To get a Canadian pension, you generally need to meet residency/contribution requirements: for Old Age Security (OAS), at least 10 years of residency after 18 (20 years if living abroad) for any pension, with 40 years for the full amount; for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), you need at least one valid contribution (a single year of work) to qualify for any payment, with 39 years of contributions earning the maximum, and you must be 60+ to apply.
There isn't one magic number of years you have to work to get “a pension” in Canada. It depends on which pension you're talking about: CPP (Canada Pension Plan): Based on how long and how much you contributed. OAS (Old Age Security): Based on how long you've lived in Canada, not how long you've worked.
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.
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.
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.
To be eligible for an OAS pension, you must: ☑ be 65 years of age or older; ☑ be a Canadian citizen or legal / permanent resident of Canada (or landed immigrant) when your pension application is approved; and ☑ have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.
Canada's 183-day rule is a key factor in determining tax residency: if you stay in Canada for 183 days or more in a calendar year, you're generally considered a resident for tax purposes for that entire year (a "deemed resident"), even if you don't have strong ties, subjecting your worldwide income to Canadian tax. However, this rule works alongside Canada's complex residency tests and tax treaties, meaning you might become a resident sooner with significant ties (like family or property) or avoid it if a treaty designates you a resident of another country.
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.
Some of the easiest countries for Canadians to move to include Mexico, Portugal, Ireland, and Panama. These countries offer more lenient residency by investment programs for retirees and entrepreneurs. It is essential to research each country's visa options and requirements before moving.
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.
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To qualify for a Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension, you must:
You usually need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to get the full amount. You'll still get something if you have at least 10 qualifying years - these can be before or after April 2016.
There's no single “best” age to retire in Canada—it depends on your money, health, and what you actually want your life to look like. Most people aim somewhere between 60 and 70, but the real “right” age is when you can comfortably cover your expenses without anxiety.
You can leave and come back to Canada multiple times as long as your visitor visa has not expired.
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. If you're allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If that's the case, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.
You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead. You do not need an eTA , if you are: arriving by land and sea – you must have acceptable travel documents and ID.
You: stayed in Canada for 183 days or more (the 183-day rule ) in the tax year. do not have significant residential ties in Canada. are not considered a resident of another country under a tax treaty between Canada and that country.
For a $70,000 income in Canada (using 2025 rates), you'll pay roughly $13,000 to $20,000 in total taxes (federal, provincial, CPP, EI), depending on your province, resulting in a take-home pay around $50,000-$59,000, with federal tax around 14.5% or 20.5% depending on the portion, plus provincial tax and deductions like CPP and EI.
As a Canadian citizen, you can get a Canadian passport. You can travel abroad for as long as you like and you will not lose your citizenship status, unlike Permanent Residents (PR).
Receiving your payments while living outside Canada
You can receive OAS payments while living abroad if: You lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18. You lived and worked in a country with a social security agreement with Canada, and your combined time in both countries is at least 20 years.
You must be 65 years or older to receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. If you are living in Canada, you must: Be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time we approve your OAS pension application. Have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.