however my husband don’t want me to go in the u.s.a and doesn’t support my kids. So basically I want my kids to have dual citezenship so I can avoid fee’s from philippine immigration. Is it possible to apply a dual citezenship here at the Philippines because I don’t have the capacity to pay fees and exit them monthly. And I don’t want them to give up the u.s citezenship. Thank you in advanced
From everything you told me, your kids are already dual citizens. They have US Passports, which makes them US citizens. Since you are the mother, and I presume that you are a Philippine Citizen, then your kids are also Philippine Citizens.
Hi Mr bob. My U S citizen friend went back to the philippines in September 2014 & plan to return here in the US this Oct 2015. My question is , is he going to be penalize since he stayed in the Phil for a year & a month? What is he going to do? Please advice . Thanks
If he did not extend his visa during his stay then he will be fined. If his overstay is more than 12 months then he will both be fined and blacklisted, he will not be allowed to come back into the Philippines again.
If he does not pay the fines he will have to stay in jail until the fines are paid.
hi Bob,
if have phils and US passport they need to get visa to exit the phils or only show both passport to immigration.
i need response…
Show both passports
That is your reply.
I have a dual citizenship with UK and Philippines, Im originally from Philippines and my boyfriend and I are planning to marry soon. Would I still have my UK citizenship if we get married?
Marriage has no effect on citizenship, so yes, you would still have your UK citizenship.
How he be eligible to get a dual citizenship if we plan to move to uk?
hi sir ,bob i just want to know if my son can go there in korea and if he can get dual citizenship my son born her in philippines..and im not married to his father it is possible that my son can go to korea he now 7th month old..
I am sorry, I don’t know anything about your son, and you really did not give me any information about him. I suppose that anything is possible.
Hello
I just have a question I am single mother of my 2 and a half year old daughter. I can’t seem to figure out her child care here in Canada. She is a Canadian citizen since she was born here and well I am also a Canadian citizen however I was born in the Philippines before I moved to canada. My question was if I were to bring my daughter to the Philippines in the care of my relatives and family how long is she able to stay in the Philippines for and would she require a visa or a dual citizenship. It is hard for me to find someone I can trust to look after here here in Canada. And I have been meaning to go back go work and finishing up my school.
Thanks
Hi, my friend, who is filipino gave birth in australia but failed to report the fact of birth in the consulate/embassy of the phils..they went hom here in the phils w/o accomplishing such report..how then will they register the child in the phils so she cn be filipino citizen? Thanks
Registration must be done at the consulate or embassy in the country where the birth took place.
Hi bob,
Been reading the post here and teaches me alot. But i hope you can help me with my daughter issues. I have a daughter from a us soldier whom i met back in korea. We got married there and since he needs to back to usa and we havent fix my us visa, me and my daughter (she acquired us citizenship due of CRBA) went here in php to my parents home. but after a year we was here, my husband abandoned me and my daughter. My daughter is now 9yrs old and her us passport already expired. I got her dual citizenship here so it was ok. But i just want to ask if she can still renew her u.s. Passport when she reach 16? Coz right now, we cant do it since her father is nowere to be found. Hope u can give me answer soon. Thank you.
She can renew her US Passport any time in her life whether she is 16, 46 or 86 it does not matter. Good luck.
Thanks bob for the fast reply! You are a good guy helping others! More blessing for you bob! Thanks again.
Hi there,
I have questions I am half Austrian and half Filipino. I was born in Manila in 1978. I understand that I got my Austrian passport and just recently got my Filipino passport so have both. My mom was a Filipino at that time I was born and changed her passport later on to Austria. I am in the process of trying to get a bank loan in the Philippines for property and have had my birth certificate from the NGO done aswell. Am I entitled to dual citizenship as the bank keeps asking me for the oath of allegiance but the consulate that granted me the Filipino passport says I am automatically dual citizen so was wondering if you had some information on this although it is not based really for American citizen? They mentioned that people born in Manila before 1978 are granted automatically dual citizenship. I am going to double check with the consulate in Hong Kong as that is where my passport is based but I would like to just gather some information. Thanks
You are a dual citizen by birth, so you would not have an oath of allegiance or a certificate of dual citizenship, because you were automatically a dual citizen by birth.
