LAW 101

How to Apply for Recognition as a Filipino Citizen by Birth

If your father and/or mother was a Filipino citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible to be recognized as a Filipino citizen, even if you were born abroad or hold foreign citizenship.

Where to apply

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office, Manila.

What you need to prepare

• ·Notarized Letter Request: addressed to the BI Commissioner, signed by your parent or legal guardian (if you are below 18), or by yourself (if 18 and above), declaring that your parents were Filipino citizens at the time of your birth.
• ·Your valid passport: photocopy of the bio page.
• ·Parent’s valid passport: photocopy of the bio page.
• ·Your Birth Certificate: PSA-issued, or with Authentication or Apostille if born abroad.
• ·Parent’s Birth Certificate: PSA-issued, or with Authentication or Apostille if born abroad.
• ·Affidavit of Citizenship: executed by your Filipino parent, confirming their citizenship at the time of your birth and whether you have acquired foreign citizenship.

Important reminders

• ·Submit 1 original and 3 photocopies of all documents.
• ·All documents must be compiled in a legal-size folder, arranged per the checklist.
• ·Foreign documents must be authenticated by the Philippine FSP or DFA, or bear an Apostille.
• ·Sworn statements must be notarized (in the Philippines) or authenticated by a Philippine Foreign Service Post (if executed abroad).
• ·All civil registry documents (birth, marriage, death certificates) must be PSA-issued originals.
• ·If someone else is filing on your behalf, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is required.
• ·Bring your original valid passport for scanning at the BI counter. It will be returned.

If birth records are unavailable

Submit instead:

• ·Certification from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR), National Archives, and PSA.
• ·Baptismal Certificate.
• ·PSA Marriage Contract of the applicant or parents.
• ·PSA Death Certificate of the parent (if deceased).
• ·Other documents proving Philippine citizenship.

This information is based on BI Form BSI01.QF.001, effective January 2022.

Tolentino Law can assist you with this tedious process.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and requirements change. Please consult a lawyer about your specific circumstances.