Recognition as Filipino Citizen

For individuals born abroad to Filipino parents

Recognition as a Filipino citizen is a formal legal process in the Philippines that allows individuals born abroad to Filipino parents to be officially acknowledged as natural-born Filipino citizens under Philippine law. This procedure is handled by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and is based on the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood).

Under Article IV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, individuals who can prove that at least one parent was a Filipino citizen at the time of their birth may apply for Recognition, even if they were born overseas and hold a foreign passport.

Key Benefits of Recognition as Filipino Citizen

Full recognition as a natural-born Filipino under Philippine law

No need for a visa to stay or live in the Philippines indefinitely

Ability to own land and property, which is restricted to Filipino citizens

Eligibility to work or start a business without special permits

Access to government benefits, including PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG

Option to retain dual citizenship (Philippine and foreign)

Easier path to obtaining a Philippine passport

Eligibility Criteria

Basic qualifications for Recognition as Filipino Citizen:

Individuals born outside the Philippines
At least one parent was a Filipino citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth
Must provide proof of lineage, such as a parent’s birth certificate, Philippine passport, or Certificate of Recognition
May hold another nationality or passport (dual citizens are eligible)

Application Process

At C&G, we make your Recognition as Filipino Citizen application easy and hassle-free. Here's how we guide you every step of the way:

STEP 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.

STEP 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.

STEP 3

Filing and Representation

We handle the submission of your Recognition 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.

STEP 4

Bureau Liaison and Updates

We regularly follow up on your application, address any additional requirements, and keep you updated throughout the process.

STEP 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.

STEP 6

Issuance of Certificate of Recognition

Once approved, we secure your Certificate of Recognition as a Filipino Citizen and provide guidance on your next steps as a recognized Filipino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about the Recognition as Filipino Citizen process: