Questions and Answers about Philippine Citizenship
Citizenship through marriage?
Lately, I have been getting a number of e-mail inquiries from readers who want to become Philippine Citizens, and they are asking if marriage to a Filipina will convey Philippine Citizenship to them. Let's look at one of the questions I have gotten lately on this topic: Hi Bob, I got married to a lady from the Philippines in 2008, a little more than 4 years ago. What papers to I need to … [Read More...]
Questions and Answers about Philippine Citizenship
Struggling with Citizenship Issues
I have been living in the Philippines for a dozen years already, probably more than that by the time you read this. In all of that time, I have never been back to my country of citizenship, the USA. Really, I have no desire to go back and probably never will. I really can't think of any reason why I would go back. But, I am still a US Citizen, and not a Philippine Citizen. I have been … [Read More...]
Citizenship through legislation?
Yep, you read the title correctly. Did you know that it is possible to obtain Philippine Citizenship through legislation? How? Why? Who can get it? Well, the truth is, if you are a foreigner and have made some contribution to the country, or done something that has brought honor or other good things for the Philippines, it is possible that the Legislature of the Philippines may honor … [Read More...]
I’m moving to the Philippines
Over the past month or so, I have gotten several e-mails from different people all saying the same thing. I'm getting ready to move to the Philippines. Before I move, though, what do I need to do to get my citizenship? Well, first off, it is important to know that you do not need to be a Philippine Citizen in order to live in the Philippines. In fact, the truth is that unless you are a … [Read More...]
How much does naturalization in the Philippines cost?
Whenever you need the government to do anything, no matter what country you are in, there are fees involved. No different here in the Philippines. How much are the various fees in order to become a Naturalized Citizen of the Philippines? Here is a list of fees that you may encounter. There may be additional unpublished fees, but this is the list of fees published by the Philippine … [Read More...]
I want to live in the Philippines
I got an e-mail this morning from Joseph. Joseph wants to live in the Philippines, and wonders about citizenship issues. Here is what Joseph had to say: Hi Bob, I am tired of life in America and I want to relocate to the Philippines. Can you tell me how to become a citizen of the Philippines so that I can live there? Well, Joseph, thank you for writing. There are a couple things … [Read More...]
Philippine Visa News
Does naturalization in the Philippines have tax implications?
I recently read a very interesting article in the Philippine Star newspaper regarding United States taxation policies in regard to Americans who live overseas (particularly those in Asia) and what happens if they become naturalized in the country where they reside. More and more Americans living outside the United States are renouncing their US citizenship on account of increasing tax obligations and stringent reporting requirements mandated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Called the new Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act or FATCA, … [Read More...]
Philippine Senate was busy in 2011
The Philippine Senate indeed was busy in 2011. There were lots of scandals for the Senate to investigate! But, did you know that the Legislature of the Philippines can convey Philippine Citizenship to foreigners that it deems worth? It's true. By an act of the legislature, followed by a signature of the Philippine President, a foreigner can become a citizen of the Philippines without having to go through the normal procedure of Naturalization. In fact, in 2011, the Legislature conferred Philippine Citizenship on Marcus Eugene … [Read More...]
Former Basketball Player wants Philippine Citizenship
Legendary Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) import and Hall-of-Famer Billy Ray Bates, known fondly as the "Black Superman," is "seriously considering" applying for a Filipino citizenship. Bates, who won championships while playing for Crispa and Ginebra in the 1980s, returned to the Philippines last October to be inducted to the PBA Hall of Fame. He was given a job as the skills coach of the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) and has yet to return to the United States. "I can see myself living in the … [Read More...]
Have a Question?
Do you have a question about becoming a Philippine Citizen? If you are unclear on how your situation affects your eligibility for Philippine Citizenship, or are just questioning anything about the … [Read More...]
The book with the Answers
Get our book!
If you are contemplating a move to the Philippines, for whatever reason, our book the Philippine Immigration Guide will help guide you through the journey of obtaining the proper visa for your stay in … [Read More...]