Retirement Income

The retirement income guide for Canadian non-resident expats

The retirement income guide for Canadian non-resident expats

Retirement income planning for Canadian non-resident expatriates can be difficult. Let’s consider some of the implications of receiving CPP/QPP, OAS, RRSP and pension income in retirement.

CPP/QPP and OAS eligibility for non-residents

Canadians living abroad can apply for and receive government pensions like Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) in retirement.

Non-residents can begin their CPP/QPP pension as early as age 60, just like a Canadian resident.

OAS can start as early as age 65, but if you apply while you are a non-resident, you need to have resided in Canada for at least 20 years after the age of 18 to qualify.

Canada has international social security agreements that coordinate pension programs between countries for those who have lived abroad and contributed to multiple national pensions. Canada may consider your periods of contribution to foreign national pensions as periods of contribution to the CPP/QPP or periods of residency for calculating OAS entitlement. This is particularly important for OAS given the 20-year minimum residency threshold. A social security agreement may help you to qualify.

Some countries, like the United States, also have minimum thresholds to qualify for government retirement benefits. You need 10 years of contributions to the U.S. Social Security to qualify, but the totalization agreement between Canada and the U.S. can help someone who has worked for under 10 years in the U.S. qualify for enhanced retirement benefits when combined with the CPP/QPP.

Contact Service Canada if you have lived or worked abroad or are currently a non-resident applying for a government pension.

Of interest is that the Receiver General of Canada can also pay CPP/QPP and OAS benefits in local currency in 54 countries currently.

CPP/QPP and OAS paid to a non-resident of Canada is subject to a non-resident withholding tax that is 25% by default. Many countries have tax treaties with Canada that reduce the withholding tax rate – commonly to 15% tax.

This doesn’t mean that you must file a Canadian tax return. Withholding tax is generally your only tax obligation to Canada as a non-resident.

Many countries will tax foreign pension income, though some, like the United States, tax only a portion. There is an 85% inclusion rate for CPP/QPP and OAS on a U.S. tax return and a corresponding 85% inclusion rate for U.S. Social Security on a Canadian tax filing.

It’s important to understand the tax implications in the country where you reside. Withholding tax at source in Canada will often be credited towards tax payable in your country of residence.

You can apply to have your withholding tax on your CPP/QPP or OAS reduced further. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): “As a non-resident, it may be beneficial for you to elect under section 217 of the Canadian Income Tax Act to pay tax at the same rate as residents of Canada on your Canadian-source pensions or other benefits.”

In other words, if your income is low, 15% or 25% or whatever required withholding tax rate applies may be too high. Section 217 allows a non-resident to calculate the applicable tax payable as if they were a resident so that they are no worse off than if they lived in Canada and paid tax on that income. If someone has little to no other income beyond their CPP/QPP and OAS, there is a good chance a section 217 would benefit them, particularly if their pensions are not taxed in their country of residence or are taxed at a low rate.

The application form to elect under section 217 can be found here. You can also file a section 217 tax return after the fact to request a retroactive refund if eligible.

There is an OAS Recovery Tax if your net world income for the year exceeds a threshold, which is $74,789 for 2017 (a threshold that is generally increased each year with inflation). The recovery tax is calculated based on an Old Age Security Return of Income you must file each year to report your net world income. There are currently 42 countries that have a tax treaty with Canada so that OAS Recovery Tax does not apply regardless of income.

RRSPs and withholding tax

Income and growth in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is considered tax-free in many foreign countries. Canada has numerous tax treaties that deal with the taxation of various income sources, including “pensions and annuities” like RRSPs.

Non-residents generally don’t contribute to RRSPs, because if they aren’t filing Canadian tax returns, RRSP contributions won’t provide a tax deduction like if they were residents.

Investing can be tricky as a non-resident, as some financial institutions cannot or will not work with foreigners (though RRSPs are often exempt). Certain Canadian investments cannot be purchased by non-residents either, though they can often continue to be held if you owned them before becoming a non-resident.

Withholding tax rates on RRSP withdrawals depend on the nature of the withdrawal. A lump-sum withdrawal is taxed, by default, at 25%. A periodic withdrawal, like a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawal in retirement, may be eligible for a reduced withholding tax rate – most often 15%, depending on the tax treaty between Canada and your country of residence.

This doesn’t mean that you must file a Canadian tax return. Withholding tax is generally your only tax obligation to Canada as a non-resident.

You can apply to have your withholding tax on your RRSP/RRIF withdrawals reduced further. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): “As a non-resident, it may be beneficial for you to elect under section 217 of the Canadian Income Tax Act to pay tax at the same rate as residents of Canada on your Canadian-source pensions or other benefits.”

In other words, if your income is low, 15% or 25% or whatever required withholding tax rate applies may be too high. Section 217 allows a non-resident to calculate the applicable tax payable as if they were a resident so that they are no worse off than if they lived in Canada and paid tax on that income. If someone has little to no other income beyond their RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, there is a good chance a section 217 would benefit them, particularly if their withdrawals are not taxed in their country of residence or are taxed at a low rate.

