Can you get your pension if you leave Canada?

Asked by: Madilyn Runolfsdottir IV  |  Last update: June 22, 2026
Score: 5/5 (37 votes)

Yes, you can receive your Canadian pension (CPP and OAS) if you leave Canada, provided you meet specific criteria. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is paid regardless of where you live, while Old Age Security (OAS) requires you to have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18 to receive it outside the country. Non-resident tax may be withheld.

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 lose your Canadian pension if you move abroad?

Because CPP is a ``member contributed plan'' it will always be yours, regardless of where you live in the world. If you paid in at least 1 CPP contribution, you are entitled to a benefit. The more you contribute the more you can expect in retirement.

Will I get pension if I leave Canada?

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.

What happens to pension when you quit Canada?

In Ontario, withdrawing from a company pension upon resignation depends on the plan type and vesting status. Typically, pensions are locked until retirement age, but some plans allow transfers or lump-sum withdrawals if vested. Taxes apply to withdrawals as they count as income; withholding tax rates vary by amount.

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

28 related questions found

Can I lose my pension if I quit?

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. 

Will I lose my pension if I move abroad after?

What happens to my State Pension if I move abroad? You'll still be able to claim and receive your UK State Pension if you move abroad, as long as you've paid enough National Insurance contributions. It can be paid into a UK bank or building society account, or into an overseas account in the local currency.

Do you have to live in Canada to get your Canadian 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.

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.

How to retire in Italy from Canada?

Italian Elective Residence Visa

To retire in Italy as a non-EU citizen, you'll need a long-term visa. The most common option is the Italian Elective Residency Visa (ERV). This visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Italy without working.

How long can I stay overseas without losing my pension?

Services Australia outlines the following: If you're overseas for up to 6 weeks — Generally, your pension payments will continue as normal if you're travelling for less than 6 weeks. If you're overseas for more than 6 weeks — Once you reach 6 weeks, your pension supplement will drop to the basic rate.

Can a retired Canadian live outside Canada?

For Canadians retiring overseas, knowing how to access their Canada Pension Plan payments while living abroad is crucial. The CPP allows eligible retirees to receive payments in foreign countries, but you still need to ensure proper arrangements are made before leaving Canada.

What is the new $1200 benefit in Canada for seniors?

The $1,200 payment is a one-time direct deposit issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for seniors classified as low income based on their most recent tax return. The payment is not a loan, does not need to be repaid and does not replace existing monthly benefits.

Can I lose my Canadian pension if I live abroad?

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 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.

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.

Do you lose your healthcare if you leave Canada?

Your provincial health plan must remain active for the entire duration of your trip. You will need to requalify for provincial health coverage if you leave and stay out of Canada beyond the maximum provincial time limits.

What are three ways to lose your citizenship?

You can lose citizenship through voluntary renunciation, such as by applying for citizenship in another country with intent to give up your current one; through involuntary denaturalization, often due to fraud in the naturalization process or joining certain prohibited groups; or by committing acts like treason or serving in a foreign military at war with your country.

Can you have dual residency in two countries?

If you are a resident of both the United States and another country under each country's tax laws, you are a dual resident taxpayer. If you are a dual resident taxpayer, you can still claim the benefits under an income tax treaty.

Do I lose my old age pension if I leave Canada?

If you meet the 20-year residency requirement, the OAS benefit amount remains the same, no matter where you live. However, additional OAS benefits like the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and survivor allowance require you to reside in Canada.

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.

Can I live overseas and still get my pension?

You may be able to get Age Pension for the whole time you're outside Australia, even if you're leaving to live in another country. If you leave within 2 years of returning to Australia to live, your payment may stop if you: came back to Australia to live. started getting Age Pension after you returned.

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. 

Can you still get your pension if you move to another country?

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.