Dual citizenship implies that you are a citizen of more than one country. In Canada, dual or multiple citizenship is legal. Please ensure that it is legal in your home country. It is estimated that almost one in 20 Canadians hold more than one passport.
Including Canada, 49 other countries allow dual citizenship. They are:
| Albania | Australia | Barbados | Bangladesh | Belgium |
| Bulgaria | Chile | Costa Rica | Croatia | Cyprus |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | Dominican Republic | Egypt | Finland |
| France | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
| Ireland
|
Israel | Italy | Jamaica | Kosovo |
| Latvia | Malta | Mexico | Nigeria | Pakistan |
| Panama | Peru | Philippines | Portugal | Romania |
| St Kitts & Nevis | Serbia | Slovenia | South Africa | South Korea |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Syria | Turkey |
| United Kingdom | United States | Venezuela |
Check Dual Citizenship Criteria
Dual citizenship criteria sometimes varies depending on the country. Depending on home country rules, a person seeking dual citizenship has to inform concerned authorities in his home country about his intention of taking up dual citizenship in another country. As a result of which, he/she might be prohibited from pursuing specific jobs in his or her home country.
In Egypt, for example, if an Egyptian citizen gains Canadian citizenship, they need to inform the government about their intention to retain their Egyptian citizenship within the first year of obtaining their Canadian citizenship. As a result, they can’t serve in the Egyptian police, military, or parliament.
In the United States, those holding dual citizenship need to declare “other allegiances” to get their U.S. passport and in case applying for government programs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship
There are always two sides to the coin. Similarly, there are both plus and minus of keeping your dual citizenship. Let us take a quick look:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| While travelling to your home country, the need to apply for a visitor visa disappears. | Legally, one must obey all laws related to military service, provide for the public education system, and pay taxes. |
| Dual Canadian citizens need to present their Canadian passport when they board a flight back to Canada. The only exception to the rule being U.S.-Canada dual citizenship. | For those who wish to pursue a career in Government services in either of the countries, it is a disadvantage. |
| Since November 2016, as part of new Electronic Travel Authorization (Canada eTA) requirements, dual citizens from visa-exempt countries cannot enter Canada without presenting their passports. | Before taking dual citizenship, it is best to check embassy or consulate’s pros and cons. There might be a few special caveats. |
| Despite holding a valid Canadian passport, dual citizens should still meet the following criteria:
· Be in good health · Meet the minimum bank balance requirements · Have no criminal cases against them, and · Have proper identification. |
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| Dual citizenship can be a lifesaver in cases of emergencies. A Canadian citizen can choose which embassy they want to seek help from. |
Always remember- while booking a flight, present the passport which is to be used on entering the country. Dual citizens should always carry both their passports while travelling.
24 countries that don’t allow dual citizenship are:
| Andorra | Austria | Bahrain | China |
| El Salvador | Estonia | Germany | India |
| Indonesia | Japan | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
| Malaysia | Montenegro | Saudi Arabia | The Netherlands |
| Norway | Poland | Singapore | Sri Lanka |
| Tanzania | Thailand | Ukraine | United Arab Emirates |
If you are looking to Work, Study, Invest, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.
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