Yeah that is what the consulate has kept saying aswell but the bank wants proof although my passports were submitted. But I don’t recall giving my birth certificate to be sent in. If I were to submit that in as it shows my mom was a Filipino at that time and I just asked her before she changed to an Austrian passport. Would this be proof that I am dual citizenship by birth right? Bank is being a little picky so I am happy to comply but just want to have the right things to make sure they understand it correctly. Thanks again
I am sorry, truth is that the bank does not know what they are talking about. What they are asking you for is a document for those who become a dual citizen under the Philippine Dual Citizen law. Since you became a Dual Citizen by birth, you have no such document and cannot get any such document. It is the bank who is making a mistake here… unfortunately, I have no control or suggestion of how to fix the fact that the bank does not know what they are talking about. I do wish you good luck, though.
Yeah that’s what we thought to. I think my birth certificate might be the answer. Thank you for clarifying that I am dual citizen. This is what I wanted to make sure as I started to worry that I wasn’t after they kept asking me for this.
Thanks again
Hello Sir,
My dad is an naturalized american citizen and since I’m under 18 I became an American citizen too. I’m planning to go back to Philippines to finish my studies. My parents are planning to go back there and as soon as I go back I will be applying dual citizenship. Can I apply dual citizen in the Philippines or here in the us? and how long can I stay there in the Philippines?
Hi Kathy – You can apply in either location. I find it is a bit cheaper and much faster if you apply in the USA.
Once you are a dual citizen you can stay as long as you want in the Philippines – even forever.
If ever I have my dual citizenship, Can I still use my old passport?
Should not be a problem, as long as it is still current.
If I enter Philippines which passport should I use? The American or the Philippine one? but I’m still not dual citizen.
If you are a dual citizen, show both passports when you enter the Philippines.
If you are not currently a Philippine Citizen, you cannot legally use your Philippine Passport.. if you do you will be committing Immigration Fraud.
As soon as I go back there should I apply dual citizenship asap? because how long can I stay there if I don’t have dual citizenship and also if you are a green card holder. How long can you stay in the Philippines?
Hi Bob, My friend arrive in cebu, philippines last October 26 and get hold by the police airport and fly back to his country last october 27. All because of what happened 20yrs ago that he didn’t know, they say his visa 20yrs ago is expired and overstaying and his dad didn’t pay it, his dad is black list. His dad was an Australian citizen and his mom is a Philippine citizen and he registered as an Australian citizen. His mom bring him in manila,philippines when he was 2yrs old and stayed until his 9yrs of age. At the age of 9 his dad bring him again to australia. Now that his 28 he want to visit his mother in manila, book a ticket from Australia to cebu because he also have a friend to meet there but get hold at the airport. He want to fix his papers, may I know what would be the steps to do to fix it? Thank you.. I’m maya 🙂
To be honest, that all sounds rather strange. What I recommend is that he hire a Philippine Immigration Attorney and let the Attorney handle it. That is probably the best thing he can do to try to fix this.
hello sir, i’m a US citizen who was born here in the philippines (my father is a us citizen and my mother is a filipino citizen) i have my consular report of birth abroad and a us passport with me. i’m planning to move to US next year and my question is, if i’m a US citizen born here in the philippines, do i need to apply for a recognition as a filipino citizen or could i just use a philippine passport together with my US passport when i leave this country? is the philippine passport enough even without the recognition as filipino citizen? i just need to make sure so that i won’t have any problems on the immigration when i leave this country. thank you!
If you have a US and a Philippine passport you are good to go! No need to get anything else.
Hi sir bob,l want to ask now my baby is korean citizen and lm planning to go philippines with him.what passport should l use for him is it a korean passport or phil.passport?
