Portugal, Mexico, and Ireland are among the easiest countries for Canadians to move to due to flexible residency options, lower cost of living, and, in some cases, familial or historical ties. Portugal offers favorable digital nomad and passive income visas, Mexico is popular for its proximity and simple, long-term visas, and Ireland allows for easier citizenship for those with ancestry.
The following list consists of the easiest countries to move to from Canada:
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.
Canada's passport remains among the most powerful in the world, ranking eighth globally in 2026, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. While it falls just outside the top tier, which is dominated by Asian and European countries, Canada's standing places it ahead of the U.S.
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.
Belize can be one of the cheapest places to retire in the world. The area around Ambergris Caye can be expensive, but the rest of the country is a bargain. Real estate and daily living prices here will enable you to enjoy the good life at a very affordable price.
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.
Visa-Free Countries for Canadian Citizens
The top passports for 2026, according to the Henley Passport Index, are led by Singapore (No. 1), followed by Japan & South Korea (tied for No. 2), and a group including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, & Switzerland (tied for No. 3), all offering extensive visa-free access to numerous countries, highlighting Asia and Europe's dominance at the top for global travel freedom.
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.
Iceland, Japan, Vietnam, Switzerland, and Singapore are consistently ranked among the world's safest for family travel, thanks to low crime rates, clean cities, and reliable healthcare.
Here are 10 countries that pay you to move there.
Quebec: Canada's Happiest Province
Though Ontario dominated the city rankings, Quebec took the crown as the happiest province, with an impressive score of 72.4. Factors include affordable housing, strong social programs, and cultural pride.
The 90% rule for Canadian newcomers determines eligibility for full tax credits: if 90% or more of your total income for the year (Canadian + foreign) came from Canadian sources before you arrived, or you had zero foreign income, you get full credits; otherwise, your credits (like the Basic Personal Amount) are prorated (reduced) based on the number of days you lived in Canada, affecting your tax refund. It helps newcomers maximize benefits like the Basic Personal Amount by proving their primary income source shifted to Canada.
The Afghan passport is ranked last in the index making it the least powerful passport, which gives its holders visa-free access to 26 countries. The South African passport is ranked in the top 50 after a decade, rising by 10% between 2024 and 2025.
The number 1 passport, according to the Henley Passport Index for 2026, is held by Singapore, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations, with Japan and South Korea closely following, while the Passport Index Organization also ranks the UAE passport highly, though rankings vary slightly between indices. These rankings determine passport strength by the number of countries you can visit without a prior visa, with Asian nations generally dominating the top spots.
Red is one of Japan's national colors, and the color of its passport. It's also the world's most powerful passport: Japanese citizens can visit 190 countries without a visa.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof that they will be leaving the country before their visa or entry stamp expires. All travelers must therefore have a ticket for return or onward travel.
Visas. Canadians can visit Schengen area countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you leave and return in the same 180-day period, your previous stay will count toward the 90-day limit. This 90-day allowance remains in place now that the EU has introduced its EES.
Includes Employment Insurance, dental coverage, child benefit, pensions and benefits for housing, student aid, family, disabilities and after a death.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Monthly CPP in 2024: $1,000. 2025 increase (2.6%): +$26. New monthly payment: $1,026.
If the total equals at least 85 points, you're entitled to an unreduced PSPP pension as early as your 55th birthday.