Dual Citizenship in Canada 2026 — Complete Guide: Rules, Rights & How to Apply

Canada is one of the most dual-citizenship-friendly countries in the world. If you are considering becoming a Canadian citizen while keeping your existing nationality, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Yes. Canada has allowed dual citizenship since 1977 when the Citizenship Act was amended to remove the requirement to renounce other citizenships. Today, there is no limit to the number of citizenships a Canadian can hold simultaneously.

This means:

• You can become a Canadian citizen without giving up your current nationality
• Existing Canadian citizens can acquire another country's citizenship without losing their Canadian status
• You can hold passports from multiple countries alongside your Canadian passport

Key point: While Canada allows dual citizenship on its end, your other country may not. Always check your home country's laws before proceeding.

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Countries that generally allow dual citizenship with Canada:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• France
• Australia
• Italy
• Mexico
• Philippines
• Pakistan
• Brazil
• Ireland
• Portugal

Countries that generally DO NOT allow dual citizenship:

• China — Chinese citizenship is automatically lost when you become Canadian
• India — India does not recognize dual citizenship (but offers OCI cards)
• Japan — Requires you to choose one citizenship by age 22
• Saudi Arabia — Does not permit dual nationality
• Singapore — Must renounce before naturalization elsewhere
• South Korea — Limited exceptions for certain categories

Important: Laws change. Always verify with your country's embassy or consulate before applying for Canadian citizenship.

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Dual citizens in Canada have all the same rights as single-nationality citizens:

• Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
• Hold a Canadian passport and travel visa-free to 180+ countries
• Access all government services including healthcare, education, and social benefits
• Run for public office at any level of government
• Live and work anywhere in Canada without restrictions
• Pass citizenship to children born in Canada (and first generation abroad)

Responsibilities are also identical:

• Obey Canadian laws while in Canada
• File Canadian taxes on worldwide income while a Canadian resident
• Serve on a jury when called
• Enter Canada on your Canadian passport — this is mandatory for all Canadian citizens

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This is the most important practical rule for dual citizens:

You MUST use your Canadian passport to enter Canada.

Since November 2016, Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada. If you arrive at the border with only a foreign passport, you may face delays, additional screening, or be denied boarding.

Practical tip: When travelling between Canada and your other country of citizenship, carry both passports. Use your Canadian passport to exit/enter Canada and your other passport for your other country.

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The application process for dual citizens is identical to the standard citizenship process:

1. Confirm eligibility — You must be a permanent resident who has lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years
2. Meet language requirements — CLB/NCLC Level 4 or higher in English or French (ages 18-54)
3. File your taxes — You must have filed Canadian taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period
4. Submit your application — Complete IRCC form CIT 0002 online or on paper
5. Pass the citizenship test — 20 questions about Canadian history, geography, government, and rights
6. Attend the ceremony — Take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate

There is no additional form or declaration required for dual citizenship. You do not need to disclose your intention to keep your other citizenship.

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Canadian tax law applies based on residency, not citizenship:

• If you live in Canada: You must report worldwide income to the CRA, regardless of your other citizenships
• If you live abroad: You generally only pay Canadian tax on Canadian-source income
• US-Canada dual citizens: The US taxes its citizens worldwide, regardless of where they live. You may need to file both US and Canadian tax returns and claim foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation

Recommendation: If you are a dual citizen with significant assets or income in both countries, consult a cross-border tax specialist.

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Children can acquire dual citizenship in several ways:

• Born in Canada to foreign parents: The child is a Canadian citizen by birth (jus soli) and may also be a citizen of the parents' country
• Born abroad to a Canadian parent: The child may be a Canadian citizen by descent (first generation born abroad). This changed with Bill C-3 in 2009 — second and subsequent generations born abroad generally do not receive Canadian citizenship by descent
• Born abroad and brought to Canada as a PR: The child can apply for Canadian citizenship through the normal naturalization process while potentially keeping their birth country citizenship

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Canada can only revoke citizenship in very limited circumstances:

• Fraud or misrepresentation during the citizenship application process
• Certain national security convictions (though this power has been significantly narrowed)

Normal dual citizens cannot have their Canadian citizenship revoked for:

• Living abroad for extended periods
• Acquiring additional citizenships
• Voting in another country's elections
• Serving in another country's military (with some exceptions)

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Q: How long does it take to get Canadian citizenship as a dual citizen?

A: The processing time is the same as for any applicant: typically 12-18 months from application submission to ceremony. There is no additional delay for dual citizenship applicants.

Q: Do I need to tell IRCC about my other citizenship?

A: The citizenship application asks about your country of birth and previous citizenships as part of standard identity verification, but this information is not used to deny or delay your application.

Q: Can I vote in both Canada and my other country's elections?

A: From Canada's perspective, yes — there is no Canadian law against voting in another country's elections. However, check your other country's laws, as some restrict overseas voting.

Q: What if my country revokes my citizenship when I become Canadian?

A: This is a decision made by your other country, not Canada. If your country of origin does not allow dual citizenship, you may lose that citizenship automatically when you take the Canadian Oath of Citizenship. Research your country's laws before your ceremony.

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