Former natural-born Filipinos who have become British citizens can reacquire their Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225.
Applications are processed by the Philippine Embassy in London, which also handles requests from Ireland residents in some cases.
Under UK and Irish laws, British and Irish citizens are allowed to hold dual citizenship.
Who is eligible?
Natural-born citizens of the Philippines who lost their Philippine citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country are eligible.
Natural-born citizens are those who acquired their Philippine citizenship by birth (jus sanguinis) without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their citizenship.
Qualified dependents, including children of applicants below 18 years old, may also be included as beneficiaries.
What documents are required?
Applicants must prepare one original and one photocopy of the duly accomplished application form, three colored passport-size photos on white or royal blue background taken within the last six months, and two photocopies each of the following: PSA-issued Birth Certificate (or Report of Birth if born abroad), Certificate of Nationality or other proof of naturalization (with sworn English translation and apostille), foreign passport data page or residence/identity card, and old Philippine passport (if still intact).
Married women must also submit two photocopies of the PSA-issued Marriage Contract or English version of the Marriage Certificate if issued in another country.
For applicants with dependent minor children, additional requirements include the child's birth certificate, photos, and passport copies.
What are the fees?
For principal applicants, the fee is GBP 46.00. For minor dependents (17 years and below), the fee is GBP 23.00 per dependent.
For requesting certified true copies of dual citizenship documents, the fee is GBP 23.00 per document, payable via postal money order (for UK residents) or bank draft (for Ireland residents) made payable to PHILIPPINE EMBASSY LONDON.
What is the application and oath-taking process?
Applicants should go to the embassy's appointment scheduling page to select a schedule for submitting requirements.
After submitting the complete application, a consular officer will call the applicant for the oath-taking ceremony schedule.
The oath of allegiance is taken in front of the consul on the appointed date at the embassy.
Processing time for requests for certified true copies is at least 15 working days.
What are the travel tax implications for dual citizens?
Those who reacquired their Philippine citizenship enjoy travel tax exemption provided they remain permanent overseas residents.
Dual citizen Filipinos departing from the Philippines are exempt from paying travel tax if their arrival date is stamped on their British or Irish passport.
When purchasing plane tickets in the Philippines, they must present both foreign and Philippine passports to the airline or travel agency.