FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Civil Registration

Report of Birth

For more information on Report of Birth, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: civilregistration@phembassy-us.org

  1. HOW SOON SHOULD I REPORT THE BIRTH OF MY CHILD?

Your child’s birth should be reported promptly to the Philippine Embassy to ensure proper registration with the Philippine Statistics Authority.

 

  1. CAN THE EMBASSY ACCEPT REPORT OF BIRTH APPLICATIONS FROM ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES?

No. The Embassy can only accept Report of Birth applications in the United States if the birth occurred in the District of Columbia, and the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Please check the Consulate Finder for other US states covered by the Philippine Consulates General in the United States.

 

  1. HOW SHOULD MY CHILD’S NAME APPEAR IN THE REPORT OF BIRTH?

The child’s name should be consistent with Philippine naming convention, such that all given names form part of the first name (entry #2 on the ROB form).

For a child born to married parents:

    • Surname: Father’s surname
    • Middle name: Mother’s maiden last name

For a child born outside of marriage and the mother has no prior marriage with a person other than the father:

    • Pursuant to RA 9255, the child shall have the mother’s maiden name as surname and bear no middle name.
    • If the father admits paternity, he should execute the Affidavit of Admission of Paternity (AAP) so the ROB can be annotated accordingly.
    • If an AAP is executed by the father, the child may adopt the surname of the father as their surname. To do so, the mother or the child, depending on their age, shall execute the Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father (AUSF). The mother’s surname subsequently becomes the child’s middle name, similar to the format of legitimate children.

For a child born outside of marriage and the mother has a prior subsisting marriage with a person other than the child’s father:

    • Pursuant to Article 167 of the Family Code of the Philippines, the child shall bear the surname of the mother’s legal husband.

 

  1. IS MY CHILD A DUAL CITIZEN AT BIRTH?

Your child is a dual citizen at birth if they were born outside the Philippines on or after 17 January 1973, and one of their parents was a Filipino citizen at the time of birth. In such cases, your child’s birth will have to be reported to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate with jurisdiction over the place of their birth for recognition as a Filipino citizen. You may get your child a Philippine passport upon completion of the Report of Birth.

 

  1. IS IT MANDATORY TO APPLY FOR A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT AFTER THE BIRTH IS REPORTED?

It is not mandatory to apply for a Philippine passport after completing the Report of Birth process. 

However, a Philippine passport serves as evidence of citizenship and is more convenient to use in transactions with public and private establishments in the Philippines. It is also a universally accepted ID for business transactions in the Philippines and grants visa-free entry to neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

 

  1. WHY SHOULD I GET A PSA COPY OF THE REPORT OF BIRTH?

Your PSA birth certificate is an important official document required for various transactions in the Philippines. It is required if you are applying for licenses, IDs, and official documents for school and employment purposes.

After six (6) months from the time of approval of the ROB, an authenticated copy from the PSA may be requested online at psahelpline.ph or psaserbilis.com.ph. 

Report of Marriage

For more information on Report of Marriage, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: civilregistration@phembassy-us.org

  1. IS IT MANDATORY FOR A WOMAN TO ADOPT HER HUSBAND’S SURNAME?

Under PH laws, a woman can retain her complete maiden name. A woman can also adopt her husband’s surname, and her maiden surname becomes her middle name. A woman can also affix her husband’s  maiden surname by hyphenating. 

For example, Ms. Maria Santos Garcia marries Mr. Jose Cruz. She can choose to be known as: (1) Maria Santos Garcia; (2) Maria Garcia Cruz; (3) Maria Santos Garcia-Cruz.

 

  1. WHY SHOULD I GET A PSA COPY OF MY REPORT OF MARRIAGE?

Your PSA marriage certificate is an important official document required for various transactions in the Philippines. It is required if you are applying for licenses, IDs, and official documents.

After six (6) months from the time of approval of the ROM, an authenticated copy from the PSA may be requested online at psahelpline.ph or psaserbilis.com.ph. 

