In cases where a Filipino intends to apply for naturalization in Taiwan, one of the requirements is the renunciation of his/her Philippine citizenship. Basically this refers to act of giving up a person’s original citizenship, after acquiring foreign citizenship.
The process for renunciation of Philippine citizenship is facilitated by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). Now, you might be thinking — what are the requirements? What happens after the renunciation? Is is possible to reacquire Philippine citizenship? These are the questions that will be tackled in this article.
Guide to Applying for Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship
Filipinos in Taiwan who plan to apply for naturalization are required to renounce their Philippine citizenship. This applies to any Filipino citizen, natural-born or naturalized, who is at least 18 years old.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for renunciation of Philippine citizenship, the following documents must be prepared:
- Duly accomplished “Declaration of Intent to Renounce Philippine Citizenship” form;
- Certificate of Naturalization — 1 original, 2 photocopies;
Household Registration Transcript of Spouse — 1 original, 2 photocopies; - Valid Philippine Passport (data page) — 1 photocopy;
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate — 1 photocopy; and
- Three (3) photocopies each of the following: (a) Applicant’s Alien Resident Card or ARC (front and back); (b) Spouse’s Taiwan ID; and (c) Spouse’s Passport (data page).
NOTES:
The Certificate of Naturalization and the Household Registration Transcript of Spouse must be English Versions (not translations). These documents may be requested from the Taiwan Household Registration Office.
Moreover, ALL copies of the Household Registration Transcript of Spouse must be notarized by the Local District Court and authenticated by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Finally, MECO may require applicants to show additional documents, depending on the case. This is done to help determine their identity, citizenship, and/or legal status under Philippine laws.
Fees
The processing fee varies on a case to case basis, depending on the circumstances of each applicant. That being said, based on the MECO official website, the Notarial Services for Declaration of Renunciation costs TWD 1,000. There’s also an Expedite Fee of TWD 200, depending on the need or preference of the applicant.
Procedure
The process for renunciation of Philippine citizenship involves three main stages: booking of appointment at MECO; signing of the Affidavit of Renunciation; payment of fees and claiming of affidavit.
Booking of Appointment
To ensure smooth and fast processing of transactions, applicants are encouraged to book their appointments with MECO in advance. They can do this by logging into the MECO Appointment System and setting their preferred date and time.
Signing of Affidavit of Renunciation
On the appointed date and time, the signing of Affidavit of Renunciation takes place at MECO, along with the submission of all necessary documents. Notably, the “Declaration of Intention to Renounce Philippine Citizenship” form includes these statements:
“I applied and was admitted as a national of Taiwan. I fully understand that after I renounce all allegiance and fidelity to the Republic of the Philippines, I will no longer be entitled to all civil and political rights and privileges reserved to the citizens thereof.
I solemnly swear that all of the foregoing statements are true and correct of my own personal knowledge and on the basis of authentic documents in my possession.”
Once the applicant has signed the form and taken the oath of renunciation, he/she is no longer a Filipino citizen, and effectively divests or relinquishes the rights and privileges that come with Philippine citizenship.
Payment of Fees, Claiming of Affidavit
The applicant proceeds to the Cashier to pay the processing fee. Afterwards, on the date and time indicated by the Consular Officer, he/she returns to MECO to receive his/her duly notarized Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship and Certification.
Screenshot from meco.org.tw
Eventually, MECO will forward copies of the applicant’s Affidavit and Certification on Renunciation of Citizenship, along with supporting documents, to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the PSA, and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Meanwhile, with regard to the processing of the applicant’s naturalization in Taiwan, and the submission of other necessary documents in the Philippines — details and inquiries may be made with the Taiwan Household Registration Office and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila, respectively.
What Happens After I Renounce Philippine Citizenship?
In case you were wondering, what exactly happens after a person renounces Philippine Citizenship? Basically, this means that he/she is no longer a Filipino, and that he/she is no longer entitled to the rights and privileges that are part of Philippine citizenship.
Furthermore, the following prohibitions will also apply to him/her:
- He/She cannot purchase, own, or be a transferee of land in the Philippines, specifically land in excess of 1,000 square meters (urban land) or one hectare (rural land) for residential purposes.;
- Likewise, he/she cannot purchase, own, or be a transferee of land in the Philippines in excess of 5,000 square meters (urban land) or three hectares (rural land) for business purposes;
- He/She can no longer participate in the Philippine elections, whether as a candidate or as a voter;
- He/She cannot hold a Philippine passport, and entry to the Philippines is not guaranteed; and
- He/She cannot seek direct assistance from MECO, as only Filipinos are entitled to the same.
Can I Reacquire Philippine Citizenship Again?
Can a person who has been naturalized as a Taiwanese national reacquire Philippine citizenship? The answer is yes! Under Republic Act 9225 or the “Dual Citizenship Law,” a natural-born Filipino who has been naturalized a Taiwanese national may apply for Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship at MECO.
Contact Information: MECO Taipei
For those who have any questions or concerns regarding renunciation of Philippine citizenship, you can get in touch with MECO. Below are the contact details of MECO Head Office in Taipei.
Meanwhile, for those who are based in the central and southern parts of Taiwan, here are the MECO Taichung Extension Office and MECO Kaohsiung Extension Office contact details.
Address: 2F, Chang Hong New Era Building, 55 & 57 Zhouzi St., Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan
Telephone: +886 2 2658 8825
Website: https://www.meco.org.tw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MECO.official/
Google Map:
As for MECO, this office provides many other services for Filipinos, including passport services. If you need to renew your passport anytime soon, here’s our guide on how to renew the Philippine passport in Taiwan.