Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Canadian Dual Citizenship

With almost one in 20 Canadians holding more than one passport, dual citizenship is clearly very common in Canada – but it’s perhaps not as well understood as it should be.

On This Page You Will Find:

• How to Acquire Dual Citizenship: Pathways for Canadians
• Rights and Responsibilities of Dual Citizens
• Countries That Allow and Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship
• The Naturalization Process for Immigrants Retaining Original Citizenship
• Restrictions on Dual Citizenship: Military Service and Tax Obligations
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Holding Dual Citizenship
• Legal Implications and Practical Tips for Dual Citizens
• What Happens if One Country Does Not Allow Dual Citizenship

There is no certificate or official recognition of dual citizenship by the Canadian government. Foreign nationals who become Canadian citizens can simply keep their citizenship in their home country in many cases.

How to Acquire Dual Citizenship: Pathways for Canadians

There are several ways individuals can acquire dual citizenship in Canada:

1. Birthright Citizenship

Some individuals are born with dual citizenship. This typically occurs when a child is born in one country to parents who are citizens of another. For example, a child born in Canada to parents from a country that grants citizenship by descent (like Italy or Ireland) would automatically acquire dual citizenship at birth. The same applies if a child is born abroad to Canadian parents, as they can be Canadian citizens by descent while also holding citizenship from the country of their birth.

2. Naturalization

Dual citizenship can also be acquired through naturalization. For instance, a Canadian citizen who moves to another country and fulfills that country’s residency and citizenship requirements may acquire a second nationality while retaining Canadian citizenship. Conversely, foreign nationals who immigrate to Canada and complete the naturalization process can become dual citizens if their home country allows it. Canada does not require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship upon becoming Canadian.

3. Marriage

In some countries, citizenship may be acquired through marriage. For example, a Canadian marrying a citizen of another country could become eligible for that country’s citizenship. While marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship, it may simplify the process in certain nations, depending on their laws.

4. Descent or Ancestry

Many countries offer citizenship by descent, allowing individuals to claim citizenship if they have a parent or grandparent who was a citizen of that country. For example, countries like Italy and Ireland have relatively liberal laws around citizenship by descent, enabling many Canadians to claim dual citizenship through their family heritage.

Rights and Responsibilities of Dual Citizens

Dual citizens enjoy the rights and privileges of both countries where they hold citizenship, including the right to vote, access to social services, and the protection of each country’s legal system. However, they must also fulfill the responsibilities that come with citizenship in both nations.

One of the key complications of holding two passports is managing travel. While dual citizens can travel more freely between their two countries, they must often follow the legal entry requirements of both. In some cases, they may be required to enter and exit a country using only that nation’s passport, which can create confusion when crossing borders.

Tax obligations are another significant responsibility. Some countries, such as the United States, tax their citizens on worldwide income, even if they reside abroad. Dual citizens may need to file taxes in both countries, though tax treaties often exist to prevent double taxation. Understanding these tax obligations is crucial to avoid legal penalties or financial complications.

Ultimately, dual citizens must be aware of the specific laws in each country regarding taxes, travel, and legal rights, as they are subject to the responsibilities of both legal systems.

Throughout the world, 49 countries allow dual citizenship. Including Canada, those countries are:

• Albania;
• Australia;
• Barbados;
• Bangladesh;
• Belgium;
• Bulgaria;
• Chile;
• Costa Rica;
• Croatia;
• Cyprus;
• Czech Republic;
• Denmark;
• Dominican Republic;
• Egypt;
• Finland;
• France;
• Germany;
• Greece;
• Hungary;
• Iceland;
• Ireland;
• Israel;
• Italy;
• Jamaica;
• Kosovo;
• Latvia;
• Malta;
• Mexico;
• Nigeria;
• Pakistan;
• Panama;
• Peru;
• Philippines;
• Portugal;
• Romania;
• St Kitts & Nevis
• Serbia;
• Slovenia;
• South Africa;
• South Korea;
• Spain;
• Sweden;
• Switzerland;
• Syria;
• Turkey;
• United Kingdom;
• United States, and;
• Venezuela.

Naturalization Process for Immigrants Who Want To Retain Their Original Citizenship

The naturalization process for immigrants seeking dual citizenship with Canada involves several important considerations, especially for those wishing to retain their original citizenship. Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning that individuals do not need to renounce their original nationality when becoming Canadian citizens. However, whether a person can hold dual nationality depends on the laws of their home country.

Some countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and many EU nations, allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship, meaning immigrants from these countries can retain their original nationality while acquiring Canadian citizenship. However, countries like India, China, and Japan do not permit dual citizenship. In these cases, individuals may be required to renounce their original citizenship as part of the naturalization process.

