Do You Need To Renounce Your Citizenship For Canada?

Canada recognizes and allows dual citizenship. This means that if you become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, you may still be able to keep your other citizenship(s)—depending on the laws of your home country. Whether you can hold both Canadian and your original nationality depends entirely on your country of origin’s stance on dual citizenship. Some countries are flexible with dual citizenship, while others impose strict conditions—or don’t allow it at all. In this article, we’ll explore if you need to renounce your citizenship for Canada or not. We will also discuss how the top 10 source countries for Canadian immigrants handle dual citizenship.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Dual Citizenship Rules By Country

To get a better understanding of whether you need to renounce your citizenship for Canada or not, here’s a helpful table outlining which of the top 10 source countries allow dual citizenship, and under what circumstances:

If your home country doesn’t allow dual citizenship, you might automatically lose your original nationality upon becoming Canadian—or you may need to formally renounce it.

Holding dual citizenship gives you the rights and responsibilities of citizens in both countries. Let’s take a closer look at how dual citizenship works in each of these 10 countries.

India

India does not permit dual citizenship. So if you’re an Indian citizen and you become a Canadian citizen, you must renounce your Indian citizenship and surrender your Indian passport.

According to the Indian Passport Act, 1967, it’s illegal to apply for, renew, or use an Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship.

However, former Indian nationals may apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) designation. It’s not full citizenship, but it does offer a lifelong visa and other benefits.

Philippines

The Philippines does recognize dual citizenship, but only under certain conditions.

If you’re married to a Filipino, born abroad to at least one Filipino parent, or originally born in the Philippines but later acquired another nationality, you may be eligible for dual citizenship.

If you don’t meet these criteria, you may be required to give up your Filipino citizenship upon becoming Canadian.

China

The People’s Republic of China does not allow its nationals to hold citizenship in another country. If you become a citizen of another country, China will automatically consider you to have lost your Chinese citizenship.

Canada advises Chinese-Canadian dual nationals to be cautious when traveling to China. Using a Chinese passport or ID may lead Chinese authorities to treat you as a Chinese citizen, limiting Canada’s ability to assist you consularly.

Nigeria

Under Nigerian law, Nigeria allows dual citizenship—but only for those who gained Nigerian nationality by birth or descent. 

If you were naturalized as a Nigerian citizen, however, you would need to renounce your Nigerian citizenship before acquiring Canadian citizenship.

Pakistan

Pakistan permits its citizens to keep their nationality when they acquire Canadian citizenship.

Under the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024, Pakistan has dual citizenship agreements with 22 countries, including Canada. This means that if you acquire nationality in one of these countries, you won’t need to renounce your Pakistani citizenship.

Iran

Iran is another country for which you need to renounce your citizenship for Canada. 

Well, Iran does not officially recognize dual citizenship. Iranian law treats all dual nationals as Iranian citizens, and does not easily allow them to give up their Iranian nationality.

If you’re an Iranian-Canadian, you are required to enter and exit Iran using an Iranian passport. Iran may deny Canadian-Iranian access to Canadian consular services. 

If the Iranian government finds you to have dual citizenship, you might not be permitted to leave Iran unless you meet certain conditions, and you are at a risk of being detained, questioned, or even having your passport confiscated.

United States Of America

The U.S. recognizes dual citizenship. If you become a Canadian citizen, you can retain your American citizenship without needing to renounce it.

However, U.S. citizens must enter and leave the U.S. using their U.S. passports, even if they also hold Canadian citizenship.

Brazil

Brazil allows dual citizenship and does not require you to give up your Brazilian passport when becoming a Canadian.

That said, if you’re in Brazil, your access to Canadian consular support might be restricted.

France

France has no restrictions on dual citizenship. You can become a Canadian citizen without affecting your French nationality. No special rules or conditions apply.

Syria

Syria officially recognizes dual citizenship. If you’re Syrian and wish to become Canadian, you can retain your Syrian nationality.

But it’s important to note that Syria considers its nationals to be Syrian first. This means that Syria will prioritize your Syrian citizenship over any other nationality when dealing with legal, administrative, or diplomatic matters.

Becoming A Canadian Citizen Through Naturalization

If you weren’t born in Canada or didn’t inherit Canadian citizenship, you can apply for it through naturalization by meeting certain requirements under the Canadian Citizenship Act.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada
• Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the past five years before applying
• Have filed taxes (if required) during that five-year period
• Take and pass the Canadian citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54)
• Prove your English or French language ability at a CLB level 4 or above

Children under 18 do not need to meet the physical presence requirement.

The Canadian citizenship test includes 20 questions—either multiple choice or true/false—and can be taken in English or French.

Once you’re approved, you’ll attend a citizenship ceremony—either online or in person—where you’ll take the oath of citizenship. Those under 14 are not required to take the oath.

As of now, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) estimates it takes about 10 months to process a citizenship application.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.