The application form to elect under section 217 can be found here. You can also file a section 217 tax return after the fact to request a retroactive refund if eligible.

Most countries will tax foreign pension income, like RRSP/RRIF withdrawals. It’s important to understand the tax implications of the country where you reside. Withholding tax at source in Canada will often be credited towards tax payable in your country of residence.

Some countries do not tax foreign pension income, like RRSP/RRIF withdrawals. Some countries are tax-free jurisdictions that don’t tax any income at all. This may create strategic opportunities for Canadians to liquidate their registered accounts as non-residents.

If non-residents have locked-in accounts, like LIRAs, LRIFs, LIFs, etc. that came from pension plan transfers, these accounts can be unlocked if they have been non-residents for more than 2 years and transferred to a regular, non-locked-in registered account.

Withholding tax on pension payments

Non-residency generally won’t impact your entitlement to a private workplace pension.

Pension income paid to a non-resident of Canada is subject to a non-resident withholding tax that is 25% by default. Many countries have tax treaties with Canada that reduce the withholding tax rate – commonly to 15% tax.

This doesn’t mean that you must file a Canadian tax return. Withholding tax is generally your only tax obligation to Canada as a non-resident.

It’s important to understand the tax implications of the country where you reside. Withholding tax at source in Canada will often be credited towards tax payable in your country of residence.

You can apply to have your withholding tax on your pension reduced further. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): “As a non-resident, it may be beneficial for you to elect under section 217 of the Canadian Income Tax Act to pay tax at the same rate as residents of Canada on your Canadian-source pensions or other benefits.”

In other words, if your income is low, 15% or 25% or whatever required withholding tax rate applies may be too high. Section 217 allows a non-resident to calculate the applicable tax payable as if they were a resident so that they are no worse off than if they lived in Canada and paid tax on that income. If someone has little to no other income beyond a modest pension, there is a good chance a section 217 would benefit them, particularly if their pensions are not taxed in their country of residence or are taxed at a low rate.

The application form to elect under section 217 can be found here. You can also file a section 217 tax return after the fact to request a retroactive refund if eligible.

Some defined benefit (DB) pension plans allow members to take lump-sum commuted value payouts in exchange for giving up their future pension entitlement. Some or all of the payout may be eligible for transfer to a locked-in retirement account on a tax-deferred basis. Some portion may be taxable at a default 25% rate. This taxable portion may or may not be subject in your country of residence.

Once someone has been non-resident for 2 years, they can unlock their locked-in retirement accounts. Since some countries do not tax foreign pension income, like a locked-in retirement account withdrawal, this may create strategic opportunities for Canadians to liquidate their registered accounts as non-residents.

When interest rates are low, commuted value pension payouts are high, meaning favourable conditions currently exist to consider commuted value payouts.

Comments

  1. Jeff

    In this day and age of electronic banking is it necessary to set up these formal arrangements. If these various pensions are deposited directly into your Canadian bank account, in which, as a senior, you pay no service charges, could you not then transfer the funds electronically to your Mexican or Italian bank? This seems like it would be more convenient and involve less logistical headaches, particularly if you were only spending six months of each year outside Canada. Thanks.

    • Jason Heath

      Hi Jeff. You could have the deposits go to a Canadian bank account. I guess it depends where you want to spend the money. If you’re spending it in Mexico, it may be easier to have it go into a Mexican bank account into Mexican pesos. Foreign exchange costs can be 2%+ to move from one currency to another, though there are ways around that too.

      It’s a convenience to get CPP/OAS paid in a foreign currency to a foreign bank account. I’m surprised Service Canada goes through the trouble, but maybe it’s easier and cheaper than issuing 12 cheques a year to a non-resident.

  2. Pat

    Can a Canadian Citizens transfer their superannuation (University pensions) accumulated while working in Australia to a Canadian RRSP or LIRA? Are there any tax implications. Thank you.

    • Jason Heath

      You will probably be able to make the transfer, Pat. Section 60(j)(i) of the Canadian Income Tax Act allows transfers of foreign superannuations or pension benefits to an RRSP. Get advice from an accountant and make sure you understand the tax withholding in Australia and tax deduction and credit in Canada to ensure there is little to no tax leakage.

      • carol paxton

        thank you Jason for your great article.. i am a widowed born on Canada dual citizen. my late husband was American, and I collect his ss. as a survivor. I am also disabled, so I started to collect his ss. as a disabled widow under surviver benefits here in California.
        I have tried ,and tried to talk to the Quebec disability plan , and the Canadian plans offices on numerous occasions ,and just kept getting shuffled around. I belive I am due something from either or both plans, but can’t seem to move forward. I am tuning 62, and left Canada, when I was 38. can you help me?… or is there an advocate gor people in my situation? any moneys that would come in from my Canadian side would be helpful.
        thank you for listening!
        carol paxton
        carol paxton

        • Doug Runchey

          Hi Carol – Do you know how many years you worked and contributed in Canada? Was it all to the QPP, or did you work outside of Quebec and contribute to the CPP at all? What province were you living in immediately before you moved to the USA? Have you also worked and contributed in the USA? When did you become disabled and what was your work history for the 8 years immediately prior to becoming disabled?

