How to Renounce Your Filipino Citizenship

Renunciation of your Filipino citizenship is a voluntary act. Under the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, or Republic Act 9225, all Filipino citizens who hold citizenship of another country are not deemed to have lost their Filipino citizenship. The law does not require its citizens to renounce their citizenship if they wish to pledge allegiance to another country. There are instances, however, when a renunciation of your Filipino citizenship is required, such as when you are obtaining a security clearance from the government of the United States. Dual citizens who wish to run for public office may also want to renounce their Filipino citizenship to rid themselves of the dual political obligations they have. Political refugees may also want to declare a renunciation.

Obtain a copy of the Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship from the Philippine Embassy in your country. Accomplish the affidavit.

Read More: Philippine Dual-Citizenship Requirements

Appear in person at the Philippine Embassy in your country and present your Philippine passport for cancellation. If your passport has expired for more than one year, you need to apply for a new one. If your passport has expired for less than one year, you may present a valid identification document instead. If you do not have a Philippine passport, present a Philippine Birth Certificate or a Report of Birth that is authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and printed on National Statistics Office security paper.

Sign the Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship in front of the receiving officer.

Pay the required notarization fee for legalization of all documents. The fee varies from country to country.

Wait for the receiving officer to verify and approve your documents. Waiting time varies from country to country.

Take the Oath of Renunciation. The receiving officer will then cut and cancel your Philippine passport.