DUAL CITIZENSHIP - Frequently Asked Questions HOME
Article source: CONSULAR SERVICES by Phil. Embassy-London
Q. What are the benefits and privileges of dual citizenship?
Dual citizens can enjoy full civil and political rights in the Philippines, including the following:
a. right to vote and be elected or appointed to any public office in the Philippines subject to existing Phil. laws,
b. right to acquire land and other properties under his name,
c. right to engage in business in the Philippines and have 100% ownership of the business,
d. right to reside in the Philippine without need of visa, and
e. right to practise profession in the Philippines upon application of a license or permit to engage in such
practice
Q. What is the procedure for Philippine citizenship retention/reacquisition?
Applicants for Philippine citizenship retention/reacquisition have to submit a completed Philippine citizenship retention/reacquisition form with all the documentary requirements to the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy. Applications have to be filed one (1) hour before the scheduled oath taking (which is at 12:30 p.m. and at 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, except during Philippine national holidays and UK bank holidays).
Q. Can I apply for Philippine citizenship retention/reacquisition by post?
Applications can be filed by post but the applicant still have to personally appear before a consul (if abroad) or at the Bureau of Immigration (if in the Philippines) for the oath taking ceremony.
Q. What are the requirements for Philippine citizenship retention/reacquisition?
For the requirements on Philippine citizenship retention/reacquisition, please refer to the section on Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship.
Q. What is an ACR?
An Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) is a proof of identification as resident alien in the Philippines issued by the Bureau of Immigration to an immigrant visa holder.
Q. What is an ICR?
An Identification Certificate of Registration (ICR) is issued to a person who has acquired or retained his Philippine citizenship. A dual citizen who is previously a holder of 13(G) visa may file a petition under oath to the Commissioner of Immigration for the cancellation of his ACR and issuance of an ICR.
Q. My husband is a foreign national. Can I include him in the petition for dual citizenship?
No. However, he can apply for a non-quota immigrant visa, which will eventually give him permanent residency in the Philippines. If he wishes to acquire Philippine citizenship, he can later apply for naturalization.
Q. Can I include my children in the petition for dual citizenship?
Only unmarried children who are below 18 years of age can be included in the petition for dual citizenship.
Q. What passport will I use when travelling to the Philippines?
Dual citizens are advised to: (a) bring both their Philippine and UK/EU passport when travelling to the Philippines, (b) use their Philippine passport when entering and transacting business in the Philippines, and (c) use their British/EU passport when entering the UK/Europe.
Q. As a dual citizen, do I have to pay income tax in the Philippines?
Not necessarily, unless you earn income in the Philippines.
Q. I am a dual citizen. Can I own properties in the Philippines?
Yes. As a dual citizen, you can enjoy all the rights and privileges accorded to Filipino citizens.
Q. I am a dual citizen. Will I need a visa to the Philippines if I use my foreign passport when entering the Philippines?
No. Just present proof that you are a dual citizen.
Q. As a dual citizen, how long can I stay in the Philippines?
You can stay in the Philippines for as long as you want provided that you entered the Philippines as a Filipino/dual citizen.
Q. As a dual citizen, am I exempted from Philippine travel tax?
Yes. As a dual citizen, you will also enjoy the travel tax exemption accorded to Filipino citizens permanently residing abroad and to OFWs and their dependents, provided that you permanently reside overseas.
Q. What document can I present in the absence of a naturalization certificate?
In lieu of naturalization certification, you can present a certificate from the authority that issued you your foreign citizenship or any other document that will indicate the date when you acquired your foreign citizenship.
Q. As a dual citizen, do I have to apply for a Philippine passport?
Application for Philippine passport is not compulsory. However, dual citizens are strongly encouraged to have a valid Philippine passport when entering or during their sojourn in the Philippines. Dual citizens can always present their Certificate of Oath of Allegiance as proof of their Philippine citizenship but the said certificate is not valid as a travel document.
For more information, visit:
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