  3. Peter B

    Great article.
    I believe hat if one collects only the minimum RIF payout required, then no withholding tax applies at all.

    • Jason Heath

      Hi Peter. If a Canadian resident takes the minimum RRIF withdrawal, there is no required tax withheld at source (though some people choose to have tax withheld). The withdrawal is still taxable on your tax return with tax calculated accordingly, so having no tax withheld doesn’t mean you won’t pay tax. It’s different for a resident though. Periodic withdrawals, like monthly or annual RRIF withdrawals, generally have 15% tax withheld. Lump-sum withdrawals – like cashing in your entire account – would have 25% withheld.

  4. David Nicholson

    “Some countries do not tax foreign pension income, like RRSP/RRIF withdrawals. Some countries are tax-free jurisdictions that don’t tax any income at all. This may create strategic opportunities for Canadians to liquidate their registered accounts as non-residents”

    Please share a listing of the aforementioned countries…

    • Jason Heath

      Hi Dave. I don’t know it there is a central list. It’s all based on the tax treaties between Canada and the country in question. Here is a list of in-force tax treaties that Canada has, but you’d have to go through on a country by country basis: https://www.fin.gc.ca/treaties-conventions/in_force–eng.asp.

      International taxation is complicated, but in order for you to have your RRSP withdrawal free from taxation, you’d have to literally live in the country in question and break ties with Canada. That has other consequences because when you leave Canada, you dispose of your worldwide assets for capital gains tax purposes. You also lose health benefits. But keep in mind, even if the income is not taxable in the other country, you will still have withholding tax in Canada (15% or 25% as the case may be). So there is always tax to pay somewhere when it comes to an RRSP.

      • R. van Dijk

        The mentioned link is nog working!

        • Jennifer

          Hi
          If you are non resident of Canada. And are receiving cpp and oas do you get the yearly increase on both or are those living abroad not entitled to this

  5. phil cooper

    Jason, Do you know how the exchange rate is determined for receiving CPP in a different currency ? Thanks, Phil

  6. maria fernandez

    what do you mean ?? u still ahve to pay taxes in canada , no?

    • Jason Heath

      If someone is considered a Canadian resident, they are taxable on their worldwide income and file a Canadian tax return each year.

      If someone is considered non-resident and breaks ties with Canada, establishing residency in another country, they may just be subject to withholding tax ranging from 0-25% depending on the source of income and the country of residency.

  7. Mike

    One topic you didn’t mention is income splitting. My wife and I are considering moving overseas for our retirement (Central America or Mexico). The Canada Revenue site seems to imply that you must reside in Canada for income splitting purposes.

    I assume as a couple you can’t use this strategy if you live outside of Canada?

    • Jason Heath

      If you are truly a non-resident of Canada, you may not need to file a Canadian tax return any more (except for certain types of income like rental income).

      Pension income and RRSP/RRIF withdrawals will generally be subject to withholding tax at source of 15-25% tax depending on country of residency, but won’t require a Canadian tax return (therefore no pension income splitting).

  8. Marita Parisi

    I am now an American citizen, collecting minimal Social Security…$591.
    I lived in Canada for over 40 years, taught for 16, contributed to CPP.
    I was led to believe that I could collect only one…America SS or CPP, not both.
    It seems to me that there should be a way of collecting both since I contributed to both?
    I have tried to figure out the rationale, but the jargon is beyond me.
    Could you please explain how I can collect CPP….needless to say, I cannot survive on SS. I am 72 working my way through savings I thought would be enough….
    I would appreciate any help you can give.

  9. Igor

    Hi Jason,

    I am 52 now and since I spent only six years in Canada (2002-2008), I’m not eligible for the OAS. Is it possible for me to open and regularly contribute my own funds to some Canadian bank’s account solely for retirement purpose?
    Thanks,

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Igor – Depending on what other country(ies) you have lived/worked in, you may still be eligible for OAS under one of the many international social security agreements that Canada has. Here is a website that lists those countries: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-international/apply.html

      • Igor

        Doug, thanx for your swift response.
        No, “my” country doesn’t have that agreement with Canada.
        So in the worst case scenario, is there any option for me to open some “retirement account” or convert my existing day-t-day saving account in a Canadian bank into it?

        • Doug Runchey

          Hi Igor – Sorry, but my expertise is limited to the CPP and OAS programs. Hopefully somebody else who knows the answer will respond to that part of your question.

          • jennifer

            hi Doug .
            am I correct that there can be no withholding tax on cpp and oas for a non resident Canadian living in the United Kingdom as resident there for tax purposes .

          • Doug Runchey

            Hi Jennifer – I’m not a taxation expert, but here’s a weblink with some details: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-international/before-apply.html

          • Dave

            Hello,

            Lots of interesting information here. Thank you!

            I have a question about this:

            “Canada may consider your periods of contribution to foreign national pensions as periods of contribution to the CPP/QPP or periods of residency for calculating OAS entitlement”.