You should show both passport when entering or exiting the Philippines
Hi Bob! I am a dual citizen (US and Philippines) and I have a US passport and identification certificate for the Philippines. I don’t have a Philippine passport. I’m planning on travelling to South Korea soon for 5 days and I’m just wondering if I can use my identification certificate in entering and exiting the Philippines, and my US passport in entering and exiting South Korea. Would that be okay? I want to avoid expenses on applying for a passport and a travel visa for South Korea.
Thanks!
Hi Katrina – This is the 2nd time you asked the question in the past hour or so, I replied to your email already.
You should show your US Passport and your Philippine Citizenship certificate when you exit or enter the Philippines. If you do that everything will be fine.
Hello Bob! I’m going to ask you some questions. It might be long, so… please bare with me!
I’m born Korea (2000), and my mom is from Philippines, that applied to be a Korean citizen in 2003. I arrived here in Philippines in 2007 using a Korean Passport, with my mother. As a mistake, I’ve overstayed for too long, the Immigration says. But the thing is, I have a NSO birth certificate and the Korean birth certificate. And last time I visited the Immigration that I have to pay the fee or I could apply for the dual citizenship so I wouldn’t pay such a price. But the Philippine Embassy said that, I’m an automatically dual citizen due to having both Philippine and Korean birth certificate, and I just have to apply and renew my old Philippine passport. (My mother didn’t used my old Philippine passport, I guess.) So I renewed my Philippine passport this September. Now, can I leave Philippines using both of my passports? Do I need to apply VISA for my Philippine passport? as for my Korean passport too? And what can I do to leave Philippines this December? Lastly, do I need to visit the Bureau of Immigration and Korean embassy?
And also, my mom and my sister already applied for dual citizenship last June.
Hi Bob, I hope I can get an answer with you right away.. I really need your help. I have a daughter, 21 days old, who is born here in the US. And I’m planning to bring her there to my sister in the Philippines and let her stay there until she finish the college. My question is, if i will bring her to the Philippines next year January, what documents I needed to file? And does she need to apply for a dual citizen if she’s in Philippines? Pls help me answer my question. Fyi, I’m only a green holder not a US citizen yet. But my husband is a US citizen. I hope I could hear you very soon. Thank you!
Hi Ailleen – Just go to the Philippine Consulate that serves the area where your child was born. File a “report of birth abroad” and after that is completed, you can get your child’s citizenship recognized, and your child will immediately be a dual citizen.
Good luck.
Hi Bob,
Hoping to get a response on my question.
My parents are both Naturalized US Citizen, I was born in Guam making me an American Citizen.
Less than a year old my dad died so my mom decided to move back in the Philippines but she never filed anything for my stay and now I’m 26 years old still living in the Philippines as an alien.
I will be renewing my US Passport soon (for the first time since its was issued) and I hope to go to the US next year, from my understanding I can file for a Dual Citizen even if my parents are Naturalized US Citizen right? if I can, can I file it here or do I need to go to Guam and file it from the Philippine Embassy from there (like what I read from a your previous response from a reader born in Saipan – sorry I’m a bit confused).
In short I’m trying to see if I can get the penalties for my overstaying here waived before I leave (20+ years worth of penalties).
Kind regards,
Lia
If your parents naturalized after your birth you can file for Philippine citizenship. However, if they became US citizens before you were born, then you have no right to become a Philippine citizen.
Denny,
My wife and I have recently done what you are doing. I will say it is very important to get her Philippine citizenship legalized again thru the government asap, IF you are both planning to come live here as my wife and I have done.
It costs $50 at the consulate in the U.S. and takes maybe 30 minutes. Do it in the U.S. as doing anything here is a serious pain in the butt!
My wife has needed proof of that numerous times for government applications requesting anything. Once you do that in the U.S. the paperwork is sent to the Philippines, and processed in their NSO. National Statistics Office. This can take up to nine months before you can get the official NSO record, which is what sdhe will need to get a new passport from the Philippines. It will have her name change, and that is what they need.
Opening a bank account? She’ll need that. Id’s too. You’d think a new passport would be enough, but they require so many various proofs of her identity it’s crazy.
