Nationality of Philippines: all obtaining pathways
The Philippines requires ten years of residence for judicial naturalization, with a five-year route through marriage. Republic Act 9225 allows former Filipinos to reacquire nationality, and descent is transmitted by ius sanguinis. Ius soli operates only in exceptional cases.
1Naturalization by residence (judicial route)
Naturalization by residence (judicial route)
Requirements
- Continuous residence in the Philippines for a minimum of 10 years
- Minimum age of 21
- Good conduct and a clean criminal record
- Financial self-sufficiency (real-estate property or a lucrative business)
- Knowledge of Filipino or English
- Knowledge of the Philippine Constitution and history
- The Philippines DOES NOT allow dual nationality by naturalization (the previous nationality must be renounced)
- Petition before the regional trial court
Documentation
- Naturalization petition filed with the court
- Passport and residence visa (ACR I-Card)
- Criminal record certificate (NBI clearance)
- Employment certificate or business registration
- Tax returns
- Medical certificate
- Character witnesses (at least 2 credible Filipino citizens)
- Certificate of renunciation of the previous nationality
2Naturalization by marriage to a Filipino national (under RA 9225)
Naturalization by marriage to a Filipino national (under RA 9225)
Requirements
- Married to a Filipino national
- Residence in the Philippines for a minimum of 5 years (a reduction of the general period)
- Good conduct
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Knowledge of Filipino or English
- Renouncing the previous nationality
Documentation
- Marriage certificate (PSA/NSO)
- Passport and ACR I-Card
- NBI clearance
- Income or employment certificate
- Judicial naturalization petition
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Filipino national at the time of birth
- Registration at the embassy or consulate if born abroad (Report of Birth)
- Philippine nationality law allows dual nationality acquired at birth
Documentation
- Birth certificate (from the country of origin or from the Philippines)
- Report of Birth at a Philippine consulate
- Filipino parent's Philippine passport
4Reacquisition of Philippine nationality (RA 9225)
Reacquisition of Philippine nationality (RA 9225)
Requirements
- Being a former Filipino citizen by birth who lost nationality through foreign naturalization
- Declaration of the intention to retain or reacquire Philippine nationality
- RA 9225 allows dual nationality for Filipinos naturalised abroad
- No residence in the Philippines required
Documentation
- Reacquisition/retention petition (BI or consulate form)
- Original Filipino birth certificate
- Foreign passport and foreign naturalisation certificate
- Oath of Allegiance
5Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in the Philippines to foreign non-diplomatic parents who do not transmit their nationality to the child by ius sanguinis
- Very limited and exceptional application
- The 1987 Constitution privileges ius sanguinis
Documentation
- Filipino birth certificate
- Proof that the parents do not transmit their nationality
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Philippines
How many years of residence does Philippines require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Philippines (Naturalization by residence (judicial route)), the term is 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Philippines allow dual nationality?
The Philippines DOES NOT allow dual nationality by naturalization (the previous nationality must be renounced)
Can the nationality of Philippines be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage to a Filipino national pathway (5 years). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Philippines require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization petition filed with the court; Passport and residence visa (ACR I-Card); Criminal record certificate (NBI clearance); Employment certificate or business registration; Tax returns; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Philippines?
Philippines provides 5 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization by marriage to a Filipino national, Nationality by descent, Reacquisition of Philippine nationality, Nationality by birth in the territory.
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