Notarial Services for Philippines | Department of Foreign Affairs.Consular Officers at the Consulate can notarize documents for use in the Philippines, signed by individuals. An eyelet and gold seal will be on the covering page of the notarized document (“ACKNOWLEDGMENT”).It is a requirement for consular notarization that the signatory or signatories appear personally. 

In the Philippine Consulate, the following types of documents may be notarized:

• The affidavit
• A power of attorney for special purposes
• Powers of Attorney for General Purposes
• Various certifications
• Selling contracts

• The Deed of Donation
• Absolute sale deeds
• Signature cards/forms for banks
• Forms for insurance
• Applications for NBI clearance

• Forms for GSIS and SSS
• Settlements outside the court system
• Waiver of J1 visas
• The items on the list
• Agreements for au pairs

Apostille certificates issued by U.S. authorities will be sufficient for use of these documents in the Philippines.

Procedure:

Make an appointment:

This service requires an appointment. The applicant should ensure that his or her name, email address, and mobile phone number are entered. If the same document is to be signed by a group of people, only one appointment is needed.

Make a payment online:

Use the online payment portal to pay the notarization fee for the quantity/number of documents to be notarized. There is a US$25.00 fee for notarizing documents. Additionally, the Provider will receive a convenience fee of US$5.00.An SMS confirmation to the registered mobile number will be sent to applicants who have confirmed appointments and successfully made an online payment, as well as three separate emails: Registration confirmation email; payment confirmation email; receipt attachment, which is required for the appointment date, will be sent to you in the form of an receipt.

Follow the appointment schedule to the Consulate:

Individual documents must be signed by the signatory or signatories at the Consulate on the appointed date and time accompanied by the printed eReceipt, two (2) copies of the unsigned documents, actual and photocopies of valid government-issued IDs, and return envelopes).

Documents are processed by the Consulate:

An applicant or applicants must sign and submit valid IDs as well as a printed eReceipt to the Consular Officer. In addition, the applicant must provide the Consular Officer with the return envelope and take note of its tracking number (optional).

Documents are retrieved by the applicant:

A notarized document may be picked up the next business day by the applicant. A notarized document or documents will be mailed by the Consulate on the next business day if a mailing envelope is provided. If the applicant does not receive the processed document within seven days after the appointment date, please send an email to [email protected] with the subject: Notarization (Name of Applicant), Filed on (Date of Appointment).

Requirement:

A printed copy of the electronic receipt:

A successful online payment and confirmed appointment will generate an eReceipt that must be downloaded and printed. The Consular Officer must be presented with the printed eReceipt.

A document which is not signed:

The unsigned document should be submitted in two (2) copies. A consular officer will sign the document.A copy of the other set of documents will be retained by the Consulate for its records.

The applicant should provide an additional copy of each document to be notarized and sufficient photocopies of the applicant’s identification for our records if they are requesting notarization of more than one (1) document.

Valid government-issued identification:

Please bring one (1) original government-issued identification document (ID) showing the applicant’s full name, photograph, and signature (passport, driving license, resident card, etc.), along with two (2) photocopies.
In addition to the first copy of the identification, the Consulate will retain a second copy for the purpose of keeping records. It is recommended that the applicant provide an extra copy of each document to be notarized, as well as enough copies of the applicant’s identification for our records, if more than one (1) document is to be notarized.

Envelope for return is optional:

The envelope should be self-addressed, pre-paid, and have a tracking number, preferably USPS Priority Mail. You should not use metered stamps or a Post Office box as a return address.
There is no FedEx acceptance.

It is the responsibility of the Philippine Consulate General not to be responsible for any delay or loss of mail along the way or while documents are in the custody of the courier service. A tracking number for each envelope used or submitted by the applicant should be noted.

Additional Requirements:

In the case of an affidavit of support and consent:

Child’s Birth Certificate:

The original must be brought along with two (2) photocopies.

Data page for the child’s passport:

The original passport should be brought with two (2) photocopies.The photocopies should be clear and easy to read. They should include the signature and photo of the passport holder. All pages of the original passport must be included.

Passport data page for accompanying adult/guardian:

The original must be brought along with two (2) photocopies.

Parental passports:

Passport data pages should be photocopied and original passports should be brought. The passport of the mother is the only document required in the case of an illegitimate child.

An affidavit by one and the same individual is as follows:

Documents supporting the two different names, or government-issued identification cards:

Each document or ID should be brought with two (2) photocopies. The following types of documents may be required as supporting documentation: birth certificates, school records, medical records, drivers licenses, passports, US permanent resident cards, state identification cards, voter identification cards, etc.

Marriage Certification for Subsequent:

Decree of Divorce:

The original must be brought along with two (2) photocopies.