Bottom line. I would do it soon because you never know when life brings a change your way. If we had not done it in advance, we might still be waiting for things years later.
Oh… Also register your marriage abroafd if you haven’t done so already. Same issues of proof documentation from the NSO.
HOPE THIS HELPS!
Hi Bob,
This is amazing that i can find this kind of blog while iam really confused alot.
I have a question for my daughter, at this moment she is indonesian, but the father was filipino and iam indonesian. she was born in Indonesia. After 3 months age, we ( me the mother and her) flew to philippines to get some medication for her since she having a problem with her heart and we think we can find cheapest doctor too here. After we arrived here in philippine, we had a problem with the visa of us. we couldnt afford to pay the extention fee of two of us since its a huge og money for two. But right now iam already legal in philippines since i can found a company want to take care of my status in philippine. the only problem with me now is only my daughter, she is still illegal because of the overstay for 3 years. after that we seeking a help from the agencies and attornies, and the only thing they always suggested to us is to file a recognition for my daughter to be a dual citizen as a filipino for her penalties to be waived by the BOI. is it true? and if its yes, would her indonesian passport be retain even she recognize as a filipino already?? as i dont want her indonesian passport would have a problem with it and would they stamp it free of penalties in her indonesian passport when she exit from filippines?
Looking forward for your advice and thank you very much bob 🙂
Yes. You should file for recognition ad a Philippine citizen. It will have no effect on her Indonesian citizenship. Her Indonesian passport will not be taken or affected in any way.
hi bob will they also clear her indonesian passport from the record of overstaying when she will exit the philippines? or they will just leave it blank without any exit stamp on it since she never extend her visa since the beginning of her stay here in philippines.
Again thank you and appreciate the answer.
When leaving or entering the country (PH) she should show both passports, or the Indonesian passport and the certificate of PH recognition. That proves that she is a citizen, and a citizen cannot overstay. You don’t have any worries for your daughter, if you just get the recognition.
Hi Bob,
I was in the US Navy for over 30 years, and I’am now retired. Since being in the military you cannot be a dual citizen, ( at least back in my day. Now I think they’re a little more easy on people, but not too sure) I had to give up my Philippine citizenship and become only a US citizen. Since then I married my wife who is Mexican and had many children 5 to be exact. My youngest is 23 year old, he now wants to move to the Philippines to enjoy and experience life there, and I’am all for it. Luckily I get the BB stamp when I come in, he does also. He is there right now in Manila living on a BB stamp. But I know that Since I’m no longer a Phil citizen, and he wasn’t born when I was one. He cannot be a citizen. I am planning on becoming a citizen again, and hopefully somehow getting a permanent resident visa for him ( or anything more permanent for that matter) Do you think they would be more willing to give him something like that since he is at least a child of a citizen? We aren’t looking for citizenship for him I mean that would be nice, but not realistic. Sorry for the long back story, I just thought it would be helpful. Thank and have a good day.
Hi Ricky – Given the circumstances, I don’t see any way of him getting a permanent visa unless he marries a Filipina and then applies for a 13A resident visa. Because of his age, even if you were to claim dual citizenship he would not be eligible (he could get it if he were under 18).
Hi !
i have a son born in United States . He has an American passport and a Philippine birth certificate to prove his a dual citizen.
Last year we traveled to Philippines using his American passport. When we arrived here in Philippines we presented his American passport and Philippine birth certificate since we haven’t applied for Philippine passport. But the officer didn’t accept the birth certificate to prove his a Philippine citizen . So he stamped on his American passport that he can stay for a year. Does that mean he needs to go out of the country again after a year even though his a Philippine citizen?
I’m sorry, your child is not a Philippine citizen, he is United States citizen. Having a Philippine birth certificate does not mean he’s a citizen, even if he was born in the Philippines he could not be a citizen. But, since you I believe are Filipino, he is eligible to be a dual citizen. You need to file a report of birth abroad with the Philippine Embassy or consulate nearest you in the United States the place where you live. After that you will go through a process to establish his dual citizenship. Good luck to you.
