If you are considering becoming a Canadian citizen, one of the most common questions is whether you will have to give up your existing citizenship. From Canada’s side, the answer is no — Canada explicitly allows dual citizenship. But your home country may have a different position.
Canada’s Position on Dual Citizenship
Canada has permitted dual citizenship since 1977. When you become a Canadian citizen, you are not required to renounce your existing nationality. You can legally hold a Canadian passport and your original country’s passport simultaneously, with the rights and travel privileges of both.
Your Home Country May Not Allow It
Countries that generally do not allow dual citizenship include:
- India — naturalizing abroad automatically ends Indian citizenship (the OCI card is available as a substitute but is not citizenship)
- China — naturalizing abroad is considered a renunciation of Chinese citizenship
- Japan — generally requires citizens to choose one citizenship by age 22
- Singapore — does not allow dual citizenship for adults
Countries that generally allow dual citizenship include: the UK, Australia, US, France, Italy, Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and many others.
What Happens If Your Country Revokes Your Citizenship?
If your home country strips your citizenship upon naturalization in Canada, you become Canadian only. This may mean:
- You can no longer use your original passport
- You may lose inheritance or property rights in your home country
- Re-entry to your home country may require a visa
Research your country’s specific laws before applying for Canadian citizenship if keeping your original citizenship matters to you.
Practical Considerations for Dual Citizens
- Taxes: The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. US citizens becoming Canadian citizens remain obligated to file US taxes. Consult a cross-border tax specialist.
- Military service: Some countries maintain service obligations for citizens abroad. Check whether yours does.
- Travel: Use your Canadian passport to enter and exit Canada; use your original passport to enter and exit your home country where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Canada ask me to give up my other passport at the citizenship ceremony?
A: No. The Canadian oath of citizenship does not require renunciation of other nationalities.
Q: I am an Indian citizen. Can I keep my Indian citizenship after becoming Canadian?
A: No. India does not allow dual citizenship. You automatically lose Indian citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere. However, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card grants many — but not all — rights of Indian citizenship and is worth applying for.
Q: Can my children hold dual citizenship?
A: Children born in Canada are automatically Canadian citizens regardless of parents’ nationality. Whether they also hold another country’s citizenship depends on that country’s laws.
Bottom Line
Canada fully supports dual citizenship — you will not be asked to give anything up on Canada’s end. The question is your home country’s policy. Research this before you naturalize, especially if your home country automatically revokes citizenship upon naturalization elsewhere. Make that decision with full knowledge of what you are giving up.
