Section 9 — Renunciation of citizenship — Citizenship Act — Canada — immi.wiki
Text of provision
9 (1) A citizen may, upon application, renounce his citizenship if he
(a) is a citizen of a country other than Canada or, if his application is approved, will become a citizen of a country other than Canada;
(b) is not the subject of a declaration by the Governor in Council made pursuant to section 20; and
(c) is not a minor.
(2) The Minister shall approve an application for renunciation of citizenship if the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (1).
(3) Where an application for renunciation of citizenship is approved, the Minister shall issue a certificate of renunciation to the applicant and the applicant ceases to be a citizen on the day specified in the certificate.
Plain English
Section 9 provides the mechanism for a Canadian citizen to voluntarily renounce their citizenship. Renunciation is the act of formally giving up Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility to renounce: A citizen may renounce citizenship only if they:
- Already hold citizenship of another country, or will acquire such citizenship if the renunciation is approved (i.e., they will not be left stateless)
- Are not subject to a s 20 Governor in Council declaration (a security-related prohibition)
- Are not a minor (under 18)
Prevention of statelessness: Canada is a signatory to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Section 9 reflects this commitment — a person cannot renounce citizenship unless they hold or will hold citizenship elsewhere. A person who renounces cannot be left without any citizenship.
Effect of renunciation: Once approved, the citizen receives a certificate of renunciation and ceases to be a citizen on the date specified in the certificate. The renunciation is permanent unless the person later applies to resume citizenship under s 11.
Practical effect
Renunciation of citizenship is relatively uncommon and is typically sought in the following situations:
- Tax reasons: Some persons with dual citizenship seek to renounce Canadian citizenship to avoid Canadian tax obligations (Canada taxes citizens on worldwide income even if non-resident)
- Dual citizenship restrictions in another country: Some countries require their citizens to renounce foreign citizenships — a person who becomes a citizen of such a country and wishes to comply with its laws may renounce Canadian citizenship
- Personal choice: A person may simply not wish to hold Canadian citizenship for personal reasons
Renunciation does not affect a person's immigration status in Canada — it affects only citizenship. A person who renounces citizenship and remains in Canada will be treated as a non-citizen (typically a permanent resident, if they hold PR status).
Renunciation is also reversible — a former citizen may apply to resume citizenship under s 11, subject to meeting the requirements of that section (including being a permanent resident and meeting the physical presence requirements).
For current renunciation application forms and fees, refer to the IRCC renunciation page.