Two-spouse marriage certificate:

The original must be brought along with two (2) photocopies.

Passport of the Philippines:

The original must be brought along with two (2) photocopies.

Permanent Resident Card, or “Green Card” in the United States:

The original must be brought along with two (2) photocopies.

NOTE:

Acknowledgments do not require an appointment in order to be made.  Generally, walk-ins are permitted for legal and notarial services only on a first-come, first-served basis, with a daily cut-off time.

In the Philippines, what types of documents must be notarized for use?

There are several notarial services provided by the Philippine Embassy:

1. Documentation (such as special powers of attorney, general powers of attorney, deeds of sale or donation, contracts, SSS/GSIS forms, extrajudicial settlement, etc.) presented and to be signed at the Philippine Embassy; and
2. Complaints, Marriage License Applications, Affidavits of Support and Consent, Invitation Letters, Parental Travel Permits, Affidavits of Support and Consent, and Professional Oaths)

 

Do notarial services take a long time?

TIME OF RELEASE: 

• A regular application will be processed within two (2) days of the application date.
• Documents can be expedited for an additional fee of USD10. Documents will be released on the same day that they are submitted.
• A representative or courier may release documents. A representative can retrieve a consularized document for an applicant who is unable to return to the PCG to retrieve it, provided the representative provides proof of identification and an authorization letter from the applicant.
• If documents are to be released via courier, the applicant may arrange for a private courier to take care of the delivery at his or her own expense. In the event that a document is delayed, lost, or damaged in the mail or while it is in the custody of a courier service, the Philippine Embassy assumes no responsibility. All envelopes used and submitted should be accompanied by tracking numbers.

 

What are the methods of obtaining notarial services through the Embassy?

It is necessary to make an appointment in order to receive Embassy services. If applicants are interested in scheduling an appointment, they should send an email to [email protected] .

Should documents be sent to the Embassy for notarization via mail or must they be presented in person?

For notarial services at the Embassy, the applicant must appear personally. Signing documents at the Embassy or Consulate requires the presence of all parties. In any case, the Attorney-in-Fact for Special Powers of Attorney does not need to appear before the consular officials in order to sign the document and can sign after receiving it.

DOCUMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

1. Upon receipt of the document/s, the principal (individual signing the document) must appear personally before a Consular Officer or Staff member at the Consulate to sign them;

2. Documents required by the applicant are as follows:

• Copies of all necessary documents (including all attachments) needed by the consul; and
• The Consulate should have a copy of each document (including all attachments) for its records.

 

3. In order to verify the identity of the person/s executing the document, provide the original as well as a copy of his or her valid identification document (ID) (for example, a passport, state identification card, driver’s license, etc.) for each (original and copy). Here are the requirements for photocopies of ID:

• A photocopy of the valid identification card displaying the principal’s full name and signature must be legible and clear.
• Authentic identification must be signed by the principal and show the full, correct, and given name of the principal.  It is imperative that the Acknowledgement page of the Consulate reflects the name of the signatory as it appears on the ID of the signatory (not what is displayed on the document to be signed).

 

4.A self-addressed, stamped, prepaid mailer containing the recipient’s address is required. You can use either a USPS Express or Priority Mail envelope with appropriate stamps (do not use FEDEX). I would like to remind you that if your Shipping Label is set up as “to bill the sender”, please do not put the Philippine Consulate as the sender.

Fees for processing:

No refunds will be given for fees. There is a convenience fee for using a credit/debit card, and money orders, bank drafts, certified checks and cashier’s checks should be made payable to it (“Philippine Consulate General”). There is no acceptance of personal checks.

Document acknowledgment … $25.00

An appearance certificate (for one and the same person) costs $25.00

DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION

 

A certificate with a gold seal and signature of the Consular Officer will be issued by the Philippine Consulate effective 14 May 2019. In order to apostill documents, the Philippine Consulate Apostille certificates apostillized in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington State, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Northern California are no longer required. Since the Apostille Convention (commonly known as the Hague Convention) entered into force in the Philippines on 5 October 1961, the United States is no longer required to legalize foreign public documents.

Based on Sections 99 and 320 of the Apostille Handbook, foreign apostille documents issued before 14 May 2019 shall be recognized in the Philippines. The Apostille streamlines the entire authentication process of documents for use abroad, allowing applicants to benefit from greater convenience and shorter processing times. The Philippine government has to certify, authenticate, and legalize a document before it can be used abroad via Apostille.

In the case of a member country of the Apostille Convention (or an “Apostille Country”), the aforementioned document will no longer need to be legalized by the Foreign Embassy. Once affixing the document, it can be used in any and all Apostille Countries.