 

  1. I AM A FILIPINO CITIZEN DIVORCED FROM MY FOREIGN HUSBAND. CAN I REMARRY?

There is no divorce in the Philippines, but when a divorce is validly obtained abroad, the Filipino spouse shall have the capacity to remarry under Philippine law. However, the foreign divorce decree must first be judicially enforced or confirmed in the Philippines by filing the proper civil action at the Regional Trial Court in the Philippines.

Report of Death

For more information on Report of Death, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: civilregistration@phembassy-us.org

  1. CAN THE EMBASSY ACCEPT REPORT OF DEATH APPLICATIONS FROM ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES?

The Embassy can only accept Report of Death applications in the United States if the death occurred in the District of Columbia, and the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Please check the Consulate Finder for other US states covered by the Philippine Consulates General in the United States.

 

  1. WHY SHOULD I GET A PSA COPY OF MY LOVED ONE’S REPORT OF DEATH?

Your loved one’s PSA death certificate is an important official document required for various transactions in the Philippines. You will need it if you are managing their personal affairs and estate in the Philippines.

After six (6) months from the time of approval of the ROD, an authenticated copy from the PSA may be requested online at psahelpline.ph or psaserbilis.com.ph.

Consular Outreach

For more information on Consular Outreach, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: outreach@phembassy-us.org.

  1. HOW DO I GET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION?

Passport appointments open at passport.gov.ph a month before the consular outreach. 

Dual citizenship applications should be mailed to the Embassy as soon as possible. If your dual citizenship application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from the Embassy regarding your schedule for the oath taking ceremony.

Please refer to the schedule for the important dates on when passport appointments open and when dual citizenship applications should be submitted.

 

  1. WHAT TIME SHOULD I SHOW UP AT THE VENUE?

You should arrive at the venue no more than 15 minutes before your appointment. Arriving earlier than the designated time slot will not result in an earlier appointment.

 

  1. ARE PHOTOCOPIERS AND COURIER SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE OUTREACH SITE?

Applicants are expected to have the complete requirements when they show up for their appointment to avoid rejection of their application. Partner organizations sometimes provide prepaid USPS/UPS envelopes and/or photocopying services for a fee, but this is not always a guarantee. This service is not regulated by the Embassy and is the sole initiative/discretion of private individuals/organizations.

 

  1. CAN I PAY WITH MY CREDIT CARD DURING THE OUTREACH?

We now accept digital payments at our consular outreach within our jurisdiction in the United States. Card payments are not available in our Caribbean outreach missions.

 

  1. HOW SOON CAN I GET MY PASSPORT?

Please allow six to eight weeks for the processing and release of your passport. Track your passport here.

 

  1. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE OUTREACH TOO LATE. CAN I WALK IN?

Appointment is required. Walk-in applicants are strongly discouraged.

 

  1. THERE ARE A LOT OF FILIPINOS IN MY LOCAL COMMUNITY WHO ARE IN NEED OF CONSULAR SERVICES. HOW DO WE REQUEST THE EMBASSY TO CONDUCT A CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN OUR AREA?

Filipino community organizations that are interested in partnering with the Philippine Embassy for a consular outreach mission can send a request letter to consular@phembassy-us.org. The Embassy does not request nor solicit any monetary support, contribution, and/or donation for the conduct of its consular outreach missions. The conduct and frequency of consular outreach missions depend on available budget allocations. 

Dual Citizenship

For more information on Dual Citizenship, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: dualcitizenship@phembassy-us.org

  1. DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY DUAL CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION?

YES. Applicants are required to schedule an appointment online.

 

  1. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

You are eligible for dual citizenship if you are a former natural-born Filipino who has become a naturalized citizen of another country.

 

  1. AM I A NATURAL BORN FILIPINO?

You are a natural-born Filipino if born on or after January 17, 1973, with either parent being a Filipino citizen at the time of birth. If born before that date, your father was a Filipino citizen, or if your mother was a Filipino citizen and you elected Philippine citizenship upon reaching 18 years old.