We actually did the report of birth thing in new York Philippine consulate . The lady there said thats all we need to do then we can apply for a Philippine passport. But we weren’t able to apply for passport.
I would recommend getting the passport as soon as you can, to avoid any future problems.
Thank you so much ! God bless you ?
Hi zen! How long did u get a response from new york phil consulate after sending docs via mail for applying report of birth? Looking forward for ur answer
Because the Philippines issue citizenship based on the principle of jus sanguis, not jus soli.
Little, I’m sorry but I know the way things work in the Philippines that is incorrect. What a crba is filed to report the citizenship of the child born abroad, the Philippines then recognizes that the person in the United States citizen and no longer a Philippine citizen. I know that’s not the common way things work, but that is how they work in the Philippines. Okay, enough said, I won’t be following up on this anymore, because I know that what I have said is correct. I’ve dealt with hundreds of cases like this. I wish you luck.
You said he came to the Philippines when he was 12 years old, but I have no idea how old he is now. For example, if he’s 13 years old now, well, he really doesn’t have any problems. Then again, if he’s 25 years old now, well he has serious problems. Why doesn’t he just file for dual citizenship and the problems will all go away then?
After a month we received the report of birth already
Give them a call . Ask them if they received it
Did they say why you couldn’t apply for a passport? I was able to get my delayed report of birth then the passport
Hi Bob, why do you say the child is not a Philippine citizen when the parents are and the child has a Philippine Birth Certificate?
Yes, but the parent being a Philippine Citizen, making the child a Philippine citizen by blood, correct?
Hi Bob. Thank you for posting this. My boyfriend came in the Philippines when he was just 12. He has Filipino parents but was not able to apply for dual citizenship since then. He was born Dec 29, 1987. What are the possible problems/fees that this may incur him?
Hi Bob! I just wanna know how long does it take filing a report of birth by mail? We submitted docs 2 months ago to chicago philippine consulate and we haven’t received anything yet.. How will I know if d application approved or denied?
Hi Bob! Thanks for the information. I have a question regarding my husband who is a US citizen born in the Philippines and wanting to apply for dual citizenship. I think he is eligible for RA9225? He father was in the US Navy (possibly filipino at the time of my husband’s birth as stated on my husband’s birth certificate) and mother was clearly filipina. When he went to BOI in Manila with all the paperwork including his notarized birth certificate, naturalization papers and complete application, the authorities questioned his dad’s citizenship as US since he was in the US Navy. At the time, you could be filipino and enlist in the US Navy. The BOI is requesting his dad’s naturalization papers which would be impossible to locate. Do you know if if has to be both parents that are filipino citizens at the time of my husband’s birth or can it be either the mother or father? Possibly you know the answer if you experienced this. Thanks for your time into my inquiry!
Hi Maria. I would be happy to help with your questions, but only on a paid consultancy basis. If you are interested, just send me a private message by the contact form (link at top of page) and we can discuss the rates. Take care.
My wife, Filipino, applied here is states. Was approved in 5 days. Oath taking at Consulate within 2 weeks. Be careful on forms. Some forms needed to be NSO, others PSA. Watch instructions carefully. Also will help with getting Philippine passport if all material can br scanned. Spouse had birth certificate hand written, we are old, and it was not scanable. She will get passport when we return next year. Cost only $50.00 as no young kids. Easy process.
Exactly.
Bob, children born to foreigner CANNOT get Philippine citizenship. EVER.
You should brush up a bit. All 3 of my children are Dual Citizens. Philippines and USA. They have Dual Citizen Certificates to prove it. LoL
Hi Bob, my American born niece has been living in the Philippines for 19 years now. She is currently in the process of applying for dual citizenship. Once her dual citizenship is approved, will she still have to pay fees for over staying? Thank you
If she successfully obtains dual citizenship then she will owe nothing.
