Frequently Asked Question(s)

Philippine Dual Citizenship

1. What is Philippine Dual Citizenship?

Philippine Dual Citizenship refers to the reacquisition or retention of Philippine citizenship under the Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003. It allows former natural-born Filipinos who became citizens of another country (such as New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue) to retain or reacquire their Philippine citizenship.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

You may apply if you: Were a natural-born Filipino, and Became a citizen of another country through naturalization (e.g., New Zealand citizenship).

3. Who are considered natural-born Filipino citizens?

Those whose father or mother is a Filipino citizen at the time of their birth. This applies regardless of where the child is born (in the Philippines or abroad) Those born before 17 January 1973, to Filipino mothers who later elected Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority

4. Is a child born in New Zealand, Cook Islands or Niue to a Filipino parent a Filipino citizen?

Yes. A child born in New Zealand, Cook Islands or Niue is considered a natural-born Filipino citizen if at least one parent is a Filipino citizen at the time of the child’s birth.

5. Where can I apply if I am residing Cook Islands, Niue or New Zealand?

Applications are lodged with the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand which has jurisdiction over New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue

6. Do I need to take an oath?

Yes. Approval of your application requires you to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before a Philippine consular officer. Your Philippine citizenship is reacquired only after taking the oath.

7. Will I lose my New Zealand citizenship?

No. New Zealand allows dual citizenship. Reacquiring Philippine citizenship does not automatically affect your New Zealand citizenship under New Zealand law. (You may verify current policies with the Department of Internal Affairs.)

8. Can my children also acquire Philippine citizenship?

Yes, unmarried children below 18 years old at the time of your reacquisition may be included in your petition. They will be recognized as Filipino citizens upon approval.

9. My children acquired foreign citizenship or are New Zealand citizens by birth but at least one parent is a Filipino at the time of birth, is it necessary to include them in my petition?

No. Children whose parent/s already acquired foreign citizenship or are New Zealand citizens already but were still Filipino holding a permanent resident visa at the time of their child’s birth, are considered natural-born dual citizens by birth. In this case, their Report of Birth must be filed instead at the Philippine Embassy in Wellington.

10. My child is already more than 17 years old now but became a New Zealand citizen when still a minor, can I still include my child be in my petition as dependent?

No. Your child who is already of legal may have to file his/her own application.

11. Can I apply for a Philippine passport after reacquiring citizenship?

Yes. After taking your oath and receiving your Identification Certificate, you may apply for a Philippine passport at the Embassy.

12. How long does the process take?

Up to six (6) weeks. However, processing times vary depending on document completeness and Embassy scheduling. It is advisable to check directly with the Philippine Embassy in Wellington for current timelines.

13. Do I need to surrender my Philippine passport before applying?

No. However, if your Philippine passport is still valid but you have already become a foreign citizen, you are expected to regularize your status through dual citizenship before renewing your Philippine passport.