 

  1. CAN MY CHILD ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

YES. Under the principle of derivative citizenship, Filipino parents who are reacquiring their Philippine citizenship can also include their unmarried children under 18, whether lawful, non-marital, or adopted, in their application. Their presence is not necessary during the appointment.

Your child could also already be a dual citizen at birth if they were born outside the Philippines on or after 17 January 1973 and either of their parents was a Filipino citizen at the time of birth. In this case, you only need to report your child’s birth to the relevant Philippine Embassy/Consulate with jurisdiction over the place of birth for recognition as a Filipino citizen.

 

  1. HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP TAKE?

If your documentary requirements are found to be in order, you will take your oath of allegiance and receive your dual citizenship documents on the same day of your appointment schedule.

 

  1. IF MY CHILD IS ALREADY 18 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE BY THE TIME I APPLIED FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP, WHAT PROCESS DO THEY NEED TO TAKE TO BE CONSIDERED DUAL CITIZEN AS WELL?

If you were Filipino when your child was born in the Philippines, and your child became a naturalized foreign citizen, your adult child may file their own application for dual citizenship under RA9225. 

If you were Filipino at the time when your adult child was born outside the Philippines, your child is already Filipino at birth. They only need to report their birth at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over the place of birth.

If you were no longer Filipino at the time when your child was born, you or your adult child can file a Petition for Naturalization as a Filipino Citizenship at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. Please see the Bureau of Immigration website for more information.

 

  1. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE OATH TAKING CEREMONY?

There is no prescribed dress code for the oath taking ceremony. However, the ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event. Please dress in proper attire to respect the dignity of the event.

 

  1. WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES THAT I WOULD ENJOY WHEN I RETAIN/REACQUIRE PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP?

Upon reacquiring or retaining Philippine citizenship, you will regain full civil, economic, and political rights, including the ability to travel with a Philippine passport, own real property, engage in business and commerce, practice your profession (with the required license or permit), vote in national elections, and have your foreign spouse automatically eligible for an immigrant visa, along with all other rights and privileges of Filipino citizens.

 

  1. HOW WILL I USE MY DUAL CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTS?

Your dual citizenship documents prove that you have reacquired/retained Philippine citizenship. Make sure to keep your original dual citizenship documents safe, as you will need them every time you apply for a Philippine passport or every time you travel to the Philippines with a US passport and plan on staying for more than 30 days.

 

  1. I AM NOW A DUAL CITIZEN. AM I REQUIRED TO GET A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT?

Getting a Philippine passport is only an option. When traveling to the Philippines, you can travel with your foreign passport and Dual Citizenship Documents.

However, a Philippine passport serves as evidence of citizenship and is more convenient than carrying an Identification Certificate. It’s also a universally accepted ID for business transactions in the Philippines and grants visa-free entry to neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

 

  1. HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES?

As a Filipino citizen, you can stay in the Philippines indefinitely. If traveling with your foreign passport, please make sure to present your dual citizenship documents to the Philippine immigration officer upon arrival.

If you are traveling with your foreign spouse and children who are included in the visa waiver category, they are entitled to enter the Philippines visa-free and stay for a period of one year. Otherwise, they would need to apply for an appropriate visa.

 

  1. CAN MY FOREIGN SPOUSE LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Your foreign spouse automatically becomes eligible for an immigrant 13(A) visa, which entitles them to permanently reside in the Philippines. The visa may be obtained by applying at the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General. 

 

  1. DO I NEED TO PAY INCOME TAXES?

If you live outside the Philippines for over 180 days in a taxable year, only income generated within the Philippines is taxed by the Philippine government.

 

  1. AM I REQUIRED TO PAY PHILIPPINE TRAVEL TAX?

Dual citizens traveling from the Philippines to the US and staying less than one year can get a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate by presenting both their Philippine and US passports, with a processing fee of PHP 200. If your stay exceeds one year, you must pay the travel tax regardless of the passport used.

