Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship. At Kingwell Immigration Law, we frequently advise clients that you can hold Canadian citizenship alongside citizenship from another country without being required to renounce either nationality.
This policy gives Canadians and newcomers significant flexibility in maintaining their cultural ties while enjoying the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
At Kingwell Immigration Law, we understand that dual citizenship involves complex legal considerations that extend far beyond simple eligibility requirements. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide comprehensive guidance through every aspect of your dual citizenship journey, from initial qualification assessment to navigating potential complications with your home country’s laws.
We help clients navigate the intricate relationship between Canadian citizenship laws and their country of origin’s regulations. Many countries have different rules about dual citizenship, and some may require you to renounce your original citizenship when acquiring Canadian citizenship.
Our team conducts thorough research into your specific situation to ensure you make informed decisions that protect your interests in both countries.
Our services include assistance with citizenship applications, appeals of refused applications, and representation in complex cases involving citizenship revocation or challenges. We also provide strategic advice on timing your application to maximize your chances of success while maintaining compliance with all relevant immigration laws.
Ready to explore your dual citizenship options? Contact our experienced immigration lawyer in Toronto for personalized guidance.
Canada officially recognizes and permits dual citizenship, meaning you can simultaneously hold Canadian citizenship and citizenship from another country. This policy has been in place since 1977, when Canada amended its citizenship laws to allow multiple citizenships.
The Canadian government does not require you to choose between citizenships. When you become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, you can retain your original citizenship if your home country’s laws permit it.
Similarly, if you are already a Canadian citizen and acquire citizenship in another country, you will not lose your Canadian citizenship.
However, it’s vital to recognize that not all countries share Canada’s approach to dual citizenship. Some nations, including China, Japan, and Singapore, do not recognize dual citizenship and may require you to renounce their citizenship when you become Canadian. Others may have specific conditions or restrictions that affect your status.
Our firm helps clients evaluate their home country’s citizenship laws and plan accordingly to avoid unintended loss of status or benefits in either jurisdiction.
Children born in Canada automatically receive Canadian citizenship under the principle of jus soli (right of soil), regardless of their parents’ nationality. If the parents hold citizenship from another country that also grants citizenship by descent, the child may automatically acquire dual citizenship at birth.
For example, if American parents have a child born in Canada, that child would be both a Canadian citizen by birth and potentially eligible for American citizenship through their parents. The child would not need to choose between these citizenships unless required by U.S. law upon reaching adulthood.
💡 Additional reading: If my child is born in Canada, can I get citizenship
Canadian citizenship can be passed to children born outside Canada if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. This applies only to the first generation born abroad – grandchildren of Canadian citizens born outside Canada are not automatically eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent.
To claim citizenship by descent, you must provide proof of your Canadian parent’s citizenship status at the time of your birth. This typically involves obtaining a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, which serves as official documentation of your citizenship.
If you also hold citizenship from the country of your birth, this recognition results in dual citizenship.
💡 Additional reading: If my child is born in Canada, can I get permanent residency
Another way to obtain dual citizenship is through naturalization. Foreign nationals can acquire Canadian citizenship after meeting specific residency and eligibility requirements. If your country of origin allows you to retain its citizenship, becoming Canadian through this process results in dual citizenship.
You must first obtain permanent resident status in Canada. After that, you need to meet the physical presence requirement by living in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years before applying. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French and pass a citizenship test covering Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols.
Our immigration lawyers guide clients through each stage of the naturalization process, ensuring all requirements are met and documented to avoid delays or refusals.
💡 Additional reading: Naturalized citizen vs citizen and benefits of Canadian citizenship
| Requirement | Details | Age Range |
| Permanent Resident Status | Must be a permanent resident when applying | All applicants |
| Physical Presence | 1,095 days in Canada within 5 years before applying | All applicants |
| Language Skills | Proof of English or French proficiency | 18–54 years |
| Citizenship Test | Pass the test on Canadian knowledge | 18–54 years |
| Tax Filing | File taxes if required under the Income Tax Act | All applicants |
| Criminal History Check | No prohibitions under the citizenship law | All applicants |
You must file Canadian income taxes for at least three years within the five years before applying, if required to do so under the Income Tax Act. This requirement ensures you have met your tax obligations as a resident of Canada.
