Citizens of These 10 Countries Can Hold Dual Citizenship With Canada

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Citizens of These 10 Countries Can Hold Dual Citizenship With Canada

Canada allows dual and multiple citizenship. This means you do not have to give up your original citizenship when you become a Canadian citizen.

However, whether you can keep your other passport depends on the laws of your home country. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship, while others allow it fully or with conditions.

Official Government of Canada guidance on dual citizenship:
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/dual-citizenship

IRCC Help Centre (dual citizenship explanation):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=356&top=5


10 Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship With Canada (With Key Notes)

Below are 10 common source countries whose citizens can generally hold dual citizenship with Canada. Always confirm current rules with your country’s official authorities before applying.


1. Philippines

The Philippines allows dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos under Republic Act 9225.

Natural-born citizens who become Canadian can reacquire Philippine citizenship through an oath process. Children born abroad to Filipino parents may also qualify for dual status.


2. Nigeria

Nigeria allows dual citizenship primarily for individuals who obtained Nigerian citizenship by birth or descent.

Dual citizens may be required to enter and leave Nigeria using a Nigerian passport.

Canada travel advisory for Nigeria:
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/nigeria


3. United States

The United States allows dual citizenship. U.S. citizens can become Canadian without renouncing U.S. nationality.

U.S. law generally requires American citizens to enter and leave the U.S. using a U.S. passport.

Canada travel advisory for the United States:
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states


4. France

France permits dual and multiple citizenship and does not require renunciation when acquiring another nationality.


5. Pakistan

Pakistan allows dual nationality with specific countries, including Canada.

Official Pakistan government list:
https://dgip.gov.pk/immigration/dual_nationality.php


6. Brazil

Brazil allows dual citizenship. In certain situations, consular protection may be limited when a dual national is inside the other country of citizenship.


7. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom permits dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce British citizenship when becoming Canadian.

As with many countries, diplomatic assistance may be limited when you are in the other country of citizenship.


8. Germany

Germany updated its citizenship laws in 2024 and now generally allows dual citizenship.

Official German government information:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/229970-229970


9. Syria

Syria allows multiple citizenships. However, dual nationals may be treated as Syrian citizens first in legal and administrative matters inside Syria.


10. Mexico

Mexico explicitly allows dual and multiple citizenship without requiring renunciation.


How to Become a Canadian Citizen

There are three main pathways to Canadian citizenship.


1. Citizenship by Birth

Children born in Canada automatically become Canadian citizens, except in limited cases such as children of foreign diplomats.


2. Citizenship by Naturalization

Permanent residents may apply for citizenship if they:

  • Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years

  • Filed taxes if required

  • Meet language requirements (if aged 18–54)

  • Pass the citizenship test (if aged 18–54)

  • Are not prohibited due to serious criminal issues

Official eligibility requirements:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/become-canadian-citizen/eligibility.html


3. Citizenship by Descent

Canadian citizenship can sometimes be passed to children born outside Canada.

Recent IRCC update (December 2025):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2025/12/new-citizenship-rules-for-canadians-born-or-adopted-abroad-are-now-in-effect.html

Rules may differ depending on the child’s birth date and the Canadian parent’s physical presence in Canada.


Important Reality Check

Dual citizenship is always subject to two legal systems:

  • Canada allows it.

  • Your other country must also allow it.

Some countries require dual citizens to use their national passport when entering or leaving the country. Some may restrict certain political rights or public office eligibility.

Before applying for Canadian citizenship, you should:

  • Confirm your home country’s dual citizenship policy

  • Check passport entry/exit requirements

  • Understand any military or tax obligations

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