            What if you were paying taxes and into a pension plan in South Korea, but you weren’t paying taxes in Canada or if you were considered a nonresident from living and working abroad most of each year? Does this still apply?

            Thanks for any information you have about this.

            Dave

          • Doug Runchey

            Hi Dave – I’m not sure that I understand either of your two examples, but I should clarify that periods of contribution to another country can never be used to increase the amount of either your CPP or OAS benefit. All that they can ever be used for is to allow you to meet any minimum eligibility criteria in order to qualify for a CPP or OAS benefit.

  10. peter lewis

    I have worked in Canada from 16 years old until I was around 22 years old. I have been living in Mexico since 23 years old…now I am 48 years old. I suppose I am entitled to nothing, correct?
    Peter.

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Peter – If you worked and contributed to CPP at all between age 18 and 22, you will be eligible for a CPP retirement pension at age 65 (or a reduced CPP as early as age 60). You may qualify for approx. 5/40ths of the OAS (approx. $75 per month) at age 65, under the Canada/Mexico agreement: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-international/mexico.html

    • Adam Kon

      Hi, I was working in Canada 9years (including 3 years as permanent resident). In 2019 I was 60years & I return back to Poland . Now I have 63 years , Can I apply directly to Service Canada for early Pension

  11. Karen Kelly

    hi what about income level from pension in the UK of around $32K per year – i am thinking to withdraw my Canadian RRSP – should i consider using s. 217 calculation to try to bring down withholding tax to 15% – do you think i would qualify for the reduced rate? I am living in the UK for 20+ years now.

  12. Kelly Megson

    I seem to have a dilemma. I’m a non resident living in the US for past 20 years. I have RRSP and LIRA with National Bank. They want to charge me a Management fee on my portfolio now but I do my own investing. If I wanted to leave them and open a discount brokerage account elsewhere I’ve been told another company can’t do that. What are my options

  13. Thom

    Hello Peter
    Your website has been clarifying. Thank you.
    If I have something akin to an RRSP in the United States (which I have been told I can transfer to a Canadian RRSP) and I am choosing to have it paid out in monthly increments…do I need to pay both USA taxes and potentially Canadian taxes? I will be a resident of Belgium but I will pay my taxes in Canada (as under section 217 mentioned above).

  14. Bob

    I’m about to retire and have a defined benefit pension. My spouse will have very little pension besides CPP and OAS. We are going to be residents of Australia (tax treaty so 15% withholding tax) and from what I can see it looks like they won’t recognize pension splitting. That will make a huge difference in our tax situation. There is a 4 year difference in age so perhaps I could transfer money into here RRSP for the first while. Does earning a pension in Canada allow you to make RRSP contributions? Otherwise a divorce would split the pension, but would be a problem when one of us dies!

  15. Paul Frydl

    I just received my first CPP payment and notice they have not deducted any tax. I live in the US and am a non resident of Canada for tax purposes, consequently do not file a Canadian Tax Return. Since they are not withholding any tax, how is this going to be handled at the end of the year?

    • Gail Wolfe

      Hello Paul, I believe you will declare the CPP income on your US tax returns as “social security income.” You should see an accountant to clarify your tax reporting situation, preferably someone with cross border experience. I’m not an accountant, but have a cross border situation similar to yours and that is how the CPP income has been handled on my US tax returns. You will pay any tax owed to the US, not to Canada, due to the tax treaty between the two countries.

  16. Stacey Odlum

    Hello, I’m 62 and living in France. I requested my French pension at the end of last year and it has started. They are suggesting that I need to start my Canadian one as well. Is this a valid requirement? I had planned to wait until 65 at least for my Canadian Pension.
    Thanks in advance.
    Stacey

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Stacey – There’s nothing in the Canadian legislation that wold require you to apply for your CPP now, but I have no expertise in the legislation governing benefits from France. If you would also be eligible to OAS from Canada, you definitely can’t receive that until age 65 or later.

  17. Johanna Martin

    My husband and I are both Canadians, retired, living in Belgium but never have received Belgium revenue. My husband worked for an American missions society, working in Belgium, for 20 years. We both receive US Social Security, OAS,& QPP, (we left Canada after working in Quebec for close to 20 years). We have elected section 217. Question: What kind of deductions can we claim for tax reimbursements? Clergy housing, is I think, no longer tax deductable after retirement, but is this correct? My husband still holds clergy status in Canada. And what about tax deductions for charity contributions to a Canadian registered charity?

  18. Angelo

    Hi,

    My father is a Canadian, non-resident and he received the NR4 and NR4(OAS) for 2018 from CRA.
    He lives in Greece now and and his gross income is no more than 6,000 CAD.
    Does he still have to fil the return? He has no more income other than CPP reported in those forms.

    Thanks!

