Canada Citizenship by Descent

Min investment

On request

Time to status

Varies (proof-of-citizenship processing)

Path to citizenship

Direct (by descent)

Residency requirement

None

Visa-free destinations

185

Dual citizenship allowed

Yes

Notes for Chinese applicants

Bill C-3 (in force 15 Dec 2025) removed the 2009 first-generation limit in many cases: descendants of a Canadian ancestor (grandparent, great-grandparent or further back) who was a citizen at the relevant time can now claim, if lineage is documentable. Future first-generation-born-abroad parents must meet a 'substantial connection' test (1,095 days in Canada) to pass it on. No investment/residence. Strong passport, BUT Canada taxes citizens who are tax-resident on worldwide income.

About Canada

Healthcare

★★★★★

Safety

★★★★★

Cost of living

High

Climate

Continental

China relations

Cool / Western-aligned