Can Dual Filipino Citizens Still Own Property in the Philippines?
Learn how Filipinos can retain property ownership in the Philippines after becoming U.S. citizens
If you’re a Filipino green card holder living in the U.S. and considering naturalization, you may have heard a common misconception: that becoming a U.S. citizen means you can no longer buy or own property in the Philippines. This concern can be a major factor in deciding whether or not to pursue U.S. citizenship, but the good news is that it’s not true.
In this guide, we’ll explain how dual citizenship works, outline the property ownership rights you’ll retain, and provide details on how you can confidently move forward with naturalization while keeping your ties to the Philippines intact.
Property Ownership for Dual Citizens
Filipino law allows dual citizens — those who hold citizenship in both the Philippines and another country, such as the U.S. — to retain their rights to own and purchase property in the Philippines. This means that even if you decide to become a U.S. citizen, as long as you apply for and maintain dual citizenship, you will still have the right to buy, own, and inherit land or property in the Philippines.
What the Law Says
Under the Philippine Dual Citizenship Law (Republic Act No. 9225), natural-born Filipinos who become citizens of another country are not automatically stripped of their Philippine citizenship. They can apply for dual citizenship, which restores their full rights as Filipino citizens, including the right to own property.
What Property Can You Own?
If you are a dual citizen, you can still acquire residential property in the Philippines but there are certain restrictions based on the property’s location. For personal use, the limits are:
- Urban areas: Up to 1,000 square meters (about a quarter of an acre)
- Rural areas: Up to 1 hectare (roughly 2.5 acres)
This allows you to build a home, vacation house, or other residential space.
For those looking to invest in real estate beyond personal use, Filipino law permits larger land acquisitions for investment purposes. You are allowed to buy:
- Urban areas: Up to 5,000 square meters
- Rural areas: Up to 3 hectares
These options provide opportunities to develop property, launch business ventures, or invest in agricultural land.
How Does Dual Citizenship Work?
If you decide to apply for U.S. naturalization, you can also apply to retain your Filipino citizenship through the Philippine embassy or consulate. This ensures that you keep your full rights as a Filipino citizen, including property ownership. The process involves submitting an application and taking an oath of allegiance to the Philippines, confirming your dual citizenship.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Becoming a U.S. citizen doesn’t mean giving up your ties to the Philippines. By applying for dual citizenship, you can enjoy the benefits of both countries —including the ability to own property in the Philippines, just as you do now.
We’ve joined forces with RapidVisa to help you complete your entire naturalization application, including all forms and supporting documents, from the moment your application is filed until you obtain U.S. citizenship. Start your application today!
FAQs
Dual citizens can own both residential and commercial property. This includes houses, condominiums, and land, whether for personal use or investment purposes. The size of the property may be subject to certain limits depending on whether it’s located in an urban or rural area.
For personal residential use, dual citizens can own up to 1,000 square meters of land in urban areas and up to 1 hectare in rural areas. For investment purposes, dual citizens can own up to 5,000 square meters of land in urban areas and up to 3 hectares in rural areas.
No, you do not need to renounce your U.S. citizenship. Through dual citizenship, you can retain your U.S. citizenship while reacquiring or maintaining your Filipino citizenship, allowing you to own property in the Philippines.
Yes, dual citizens have the same rights as Filipino citizens when it comes to inheriting property. You can inherit land, homes, and other types of real estate without any restrictions.
As a dual citizen, you are free to sell any property you own in the Philippines without restrictions. Proceeds from the sale can be transferred abroad, subject to applicable Philippine laws and taxes. Your status as a U.S. citizen will not affect your ability to sell or manage property in the Philippines.