Dual Citizenship in Canada: A Complete Guide for Newcomers
By WelcomeAide Team
Understanding Dual Citizenship in Canada
Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, occurs when a person is legally recognized as a citizen of two countries at the same time. Canada has permitted dual citizenship since 1977 when the Citizenship Act was amended to remove the provision that required Canadians to renounce their citizenship upon acquiring citizenship of another country.
For newcomers who have recently become Canadian citizens or are in the process of applying, understanding dual citizenship is important because it affects your rights, obligations, and how you interact with governments in both countries. This guide covers the Canadian rules, examines how other countries handle dual citizenship, and provides practical guidance on taxes, travel, and potential pitfalls.
According to the Government of Canada citizenship eligibility page, there is no requirement to give up your existing citizenship when applying for Canadian citizenship. Similarly, acquiring foreign citizenship does not cause you to lose your Canadian citizenship.
Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship
While Canada is open to dual citizenship, not all countries share this position. Before assuming you can hold both citizenships simultaneously, it is essential to check the laws of your country of origin.
Countries That Generally Permit Dual Citizenship
- North America: United States, Mexico
- Europe: United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Hungary
- South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Pakistan (with some restrictions), Bangladesh
- Africa: South Africa (with permission), Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya
- Middle East: Lebanon, Syria (de facto), Egypt (with permission)
Countries That Generally Do Not Permit Dual Citizenship
- Asia: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Europe: Austria (with limited exceptions), Netherlands (with limited exceptions)
- Other: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Myanmar
Canadian Rules on Dual Citizenship
Canada's approach to dual citizenship is straightforward and permissive. Here are the key rules:
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
- You do not need to renounce your previous citizenship to become Canadian
- The citizenship oath does not require renunciation of other citizenships
- Your application will not be affected by holding another citizenship
- There is no limit on how many citizenships you can hold alongside Canadian citizenship
Rights and Obligations of Dual Citizens in Canada
As a Canadian citizen, regardless of how many other citizenships you hold, you have the same rights and obligations as any other Canadian citizen. This includes the right to vote in Canadian elections, the right to run for political office, the right to a Canadian passport, and the obligation to obey Canadian law, serve on a jury if called, and file Canadian tax returns when required.
Importantly, under Canadian law, dual citizens who are in Canada are treated as Canadian citizens. Canada does not generally recognize the other citizenship while you are on Canadian soil. This means Canadian law applies to you fully, and you cannot claim diplomatic protection from your other country of citizenship while in Canada.
Tax Implications of Dual Citizenship
Tax obligations are one of the most complex aspects of dual citizenship and one that newcomers often overlook. Different countries have different tax systems, and holding citizenship in multiple countries can create overlapping obligations.
Canadian Tax Residency
Canada taxes based on residency, not citizenship. If you are a resident of Canada, you must report and pay tax on your worldwide income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This applies regardless of your citizenship status. Non-residents of Canada are taxed only on Canadian-source income.
U.S. Citizenship and Tax Obligations
The United States is notable for taxing its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. If you hold both Canadian and U.S. citizenship (or are a U.S. green card holder), you must file tax returns with both the CRA and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty helps prevent double taxation, but compliance with both systems is required and can be costly.
Other Countries' Tax Obligations
Some countries besides the United States may have tax obligations tied to citizenship rather than residency. Research the tax laws of your country of origin to determine whether you have ongoing filing requirements. Tax treaties between Canada and your other country of citizenship may provide relief from double taxation. The Government of Canada tax treaties page lists all treaties currently in force.
Travel Tips for Dual Citizens
Travelling as a dual citizen requires careful planning, particularly regarding which passport to use in different situations.
The General Rule
Use your Canadian passport to enter and leave Canada. Use your other passport to enter and leave your other country of citizenship. This is the simplest approach and avoids complications at border crossings.
Canadian Passport Requirements
Under Canadian law, all Canadian citizens must present a valid Canadian passport (or other approved travel document) when boarding a flight to Canada. This rule is enforced by airlines through the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and Advance Passenger Information (API) systems. If you try to board a flight to Canada using only your foreign passport, you may be denied boarding. See our guide on Canadian passport renewal for details on keeping your passport current.
Travelling to Third Countries
When travelling to a country where neither of your citizenships applies, you generally have the choice of which passport to use. Consider which passport provides visa-free access to your destination. For example, a Canadian passport provides visa-free access to the European Union, while some other passports may not.
NEXUS and Trusted Traveller Programs
Dual citizens can benefit from trusted traveller programs like NEXUS and Global Entry. Your NEXUS membership can expedite border crossings between Canada and the United States regardless of which passport you hold. Learn more in our NEXUS and Global Entry guide.
Renouncing Citizenship
There are circumstances where a dual citizen may wish to renounce one of their citizenships. This is a serious decision with permanent consequences and should not be taken lightly.
Renouncing Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizens can voluntarily renounce their citizenship by applying to IRCC. You must be a citizen of another country (or be certain of becoming a citizen of another country) before renouncing, as Canada will not allow you to become stateless. The process involves completing an application, paying a fee, and attending an interview. Visit the IRCC renunciation page for the process and requirements.
Renouncing Foreign Citizenship
The process for renouncing foreign citizenship varies by country. Some countries make it straightforward, while others impose conditions, fees, or military service requirements before allowing renunciation. Some countries do not permit renunciation at all or make it extremely difficult. Contact the embassy or consulate of the relevant country for specific procedures.
When Renunciation Might Be Considered
- To avoid conflicting military service obligations
- To simplify tax compliance (particularly relevant for U.S. citizenship)
- When a country of origin does not permit dual citizenship and you wish to regularize your status
- For personal or political reasons
Military Obligations for Dual Citizens
Military service requirements are a concern for some dual citizens, particularly those from countries with compulsory military service.
Canada's Position
Canada does not currently have compulsory military service. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces is voluntary. Holding Canadian citizenship does not create any military obligation.
Other Countries' Requirements
Some countries require all male citizens (and in some cases all citizens) to complete a period of military service. Countries with mandatory military service include South Korea, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Singapore, and others. If you hold citizenship in one of these countries, you may be subject to military service requirements when you visit or if you fail to complete service before a certain age.
Consular Protection and Its Limits
One important aspect of dual citizenship is understanding the limits of consular protection. When you are in one of your countries of citizenship, the other country generally cannot provide consular assistance. For example, if you are a dual Canadian-Lebanese citizen and encounter legal trouble in Lebanon, Canada's ability to assist may be limited because Lebanon considers you a Lebanese citizen on its territory.
The Government of Canada consular services page explains what assistance is available to Canadian citizens abroad and the limitations that apply to dual citizens.
Practical Steps for Managing Dual Citizenship
Keep All Documents Current
- Maintain valid passports for all citizenships you hold
- Renew documents well before they expire
- Keep citizenship certificates and other proof of status in a safe place
Stay Informed About Law Changes
- Citizenship laws can change with new governments or political shifts
- Monitor changes in both your countries of citizenship
- Subscribe to updates from relevant government websites
Plan Your Finances
- Understand your tax obligations in all countries of citizenship
- Maintain records of all income and assets in each country
- Work with financial advisors who understand cross-border issues
For more information on immigration-related topics, explore our guides on changing immigration status in Canada and refugee travel documents.
Final Thoughts on Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship offers significant benefits, including the freedom to live, work, and travel in multiple countries, access to services and programs in both countries, and a deeper connection to multiple cultures and communities. However, it also comes with responsibilities and potential complications, particularly around taxes, military service, and travel. By staying informed, keeping your documents current, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship while managing the obligations effectively.
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