Dual Citizenship Canada 2026 — Rules, Benefits & How to Get It

Canada's Dual Citizenship Policy

Canada has one of the most permissive dual citizenship policies in the world. Since the 1977 Citizenship Act, Canadian law has fully recognized that a person can hold citizenship in Canada and one or more other countries simultaneously.

Key Principles

1. No renunciation required — you do not need to give up existing citizenships to become Canadian
2. No automatic loss — acquiring another country's citizenship does not cancel your Canadian citizenship
3. No limit — you can hold two, three, or more citizenships alongside Canadian citizenship
4. Equal rights — dual citizens have identical rights and obligations to single-citizenship Canadians

How Dual Citizenship Works in Practice

Becoming Canadian While Keeping Your Original Citizenship

When you apply for and receive Canadian citizenship: - Canada does not ask you to renounce your previous citizenship - Your naturalization ceremony does not affect your other citizenship(s) - You simply add Canadian citizenship to your existing status

However, your home country may have different rules. Some countries automatically revoke citizenship when you voluntarily acquire another. This is their policy, not Canada's.

Canadians Who Acquire Another Citizenship

If you are already Canadian and become a citizen of another country: - Your Canadian citizenship is NOT affected - You do not need to notify IRCC - You retain all Canadian rights (voting, passport, healthcare, etc.) - You may gain rights in the other country as well

Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship with Canada

Countries That Generally ALLOW Dual Citizenship

Countries That Generally DO NOT Allow Dual Citizenship

Important: Rules change. Always verify with the embassy or consulate of your other country before making decisions.

Rights and Obligations of Dual Citizens in Canada

Rights (Same as All Citizens)

• Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
• Hold a Canadian passport
• Access Canadian healthcare (provincial residency required)
• Work anywhere in Canada without restrictions
• Run for political office
• Pass Canadian citizenship to children born abroad (with conditions)
• Enter and leave Canada freely

Obligations (Same as All Citizens)

• Obey Canadian laws
• Pay Canadian taxes on worldwide income (if a tax resident)
• Serve on a jury if called
• Respect others' rights
• Participate in the democratic process

Practical Considerations for Dual Citizens

Travel

Entering Canada: You MUST use a Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada (or present proof of Canadian citizenship at a land border).

Entering your other country: Use that country's passport if required by their law.

Third countries: Use whichever passport is most advantageous (e.g., one that does not require a visa for that destination).

Taxes

Canada taxes residents on worldwide income. Key considerations:

• Canada-US dual citizens: The US taxes citizens regardless of residence. Tax treaties prevent double taxation, but you must file in both countries.
• Other combinations: Most countries tax based on residence, not citizenship. If you live in Canada, you generally owe Canadian taxes regardless of other citizenships.
• Foreign tax credits: Tax treaties typically allow you to credit taxes paid in one country against obligations in the other.

Recommendation: Consult a tax accountant experienced in international taxation for your specific combination of citizenships.

Military Service

Some countries require military service of their citizens. If your other country has mandatory military service, dual citizenship may create obligations. Canada does not currently have mandatory military service.

Consular Access

When travelling in a third country, both of your countries may provide consular assistance. When in one of your countries of citizenship, the other generally cannot provide consular protection (each country treats you as its own citizen on its soil).

How to Maintain Dual Citizenship

From Canada's Side

There is nothing special you need to do. Canada does not require periodic confirmation, residence requirements, or renewals for citizenship. Once Canadian, always Canadian (unless you voluntarily renounce).

From Your Other Country's Side

Some countries require: - Periodic registration at an embassy - Maintaining a valid passport - Tax filings regardless of residence - Military service registration - Notifying them of other citizenships acquired

Check with your other country's embassy for their specific requirements.

Common Misconceptions

"I heard Canada eliminated dual citizenship"

False. Canada has continuously recognized dual citizenship since 1977. This has never been reversed.

"Dual citizens can't get security clearances"

Not automatically true. Dual citizenship is considered in security assessments, but many dual citizens hold Canadian security clearances.

"My children automatically get both citizenships"

It depends. Canadian citizenship can be passed to children born abroad (first generation only, with conditions). Your other country's citizenship transmission rules vary — some pass citizenship automatically, others do not.

"I need to choose one citizenship eventually"

Under Canadian law, no. Canada never requires you to choose. However, your other country might have a deadline (e.g., Japan requires a choice by age 22).

Applying for Canadian Citizenship as a Dual Citizen

The application process is identical whether you will be a dual citizen or not:

1. Confirm you meet all requirements (PR status, physical presence, language, etc.)
2. Submit your application to IRCC
3. Take the citizenship test (ages 18-54)
4. Attend the oath ceremony
5. Receive your citizenship certificate

At no point are you asked to renounce another citizenship. The oath of allegiance to King Charles III does not cancel your other citizenships.

Ready to Test Your Knowledge?

Put what you've learned into practice. Take our [free Canadian citizenship practice test](/practice-test) with 20 questions in the official IRCC format. Instant scoring and detailed explanations — no signup required.