Countries that allow for Dual Citizenship with Canada
49% of countries in the world allow for dual citizenship including Canada. Some of the countries which allow dual citizenship with Canada include;
- Bangladesh: Bangladeshi origins who are citizens of Canada, may apply for a Dual Nationality Certificate (DNC) with the Bangladeshi government though not technically allowed by law. If approved, these individuals will possess Bangladeshi passports in addition to Canadian Passports. In case the DNC is not obtained, Bangladeshis will lose their citizenship upon becoming naturalized Canadian citizens.
- Nigeria: Nigeria allows dual citizenship with other countries, and even naturalization to another country while holding a Nigerian passport. Nigeria does not, however, allow people who have naturalized into another country, to also naturalize to Nigeria. Nigerian nationals pursuing Canadian citizenship will therefore be able to hold two passports.
- Philippines: The Philippines recognizes dual citizenship with Canada. Filipino nationals who had been naturalized to other countries may apply to retain or regain their status; if they were born before 1973 and had at least one Filipino parent at the time of their birth. Individuals born in Canada, with at least one parent who is Filipino at the time, will already be considered dual citizens. Filipino nationals applying for Canadian citizenship can apply to retain both passports.
- The United Kingdom: The U.K. allows dual citizenship with Canada, meaning that U.K. citizens can pursue and avail of Canadian citizenship without any impact on their current nationality.
- The United States: U.S.A. recognizes dual citizenship with other countries, including Canada, meaning that U.S.A. nationals can freely pursue Canadian citizenship without any impact on their American nationality.
Countries that don’t allow for Dual Citizenship with Canada
- India: Under the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, India does not allow dual citizenship with any other country. It is considered a punishable offense to apply for, continue to hold, or obtain an Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship. Indian nationals who obtain Canadian citizenship will not be eligible for dual citizenship.
- Saudi Arabia: Dual citizenship is not recognized in Saudi Arabia with any other country. Furthermore, if you are considered a Saudi Arabian citizen, you can lawfully be denied Canadian consular services in Saudi Arabia.
- Pakistan: Pakistan does not allow dual citizenship for Pakistani nationals living abroad. While the country does have dual citizenship agreements with 19 countries Canada included, allowing nationals of these countries to become Pakistani while maintaining their initial nationality. However, Pakistani citizens who naturalize to another country must revoke their Pakistani citizenship. Pakistani citizens looking to naturalize to Canada must give up their Pakistani passports.
