Dual citizenship with Canada: countries that allow it, countries that restrict it, and what to check before you apply
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Dual citizenship is never a one-sided decision. Canada generally allows its citizens to hold another nationality, but the second country may allow it, restrict it, or refuse it. In practice, this can affect how you travel (which passport you must use) and what consular help is available when you’re inside your other country of citizenship.
Before pursuing a second passport, confirm three practical points: entry/exit passport rules, whether the country requires renunciation on naturalization, and any added obligations such as military service, tax rules, or restrictions on certain public-sector roles.
Examples of countries that typically allow dual citizenship alongside Canada:
United States: U.S. citizens can generally naturalize elsewhere without automatically losing U.S. citizenship, and are commonly expected to use a U.S. passport when entering or leaving the U.S.
United Kingdom: Dual citizenship is allowed, but from Feb. 25, 2026, British dual nationals are expected to travel with a valid UK or Irish passport, or a non-UK passport endorsed with a Certificate of Entitlement, since they’re not eligible for an ETA.
Australia: Australia permits dual citizenship, while advising travellers to verify the other country’s rules.
Germany: Since June 27, 2024, Germany has broadly allowed dual citizenship when naturalizing.
Ireland: Ireland permits dual citizenship, allowing naturalized citizens to retain another nationality.
Examples of countries that restrict or do not recognize dual citizenship:
Netherlands: As a general rule, new Dutch citizens must renounce other nationalities where possible, with exceptions.
Japan: Dual nationals are generally required to choose one nationality by age 22.
China: China does not recognize dual nationality for Chinese nationals.
India: India does not allow dual citizenship; OCI status is not “dual citizenship.”
