Former natural-born Filipinos who have lost their Philippine citizenship through naturalization in Australia can re-acquire it under Republic Act No. 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003).

The application process depends on the Australian state or territory where you reside, with different Philippine diplomatic posts handling submissions.

Determining the correct Philippine mission in Australia

Applications are submitted to specific posts based on your location. Those in New South Wales must apply through the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.

Applicants from Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania submit to the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne.

If you are from other states or territories, or from Nauru, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu, you must submit your application to the Philippine Embassy in Canberra.

Who is eligible to apply?

Natural-born Filipinos who became Australian citizens through naturalization are eligible. Natural-born Filipinos are those who were citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their citizenship.

The law also allows qualified dependents—children of applicants who are below 18 years old, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted—to be included as beneficiaries.

A child who is already 18 years old or above and was born when either parent was still a Filipino must apply on their own behalf.

Requirements for the principal applicant

Applicants must submit two original accomplished Petition for Dual Citizenship forms, four passport-sized colored photos with white background taken within the last three months, and two photocopies of each of the following documents: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-issued birth certificate or Report of Birth (if born abroad), most recent Philippine passport, Australian Certificate of Naturalization, and Australian passport.

For married female applicants, a PSA-issued Marriage Certificate or Report of Marriage is also required.

If the applicant's name differs across documents, an Affidavit of One and the Same Person must be submitted explaining the discrepancy.

Requirements for dependents

For each dependent child below 18 included in the petition, applicants must submit two accomplished Identification Certificate application forms, two photocopies of the child's PSA birth certificate or Report of Birth, the child's most recent Philippine passport (if applicable), the child's Australian passport, the child's Australian Certificate of Citizenship, and four passport-sized photos with white background taken within the last three months.

Fees and payment methods

The processing fee for the principal applicant is A$90.00, payable by postal money order or bank cheque made out to the 'Philippine Embassy' or 'Philippine Consulate General' depending on the submission office.

For each dependent, the fee is A$45.00. These fees are non-refundable.

Sydney applicants are advised not to send cash in the mail.

Submission and oath-taking process

Most applications are submitted by postal mail. After submission and evaluation, applicants will be contacted for an oath-taking ceremony.

The oath-taking is typically held in person at the relevant consulate or embassy and is required for dual citizenship to take effect.

Petitioners residing outside New South Wales cannot take the oath in Sydney; they must attend at the post handling their application.

The original documents submitted with the application must be brought to the oath-taking ceremony for verification.