Dual nationality in Canada (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Canadian naturalisation does not require giving up another citizenship. Acquiring another citizenship does not cause loss of Canadian citizenship, which can end only as the Citizenship Act provides.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | Not required [1] |
| Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | None needed: the grant requirements in section 5(1) do not include giving up another citizenship, and the government states that Canada allows dual citizenship. Whether the applicant's other country lets them keep its citizenship is a matter for that country. [2] |
| Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rules | No loss of nationality [1] |
| Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rules | A Canadian citizen cannot cease to be a citizen except as Part II of the Citizenship Act provides. Acquiring another citizenship is not a ground. A citizen may renounce on application if they hold, or will acquire, another citizenship, are an adult, do not reside in Canada and understand the consequences; citizenship may also be revoked for fraud or false representation. [1] |
Sources
- Justice Laws Website (Department of Justice Canada): Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29), full text (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Citizenship eligibility - Become a Canadian citizen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.