The Canada Revenue Agency provides guidance on tax filing obligations for residents and newcomers. Even if you didn’t earn income in Canada during certain years, you may still need to file a tax return to maintain your residency status for tax purposes.
Concerned about meeting citizenship requirements? Contact our immigration lawyers at Kingwell Immigration Law to review your situation and help ensure you meet all necessary criteria.
Before applying, carefully review all citizenship requirements to ensure you meet the criteria. Calculate your physical presence in Canada using the official residence calculator provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Gather all necessary documents, including language test results, tax documents, and identity papers.
Submit Form CIT 0002, Application for Canadian Citizenship (Adults), along with all supporting documents and fees. The current fee for adult citizenship applications is $630, which includes the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee.
If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you will be scheduled for a citizenship test and interview. The test covers information from the official study guide “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.” The interview allows citizenship officers to verify your documents and assess your language skills.
Successful applicants attend a citizenship ceremony where they take the Oath of Citizenship. This ceremony is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. You will receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, which serves as official proof of your new status.
✔️ Our team assists clients throughout this process, from initial document preparation through ceremony attendance, ensuring no critical steps are missed or improperly completed.
Many countries permit their citizens to hold Canadian citizenship simultaneously. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. Each country has specific rules about maintaining dual citizenship, and some may have requirements for registration or notification.
The United States allows dual citizenship but requires all U.S. citizens to file annual tax returns regardless of where they live. This creates ongoing obligations that dual citizens must manage throughout their lives.
European Union countries generally permit dual citizenship, though specific rules vary by nation. Some require notification of acquiring a second citizenship, while others have no specific reporting requirements.
Several countries either restrict or do not recognize dual citizenship and may require their citizens to renounce their original citizenship when becoming Canadian. These include China, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
China does not recognize dual citizenship and considers Chinese nationals who acquire foreign citizenship to have automatically lost their Chinese citizenship. However, enforcement of this policy can vary, and some Chinese-Canadians maintain practical ties to both countries despite the legal restrictions.
India generally does not permit dual citizenship but offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, which provides some benefits similar to citizenship without full political rights. This allows Indian-origin Canadians to maintain strong ties to India while holding Canadian citizenship.
✔️ Our firm researches the specific citizenship laws of your country of origin and advises on strategies to maintain the strongest possible ties to both nations within legal boundaries.
Canada taxes residents on their worldwide income, regardless of citizenship status. If you live in Canada as a dual citizen, you must report all income sources to the Canada Revenue Agency, including foreign investments, employment income, and business profits.
Non-resident Canadian citizens generally only pay Canadian taxes on Canadian-source income. However, determining tax residency involves complex factors beyond citizenship status, including residential ties, length of stay, and economic connections to Canada.
Many countries require their citizens to file tax returns regardless of where they live. The United States is the most notable example, requiring all U.S. citizens to file annual tax returns and potentially pay taxes on worldwide income.
Tax treaties between Canada and other countries help prevent double taxation by allowing credits for taxes paid to the other country. The Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty is particularly important for dual citizens, providing mechanisms to reduce or eliminate double taxation on most types of income.
✔️ Our lawyers work with qualified tax professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive advice on managing tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions effectively and legally.
Need guidance on the tax implications of dual citizenship? Our experienced lawyers can connect you with tax professionals who understand cross-border obligations. Contact us today.
Dual citizens must use their Canadian passport when entering Canada and their other country’s passport when entering that nation. This requirement can create logistical challenges when travelling between the two countries, especially if one passport expires or is lost.
Some countries have specific entry requirements for their citizens that may affect travel planning. For example, some nations require their citizens to use national passports for entry even if they hold another passport that would normally allow visa-free travel.
Consular services may be limited when you are in the other country of your citizenship. While in the United States, for example, Canadian-American dual citizens are considered solely American citizens by U.S. authorities, which may limit Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance.
✔️ We advise clients on travel document management and help develop strategies to avoid complications when crossing borders with dual citizenship status.
