Full restoration of Philippine citizenship rights
Visas & immigration
Dual Citizenship (RA 9225)
For Filipinos re-acquiring their Philippine Citizenship
Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, allows natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country to reacquire or retain their Philippine citizenship without renouncing their foreign nationality.
About the visa
Key Benefits
This law recognizes the right of former Filipinos to enjoy dual citizenship—meaning they can be citizens of both the Philippines and another country (such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, etc.)—and restore all rights, privileges, and obligations under Philippine law.
Own land and property in the Philippines (which foreigners are otherwise restricted from)
Reside permanently in the Philippines without needing a visa
Eligible to work, start a business, or retire legally
Vote in Philippine elections
Sponsor foreign spouse and children for long-term visas
Eligible for Philippine passport issuance and renewal
Enjoy government services such as PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and SSS
Who can apply
Eligibility Criteria
Basic qualifications for Dual Citizenship (RA 9225):
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✓
Were born in the Philippines or to at least one Filipino parent
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✓
Were a natural-born Filipino before acquiring foreign citizenship
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✓
Have since become a naturalized citizen of another country
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✓
Are at least 18 years old (minors may be included as derivative beneficiaries)
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✓
Have no pending criminal or derogatory records in the Philippines
How it works
Application Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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1
Eligibility Assessment
We start with a comprehensive review of your background and documents to confirm your eligibility for Recognition under Philippine law. This includes verifying your parent’s citizenship at the time of your birth. -
2
Document Preparation and Review - Our team assists you in gathering and organizing all required documents. We ensure everything is properly formatted and compliant with Bureau of Immigration requirements.
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3
Filing and Representation
We handle the submission of your petition directly with the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. If you are abroad or outside Metro Manila, we coordinate all filings and communicate with the BI on your behalf. -
4
Bureau Liaison and Updates
We regularly follow up on your application, address any additional requirements, and keep you updated throughout the process. -
5
Interview & Appearance Support
Should a personal appearance be required, we guide you through the interview or biometric process and provide onsite support if needed. -
6
Issuance of Identification and Certificates - After approval, we assist with: Certificate of Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship, Application for a Philippine passport and Enrollment in PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and other government services.
FAQs
Questions?
No. The Philippines allows for dual citizenship, so you may retain your current nationality while being recognized as a Filipino citizen—unless the laws of your current country require renunciation.
Yes. Recognition is for individuals who were natural-born Filipinos by blood but were born abroad and never formally declared citizenship. RA 9225 (Dual Citizenship Law) is for former Filipinos who renounced their citizenship and wish to reacquire it.
Yes. A personal appearance is required for taking the Oath of Allegiance—this may be done at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines or at the Philippine Consulate/Embassy abroad.
Yes. Only natural-born Filipinos (those who were citizens at birth without having to perform any act) are eligible under RA 9225. Naturalized Filipinos are not eligible to reacquire citizenship through this law.
Application assistance
If you’d like help with the process.
C&G can prepare the documents, coordinate the application and keep you informed from onboarding through completion.
Itemized quoteProfessional and government fees are shown separately.
Dedicated contactA communications manager keeps you updated.
Online paymentEvery C&G invoice can be paid securely online.
In-person supportWe meet you at government appointments when required.
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