THE RENUNCIATION OF PHILIPPINES AS CITIZENS

 

The documents for the renunciation of Philippine citizenship must be mailed by Filipinos/former Filipinos. A certificate stating that the applicant has renounced his or her rights as a Filipino citizen is issued by the Philippine Consulate when the application is approved. A minimum age of 18 is required to renounce Philippine citizenship.

Requirements:

It would be helpful if the following documents were compiled and arranged in sets of three (3) as follows:

• Please provide the Consulate with your contact information (ex. Mobile/telephone numbers, email addresses, and your permanent address) in order to explain your request to renounce your Philippine citizenship.
• Duly-notarized Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship with original and two copies.
• Two (2) originals of a Birth Certificate, one (3) photocopies of a USA Certificate of Live Birth, issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), formerly National Statistics Office (NSO).
• Passport data page in original and three (3) copies, with the original passport being given to the Philippine Consulate General for cancellation and long-term storage.
• Under R.A. 9225, Filipino Citizenship (Dual Citizens) will be retained by the Philippine Consulate General once originals and two (2) copies of the Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance, and Order of Approval are submitted.
• The following documents should be presented in the original and three (3) photocopies:
• Naturalization certificate issued by the U.S.
• Passport issued by the United States
• A valid United States driver’s license or state identification card.
• The validity of Philippine citizenship of the parent/s at the time of birth should be provided (ex. U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Philippine Passport).
• Payment of $25.00 is required in the form of a money order, bank draft, certified check, or cashier’s check payable to the “Philippine Consulate General.”. Cash should not be enclosed. There is no acceptance of personal checks.
• We require (1) Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelopes (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or (2) Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelopes labeled with the recipient’s address for the release/mailing of the Certification. The following is important:
• The Philippine Consulate should not be listed as the sender on the Shipping Label.
• If you would like to send your return documents in a white letter envelope, please do not do so.

 

NBI CLEARANCE

 

If you live abroad or work abroad, you must obtain and complete the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General Fingerprint Card Form, have your fingerprints impressed, and return the form to the Philippine NBI in order to get an NBI Clearance Certificate. The NBI Clearance Certificate is also required for Foreign Nationals who have lived in the Philippines.

NBI applications must be submitted in person. Applications submitted by mail will not be accepted by the Consulate.

First-time applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. A Consular Officer/Staff for Legal and Notarial Services must witness the signing of the document/s personally.

2.An application form for Fingerprint Cards will be provided to the applicant. Ensure that the personal information you enter is accurate and legible.

3. The following information should be provided:

• Two (2) identical photographs (2″ x 2″) taken within three (3) months of each other in a plain white background. It is not acceptable to submit photos that are blurred or of low quality.
• Please include a copy of the original passport, as well as two (2) photocopies (data page only).
• Applicants may also submit a valid ID from their country of residence.
• Including USPS Express or Priority Mail tracking number on the self-addressed stamp return envelope. Using the self-addressed prepaid envelope from the courier of choice with the recipient’s address on it.

 

4. A Consular Officer or Staff member will assist you with having your fingerprints rolled on the appropriate space during the fingerprinting procedure. On the card, your fingerprint taker will sign their name, official designation, and signature.

5. Online registration is required at http://www.nbi.gov.ph/. A reference number can only be obtained by signing up and logging in. It will be used by the NBI to retrieve applicant data and status of the application based on this reference number.

NBI Clearance Renewal Requirements:

1. The Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD) will authenticate previous NBI Clearance certificates dated 2011 and beyond. The instructions for First Time applicants apply if you received your NBI Clearance Certificate before 2014 or have lost your personal copy.

2. Please provide the following information in addition to the above:

• Three (3) identical photos taken within the past three (3) months, each measuring 2″ x 2″. We do not accept photos that are blurry or of low quality.
• A copy of the valid passport in its original form and two (2) photocopies of it (data page only).
• Residents of the country of residence must provide an additional valid identification document (I.D.).
• Envelopes with appropriate stamps (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or prepaid envelopes from courier of choice with the recipient’s address.

 

3. Applicants are advised to complete the application form for first-time applicants, presenting the original and submitting two (2) photocopies of their birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc., if their personal data has changed (for example, name, date of birth, place of birth). Providing evidence for the changes to be made is required.

4.Registration online for renewals is required at www.nbi.gov.ph. Fill out all the personal information there at the website until you see a reference number. In order to retrieve the applicant’s data and verify the application status, please copy the reference number.

In case your NBI clearance dates back to 2014 or later, you will not need to complete a new NBI Fingerprint Card Form so long as you have not changed any of your personal information (Ex. Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth). Furthermore, online registration is no longer required. As a result, the applicant must present and submit to the NBI the clearance certificate dated 2014 along with the requirements listed in Item No. 2.

