Philippines Dual Citizenship 2026 -- RA 9225 & Entry for Dual Nationals
Republic Act 9225 (the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act) allows former Filipino citizens to reacquire Philippine citizenship while keeping their foreign nationality. This guide covers RA 9225 from the visitor perspective and how dual nationals enter the Philippines.
What is RA 9225?
Signed into law in 2003, RA 9225 allows natural-born Filipino citizens who became citizens of another country to reacquire Philippine citizenship by taking an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines. They do not need to give up their other citizenship.
Who Can Apply for RA 9225?
- Natural-born Filipino citizens who became citizens of another country
- Children of RA 9225 applicants (unmarried, under 18) can be included
- Does NOT apply to: People who were never Filipino citizens, or those who lost citizenship through other means (e.g., treason)
How RA 9225 Affects Visitors
If You Are a Dual Citizen (Filipino + Foreign)
Dual citizens holding both a Philippine and foreign passport have the right to enter and stay in the Philippines indefinitely as a Filipino citizen. You should:
- Enter on your Philippine passport -- use your Philippine passport at Philippine immigration
- No visa needed: As a citizen, you have unlimited right to stay
- No extensions needed: No need to visit the Bureau of Immigration
- Work freely: You can work without an AEP or work visa
- Own property: Can own land and real estate (foreigners cannot)
Balikbayan Privilege (Former Filipinos)
Even without RA 9225 reacquisition, former Filipino citizens and their families can enjoy the Balikbayan privilege:
- 1-year visa-free stay (instead of the standard 30 days)
- Available to former Filipino citizens with foreign passports
- Also available to their spouse and children travelling with them
- Must present proof of former Filipino citizenship (old Philippine passport, birth certificate)
How to Apply for RA 9225
Where to Apply
- Outside the Philippines: At any Philippine embassy or consulate
- In the Philippines: At the Bureau of Immigration main office in Manila
Requirements
- Completed RA 9225 application form
- Original and photocopy of foreign passport
- Original and photocopy of Philippine birth certificate (PSA-issued)
- If born abroad: Report of Birth at Philippine embassy
- Proof of former Philippine citizenship (old Philippine passport, voter's ID, etc.)
- 2x2 and passport-sized photos
- Oath of Allegiance (administered at the embassy/consulate)
- Processing fee (varies by embassy, typically $50-100 USD)
Process
- Schedule an appointment at the Philippine embassy
- Submit all documents
- Take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines
- Receive your Order of Approval and Identification Certificate
- Apply for a Philippine passport (optional but recommended)
Processing time: 2-6 weeks depending on the embassy. Some offer same-day oath-taking.
Benefits of RA 9225
Property Rights
Own land and real estate in the Philippines (foreigners are prohibited from land ownership).
Work Rights
Work without AEP or work visa. Start a business without foreign ownership restrictions.
Travel Freedom
Enter and leave the Philippines freely with no visa or extension requirements.
Family Benefits
Include unmarried minor children in your RA 9225 application.
RA 9225 In Detail
Republic Act 9225 — Key Provisions
Full title: Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003
Signed: 29 August 2003 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Implementing Rules: Administrative Order No. 91, Series of 2004
Two Modes of Application:
| Mode | For Whom | Process | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reacquisition | Former natural-born Filipinos who already became foreign citizens before RA 9225 | Take Oath of Allegiance to the Philippines | USD 50 |
| Retention | Natural-born Filipinos who are about to become or have just become foreign citizens after RA 9225 | Take Oath of Allegiance to the Philippines | USD 50 |
Derivative Citizenship for Children:
- Unmarried children under 18 can be included in a parent RA 9225 application
- Additional fee per child: approximately USD 25-50 (varies by embassy)
- Child must be present at the oath-taking ceremony
- Once the child turns 18, they may need to take their own oath if they wish to maintain dual citizenship status
Property Rights Under RA 9225
One of the most significant benefits of RA 9225 is the restoration of property ownership rights in the Philippines:
- Land ownership: Dual citizens under RA 9225 can own land in the Philippines. Foreign nationals (including former Filipinos without RA 9225) are constitutionally prohibited from land ownership.
- Condominium units: Both foreign nationals and dual citizens can own condo units (up to 40% foreign ownership per building). RA 9225 holders have no restriction.
- Agricultural land: RA 9225 holders can own up to 12 hectares of agricultural land (same as resident citizens). Foreign nationals cannot own any agricultural land.
- Inheritance: Dual citizens can freely inherit land and property in the Philippines. This simplifies estate planning significantly.
- Business ownership: 100% Filipino-owned businesses are available to RA 9225 holders, including nationalized industries (media, utilities, retail) with Filipino ownership requirements.
Source: Philippine Constitution Art. XII, RA 9225 Sec. 5, Public Land Act
RA 9225 Processing Fees Worldwide
| Embassy/Consulate | RA 9225 Fee | IC (Identification Certificate) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (all posts) | USD 50 | USD 50 | 2-4 months |
| United Kingdom (London) | GBP 40 | GBP 40 | 2-4 weeks |
| UAE (Abu Dhabi/Dubai) | AED 185 | AED 185 | 2-6 weeks |
| Saudi Arabia (all posts) | SAR 190 | SAR 190 | 2-6 weeks |
| Canada (all posts) | CAD 70 | CAD 70 | 2-4 months |
| Australia (all posts) | AUD 78 | AUD 78 | 2-4 months |
| Japan (all posts) | JPY 7,500 | JPY 7,500 | 2-3 months |
| Singapore | SGD 68 | SGD 68 | 2-4 weeks |
| Hong Kong | HKD 390 | HKD 390 | 2-4 weeks |
Fees approximate, based on ~USD 50 equivalent. Embassies may adjust rates.
Overseas Voting Rights
RA 9225 dual citizens are eligible to vote in Philippine elections under the Overseas Absentee Voting Act (RA 9189, as amended by RA 10590):
- Register: At any Philippine embassy or consulate during registration periods (typically 1 year before an election)
- Vote: In person at the embassy or by mail (where available)
- Elections covered: President, Vice President, Senators, Party-List
- Not eligible to vote for: Local officials (unless you maintain a Philippine address)
Tax Implications of Dual Citizenship
- Philippines: Non-resident citizens are taxed only on Philippine-sourced income. Income earned abroad is generally NOT taxable in the Philippines.
- United States: US citizens and green card holders are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. RA 9225 does not create additional US tax obligations.
- United Kingdom: UK tax residency is based on physical presence. RA 9225 status alone does not create UK tax liability.
- Other countries: Rules vary. Australia, Canada, and most countries tax based on residency, not citizenship. RA 9225 status typically has no tax impact.
Important Limitations
- Public office: Dual citizens must renounce foreign citizenship to run for or hold public office in the Philippines
- Military service: Cannot serve in the Philippine armed forces while holding foreign citizenship
- Tax obligations: May have tax obligations in both countries -- consult a tax professional
- Other country's rules: Check if your other country of citizenship allows dual nationality. Some countries (e.g., China, India, Japan) do not
RA 9225 Summary
- Law: RA 9225 (2003)
- For: Former natural-born Filipinos
- Process: Oath of Allegiance
- Cost: $50-100 USD
- Time: 2-6 weeks
- Balikbayan: 1-year visa-free