 

  1. DO I HAVE TO BE A DUAL CITIZEN TO OWN PROPERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Former natural-born Filipinos can still own land in the Philippines without re-acquiring citizenship, but with limitations: up to 1000 square meters of urban land or one hectare of rural land for residence, and 5000 square meters of urban land or three hectares of rural land for business or investment purposes, as prescribed by Philippine Republic Act 8179 and Batas Pambansa 185. 

By becoming a Filipino citizen, these limitations are removed.

 

  1. WILL MY APPLICATION FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP UNDER R.A. 9225 AFFECT MY US CITIZENSHIP?

Republic Act No. 9225 does not mandate the renunciation of one’s US citizenship. There is generally no prohibition against dual citizenship within the United States. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult your employer, especially if you are considering employment with a US federal government agency or the US military, to ascertain whether the dual citizenship will affect your employment status.

The US Supreme Court, as early as 1952, has stated that dual citizenship is a “status long recognized by law” and that “a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both. The mere fact he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not mean that he renounces the other” (Kawakita v US, 343 US 717). In 1964, the US Supreme Court also ruled that a naturalized US citizen has the right to return to his country of origin and resume his former citizenship while remaining a US citizen, even if he never returns to the US (Schneider v. Rusk, 377 US 163).

 

  1. MY OLD PHILIPPINE PASSPORT IS STILL VALID. CAN I STILL USE IT?

Your old Philippine passport was rendered null and void the moment you were naturalized as a US citizen. You are, however, eligible to apply for a new Philippine passport filing retention/reacquisition of your Philippine citizenship.

 

  1. DOES DUAL CITIZENSHIP EXTEND TO MY FOREIGN SPOUSE?

Only former natural-born Filipinos may apply for dual citizenship under RA 9225.

Notarial Services

For more information on Notarial Services, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: notarials@phembassy-us.org

  1. WHAT KINDS OF DOCUMENTS CAN THE EMBASSY NOTARIZE?

The Embassy can notarize private documents, such as affidavits, special power of attorney, general power of attorney, affidavit, certification, deed of donation, deed of sale, extra-judicial settlement of estate, and insurance forms, that are intended for use in the Philippines.

If your document is issued by the government (birth certificate, court document, corporate documents), the Embassy cannot notarize it.

If your document is intended for use in another country, the Embassy cannot notarize it.

 

  1. CAN I MAIL MY DOCUMENTS FOR NOTARIZATION?

Personal attendance of the signatory or signatories is a requirement for consular notarization.

 

  1. CAN YOU APOSTILLE MY DOCUMENT ISSUED BY A PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT AGENCY?

The Embassy cannot apostille documents issued by a government agency, whether Philippine or foreign. The Department of Foreign Affairs is the designated competent authority to apostille documents in the Philippines. Visit apostille.gov.ph for more information.

 

  1. CAN YOU APOSTILLE MY DOCUMENT ISSUED BY A US GOVERNMENT AGENCY?

The Embassy cannot apostille documents issued by a government agency, whether Philippine or foreign. The US government has the designated competent authorities to apostille documents in the United States. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

 

  1. THE RECIPIENT OF MY PRIVATE DOCUMENT IS LOOKING FOR A “RED RIBBON” FROM THE EMBASSY. WHERE CAN I GET THIS?

The Embassy no longer uses a “red ribbon” for authentication or notarization.

 

  1. WHERE CAN I USE MY APOSTILLED DOCUMENT?

You can use your apostilled document in countries that are parties to the Convention. For the updated list of all “Apostille Countries,” please visit https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/convaentions/status-table/?cid=41

 

  1. WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF AN APOSTILLE AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE (“RED RIBBON”)?

The Apostille streamlines the whole authentication procedure of documents for use abroad resulting in more convenience, less cost and processing time for the applicants.

