What is dual citizenship?

If you are a citizen of more than one country simultaneously, you hold dual citizenship. A Canadian citizen who acquires citizenship of another country will still be a Canadian citizen unless he or she voluntarily renounces it through a complex set of legal processes.

By the same token, Canadian law allows new citizens to also retain citizenship of their countries of origin. However, whether or not this is possible depends on the laws of those countries. While many countries do allow dual citizenship, there are some that will revoke citizenship when you acquire a Canadian passport. If you wish to hold dual citizenship, it is important for you to research the laws in your country of origin before you apply for Canadian citizenship. For more information, consult your country’s government, or its embassy or consulate in Canada.

Is it beneficial to have dual citizenship?

The biggest benefit of dual citizenship is that it allows you free entry to, and movement within, both Canada and your country of origin. This is a factor for people who have family members or business interests in their original countries. If you no longer have citizenship of your country of origin, you may need a visa to travel there.

However, there can be drawbacks, such as complications relating to taxation, compulsory military service and the management of money and/or assets in both countries. In addition, many countries that allow dual citizenship require you to enter using their passport.

As long as you are aware of the laws imposed by your original country, dual citizenship is likely to have more benefits than disadvantages.