Dual Citizenship in Canada: Rules & Requirements
Understand dual citizenship in Canada: rules, requirements, and passport rules for a dual Canadian citizen. Learn how to acquire or renounce citizenship.
Can you be a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country at the same time? Yes. Canada allows dual and multiple citizenship. However, the other country’s laws also apply and could restrict dual citizenship, require a person to give up one citizenship, or impose other requirements.
Holding multiple citizenships also has certain practical implications regarding passports, travel abroad, international legal requirements, taxes and consular support. For example, most dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to fly to or transit through Canada, while tax and citizenship obligations depend on the laws of each country.
This guide explains how dual citizenship works in Canada, how citizenship is obtained and retained, travel and passport requirements, responsibilities that could apply to dual citizens, and the process of renouncing Canadian citizenship.
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Dual Citizenship in Canada: What Does It Mean?
Does Canada Allow Dual and Multiple Citizenship?
Does Canada allow dual citizenship? Yes. Canada allows its citizens to hold citizenship in another country at the same time. In practice, Canada recognizes dual citizenship, meaning a Canadian citizen may also be a citizen of one or more other countries. Holding dual citizenship does not create a separate type of Canadian citizenship, and there is no special application or certificate for this status.
A person may acquire a second citizenship by birth, parentage or by choosing to become a citizen of another country later. However, not all countries permit dual citizenship. Some may restrict it or require a person to give up an existing citizenship.
Can You Keep Your Original Citizenship When You Become Canadian?
Under Canadian law, you can generally keep your existing citizenship when you obtain Canadian citizenship. However, Canada cannot guarantee that your original country will allow you to keep both. Some countries may require you to renounce your citizenship or meet other conditions.
Before submitting a citizenship application, check the laws of your current country of citizenship. The embassy, high commission, or consulate of your country of citizenship can confirm whether you can keep your existing citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen.
How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in Canada
There is no separate application to become a “dual citizen” in Canada. You may hold Canadian and foreign citizenship depending on the citizenship laws of the countries involved.
Common situations include:
- You are born with more than one citizenship: You may acquire citizenship in two or more countries at birth if their laws recognize you as a citizen.
- You become a Canadian citizen while keeping your original citizenship: Canada generally allows new citizens to retain their existing citizenship, subject to the laws of the other country.
- You become a citizen of another country after becoming Canadian: A Canadian citizen may acquire another citizenship later if the other country allows it.
Canadian Citizenship by Descent and Family Connections
Citizenship by descent in Canada means that you were born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent at the time of your birth, according to the Citizenship Act. Having Canadian ancestry or a Canadian ancestor does not make you a citizen, and IRCC may need documents connecting you to your parents or grandparents.
For someone born outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, in the second or later generation born abroad, a Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad usually must demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada by having lived in Canada for a cumulative minimum of 1,095 days before the birth of the child or before the adoption of the child in the case of an adopted child. If you are already a citizen, you can apply for a citizenship certificate to prove your citizenship status.
Tax Obligations and Responsibilities for Dual Citizens in Canada
Legal Responsibilities for Dual Citizens
Having another citizenship may create legal responsibilities under that country’s laws. Depending on the country and your circumstances, these may include:
- Passport and travel document requirements
- Military or national service
- Citizenship registration
- Entry and exit requirements
- Other obligations under local law
Becoming a Canadian citizen does not automatically remove responsibilities connected with your other citizenship. Check with the relevant foreign government, embassy, high commission, or consulate for current requirements before travelling or making decisions about your citizenship.
Tax Obligations for Dual Citizens
Canadian tax laws are generally based on residency, not citizenship or Canadian immigration status. Residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are generally taxed on certain Canadian-source income. Property in Canada may also be relevant to your residential ties, which can affect your Canadian tax obligations and income tax return requirements.
Individuals with US citizenship may also have responsibilities. US citizens in Canada are generally subject to US tax rules on worldwide income. A tax treaty exists between the US and Canada, and credits can be used to prevent double taxation of qualifying taxes paid; however, US filing requirements may still apply.
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Passport Requirements for Canadians with Dual Citizenship
Canadian Passport Rules for Dual Citizens
Most dual Canadian citizens travelling by air need a valid Canadian passport to fly to or transit through Canada. A passport from another country generally is not enough to board a flight to Canada. If your other country requires its citizens to use its passport when entering or leaving, you should carry both passports.
Canadian-American dual citizens have an exemption here. They can travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport or a valid US passport. If you are travelling with only a US passport, you should also bring proof of Canadian citizenship. These documents help prove citizenship and the right to enter Canada.
Flying to Canada Without a Canadian Passport
There are some situations where an eligible dual Canadian citizen can be qualified for a special authorization to board a flight to Canada without a valid Canadian passport. Requirements:
- Having a flight to Canada leaving in less than 10 days
- Holding a valid passport from a visa-exempt country or territory
- Not being a Canadian-American dual citizen
- Meeting IRCC’s other eligibility conditions for special authorization
The authorization is valid for only four days from the selected travel date. Travellers who receive approval should carry the authorization and, if available, proof of Canadian citizenship when boarding their flight.
What Should Dual Citizens Know Before Travelling Abroad?
Travel Entry Requirements for Canadians With Dual Citizenship
Dual citizens may be subject to different entry and exit rules when travelling to a country where they also hold citizenship. Some countries require citizens to use specific passports to enter and may require a passport issued by that country when leaving. Local rules can therefore affect how you enter and exit the country, even when your Canadian citizenship is recognized.
You may also face restrictions that do not apply to other Canadian travellers, including exit visas, citizenship registration, military service, enhanced screening, or exit bans. In some cases, these rules could affect your ability to enter the country or leave it. Before travelling, contact your other country’s embassy or consulate in Canada and review the Canadian government travel advice and advisories for your destination.
Canadian Consular Assistance for Dual Citizens
Canadian consular assistance may be limited when you are in a country where you also hold citizenship. Depending on local laws, authorities may not recognize your Canadian citizenship or may refuse Canadian officials access to you during an emergency, arrest, detention, or other serious situation.
Even if access is limited, you can still request Canadian consular services if you need help. The amount of assistance Canada can provide will depend on the laws and actions of the country where you are located.
Renouncing Canadian Citizenship
A Canadian citizen can formally apply to renounce Canadian citizenship if they meet the applicable Government of Canada requirements.
Under the standard renunciation process, you generally must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not live in Canada
- Prove that you are a citizen of another country or will become one if your application is approved
- Meet the other applicable eligibility requirements
Simply becoming a citizen of another country does not automatically cause you to lose your Canadian citizenship.
What Happens After You Renounce Canadian Citizenship?
If your renunciation is approved, you lose Canadian citizenship and the rights and privileges that come with it. This includes your right to live in Canada as a Canadian citizen. You would also lose your Canadian citizenship status and would need another legal status to live in Canada.
If you want to go back to Canada for good at a later time, you would normally need to apply for permanent residence under Canadian immigration rules. If you are visiting, working or studying temporarily, the requirements will vary depending on your nationality and circumstances.
Get Your Canadian Documents Apostilled and Translated for International Use
Canadian documents intended for use abroad often require an apostille or legalization, and some destination countries also require a translation. The requirements depend on the destination country, the type of document, and the authority receiving it. I provide professional human translation services for citizenship, immigration, legal, and other official Canadian documents, with attention to accuracy, context, and terminology.
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