Applying for dual citizenship through the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles allows former Filipino nationals to reacquire their Philippine citizenship while retaining their foreign citizenship. This process is governed by Republic Act No. 9225, which makes it possible for natural-born Filipinos to regain full rights as citizens of the Philippines without renouncing their current nationality. This guide explains the qualifications, requirements, and step-by-step process to help you prepare for a smooth application.
Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, applies to individuals who were natural-born Filipino citizens but later became naturalized citizens of another country. Under this law, eligible applicants can reacquire Philippine citizenship by taking an Oath of Allegiance before a Philippine consular officer. This oath restores their status as Filipino citizens while allowing them to retain their foreign citizenship.
You are considered a natural-born Filipino if you were a citizen of the Philippines at birth without needing to take any action to acquire citizenship. This generally includes:
Once your citizenship is restored, you regain full civil and political rights under Philippine law. These include the ability to own land and property, engage in business or professional activities, vote in national elections, and reside in the Philippines without time restrictions.
Before scheduling an appointment, ensure that you have all necessary documents ready. Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delays. You will need:
If your name has changed, you must provide supporting documents such as a marriage certificate, court-issued name change document, or other legal records. In some cases, an Affidavit of One and the Same Person may also be required to explain discrepancies. You must also submit two recent 2x2 color photographs with a white background, taken within the last three months. If you do not yet have PSA-issued documents, they can be requested through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s official service: https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/#!
Applicants must fill out the official dual citizenship application form prior to their appointment. The form should be completed accurately and consistently with all supporting documents. You can access the fillable application form here: https://pcgenla.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/DUAL-CITIZENSHIP-APPLICATION-FORM.pdf
All dual citizenship applications at the Los Angeles Consulate are processed by appointment only. Walk-in applicants are not accepted. Appointments can be scheduled through the consulate’s booking system: https://waitwhile.com/locations/lapcg/welcome?registration=booking
On the day of your appointment, you must appear in person at the consulate. Bring all original documents along with photocopies. Applicants are expected to wear appropriate attire, as this is an official government process. During your visit, you will submit your documents for review and proceed with the oath-taking ceremony.
The Oath of Allegiance is the final and most important step in the process. By taking this oath, you formally reacquire your Philippine citizenship. After the oath-taking, the consulate will issue your Certificate of Reacquisition/Retention of Philippine Citizenship. This document serves as official proof of your dual citizen status. Applicants processed in the morning typically take the oath around midday, while afternoon applicants take the oath later in the day.
Fees are subject to change, but the standard costs at the Los Angeles Consulate include:
Payments are typically accepted in cash, cashier’s check, or USPS money order.
Minor children may qualify for derivative dual citizenship if they are under 18 years of age and were born after the parent’s naturalization. Required documents generally include the child’s birth certificate, passport, and photographs. Personal appearance is not always required unless the child is also applying for a Philippine passport during the same visit. It is important to distinguish this from children who are already dual citizens at birth. A child born in the United States to at least one Filipino parent is already considered a dual citizen and does not need to apply under RA 9225. Instead, the birth should be reported to the consulate.
Dual citizens may enter the Philippines using their foreign passport along with their dual citizenship documents. However, obtaining a Philippine passport is strongly recommended, particularly when departing the Philippines, to avoid potential immigration issues. A separate appointment is required if you wish to apply for a Philippine passport.
Reacquiring Philippine citizenship under RA 9225 does not require you to renounce your U.S. citizenship. The law allows individuals to maintain both nationalities. For further clarification, applicants may consult the U.S. Department of State or seek independent legal advice.
Applying for dual citizenship is both a legal and personal decision. It restores not only your rights as a Filipino citizen but also your ability to fully participate in life in the Philippines. Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and understanding the process in advance will help ensure that your application at the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles proceeds efficiently.
Click here to open the Dual Citizenship Application Form >