Dual citizenship offers numerous advantages, including the ability to hold passports from two different countries. For dual citizens in the Philippines, obtaining a passport from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) involves specific requirements and procedures. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the DFA passport requirements for dual citizens.
Understanding Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship means that an individual is a citizen of two countries simultaneously. This status allows for greater flexibility in travel, work, and residency. However, it also comes with the responsibility of adhering to the legal requirements of both countries. For Filipino dual citizens, one of these responsibilities is ensuring that they have the appropriate documentation, including a valid Philippine passport.
Why Dual Citizens Need a DFA Passport
Having a DFA-issued Philippine passport is crucial for dual citizens for several reasons:
- Travel Flexibility: A Philippine passport allows dual citizens to enter and exit the Philippines without the need for a visa.
- Legal Documentation: It serves as proof of identity and citizenship, essential for legal and administrative purposes.
- Access to Services: A Philippine passport grants access to various government services and benefits exclusive to Filipino citizens.
DFA Passport Requirements of Dual Citizens
DFA Passport Requirements to obtain dual citizenship in the philippines, the Department of Foreign Affair (DFA) requires several criteria to be met:
- Proof of Philippine citizenship: You must have a Filipino citizen by birth or naturalization.
- Proof of Foreign citizenship: You must also provide evidence of your citizenship in other country.
- Supporting documents: These may include your birth certificate, passport, and any other relevant identification or legal documents.
- Oath of Allegiance: You may be required to swear allegiance to the Philippines and renounce allegiance to any other country.
- Compliance with Philippine law: You must adhere to the laws and regulations of the Philippines, including tax obligations and other legal requirements.
- Application process: You will need to complete and submit the necessary forms and pay any applicable fees to the DFA or Philippine embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Approval: Once your application is processed and approved, you will be granted dual citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the rights and privileges of both Filipino and foreign citizenship.
How To Apply for Dual Citizenship in Philippines
Those who have become US citizens by naturalization can maintain their Philippines citizenship under the Dual Citizenship Law by completing an online application form and submitting a few supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, under the Dual Citizenship Law.
Applying for dual citizenship in the Philippines involves a lot of paperwork and swearing an oath of loyalty. In the end, though, it may be worth your time and effort to complete the process because you will be able to enjoy your full civil, economic, and political rights. The country’s breathtaking beaches, delicious foods, and affordable costs of living make it a great place to live indefinitely.
Who Can Apply For Dual Citizenship In The Philippines?
Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 (also known as Dual Citizenship Law) stipulates that naturalized Filipino citizens can re-acquire or retain their Philippine citizenship and, therefore, have dual citizenship with their foreign citizenship.
A dual citizenship application is also available for unmarried children under the age of 18 (whether they are considered legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted) so long as they are included in their parents’ application to retain or regain Philippine citizenship.
Dual Citizenship By Birth:
- Those born in the US on or after January 1973 to either one or two Filipino citizens will be considered both American and Filipino citizens at birth.
- It is only necessary for you to notify the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate of your birth in this case.
What Supporting Documents Are Required For Dual Citizenship In The Philippines?
You’ll need to submit your birth certificate, your nationalizations certificate, and your identical photos in addition to completing an online application form and printing it out. For more information about the online application form visit the website .
Here’s the list of supporting documents required:
- Application form printed from an online application
- A copy of your birth certificate along with the original and a photocopy
- One original and one photocopy of a Certificate of Naturalization from the United States or a foreign country
- Below is a list of supporting documents that you should submit as originals and photocopies:
- Passport issued by the Philippines
- Passport from the United States
- A copy of the marriage certificate
- Card or affidavit of voter registration in the Philippines
- The applicant must also show any Philippine government-issued documents proving he or she has been a natural born Philippine’s citizen in the past.
- Photographs of identical colors, taken within the last six months, sized 2×2 and against white backgrounds
- A fee of $50 is charged for processing
The birth certificate should be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). If you were born abroad, please submit a birth certificate issued by the foreign authorities as well as a report of birth issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country of birth.
Those who were married in the Philippines need to submit a marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Marriage certificates issued by the appropriate authorities must be submitted by those who were married abroad. Alternatively, you may submit a divorce decree, if you are divorced, or a marriage and death certificate, if you are widowed.
Where To Apply For Dual Citizenship In The Philippines?
Contact your nearest Philippines Embassy or Consulate if you wish to apply for dual citizenship in the Philippines. In San Francisco, the Philippines Consulate offers both free, non-transferable appointment slots and some walk-in slots, depending on capacity.
FAQs About DFA Passport Requirements of Dual Citizens
Q 1: What are the advantages of having dual citizenship in the Philippines?
Ans: The Philippines offers many advantages to those who hold dual citizenship. As well as traveling and living freely in your other country of nationality, you will be able to enjoy the Philippines as well. A Filipino citizen’s rights also extend to working, doing business, and owning property.
Q 2: Do you need a Philippines passport as a dual citizen of the country?
Ans: In the event that a foreign passport holder enters or leaves the country with a Philippine Identification Certificate, that is considered sufficient proof of Filipino citizenship. As a dual citizen, applying for a Philippines passport isn’t mandatory.
Q 3: Can you stay in the Philippines indefinitely as a dual citizen?
Ans: In the Philippines, dual citizens are allowed to stay indefinitely. The Philippines Immigration Officer requires you to present your dual citizenship documents alongside your passport of your other country of citizenship when you enter with a Filipino passport.
Q 4: Does a dual citizen have the right to own property in the Philippines?
Ans: Dual citizens can own property in the Philippines. There are no restrictions on dual citizens owning property in the country. The right to own property in the country is limited for foreigners and former natural-born Filipinos.
Q 5 :Dual citizenship in the Philippines has any disadvantages?
Ans: Obtaining dual citizenship in the Philippines can be arduous and expensive, it may result in double taxation, and it is necessary to adhere to the laws of two nations. Many people in the Philippines find that dual citizenship has more advantages than disadvantages.
Conclusion
If you decide to obtain dual citizenship in the Philippines and live in the country permanently or if you stay on temporary visas, it’s important to ensure you have access to high-quality medical care. Health is the foundation of life, after all. For the best private hospitals and healthcare providers in the Philippines, you should secure a private health insurance plan. In this way, you will always be covered, regardless of what happens.
We can help you with all things health insurance for expats at Pacific Prime. Over the last two decades, we’ve helped clients like you find and compare the best insurance plan for their needs and budget, and provided unrivaled support and assistance.