Hello Bob, I’m in the process of applying for a dual citizenship. I was wondering how long the process was for you? I am currently in Visayas and unfortunately the Bureau of Immigration here is not helpful, they said I need to apply at the main office and they don’t have any idea how long it’ll take. Since I have to travel to Manila, I need to plan how many days to stay and how long the process will take. Thank you.
I don’t think you will want to plan to stay in vanilla until the process is complete. Just go and apply and then go home. For my wife it took about one year to complete the process.
Hi bob,how long can you stay here in the ph once you have a dual citizenship?as ive read,so its much btter to apply for a dual citizenship in the Us?tnk u
Hello Khei. Once you are a dual citizen you can stay as long as you want… for the rest of your life, or whatever time you choose. You are right, if you apply at the Philippine Embassy or a Consulate in the USA it is much faster and easier to do.
Hi Bob, got a couple questions. I just received my dual citizenship however my children are 18, 23. Is there still a way they can become dual citizens of US and PI? We have lots of generational lands in the Philippines and I would like to keep it in the family as long as possible. Is forming a blind land trust while a dual citizen a possibility if dual citizenship for my children is not? Thank you.
Best thing you could have done regarding dual citizenship for your kids would have been to include them on your dual citizenship application, but it is too late for that now. With the limited information that you gave me, it is hard to say, but it is likely that your kids could now apply for dual citizenship on their own.
Regarding the blind land trust, I am sorry, but that is outside my area of expertise, I can’t help you on that.
Hi Bob I lived in the Philippines 4 approximately 14 years from 2002 until 2016 I was there on a quota visa. I married had two children in the Philippines. Then return to the UK my question is now that I’ve been out of the country for some 3 years is my Section 13 visa still valid it says on the ACR card which has expired permanent resident. Regards Mike
hi Mike, no, your Visa is no longer valid. After a. Of one year of absence from the country, the section 13 Visa is not good any longer.
Hi Bob, my mom holds dual citizenship. However, her names are different on both passports because she divorced my dad (whom she married in the Philippines) to get married in USA. The Philippine passport shows her married name with my dad. How does she go about entering Philippines or using both passports?
Sorry to say, but she will not be able to change that, because the Philippines does not recognize divorce. if your father had divorced her, she could change it, but because she filed for divorce, the Philippines will not recognize that.
hi i would like to ask advice of becoming a dual citizenship i am currently a us citizen thru naturalization i am living here in the ph for almost 10yrs. i would like to apply for dual citizenship so i dont have to pay for my overstaying penalties fee bur my concern is i will be marrying my gf in the ph if i apply for dual and sucessfully be accepted will i have a problem in bringing her in the us since i am already a dual citizen (if i will get accepted ) or i can still easily bring her to us ? thank you so much
Becoming a dual citizen would have no effect on bringing your wife over to the United States.
hi bob,
my concern is, i am a dual citizen with both a u.s. and a philippine passport, but i entered the philippines only using my u.s. passport and did not show my philippine passort. i have already overstayed a year, and i am on my way back to the u.s. am i in trouble for not showing them my philippine passport amd not letting them know i am a dual cotizen? is there something i have to do first, before i fly back to the u.s. ?
thanks bob . . . .
I understand everything you told me, this is already the second time you’ve told me the same thing. I answered very clearly, you will have no problems if you show both passports. I can’t say it any simpler than that.
Hi. How long does it take to process dual citizenship in the Philippines for natural born Filipinos who acquired US Citizenship considering the person already have all of the necessary requirements? I guess my question is how long will one get an oath taking schedule after passing all the requirements? My auntie is staying only until December 27 of this year to do that.
The amount of time varies. I’m sorry I cannot answer because it depends on so many things. For example, in my wife’s case, it took more than one year to process dual citizenship in the Philippines. I have also heard of cases where it only took a month or so. That’s the best information I can provide you. Good luck.
Hi how long does it take to apply for dual citizenship in the philippines?
It doesn’t take long to apply, just an hour or so. as for getting it approved, I’ve heard of it taking anywhere from two weeks to one year.