Renounce Citizenship
Renounce Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizens who hold or are eligible for another citizenship may voluntarily give up (renounce) their Canadian citizenship. This is a permanent decision — you cannot change your mind later.
Fee
$530 CAD
Processing
12 months
Age
18+
Requirement
Dual citizen
Eligibility Requirements
You are a Canadian citizen (by birth, naturalization, or other means)
You are a citizen of another country, or you will become one if you renounce Canadian citizenship
You are 18 years of age or older
You understand that renouncing is permanent and irreversible
You are not prohibited by the Citizenship Act (e.g., during war or under investigation)
You are not currently in a situation that would make you stateless
How to Apply
Read the renunciation guide (CIT 0302) on the Canada Immigration website
Complete the application form for renunciation
Include proof of your current Canadian citizenship (certificate or护照)
Include proof of your other citizenship or eligibility for one (foreign passport, certificate)
Pay the $530 fee ($100 processing + $430 right of citizenship fee recovery)
Mail the application to the Case Processing Centre — Sydney, NS
Canada Immigration reviews the application — approval means you are no longer a Canadian citizen
Important Considerations
Renunciation is permanent — you cannot get citizenship back easily (you would need to apply for resumption)
If you renounce, you lose all rights: voting, living and working in Canada, Canadian passport
Your children born after renunciation will not be Canadian citizens by descent
You can apply for a temporary visa to visit Canada, but it is not guaranteed
Renunciation does not exempt you from Canadian tax obligations for prior years