Can I get Canadian pension if I live outside of Canada?

Asked by: Devan Watsica II  |  Last update: August 29, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (16 votes)

Yes, you can receive Canadian pension payments (CPP and OAS) while living outside of Canada, provided you meet specific eligibility criteria regarding residency and contribution history. Generally, you must be age 65 or older, have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18 (for OAS), and have contributed to the CPP.

How long can I stay out of Canada without losing my pension?

Leaving or returning to Canada

Your Old Age Security (and Guaranteed Income Supplement) may stop if you're away for more than 6 months and don't qualify for receiving your payments while outside Canada.

Do you have to live in Canada to receive your pension?

You are likely eligible for a FULL pension if you have lived in Canada all your life. You may be eligible for a PARTIAL pension if you have lived outside of Canada for any period after the age of 18.

Can I live overseas and still get my pension?

Yes you can definitely receive your pension if living overseas. What you don't receive are the extras like power or rent extras and of course healthcare card. Suggest you see a financial planner & get your affairs in order before you go and live overseas.

What happens to your pension if you move abroad?

You'll need to contact the International Pension Centre to move your State Pension abroad. Also, if you're getting Pension Credit, it'll stop if you move abroad permanently. If you're moving abroad to receive medical treatment, you may still be able to receive this benefit for up to 26 weeks.

Retiring Abroad | What Happens to CPP, OAS & GIS?

22 related questions found

Will I lose my pension if I move to another country?

If you have a final salary or defined benefit pension, it's best to speak to a regulated financial adviser about your pension options if you're planning to move to another country. Transferring one of these pensions to another country may result in you losing out on the guaranteed income that it offers.

Do you lose your pension if you leave?

No, you generally don't lose your vested pension if you quit, but what you keep depends on your plan's rules, vesting period, and your choices; you can often roll it over, leave it, or cash it out (with potential taxes/penalties), but if you leave before meeting the plan's vesting requirements, you might forfeit some or all of the employer's contributions. The key is being vested, meaning you've worked long enough to earn the benefit, and then deciding whether to leave it in the plan, roll it into an IRA, or take a payout. 

How long can I stay abroad without losing my pension?

Pension Credit

This may be extended up to eight weeks if you're away because of the death of a close relative. If you're going abroad for medical treatment, you may be able to receive Pension Credit for up to 26 weeks. You can't keep receiving Pension Credit if you move abroad permanently.

How long can I get the pension and live overseas?

If you get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and plan to go overseas for 26 weeks or less, your payments may continue while you're away. If you're delayed and return to NZ after 26 weeks, we may still be able to help.

Can I collect my pension if I live in another country?

If you have lived or worked in Canada and in another country, or you are the survivor of someone who has lived or worked in Canada and in another country, you may be eligible for pensions and benefits from Canada and/or from the other country because of a social security agreement.

Can I get my Canadian pension if I live in the US?

If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Canada, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.

What happens to your pension if you move out of Canada?

Yes, you can receive your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments while living outside Canada, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. The CPP is a contributory plan, meaning you must have made sufficient contributions during your working years in Canada to qualify for benefits.

What happens if a Canadian stays out of Canada for more than 6 months?

In actual fact, you can be absent from Canada as long as you want. The Canadian government recognizes that citizens may travel extensively, work or study abroad. You will always maintain your Canadian citizenship. What absentia may affect is your Canadian health care coverage and income tax.

Can I get CPP if I retire outside Canada?

Canadian Government Income Security Programs

As a non-resident of Canada, you may be entitled to apply for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments and Old Age Security Pension (OAS) payments.

What can cause you to lose your pension?

Various factors can affect your pension benefits even after they've vested. Economic downturns, company bankruptcies, plan terminations, and even personal circumstances like divorce settlements can impact what you ultimately receive.

What is the 6 month rule for Canadians?

There Is No “Six-Months-Per-Year Rule” for Canadians. Many Canadians mistakenly believe they may only spend six months each year in the United States. The truth: There is no U.S. rule limiting Canadians to six months total per year.

Can I live overseas and still get the pension?

Claiming Age Pension when you live overseas

If you live in a country that has a social security agreement with us, you can claim an Australian payment from there. You'll have to meet all the qualification rules to be eligible for Age Pension.

What happens to my pension if I live abroad?

If you move abroad, you can usually still claim all your pensions – including the State Pension. But it often changes how your pensions are taxed. Here's what you need to know.

Can I get my pension if I move overseas?

Age Pension can generally be paid even if you live in another country, what changes is the amount you receive. That amount is determined by how long you plan to be abroad and any International Social Security Agreements, which may apply.

How long can I stay abroad without losing my retirement benefits?

If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.

What happens to your retirement if you leave the country?

Most plans allow you to keep your 401k invested as is, but contributions usually stop once you leave your US-based job. Withdrawals and distributions become subject to US tax rules, and your country of residence might have its own tax implications.

Can you transfer pension to another country?

Yes, transfers can be made from The People's Pension to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) at your request. A 25% overseas transfer charge applies to certain transfers from a: registered pension scheme to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)

What is the 5 year rule for pension?

The "pension 5-year rule" refers to different IRS rules for retirement accounts (like Roth IRAs needing 5 years for tax-free earnings), beneficiary rules (requiring heirs to empty inherited accounts within 5 years), and specific employment pensions (like Federal or Congressional plans requiring 5 years of service for vesting or benefits). It can also relate to UK pension rules for overseas transfers (QROPS) or breaks in service for public sector workers, preventing tax avoidance or loss of benefits. 

Can you withdraw 100% of your pension?

Take cash lump sums

You can take your whole pension pot as cash straight away if you want to, no matter what size it is. You can also take smaller sums as cash whenever you need to. 25% of your total pension pot will be tax-free. You'll pay tax on the rest as if it were income.