Philippine Dual Citizenship in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

Two different situations get confused constantly here. A former natural-born Filipino who naturalised abroad re-acquires citizenship under the dual citizenship law. A child born in the United States to a Filipino parent is already a dual citizen from birth and does not apply under that law at all — they simply file a report of birth.

Quick facts

The law does not require renouncing U.S. citizenship, and U.S. law has long recognised dual nationality. Anyone employed by a federal agency or the military should still check with their employer.

Which route applies

The petition is typically completed in a single appointment at an embassy or consulate, while outreach missions require the documents to be mailed in advance.

How to apply

1. Order the PSA copies of your birth, marriage or other civil records from the Philippine statistics service.
2. Locate your old Philippine passport, or any Philippine government document showing your former citizenship.
3. Book the appointment at the post covering your address.
4. Attend, submit the petition and take the oath of allegiance.
5. Pay the fee, plus the derivative fee for each child included.
6. Use the resulting certificates to apply for a Philippine passport.

Required documents

• PSA birth certificate, current copy.
• Old Philippine passport or another Philippine government document.
• Naturalisation certificate from the country where you naturalised.
• PSA marriage certificate where the name has changed.
• Birth certificates of any children being included.
• Affidavit of one and the same person where names differ across documents.

Where to apply

At the embassy or consulate general covering your address, or through a consular outreach mission with documents sent ahead.

Additional notes

What it unlocks

Owning land, voting from abroad, doing business and retiring in the Philippines without a visa, all while keeping the other nationality.

Use the right passport

Enter and leave the United States on the U.S. passport and the Philippines on the Philippine one. Mixing them creates problems at both borders.

Children over 18

Adult children cannot be included in a parent’s petition. They file on their own if they qualify, which depends on how and when the parent held citizenship.

Name discrepancies

Differences between the PSA record and U.S. documents are the usual cause of delay. The affidavit and supporting evidence should be prepared before the appointment.