  19. Arthur Read

    Att; Mr. Doug Runchey.
    I have lived in Quito,Ecuador for the past 15 years as a non-resident of Canada.
    A rumour has started that the CRA is considering Legistlation in December of this year requiring all Canadian Citizens to spend 183 days in Canada to continue to receive the OAS + Child Tax Benefit.?
    Do you have any knowledge if this is a fact or not.
    Thanking you so very much for your anticipated reply.
    Arthur W. Read,
    Quito.
    Ecuador

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Arthur – I suspect that such a requirement (or some similar requirement) already exists to receive the CTB, but I haven’t heard of any such proposed changes to OAS.

  20. Eric Schuck

    Great article. One more question that has not been discussed. We are Canadian citizens living in the US since 1994 as resident aliens. We are getting ready to retire. Can we apply for our Canadian Social Insurance at age 60 and wait until 65 to apply for our Social Security to minimize the WEP impact?

  21. connie

    I have a locked in LIF in Canada and have been declared a non-resident. I was told that being a non-resident requires me to either take out all of the money at once (non investments left) or don’t touch it. I was also told that if I took all of the money out of the LIF, I could not later open a RRIF because I am a non-resident. So, I want to transfer my LIF to a RRIF. Is this possible? I want to transfer it so my investments are kept while being allowed to take out money.

    • connie

      Found out it is possible, but I need to fly to Canada to open a new retirement fund Ughhhh!

  22. jennifer

    hello
    can you confirm for me that the uk/canada tax treaty means there is zero withholding tax on both cpp and oap please
    also would you think it better to have these deposited in your local bank in the uk as opposed to in Canada as a non resident
    thank you

  23. James

    Hello – If I become a resident of Italy…will my RRSP’s be subject to tax or is this a country “treaty) with Canada that does to charge taxes/

    Thank you

  24. Gae Scott

    HI Jason, we are going to retire in Australia from Canada. I’m an Australian citizen and my husband is Canadian. We both have company pension plans, RRSPs, CPP and OAS (when we turn 65). I have read the tax treaty information but don’t find it very helpful. My question is, will we taxed in Australia on our Canadian income? I understand that we will taxed at the source at the rate of 15%. Is there anyway to avoid this especially if we are taxed in Australia. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

  25. Rick

    My wife and I are moving to Costa Rica next year and will only have RRSP’s , CPP and OAS when we turn 65. We are retiring and will not be working there. Do we still have to file tax returns? Also do you know if we would pay income tax there?
    Thanks Rick

  26. Shah

    My wife & I we will be moving back to India permanently next year (2020). Both of currently get OAS and CPP in Canada.

    We will be non resident from next year for tax purposes. India has no tax treaty with Canada as far as I know, so a 25% withholding tax will be held on my OAS.

    Besides OAS and CPP, I won’t be gee any other income from Canada so obviously obviously our Canadian income will be low. So does that mean, I will get back the 25% withholding tax when I file my Canadian return from India as a non resident.

    Also do I have to report my Indian income when I file my return in Canada as a non resident? I will have significant Interest income from banks in India, when I move there.

    Will they include that income while calculating the withholding OAS tax or recovery OAS tax although I am a non resident of Canada?

  27. SHAH

    If we file a NR5 form and a Old Age Security Return of Income form, when we move to India per next year and bec a Non Resident of Canada, do we still have to file a regular Canada Income Tax return to get OAS & CPP abroad in India?

    Right now both I and my wife we are getting OAS & CPP.

    I think India and Canada have a social security treaty, but NO tax treaty. My world wide income won’t be much after I move to India permanently.

    It will be mostly OAS, CPP and bank savings account interest in India.

    So will the NR5 form get rid of the 25% withholding tax on CPP & OAS ?

    Will the OASRI form be eno to continue getting OAS & CPP in India ? Or do I have to file an IT CRA return for both of us in addition?

    Also should both of us fill the NR5 and OASRI forms? Or only I fill the forms and just Write my wife’s SIN on the form?

    Thanks

  28. SHAH

    By low income, do you mean just the income you receive in Canada from Canadian sources like OAS and CPP?

    Or do you also include the income like bank interest income, which you will get in the foreign country that now you will be a resident of?

    My wife and I get OAS and CPP in Canada, that is pretty low. But we will be getting significant bank interest in India. It will be below the OAS claw back amount, but well above the Canada revenue perso exemption amount.

    So do we go for Section 217 or not?

    —+++
    In other words, if your income is low, 15% or 25% or whatever required withholding tax rate applies may be too high. Section 217 allows a non-resident to calculate the applicable tax payable as if they were a resident so that they are no worse off than if they lived in Canada and paid tax on that income. If someone has little to no other income beyond their CPP/QPP and OAS, there is a good chance a section 217 would benefit them, particularly if their pensions are not taxed in their country of residence or are taxed at a low rate.

