Acquiring Philippine Citizenship by Descent

Eligibility Criteria (2025)

✅ A child born to at least one Filipino citizen parent (mother or father) at the time of birth is automatically a Filipino citizen by descent (Article IV, Section 1, 1987 Constitution).
✅ If born abroad, the birth must be reported to a Philippine embassy or consulate to register citizenship (Commonwealth Act No. 625).
✅ Children born before a parent naturalizes abroad retain Filipino citizenship unless they explicitly renounce it.

Required Documentation (2025)

✅ Applicant’s birth certificate (legalized/apostilled and authenticated by the Philippine embassy if issued abroad).
✅ Filipino parent’s birth certificate or citizenship proof (e.g., Philippine passport, PSA-issued birth certificate).
✅ Valid identification of the Filipino parent (e.g., current Philippine passport or voter’s ID).
✅ Applicant’s valid passport or identification document (if applicable).

Application Process (2025)

📍 For births in the Philippines: Register the birth with the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) within 30 days, reported to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
📍 For births abroad: Report the birth to the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate within 12 months (Commonwealth Act No. 625).
📍 Submit documents to the embassy/consulate (abroad) or Bureau of Immigration (in the Philippines) for citizenship registration.
📍 Processing typically takes 1-2 months, depending on verification.
📍 Upon approval, receive a PSA-authenticated birth certificate and apply for a Philippine passport.

Additional Considerations (2025)

📌 The Philippines permits **dual citizenship** under RA 9225 (2003). Citizens by descent can retain foreign citizenship without renouncing it.
📌 Late registration of births abroad (after 12 months) is possible with additional steps and fees via the embassy or PSA.
📌 More details can be found via the Bureau of Immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I hold dual citizenship with the Philippines?

Yes, the Philippines allows dual citizenship under RA 9225 (2003). You can retain your foreign nationality alongside Philippine citizenship by descent.

What happens if I miss the 12-month birth registration deadline?

Late registration is allowed with additional fees and documents (e.g., affidavit of delayed registration) at a Philippine embassy or the PSA, preserving your citizenship eligibility.

Can I claim citizenship if my Filipino parent became a foreign citizen before my birth?

No, your parent must have been a Filipino citizen at the time of your birth for you to be eligible by descent (Article IV, Section 1).

How long does it take to process Philippine citizenship by descent in 2025?

Processing typically takes 1-2 months if registered on time, or slightly longer for late registrations, depending on embassy or PSA efficiency.

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