Residency
Philippines — Residency: Citizenship
Administrative naturalisation under RA 9139 is limited to aliens born in the Philippines who have lived there since birth, through the Special Committee on Naturalization.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceRepublic Act 9139 — Administrative Naturalization LawLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- RA 9139 applicants must be born in the Philippines and have resided there since birth, be at least 18, of good moral character and educated in a school teaching Philippine history, government and civics.
- They must have a known lawful trade, business, profession or occupation, be able to read, write and speak Filipino or a Philippine dialect, and have mingled with Filipinos.
- The petition needs sworn statements from at least two Filipino citizens who have known the applicant for at least ten years; that is a witness requirement, not a residence period.
- The naturalisation fee is PHP 100,000, paid PHP 50,000 on approval and PHP 50,000 at the oath, which must be taken within sixty days.
- Other aliens use judicial naturalisation under Commonwealth Act 473; the Supreme Court describes administrative naturalisation as governed by RA 9139.