Dual Citizenship in Canada: Document Requirements & Notarization Guide

Understanding Dual Citizenship in Canada

Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can be a citizen of Canada and another country simultaneously. This guide covers the document requirements for:

• Applying for Canadian citizenship while keeping your original nationality
• Maintaining foreign citizenship while becoming Canadian
• Proving citizenship for various legal and travel purposes

Who Can Have Dual Citizenship?

Becoming a Dual Citizen

You can become a dual citizen if:

1. You're a Canadian citizen acquiring another country's citizenship
2. You're a foreign citizen becoming Canadian without renouncing your original citizenship
3. You were born with dual citizenship (e.g., Canadian parent abroad, or born in Canada to foreign parents)

Important: While Canada allows dual citizenship, your other country may not. Some countries require you to renounce previous citizenship when naturalizing. Check your home country's laws.

Canadian Citizenship Application Documents

To become a Canadian citizen, you'll need extensive documentation:

1. Identity Documents

2. Proof of Permanent Residence

You must prove you've been a PR for sufficient time:

3. Physical Presence Calculation

You need 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within the 5 years before applying. Documents to prove this include:

• Employment records (pay stubs, T4s, contracts)
• Tax returns (CRA documents)
• School records
• Rental agreements or mortgage statements
• Utility bills
• Bank statements showing Canadian transactions

Tip: Keep detailed records of all your travel. You'll need to account for every day you were outside Canada.

4. Language Proficiency

If you're 18-54, you must prove English or French proficiency:

Accepted proof:

• IELTS General (CLB 4+ in speaking and listening)
• CELPIP General
• TEF Canada
• Canadian high school/post-secondary diploma
• Foreign degree from English/French instruction (may need evaluation)

5. Tax Filing Compliance

You must have filed taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA
• Tax returns
• Non-filing letters (if you weren't required to file)

Proof of Canadian Citizenship Documents

If you're already a Canadian citizen and need to prove it:

Citizenship Certificate

The primary document proving Canadian citizenship. If you've lost yours:

1. Apply for a replacement through IRCC
2. You'll need:
   • Certified copies of previous certificates (if available)
   • Passport photos
   • Identity documents
   • Statutory declaration explaining loss

Birth Certificate + Passport

For citizens born in Canada:

• Original or certified copy of birth certificate
• Valid Canadian passport

Certificate of Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

If your child was born abroad to a Canadian parent:

Renunciation and Retention Documents

Retaining Canadian Citizenship

Canada doesn't require you to do anything special to retain citizenship when acquiring another nationality. Your Canadian citizenship remains valid unless you formally renounce it.

Renouncing Canadian Citizenship

If you choose to renounce (for countries requiring single citizenship):

Resuming Canadian Citizenship

If you previously renounced and want to resume:

Foreign Citizenship Requirements

When applying for citizenship in another country while maintaining Canadian status, you'll typically need:

Common Documents for Foreign Naturalization

Authentication for Foreign Use

Documents used abroad often need:

1. Notarization — We provide this service
2. Provincial authentication — Verifies notary's signature
3. Federal authentication — Global Affairs Canada
4. Apostille or embassy legalization — Depends on destination country

See our guide on Apostille vs Notarization for details.

Citizenship by Descent Documents

If you're claiming citizenship based on ancestry:

Canadian Citizenship by Descent

For children born abroad to Canadian parents (first generation):

Note: Citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation born abroad.

Foreign Citizenship by Descent

Many countries offer citizenship to descendants of their nationals. Common requirements:

Countries offering citizenship by descent include: Ireland, Italy, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Israel, and many others.

Notarized Documents for Citizenship

Several citizenship documents require or benefit from notarization:

Documents That Typically Need Notarization

• Certified copies of birth certificates, passports, and marriage certificates
• Statutory declarations of:
  • Name variations
  • Relationship to ancestors
  • Lost documents
  • Renunciation intent
• Affidavits for special circumstances
• Consent forms if applying on behalf of minors

Translation Requirements

Foreign language documents must be translated. Translation packages should include:

• Original document or certified copy
• Certified translation
• Translator's certification
• Notarized translator signature

Common Dual Citizenship Scenarios

Scenario 1: Indian Citizen Becoming Canadian

India doesn't allow dual citizenship, but offers OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status:

1. Complete Canadian citizenship process
2. Apply for OCI card
3. Surrender Indian passport
4. Keep certified copies of Indian documents

Scenario 2: Canadian Seeking Irish Citizenship

Through the Foreign Birth Registry if you have an Irish grandparent:

1. Gather birth certificates proving lineage
2. Get certified copies of all documents
3. Have documents notarized and authenticated
4. Apply through Irish embassy

Scenario 3: Child Born Abroad to Canadian Parent

Register for Canadian citizenship certificate:

1. Gather parent's Canadian citizenship proof
2. Get child's foreign birth certificate
3. Obtain certified copies
4. Apply through IRCC

Costs to Budget

Canadian Citizenship Fees

Document Preparation Costs

Processing Times

Note: Times vary significantly and change frequently. Check IRCC for current estimates.

Tips for Dual Citizenship Applications

✓ Start Document Gathering Early

Some documents take months to obtain:

• RCMP police certificates: 3-10 weeks
• Foreign documents: Varies widely
• Birth certificate replacements: 2-8 weeks

✓ Keep Multiple Copies

Get extra certified copies of everything. You may need them for:

• The application itself
• Future passport applications
• Other legal matters

✓ Document Your Travel History

Keep detailed records of:

• All trips outside Canada
• Entry and exit dates
• Countries visited

✓ Maintain Tax Compliance

File Canadian taxes every year, even if you owe nothing.

✓ Understand Both Countries' Laws

Some countries:

• Require military service
• Have different tax obligations
• May not recognize dual citizenship in all contexts

How We Can Help

At Minute Notary, we assist with dual citizenship documentation:

• Certified True Copies — For passports, birth certificates, and more
• Statutory Declarations — For name variations, lost documents, family history
• Affidavits — For special circumstances
• Notarized Signatures — For translated documents and applications

We understand the complexity of citizenship documentation and provide careful, accurate service.

Ready to Prepare Your Documents?

Whether you're becoming a Canadian citizen or claiming citizenship elsewhere, we're here to help. Book an appointment with Minute Notary today.

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