Canada continues to recognize dual and multiple citizenship, allowing individuals to become Canadian without surrendering existing nationality. As global migration rises, more people are choosing to hold more than one passport to preserve family ties, cultural identity and economic opportunity across borders.
However, eligibility depends on the laws of the other country involved. While many nations permit dual citizenship, others, including India, China and Iran, require citizens to renounce their original status.
Experts advise applicants to review regulations carefully, as rules governing passports, legal rights and consular protection vary. Dual citizenship increasingly shapes debates around identity, belonging and modern mobility.
Read also: 5 countries that give citizenship by investment within 6 months
Here are ten countries that allow dual citizenship with Canada.
Philippines
The Philippines permits dual citizenship with Canada for natural-born Filipino citizens. Under Republic Act 9225, natural-born Filipinos who acquire Canadian citizenship can retain Philippine citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance.
Children born abroad to at least one Filipino parent are dual citizens by birth. They are required to report their birth to a Philippine consulate to formalise their status.
Nigeria
Nigeria allows dual citizenship with Canada, but only for certain individuals. Those who gained Nigerian citizenship at birth or through descent may retain their nationality after becoming Canadian citizens.
This does not apply to those who acquired Nigerian citizenship through naturalisation. In such cases, individuals must renounce their original citizenship if they become Canadian. The Government of Canada states that dual nationals must enter and leave Nigeria using a Nigerian passport.
United States
Citizens of the United States may obtain Canadian citizenship without renouncing their US nationality. The rule applies to citizens by birth, naturalisation or descent.
US law requires that citizens enter and exit the United States using a US passport. Holding Canadian citizenship does not remove this obligation.
Read also: FG streamlines acquisition of Nigerian citizenship
France
France has permitted dual citizenship since 1973. French citizens may hold more than one nationality without renouncing their French citizenship.
There are no formal restrictions under French law on holding dual nationality.
Pakistan
Pakistan allows dual citizenship with selected countries. In 2025, the country formalised new arrangements under the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024. The law permits Pakistani nationals to retain citizenship if they obtain nationality in one of 22 listed countries.
Canada is included on that list. Pakistani nationals who become Canadian citizens through naturalisation or descent may retain their Pakistani citizenship under these provisions.
Brazil
Brazil recognises dual citizenship without conditions. Brazilian nationals may obtain Canadian citizenship without giving up Brazilian nationality.
The Government of Brazil notes that “the condition of dual or multiple nationalities may result in a reduction in the possibility of consular protection by the Brazilian State.” This means support abroad may be affected in certain situations.
Read also: Germany unveils easier citizenship laws for Nigerians, others
United Kingdom
British citizens may hold dual citizenship in both the United Kingdom and Canada. There is no requirement to renounce British citizenship after becoming Canadian.
Travellers are expected to carry a valid UK or Irish travel document when entering the UK. The UK government states that “as a dual national, you cannot get diplomatic help from the British government when you are in the other country where you hold citizenship.”
Germany
Germany allows dual citizenship with other countries, including Canada, from 27 June 2024. Before that date, German citizens who acquired another nationality often lost their German citizenship, subject to exceptions.
Exceptions included those who acquired dual citizenship at birth, those naturalised in another European Union member state or Switzerland, individuals who received permission to retain German citizenship before acquiring another nationality, and those with a German parent.
The change in law marked a shift in policy and has affected many families with links to both Germany and Canada.
Read also: Explainer: Does diplomatic passport confer citizenship?
Syria
Syria permits its citizens to hold more than one nationality. Syrians who become Canadian citizens are not required to renounce Syrian citizenship.
The Syrian government states that dual nationals will be treated as Syrian citizens first in legal, administrative and diplomatic matters while in Syria.
Mexico
Mexico has allowed dual and multiple citizenship since 1998. Mexican nationals may hold Canadian citizenship without renouncing their Mexican nationality.
There are no restrictions under Mexican law regarding possession of more than one citizenship.
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