Canada recognizes dual citizenship, but each country decides its own laws on whether citizens can hold more than one nationality.
Canada allows people to hold more than one citizenship. This rule lets newcomers become Canadian citizens without giving up their original nationality. Still, dual citizenship depends on the laws of both countries involved. Some nations demand that citizens give up their first passport, while others allow people to keep both.
In 2025, thousands of new Canadians came from countries that accept dual citizenship. Below are 10 of the leading countries whose citizens can legally hold Canadian citizenship alongside their original one, along with key rules people should know.
Philippines: Limited to Natural-Born Citizens
The Philippines allows dual citizenship only for people who were citizens by birth. Filipinos who later become Canadian citizens can keep their Philippine citizenship by taking an oath under Republic Act 9225. Children born outside the country to a Filipino parent also qualify and must report their birth to a consulate.
Nigeria allows dual citizenship for citizens by birth or descent. Those who gained Nigerian citizenship through naturalization must give it up if they become Canadian. Dual citizens must enter and leave Nigeria using a Nigerian passport.
Americans can become Canadian citizens without any conditions. The rule applies to citizens by birth, descent, or naturalization. The United States requires its citizens to use a U.S. passport when entering or leaving the country.
France has allowed dual citizenship since 1973. French citizens face no limits or conditions when holding another nationality, including Canadian citizenship.
Pakistan updated its citizenship law in 2025. Citizens can now keep their Pakistani citizenship when gaining nationality from one of 22 approved countries, including Canada.
Brazil fully accepts dual citizenship. Citizens can become Canadian without losing their Brazilian status. The government warns that “the condition of dual or multiple nationalities may result in a reduction in the possibility of consular protection by the Brazilian State.”
British citizens can hold both passports. The government notes 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 changed its law in June 2024. Citizens can now hold dual citizenship freely. Earlier rules caused automatic loss of citizenship, with limited exceptions.
Syria allows multiple nationalities. Authorities treat dual citizens as Syrian first in all legal and official matters.
Mexico has allowed dual and multiple citizenship since 1998. Citizens face no limits when adding Canadian nationality.
People can gain Canadian citizenship through birth in Canada, naturalization after living in the country for three years, or descent through Canadian parents or ancestors, depending on birth date and connection to Canada.
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