Can I give up Canadian citizenship and how do I do it?

Yes, a Canadian citizen can voluntarily renounce their Canadian citizenship under the Citizenship Act. This is a federal process administered by IRCC. Renunciation is permanent and serious — once you renounce, you are no longer a Canadian citizen. You cannot simply "take it back" later; reacquisition requires a separate application process with its own requirements.

To renounce citizenship you must be an adult, already be a citizen of another country (so you do not become stateless as a result of renouncing), not be a permanent resident of Canada, and not reside in Canada. IRCC will not approve renunciation if it would render you stateless. There is a government fee for processing a renunciation application.

People sometimes consider renunciation for tax reasons related to the requirements of another country, or because their other country of citizenship does not permit dual nationality. Before renouncing Canadian citizenship, you should fully understand the consequences: you lose the right to live and work in Canada, you may need a visa or permit to visit Canada, and your children's Canadian citizenship by descent may be affected. This is a decision that warrants careful thought and ideally legal advice from both an immigration lawyer and, where tax planning is involved, a tax lawyer.