Fees for Acknowledgment (Notarization):

There is no refund on any fees. In order to pay the fees, money orders, bank drafts, certified checks, or cashier’s checks should be made payable to the “Philippine Consulate General.” We do not accept cash or personal checks.

Fingerprint Card Recognition (Notarization)… $25.00

IMPORTATION OF PETS

 

Requirement:

1. Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) import permit
2. The certification must be issued by a veterinarian accredited by the USDA or a veterinarian licensed by the USDA
3. Microchips or RFID (radio-frequency identification) are mandatory for pets including dogs and cats

 

NOTE:

It will be possible to refuse entry to dogs and cats that do not have the required identification effective June 1, 2018. It is the importer’s responsibility to bear all costs incurred.

PROCEDURE:

1. To obtain a permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)

• In order to check the status of an application, the applicant will need to enter their Username (email) and Password. There are four possible statuses: (1) Submit for Endorsement (meaning the applicant is waiting for the approving authority to sign); (2) Approved; (3) Rejected (the applicant must reapply).
• Following approval, the applicant will be directed to a 3-page SPS permit by clicking on the reference number. Make sure the permit is printed and presented to the Quarantine station at the airport (Philippines).
• Most approvals take between one and two days. There is a two-month validity period for SPS permits.
• For importation, you will also need a Veterinary Health Certificate and an updated Vaccination Record, both of which are included in the permit.
• Vaccination Records need to be updated with the following information:

DOGS: As well as vaccinations against distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and type 2 adenovirus, rabies vaccinations are available

CATS: An injection of rabies vaccine as well as an injection of vaccine against herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia

2. Obtaining a US health certificate

A USDA veterinarian or a veterinarian who has been accredited by the USDA should certify the health of each pet. Within 10 days before arrival in the Philippines, the health certificate should be dated. Animals must have a health certificate certifying they are free of dangers or communicable diseases, that they have received anti-rabies and other required immunizations, as well as that they have been vaccinated against them.

3. ISO-compliant microchips / RFID (radio-frequency identification) must be installed on all pets dogs and cats.

A USDA or USDA-accredited veterinarian should issue a health certificate that reflects the microchip number implanted in the animal when the import permit application is submitted to BAI Philippines.

GIFTS FOR CENTENARIANS

 

It says that every Filipino centenarian gets a centenarian gift worth P100,000 and a letter from the Philippine President congratulating him/her for being so old. According to Republic Act (RA) No. 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipino centenarians get a centenarian gift worth P100,000.

Among the beneficiaries of the law are overseas Filipino centenarians. RA 9225 provides a method for Filipino citizens living outside of the Philippines to regain or retain their Philippine citizenship by turning 100 years old or over.

What is the eligibility criteria?

A Filipino citizen who reaches 100 years of age before the commencement date of RA 10868 (from 15 July 2016 onward) and a Filipino citizen who meets this criteria after that date. It is still possible to receive awards or incentives if you are a deceased Filipino centenarian who died after the effective date of RA 10868.

For centenarians who have already acceded to dual citizenship, RA 9225 must first be applied for.

Which requirements must be met?

Filipino centenarians who are living:

1. Application form duly completed;
2. Obtain a copy of a valid passport from the Philippine government;
3. Copies of citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Certificates, Identification Certificates, Orders of Approval Certificates, and/or Oaths of Allegiance Certificates (if dual citizenship);
4. Identify the centenarian’s Philippine peso-denominated bank account or if it is not available, indicate his or her name.

The attorney-in-fact should provide the centenarian with one (1) original and two (2) certified true copies of the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing her/him to accept/deposit or encase the gift check and forward the amount to the centenarian in any way possible.

Centenarian Filipinos who have passed away:

1. The application form must be duly completed;
2. Obtain a copy of a valid passport from the Philippine government;
3. Provide photocopies of your Identity Certificate, Certificate of Retention and Reacquisition of Citizenship, Order of Approval Certificate, and/or Oath of Allegiance Certificate (if you are a dual citizen);
4. Documentation regarding the centenarian’s death;
5. The nearest surviving relative’s photocopy of their valid identification card;
6. Certificates of birth, marriage certificates, or any other documentation establishing the mutual relationship between the nearest living relative and the centenarian;
7. A special power of attorney authorizing a representative (claimant) to receive the centenarian gift on behalf of all of the nearest surviving relatives (e.g., children);
8. A Warranty and Release from Liability Form should be executed as well by the claimant

 

Where should I apply?

Applicants may be represented by their nearest surviving relative. Besides the documentary requirements, the representative must present the following documents:

1. Medical certificate for bedridden overseas centenarian, or letter of authorization signed by the centenarian;
2. Photocopy of the representative’s original identification card.

 

Filipino embassies and consulates should receive applications from centenarians residing in the area where they reside. Through the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs will forward the application materials to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in Manila.