Before applying for Canadian citizenship, immigrants should carefully review the citizenship laws of their home country. If renunciation is required, individuals may need to formally submit a declaration or complete a legal process to give up their original nationality. Renunciation can affect various rights, such as the ability to return or reside in the home country, inherit property, or vote.

It’s also important to understand the potential consequences of renouncing citizenship, including the loss of access to social services or pensions. In countries that prohibit dual nationality, immigrants should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks before proceeding with renunciation to ensure they are making an informed decision.

Non-Canadians can qualify for dual citizenship by becoming naturalized Canadian citizens while retaining their original nationality, if allowed by their home country.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Residing in Canada for at least three out of the last five years.
• Passing a Canadian citizenship test.
• Demonstrating proficiency in English or French.

Canada does not require individuals to renounce their original citizenship to become naturalized citizens.

However, the individual’s home country must permit dual nationality; otherwise, they may be required to renounce their original citizenship upon becoming Canadian.

Criteria For Dual Citizenship Vary Wildly

In some cases, a person looking to get dual citizenship doesn’t even have to move to the other country to get it. Ireland and Italy, for example, allow anyone with ancestors from those countries to get citizenship. Italy offers an ancestral passport.

In other cases, the person seeking dual citizenship has to alert the proper authorities in his or her country of this intent to become a citizen of another country and may even be prohibited from certain occupations in his or her home country because of it. Egyptians, for example, need to inform the government they want to retain their Egyptian citizenship within the first year after obtaining Canadian citizenship. Afterwards, they will be unable to serve in the Egyptian military or police – or serve in the Egyptian Parliament.

Pakistanis who become Canadian citizens and retain their citizenship in Pakistan have a similar deal. They lose some of their voting rights, can no longer serve in the Pakistani military, and are barred from public office and working in the bureaucracy.

Those holding dual citizenship in the United States need to declare “other allegiances” to get their U.S. passport and applying for government programs.

Advantages of having a dual citizenship

Hanging onto one’s original citizenship can be a real asset in many cases, including travelling. When a Canadian also has citizenship in the other country to which he or she is travelling, the need to get a visitor’s visa disappears. So, too, do the fees that come with getting that visa.

A Canadian with dual citizenship can visit his or her other country with spending the weeks or months trying to get a visa.

It’s a nice perk.

One thing to note, though, is that even dual Canadian citizens need to present their Canadian passport when they board a flight to Canada. The only exception to that rule is U.S.-Canada dual citizenship.

Prior to November, 2016, there were many dual citizens from visa-exempt countries who could just enter Canada without presenting their passport. That’s changed.

As part of the new Electronic Travel Authorization (Canada eTA) requirements, Canadian dual citizens must use a Canadian passport to fly into Canada. Previously, they could use the passport of their other country of citizenship.

Even with a valid Canadian passport, dual citizens still, of course, need to meet the basic requirements: being in good health, having enough money to travel, and having no criminal convictions, and proper identification.

Being a citizen of another country also allows the Canadian with dual citizenship to stay in that country for as long as he or she wants and even work there, open a bank account, buy real estate, have access to the country’s public education and public health insurance plans.

Dual citizenship can also be a lifesaver during emergencies due to civil unrest or other serious matters, allowing the Canadian citizen to have a choice of embassies to get help.

And if the other passport is for the European Union, then the Canadian travelling in Europe enjoys even more benefits. He or she will be able to go to the usually-shorter line for locals at check-points while travelling in Europe instead of the longer line-ups for foreigners. The dual Canadian citizen will also be able to stay in any of the European Union nations and do so for as long as they want.

Disadvantages of having a dual citizenship

It’s not all roses and sunshine, though.

Dual citizenship comes with a legal requirement to obey all laws with regards to military service, providing for the public education system, and paying taxes.

Restrictions on Dual Citizenship

While Canada allows dual citizenship, many countries do not. Understanding the rules of both countries involved is crucial when considering holding dual nationality. Here are key restrictions to be aware of:

1. Countries That Do Not Allow Dual Citizenship

Some countries prohibit their citizens from holding dual nationality. For example, countries like India, China, and Japan do not allow dual citizenship, requiring individuals to renounce their original nationality upon acquiring a new one. If a Canadian citizen becomes a naturalized citizen of one of these countries, they may be forced to relinquish their Canadian citizenship.

In these cases, individuals must make a choice: retain their Canadian citizenship or take on the citizenship of the new country. Each country’s rules vary, so it’s important to research specific legal requirements before applying for naturalization in another country.

2. Military Service Obligations

Some countries require mandatory military service for their citizens, including those with dual nationality. For example, countries like South Korea and Israel may require male citizens, even if they hold dual nationality, to complete military service. If an individual holds dual citizenship and one of their countries has compulsory military service, they must comply with the requirements, which can have significant personal and legal implications.