Before Apostille, a Philippine document to be used abroad needs a Certification by the relevant government agency or office, Authentication by the DFA and Authentication (Legalization) by the Embassy of the country of destination.

With the Apostille, the document will no longer require legalization by the Foreign Embassy if the country of destination is already a Member of the Apostille Convention (or an “Apostille Country.”)

Overseas Absentee Voting

Fore more information on Overseas Absentee Voting, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email:  vote@phembassy-us.org.

  1. HOW CAN I VOTE?

According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the mode of overseas voting in the United States and the Caribbean for the 2025 National Elections is online voting. Registered voters will need to pre-enroll starting 10 March 2025. Overseas voting period is from 13 April to 12 May 2025.

Please standby for future advisories on the pre-voting enrollment and election period.

 

  1. WHEN CAN I RECEIVE MY BALLOT?

The mode of overseas voting in the United States and the Caribbean for the 2025 National Elections is online voting. You will not receive voting enrollment and election period.

Passport Services

For more information on Passport Services, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: passport@phembassy-us.org

1. HOW CAN I BOOK A PASSPORT APPOINTMENT?

You can book your appointment at www.passport.gov.ph.

 

2. CAN I WALK IN?

We kindly ask all clients to book an appointment in advance to ensure we can provide the best service possible.

 

3. CAN I MAIL MY PASSPORT APPLICATION?

No, you need to appear in person to apply for a passport. Your photo and biometric data will be taken during your appointment.

 

4. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

Please bring the complete documentary requirements, a prepaid return envelope, and payment for the passport processing fee.

 

5. WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and money orders. Personal checks are not accepted.

 

6. HOW LONG IS MY PASSPORT VALID?

Adult passports are valid for 10 years, while passports for children under age 18 are only valid for 5 years.

 

 7. DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY PASSPORT TO EXPIRE BEFORE I CAN GET A NEW ONE?

You do not need to wait for your passport to expire before applying for a new one. We recommend applying for a new passport nine (9) months before your current passport expires.

 

8. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY NEW PASSPORT?

Please allow six to eight weeks for the processing and release of your passport. You can track the status of your passport here.

Visa

For more information on Visa, click here.

For information not found below and any other inquiries, please email: visa@phembassy-us.org

  1. HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES BASED ON MY VISA?

The period indicated under “Valid From” to “Valid Until” are the inclusive dates during which the visa holder may enter the Philippines. 

The “Period of Stay” indicates the continuous period of authorized stay in the Philippines which commences from the date of arrival in the Philippines. This may extend beyond the period of validity of the visa, depending on the date of arrival in the country.

 

  1. CAN I STAY LONGER THAN THE AUTHORIZED PERIOD OF STAY ON MY VISA?

Yes, you may extend your stay in the Philippines through the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. For more information, visit their website: https://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/

 

  1. I AM A FOREIGN NATIONAL UNDER A TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA, SO I CAN STAY LEGALLY IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR 30 DAYS. HOWEVER, I WANT TO EXTEND MY STAY, HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS?

Foreign nationals who are admitted with an initial stay of 30 days may apply for a visa waiver first, granting an additional stay of 29 in the Philippines. Thereafter, you may apply for one (1) month, two (2) months or six (6) months extensions at least one week prior to the expiration of your valid stay.

 

  1. WHAT IS A BLACK LIST ORDER (BLO)? HOW DO I LIFT THE BLO AGAINST ME?

A Black List Order (BLO) disallows a foreign national entry into the Philippines. One of the common reasons for inclusion in the BL is that a foreign national has violated the Philippine Immigration law/s such as overstaying.

You may apply for BLO lifting by filing a letter of request addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI). You may seek assistance of a lawyer to make arrangements and submit the documentary requirement/s for your request.

 

  1. I AM AVAILING MYSELF OF THE BALIKBAYAN PRIVILEGE. AM I EXEMPT FROM THE RETURN TICKET REQUIREMENT? 

Yes, as you can stay in the Philippines for up to one (1) year.