Some countries maintain military service requirements for their citizens, regardless of where they live. Dual citizens may face obligations to serve in their country of origin’s military or pay alternative service fees. South Korea, for example, requires military service from male citizens and has specific rules for dual citizens.
Certain professions and government positions may have restrictions for dual citizens. Security clearances, law enforcement positions, and some government roles may require candidates to hold only Canadian citizenship or may involve additional scrutiny for dual citizens.
Dual citizenship can complicate estate planning and inheritance matters. Different countries have varying laws about inheritance taxes, property rights, and estate administration. Professional legal and tax advice is essential for proper estate planning as a dual citizen.
✔️ Our firm helps clients identify potential complications early and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with dual citizenship status in professional and personal contexts.
Canadian citizenship can be revoked in specific circumstances related to fraud in the citizenship process. If you obtained citizenship through false representation, fraud, or concealment of material circumstances, the government may initiate revocation proceedings.
The revocation process involves a formal notice from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, an opportunity to respond with evidence and arguments, and potentially a hearing before the Federal Court. Our firm has experience defending clients in citizenship revocation cases and the serious implications of losing Canadian citizenship.
You cannot lose Canadian citizenship simply by living outside Canada for extended periods or by acquiring citizenship in another country. Canada’s citizenship laws provide strong protection for citizens’ status once acquired.
Facing citizenship challenges or revocation proceedings? Our litigation experience, including Federal Court representation, positions us to defend your citizenship rights. Call 416.988.8853 for immediate assistance.
As of 2025, routine citizenship applications generally take 12 to 14 months to process from the date IRCC receives a complete application. Timelines can vary depending on application complexity, completeness, and overall application volumes.
The total fee for an adult citizenship application is $649.75, consisting of a $530 processing fee and a $119.75 right of citizenship fee. Minors under 18 pay only the $100 processing fee. Additional expenses may include language testing, document translation, or legal representation if needed.
Urgent processing is not normally available for routine citizenship applications. In limited cases — such as serious illness, urgent travel, or other exceptional circumstances — IRCC may consider expedited requests.
✔️Our firm assesses whether clients qualify for these measures and advocates for special consideration where appropriate.
Navigating dual citizenship involves complex legal frameworks across multiple countries and strategic decisions that can affect your future for decades. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide the knowledge and personalized guidance you need to make informed decisions about your citizenship status.
We begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and circumstances, including reviewing your immigration history, current status, and goals for dual citizenship. Our team researches the specific requirements and restrictions of your country of origin to ensure you receive complete advice on all implications before proceeding.
Throughout the application process, we ensure your documentation is complete and properly prepared to avoid delays or refusals. If complications arise, our litigation experience and Federal Court practice position us to effectively advocate for your rights and interests.
Don’t navigate the complexities of dual citizenship alone. Contact Kingwell Immigration Law at 416.988.8853 or schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation with our experienced immigration lawyers.
Processing times for Canadian citizenship applications average 12 months from submission, regardless of whether you hold other citizenships. Your dual citizenship status doesn’t affect processing speed, but incomplete applications or missing documents can cause significant delays in the review process.
You don’t need to provide proof to Canadian authorities that your home country allows dual citizenship during your application. However, we recommend researching your country’s specific laws beforehand and obtaining official confirmation from its consulate or embassy to avoid unexpected citizenship loss after naturalization.
No, Canadian law requires all Canadian citizens to use their Canadian passport when entering Canada, even if you hold another passport with visa-free travel privileges. Border officers may question or detain you if they discover you’re using inappropriate travel documents as a Canadian citizen.
Dual citizenship can impact eligibility for certain government benefits, social services, or programmes in your country of origin. Some countries restrict benefits to residents only, while others require notification of foreign citizenship acquisition. Research your specific country’s policies or consult their consular services for accurate guidance.
Tax obligations depend on each country’s specific laws rather than your citizenship status. Canada taxes residents on worldwide income, while the United States taxes all citizens regardless of residence. Most other countries only tax residents, so your filing requirements depend on where you live and your country’s individual tax policies.