  29. Maria

    what woulod be most convenient for a non resident canadian with Oas and RRQ and RRSP withdrawls moving let say to Europe for their retirement:
    1- leave bank account in Montreal where OAS RRQ and RRSP withdralws would accumulate and no cost as senior citizen and do income tax declaration in Montreal as a non-resident . Withdrawl money to european account as needed
    2- close accounts in Montreal , send OAS , RRQ and RRSP withdrawls to european account with the tax treaty tax deducted and in EUR and not do a non-resident income tax declaration in Canada

    thanks

    Maria

  30. Eli

    Hello,
    I have a question on this topic. Is there a way for non-resident parents who have not lived in Canada to receive pension under any rules related to their children who are resident? Imagine a recent resident person who just received his PR in Canada and want to make a pension for his 65 year old parents to come and live permanently in Canada. How much money does it need or under which type of visa and other principles should he apply?
    There is a similar position in Australia and I was wondering if Canada has the same rule.
    I will be happy if anyone can help me.

    Thank you
    Eli

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Eli – There is no such provision in Canada.

  31. David Yli-Juuti

    Hello,
    I am a Canadian who moved to the UK in 2003.
    I and 2 partners who live in Canada have owned a limited company that in turn owned an apartment building in Canada.
    The building sold last month, and we have been told by our accountant that there is an amount of money that the partners can take as a dividend tax-free. Apparently, the taxes on this extra dividend have been offset against the Canadian corporate capital gains tax paid when our company sold the property.
    What I would like to know is whether the tax-free dividend would apply to me in the UK as well.
    Thank you.

  32. Ron

    Regarding TFSA”s, i understand non-residents will have 25% withholding tax imposed on all withdrawals regardless of any tax treaties that may exist. Will the withholding tax on TFSA’s be reduced by electing Section 217 if ones income is low?

  33. Maria Fernandez

    hi , if i retire in Spain and ask for RRQ or OAS , would i receive it without the 25% tax or would gov apply treaty between Canada-Spain and apply the 15% ? is it same for RRIF? by being a fiscal resident of Spain i ll have to do my income tax return in Spain and not sure if Spain will tax again , any advice or information on this? i know is not a good deal to withdraw all complete RRIF while in Canada as taxed a lot but if ill be taxed in Spain as much while resident of spain then won’t be beneficiary for me to even keep them in Canada . Suggestions ?

  34. Anupam Sharma

    Hi, I am an Indian citizen. Had worked in Canada from 2010-2013 (work permit). During my assignment my company had contributed in the pension fund. As I have no intention to come back to Canada , what will happen to my pension fund? Am I eligible to request for the withdrawal? any pointer would help?

  35. Joe

    Hi
    My wife and I are thinking of retiring in Malaysia under a special program MM2H .
    They provide a 10 year visa.
    We want to maintain our Canadian citizenship . Is this possible as we may think of returning , if this does not work out in 10 years.
    Can we keep our ties To Canada by getting to vote , we have RRSP and LIRA accounts that we would like to cash out after about 5 years from now .
    Your input will be greatly appreciated.

  36. john redman

    Hello. I worked at NATO in Brussels as international staff, while on leave from the Canadian government. Because I was on leave, I was a Canadian deemed resident. I retired from the Canadian government and continued in the same NATO job for another 10 years. I believe that I keep deemed resident status because I was still working at NATO, and still declaring the NATO salary to the CRA. What is your interpretation of this case please?

  37. Hasha Usanovic

    Hello, My mother and father Lived in France from 1964-1969. They both worked for larger companies there. They have lived in Canada since the end of 1969 until present and both receive Canada Old age and CPP pension. Are they eligible to get a foreign pension from France for the years they worked and contributed there? They are presently respectfully 77 and 80 years old. Do you know if they are entitled to any minimal amount and if so will they receive any residuals from the retirement age from France. Thank you

  38. Kourosh M.H.

    Hi I am a Canadian-Iranian residing in Iran since 2015. I have worked in Toronto and contributed to CPP since 1980/1985 until 2015. I will be 63 in December 2020 and would like to apply and receive my CPP benefits and if possible OAS. I planned to return to Canada this year however due to some circumstances I am not able to do. My Q’s are 1) how my I apply and receive my benefits from the outside of Canada, if it is possible at all? 2) Could I give “A power of attorney (POA)” let say to a good friend of mine in Canada to apply on my behalf and have it direct-deposited into my CIBC Bank account. So I may withdraw funds from it if and when I need it
    3) I have zero income in Canada and in Iran. I am living off the interest of my savings in Iran which is not taxed. Could I make a section 217 election to reduce the withholding tax?
    I will be grateful for any advice you can provide

  39. kash

    Hello,

    Can you please clarify the 20 year minimum residency requirement for OAS portability, ie, applying for OAS when no longer living in Canada.
    Is one deemed to be resident in Canada if living here for six months in a 12 month period, or six months in a calendar (tax) year?
    I am trying to ensure that I remain a resident of Canada for the purposes of an OAS pension.
    Thank you so much

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi kash – You are deemed a resident of Canada if you “make your home in Canada and ordinarily live in Canada”. It is not measured by being physically in Canada for 6 months in any 12-month period.

