Renouncing Canadian citizenship

Overview

Renouncing Canadian citizenship

Renunciation formally ends Canadian citizenship. An adult generally must already hold or be able to obtain another citizenship so the decision does not create statelessness.

Confirm why renunciation is necessary

Some countries restrict dual nationality or certain public offices, but foreign advice should be verified before giving up Canadian rights. Tax residence usually depends on facts, not citizenship alone.

A citizenship certificate’s expiry or loss is not renunciation.

Use the applicable process

IRCC has a general renunciation application and simplified routes for certain people who acquired citizenship under legislative amendments, including some affected by the 2025 change. Select the package that matches how citizenship arose.

Provide identity and proof of the other nationality or entitlement.

Understand what ends

After approval, the person loses the unconditional right to enter and remain in Canada, the Canadian passport right and political rights. Future visits require the documents and admissibility applicable to a foreign national.

Family members keep their own citizenship unless separately affected by law.

Future resumption is not automatic

A former citizen may later need to become a permanent resident, live in Canada and satisfy the statutory resumption rules. Approval is a new legal process.

Keep the renunciation certificate for foreign and future Canadian records.