3. Tax Obligations

Dual citizens may also face tax obligations in both countries of citizenship. The United States, for example, taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, even if they live abroad. This means that a Canadian-U.S. dual citizen may need to file taxes in both countries, although Canada and the U.S. have a tax treaty to prevent double taxation. In countries that do not have such treaties, dual citizens may find themselves subject to tax obligations in both jurisdictions, which can lead to complex financial arrangements.

4. Legal Conflicts and Diplomatic Protection

Dual citizenship can also create legal complications in terms of diplomatic protection. A dual citizen may not be entitled to diplomatic protection from one country while in the other. For instance, a Canadian-U.S. dual citizen residing in the United States may not receive consular protection from Canada if they run into legal issues in the U.S. Similarly, dual citizens traveling in third-party countries may encounter issues if their two nationalities have conflicting diplomatic relationships.

Being a citizen of more than one country can also be a problem for those who want to work for the government of either country in a capacity that requires a high-level security clearance.

And then, there’s a bit of a Catch-22 for those in one of their countries who suddenly find themselves in need of help from their other country. A Canadian who finds him or herself in trouble in the other country in which they are also a citizen may suddenly find Canada less capable of helping them out.

“If you are a dual citizen and travel to the other country where you hold citizenship, local authorities could refuse to give you access to Canadian consular services,” warns Ottawa on the travel portion of its website. “This could prevent Canadian consular officers from providing them to you.”

Immigrants who decided to take the citizenship oath in Canada need to be aware that, while many countries allow dual citizenship, there are many who do not. The best route is always to ask the embassy or consulate about dual citizenship first, including what special conditions may apply.

Among the countries that do not allow dual citizenship are these 24 nations:

• Andorra;
• Austria;
• Bahrain;
• China;
• El Salvador;
• Estonia;
• Germany;
• India;
• Indonesia;
• Japan;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Malaysia;
• Montenegro;
• Saudi Arabia;
• The Netherlands;
• Norway;
• Poland;
• Singapore;
• Sri Lanka;
• Tanzania;
• Thailand;
• Ukraine, and the;
• United Arab Emirates.

Tips Before You Travel

Canadians with dual citizenship are urged by Ottawa to contact the embassy or consulate of that country to find out if they are required to meet any specific requirements.

Country-specific information about dual citizenship is also available on Ottawa’s Travel Advice and Advisories website.

When booking a flight, travelers with dual citizenship should always buy their flights with the passport to be used on entering the country.

When arriving in a country in which the traveler has citizenship, the best option is to always present the passport from that country to avoid being treated as a visitor – and being granted a visa and possibly overstaying that visa.

Then, when it comes time to leave that country, always use the passport used to enter it.

It’s important for dual citizens to carry both passports when they travel.

What Happens if One Country Does Not Allow Dual Citizenship?

One of the most common questions about dual citizenship is, “What happens if one of your countries does not allow it?” If an individual acquires a second citizenship in a country that prohibits dual nationality, they may face the following consequences:

Automatic Loss of Citizenship

In some countries, acquiring a second nationality automatically results in the loss of the original citizenship. For example, a Canadian citizen who becomes a naturalized citizen of Japan or Singapore will automatically lose their Japanese or Singaporean citizenship, as these countries do not permit dual nationality.

Requirement to Renounce Citizenship

Some countries may require an individual to formally renounce their original nationality as part of the naturalization process. This typically occurs during or immediately after acquiring the new citizenship. Failing to renounce the original nationality may invalidate the new citizenship or result in legal penalties.

Limited Legal Rights

In countries that do not allow dual citizenship, individuals may face limited rights or legal conflicts if they attempt to maintain both nationalities. For instance, they may be barred from holding certain government jobs, owning property, or even voting in one of their countries if dual nationality is prohibited.

Legal Advice and Tips

Dual citizens must be aware of legal obligations and take steps to stay compliant with the immigration and legal requirements of both countries. One key responsibility is informing immigration authorities of your dual citizenship status when necessary. Some countries may require notification when acquiring a second nationality, while others may automatically recognize dual citizenship.

When traveling, dual citizens should use the appropriate passport based on the country they are entering or exiting. For instance, Canadian law requires its citizens to enter and exit Canada using a Canadian passport. Similarly, the other country of citizenship may have its own rules, so understanding and following both sets of regulations is essential to avoid complications at border crossings.

Legal conflicts can arise due to differences in the laws of two countries. For example, one country may enforce tax obligations or military service, which could conflict with the other country’s laws or your personal circumstances. It is important to be aware of the legal implications, such as obligations in areas like taxation, property rights, and inheritance, to ensure compliance with both legal systems.

Practical advice includes seeking legal counsel to understand obligations, planning travel carefully to avoid border issues, and keeping authorities updated on your dual nationality to ensure smooth interactions with both countries.

Canadian Dual Citizenship FAQ