  40. Ray MacDonald

    I have the option to retire to either Northern Ireland or Ireland – any tax advantage on getting RRSP and CPP/OAS funds in the UK vs Ireland (I noticed Ireland had 15/15/25 with-holding rules vs UK 0/0/25 but not sure how that applies)

  41. Abdul Lilla

    Hi Mr Runchey
    Thanks for a very informative website. My question: my wife and I are residents of Canada , sponsored by my son on a parent / grandparent RP. I am retired from South Africa, with no pension as I worked as a private medical practitioner. I also worked in the middle East for 15 years . My question is if the savings I transferred to Canada from the Middle East is taxable in Canada and am I expected to submit tax returns though I am not working. We are fully supported by our son
    Thank you

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Abdul – I’m sorry, but I have no expertise on taxation issues.

  42. Philip Francis

    I am a dual citizen of Canada/UK, now residing in the UK. I have a small CPP payment due, as a result of living in Canada from 1985-9, may be $3,000 per years, which I am deferring until I am 70 in 18 months time. Possibly I may be due a reduced OAS payment as well. If possible I would like to use the pension as savings for my son, who lives in Montreal, and is 35. He is not a house owner yet. What would the most tax efficient method of effecting this and investing the funds please? Could he open a TFSA and I have the payments paid directly there, as there are no witholding taxes re the UK.

  43. Paul Kam

    Hi
    I am a Canada non tax resident resident living in Hong Kong for a long time and am trying to apply for CPP at 65 based on the contributions I made when I worked in Canada using form ISP-1000E. In section 14 they ask the question about “Benefits from other countries”. What kind of benefits in HK do they refer to? Do they refer to retirement benefits from private insurance firms or from the government. what is the purpose of this question? Can I skip this section? Would providing the information cause unfavourable tax implication even as a non resident? do you offer services to provide advice services to me? what is the fee?

  44. Alex

    Hello,

    My mother has only 12 years in Canada and plans to retire in a country with a Social Security agreement with Canada. Can she qualify a certain amount for CPP and OAS if she becomes non-resident? (She might stay there for more than 6 months or become dual citizen?)

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Alex – CPP is not an issue, because it will always be payable regardless where your mother lives. In order for OAS to be payable outside of Canada, your mother needs to have resided in Canada for 20 years after age 18. If she only has 10 years of such residence, she would only qualify for OAS if she has at least 8 years of residence and/or contributions in a country that has signed an international social security agreement with Canada.

  45. Christine

    My parents lived in Canada for 35 years but are US citizens. Canada took taxes from CPP and OAS last year. We know they don’t file Canadian taxes but will they owe more from that on their American taxes too…like a double dip? Also, if they have a RIF, is it better to take out one lump sum (rip the band-aid) and pay 25% since they are 80 or take it out over the next 3-4 years. Either way it would be over the minimum.

  46. Christine

    To clarify, they are now retired in the US.

  47. Christine

    My dad worked and lived in Canada for 35 years. They retired to the US in 2019. Canada is still taking out taxes from their CPP and OAS. We know they don’t have to file taxes in Canada anymore, but when they file in the US will they owe on that money again…double dip? Also, they have their RIF accounts. Is it better to take it out at once (rip the band-aid) or take it out over 3-4 years? Losing on the exchange rate doesn’t help the situation.

  48. Leisha

    HI
    I live in Ecuador. I have applied for Death and Survivor Benefits from Canada…my spouse recently passed away. I have an Ecuadorian Bank Account (no other). Ecuador does not have a reasonable post office and mail is NOT guaranteed. Apparently Ecuador is not on the direct deposit list for payments. Do you have any suggestions?

    • Doug Runchey

      Move?

  49. Monica

    Hello, my father worked in Canada for years and returned back to Italy 50 years ago. He always received the OAS pension check on his Italian bank account until May 2018. After this date the monthly check no longer arrived. The bank account number did not change. Now he received the NR4 Form to submit with his Canadian Income Tax Return and the form shows an amount of money he never received. What does he has to do? Thank you in advance for your reply.

    • Doug Runchey

      Why did he wait for 3 years before asking about this? He should immediately contact Service Canada.

  50. Daniel

    Hello,

    I was born in Montreal in 1971. I lived and worked in Canada up until December 2008. I have dual citizenship, Spanish, Canadian. I contributed to the CPP and QPP from the early 1990s to december 2008. I am really angry about the restrictions now for dual citizens to fly into Canada. I have to pay and go through the time consuming process to get a Canadian passport.
    If I renounce my Canadian citizenship, will I get the money I contributed back or will it be transferred to the Spanish pension plan? I contributed from full time employement in Quebec from 1991 to 2008 to the pension plans. That money basically belongs to me as far as I can see. I have no plans to move back to Canada.

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Daniel – renouncing your Canadian citizenship wouldn’t change anything with you CPP and OAS entitlements.

  51. Sheila Baird

    Hello, this article was very interesting and helpful. Here is my situation, I am wondering if I would qualify for any benefits of Canada pension or if someone could assist me with answers.

