Dual Citizenship in Canada: Can You Keep Your Other Citizenship?
Canada allows dual citizenship, so you can hold Canadian citizenship and another one at the same time. The real question is whether your other country allows it, so check its rules before you apply. Dual citizens must also use a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada by air.
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Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship (IRCC, checked October 2026). If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship.
Each country sets its own rules, so ask the embassy of your other country before you apply for Canadian citizenship.
Which passport do I use to enter Canada?
A dual citizen needs a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada by air, even if you are only transiting. Using only your other passport creates problems, and a special authorization is the only exception (Government of Canada travel advice, updated August 2026).
What to know before you decide
- Canada: it lets you keep your other citizenship
- Your other country: its law decides whether you can keep that citizenship
- Travel: carry your Canadian passport when you fly to Canada
Which case sounds like yours?
Your route to Canadian citizenship does not change the dual citizenship rule.
Citizenship by descent
- You may already be a citizen
- You keep your birth citizenship
- Apply for a certificate, then a passport
Citizenship by naturalization
- You apply as a permanent resident
- Check your other country rules first
- Take the oath at your ceremony
Not sure where you stand? Take the citizenship eligibility quiz.
Your path, in five parts
Each part has its own rules. Source: IRCC.
You may hold Canadian and your birth citizenship together.
Ask your embassy about its rules before you apply.
Dual citizens need it to return to Canada by air.
A child can hold more than one citizenship too, subject to the other country.
Take the quiz to see which route fits.
Not sure where you stand?
We review your situation and tell you your next step.
Rules to know
Canada allows it
Canadians can take foreign citizenship and keep Canadian citizenship.
Your other country decides
Whether you can keep your other citizenship depends on that country law.
Air travel needs a Canadian passport
A dual citizen needs a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada by air.
Special authorization
Limited exceptions exist if you qualify for a special authorization.
Descent claims keep both
A person who is a citizen by descent can hold Canadian and birth citizenship together.
Ask the embassy
Ask the embassy of your other country before you apply.
Related pages
These guides cover the wider process.
How to avoid problems
Five habits keep you on track.
Ask your embassy first
Its rules decide what happens to your other citizenship.
Get a Canadian passport
You need it to fly to Canada as a citizen.
Plan the timing
Citizenship by descent needs a certificate before a passport.
Keep both sets of documents
Keep records for both countries.
Think about children
Check how both countries treat your children.
Want your case reviewed?
We check your situation and tell you your next step.
Step by step
Six steps from start to finish.
Ask your embassy
Find out how your other country treats dual citizenship.
Pick your route
Descent or naturalization.
Apply to IRCC
Apply for the certificate or for citizenship.
Take the oath, if applying
Naturalization ends with the oath.
Get your passport
Apply for a Canadian passport.
Fly with the right passport
Carry your Canadian passport when you fly to Canada.
Five mistakes to avoid
These mistakes cost time and sometimes a second fee.
Skipping the embassy check
Your other country may have its own rules.
Flying on one passport
Dual citizens need a Canadian passport to return by air.
Assuming no paperwork
You still need proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a certificate.
Waiting to get a passport
Passports take time, so plan early.
Forgetting your children
Check the rules for your children too.
Key facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC and the Government of Canada, checked October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Dual citizenship FAQs
Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship (IRCC, checked October 2026).
What is dual citizenship?
If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship. You do not apply for it as a separate status.
Do I have to give up my other citizenship to become Canadian?
Canada does not ask you to give up your other citizenship. Your other country might, so ask its embassy about its rules before you apply.
Can I keep my other citizenship if I claim Canadian citizenship by descent?
Canada allows it. Whether your other country lets you keep its citizenship is its own rule, so check with its embassy. Read our citizenship by descent guide.
Which passport do I use to return to Canada by air?
A valid Canadian passport. Dual citizens need it even if they are only transiting Canada, and the only exception is a special authorization (Government of Canada travel advice, updated August 2026).
What happens if I fly to Canada on my other passport only?
You may be refused boarding. Carry a valid Canadian passport, or ask the airline and the Government of Canada about special authorization before you travel.
Do I need a certificate to prove I am a dual citizen?
You need proof of your Canadian citizenship. If you are a citizen by descent, that proof is a citizenship certificate, and you then apply for a passport.
Can my child hold two citizenships?
Canada allows it. Your other country decides its own rules, so check them. Read our guide to citizenship for children under 18.
Where do I start?
Ask your other country’s embassy about its rules, then take our eligibility quiz to see your route to Canadian citizenship.