    I was born in Nova Scotia and lived, studied, and worked there until I was 23 (my family is still there and from there). I moved to Mexico to work in 1992 and have been here since working for a Mexican company. I have 2 children 12 and 6 who are Canadian/Mexican citizens, I am 53 now. I am looking into any options I would have as a Canadian citizen for any type of pension when I reach 60 or 65. Do you have any answers to this situation, or could you assist in recommending me, someone? Many thanks

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Sheila – Yes, you will definitely be eligible for a CPP retirement pension as early as age 60 and you probably should qualify for OAS at age 65 under the Canada/Mexico agreement.

  52. Eric Franks

    I am a US Citizen looking to move to Canada for retirement. I am receiving a Workers Comp Partial Permanent Disability Pension, death benefit. Would I still be able to recieve these cheques while living in Canada? I am still in my late 30’s and recieve these lifetime benefits in the States due to being the child of a fallen firefighter. (My dad)

  53. Julie Bentley

    “OAS can start as early as age 65, but if you apply while you are a non-resident, you need to have resided in Canada for at least 20 years after the age of 18 to qualify”
    My question is: Do the 20 years after age 18 need to be 20 consecutive years or would cumulative years be accepted in order to qualify to apply?

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Julie – The 20 years are cumulative and don’t need to be consecutive.

  54. Lynne Llewellyn

    My husband and I receive cpp and oas while living in Canada, if we move to England do we still receive the same oas payments as when residing in Canada?

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi Lynne – Your CPP payments will not be affected by a move to England or anywhere else. Your OAS will not be affected as long as you have each resided in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18. If you are receiving GIS along with your OAS payments, the GIS portion will stop after you have been gone for 6 months.

  55. John McManus

    My deceased brother qualified for an OPSEU pension which went to his Mexican wife. She chose a lump sum payment to buy a house and an annuity in Mexico. I applied ( she speaks no English ) for the 10% difference between the withholding tax and the Mexican rate ( $ 56,000 Cdn. ) but was turned down. CRA quoted Article 17 of the convention which says it applies to pensions and also says periodic payments are eligible for the 15% rate. It offeres no clarity on lump sum payments.

    I find little information on the web and wonder whether there is a path I can follow or whether this is a lost cause .

    Thanks

  56. Maria Fernandez

    Hi , worked 35 years in Quebec and planning to move to Spain at 60 years old and retire . Will have RRQ and OAS payments , a little pension from work ( only work there 5 years ) and have 60 000$ in RRsP over the years . I’m planning on living on my RRQ , work pension and RRsP u til 65 . What is my best plan knowing that Canada withholds 25% of my income ( calculated 25000$ a year) ? Change RRsP to Rrif and kee them in Canada ? Withdrawal the whole RRsP and just pay de 25 % non resident tax and deal with money there as I please and need? Is the section 217 beneficiary in my situation ? So I have to fill it up and sent to Canada or an account has to do it in Canada ? How do I get my witholding tax to decrease ? Thank you

  57. David Greenwood

    Hi – great resource.

    I worked in Australia for 25 years and will have worked only 21 years in Canada at my planned retirement. Under the social security agreement between Australia and Canada do my years over 18 living in Australia only affect CPP and OAS eligibility? Or will my years working in Australia also affect how much I receive from CPP?

    Finally, what documentation do I need to provide? Thanks.

    • Doug Runchey

      Hi David – Your years working in Australia won’t affect anything to do with either CPP or OAS because you don’t need them to qualify for either CPP or OAS and contributions to another country never affect the amount of either CPP or OAS.

      • Brian Freund

        Greetings Doug…

        Great info. Thank you!
        I came to Canada 17 years ago. Collecting OAS and CPP now. Next year some US Social Security which will be more than my OAS and CPP combined.

        If I relocate to a third country, tax implications seem very confusing. As a Canadian non resident, i would need only report my OAS and CPP in my tax return. Yet, if I make a section 217 election, it seems that the Social Security plays a huge role in determining my non refundable tax credits (which with section 217 are calculated based on World Income).
        Result is that i would have more taxes owing than if I stayed in Canada. Does this seem right to you or am I making a mistake?

        Thanks for any info.

        • Doug Runchey

          Hi Brian – I’m sorry, but my expertise does not include taxation issues. Hopefully someone might answer your question.

  58. Alastair Mills-McEwan

    Hello Jason

    I read your post with interest. When I immigrated from the UK to Canada I was able to transfer a UK pension pot free of UK tax to a Canadian RRSP, and make a balancing RRSP deduction for the whole amount. That RRSP is now an RRIF.

    I’m considering a move back to the UK but concerned that any transfer out (as a lump, not a periodic payment) to a UK SIPP (a tax-relieved, tax-deferred wrapper for pension investments) when I’m no longer a Canadian resident will attract 25% non resident tax as if it were a lump sum payment rather than a transfer. This seems contrary to the spirit of the Canada-UK double taxation agreement. I wondered if your had any insights? Many thanks

  59. Kim Campbell

    A very informative site. I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people with it, now it’s my turn.
    I have double nationality (Canadian-French). I am 65 years old, presently working in France and must remain working here until 67 to collect my full French benefits. I have lived and worked in Canada for five years.
    My question is: Can I begin collecting my CPP benefits now, even though I remain working in a foreign country?

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