Issue · September 2026 · everything a nomad needs, city by city

Nomadzine

The visa · Canada

Canada

Canada has no standalone digital‑nomad visa. Remote workers usually enter as visitors under IRCC’s digital‑nomad policy (remote work for an employer abroad for up to six months per entry). Youth from partner countries use International Experience Canada (Working Holiday, etc.). Founders who will operate a Canadian business sometimes use LMIA‑exempt entrepreneur or intra‑company work permits. Key changes since 2024 include a re‑imposed visa for most Mexican nationals and pauses to two business‑immigration PR streams. Apply only through official portals and check your nationality’s entry document (eTA vs TRV) before booking travel.

    Nomad visa · September 2026None as suchRoutes6Bases3

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The routes

Researched 6 September 2026 · rules as of September 2026 · as published, not legal advice

  1. Nomad visa

    Digital‑nomad policy via visitor status (eTA or TRV)

    Temporary Resident (Visitor) status; IRCC Tech Talent Strategy ‘digital nomad’ initiative

    Employees or self‑employed people performing their work online for an employer/clients outside Canada, with no Canadian labour‑market engagement.

    Income floor
    none (must show “sufficient funds” for stay; no fixed figure published)
    Duration
    Up to six months per entry as authorised at the border; extensions possible in‑country by applying for a visitor record.
    Cost
    eTA: CA$7 (air arrivals from visa‑exempt countries). TRV (visitor visa): CA$100 + biometrics CA$85 where required.
    Processing
    eTA: often minutes to a few days. TRV: varies by nationality and volume; check IRCC’s processing‑times tool before applying.
    Eligibility
    Hold the correct entry document (eTA or TRV). Remote work must be for an employer outside Canada; do not enter the Canadian labour market. Maintain temporary‑resident intent, satisfy funds/ties; medical insurance strongly advised. Criminality/security/health checks apply.
    Work rights
    Remote‑for‑abroad only. No Canadian clients or Canadian employer without a work permit.
    Dependants
    Spouse/partner and children may accompany as visitors if each meets entry requirements (own eTA/TRV).
    Leads to
    No (visitor status does not by itself lead to PR/citizenship).
    Apply
    Online: eTA application; IRCC Portal for TRV. Extensions (visitor record) from inside Canada online.

    Documents Passport valid for the stay · eTA (if visa‑exempt and arriving by air) or TRV (visa‑required) · Travel history/itinerary and proof of funds if requested · Private health insurance (strongly recommended)

    Official page →

  2. Working holiday

    International Experience Canada — Working Holiday

    International Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday (open work permit)

    Citizens of partner countries (typically age 18–35, some 18–30) wanting flexible, temporary work while travelling in Canada.

    Income floor
    Proof of funds of at least CA$2,500 at entry (plus ticket out or additional funds).
    Duration
    Usually 12–24 months depending on nationality (some allow a second participation).
    Cost
    IEC participation fee (posted for 2026 season by IRCC); Open work permit holder fee CA$100; biometrics CA$85 where required.
    Processing
    Invitation‑based; rounds run through the season. After invitation, standard work‑permit processing applies; timelines vary by volume and nationality.
    Eligibility
    Age and nationality per your country’s youth‑mobility agreement; clean record; comprehensive health insurance covering the entire stay (including repatriation) is required; biometrics for many nationalities.
    Work rights
    Open work permit — may work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada; self‑employment permitted.
    Dependants
    Spouses/partners aren’t included; they must qualify independently (some may be eligible for their own permits).
    Leads to
    No direct pathway, but Canadian work experience can support later PR (e.g., Canadian Experience Class).
    Apply
    Create IEC profile and apply through IRCC online after invitation.

    Documents Passport valid for full permit length · Police certificate(s) as requested · Biometrics (most) · Proof of funds (≥ CA$2,500) at entry · Private health insurance for entire stay

    Official page →

  3. Working holiday

    International Experience Canada — Young Professionals

    International Experience Canada (IEC): Young Professionals (employer‑specific)

    Youth from IEC partner countries with a qualifying job offer in Canada who want professional experience aligned to their field.

    Income floor
    none (employer wages; must show means for arrival and settlement per IEC).
    Duration
    Typically 12–24 months, by nationality.
    Cost
    IEC participation fee; employer compliance fee CA$230 (paid by employer); biometrics where required.
    Processing
    As above (IEC invitation then work‑permit processing).
    Eligibility
    Age/nationality per IEC agreement; job offer meeting skill level rules; insurance for full stay; biometrics for many.
    Work rights
    Employer‑specific work permit; self‑employment generally not permitted on this stream.
    Dependants
    Not included; separate eligibility needed.
    Leads to
    No direct PR route; Canadian experience may support PR later.
    Apply
    IRCC online after IEC invitation.

    Documents Passport · Job offer and Employer Portal offer number · Police certificate(s) as requested · Biometrics · Private health insurance

    Official page →

  4. Working holiday

    International Experience Canada — International Co‑op (Internship)

    International Experience Canada (IEC): International Co‑op

    Post‑secondary students from IEC partner countries with a Canadian internship tied to their studies.

    Income floor
    none (must show means per IEC; internship may be paid or unpaid; insurance required).
    Duration
    Up to 12–24 months, by nationality and placement.
    Cost
    IEC participation fee; employer compliance fee CA$230; biometrics where required.
    Processing
    As above (IEC invitation then work‑permit processing).
    Eligibility
    Enrolled student; internship offer in Canada; age/nationality per agreement; health insurance.
    Work rights
    Employer‑specific for the internship host only.
    Dependants
    Not included.
    Leads to
    No direct PR route.
    Apply
    IRCC online after IEC invitation.

    Documents Passport · Internship offer and Employer Portal offer number · Proof of enrolment · Police certificate(s) as requested · Biometrics · Private health insurance

    Official page →

  5. Other route

    Entrepreneur work permit (Significant Benefit)

    International Mobility Program — R205(a) ‘Canadian interests’: Entrepreneurs/Self‑employed (C11)

    Owners/founders who will start or operate a Canadian business that demonstrably benefits Canada (economic, social or cultural).

    Income floor
    none set in law; must evidence enough capital and a viable business plan to operate.
    Duration
    Typically up to 12–24 months initially (officer discretion), extendable if the business remains viable.
    Cost
    Work‑permit fees + employer‑compliance fee via Employer Portal (when applicable) + biometrics.
    Processing
    Varies by post; case‑by‑case assessment of ‘significant benefit’.
    Eligibility
    Founder/owner actively operating a Canadian business; credible plan, control/ownership, and benefit to Canada; admissibility checks; insurance as needed.
    Work rights
    Work for your own Canadian business; self‑employment allowed.
    Dependants
    Spouse may qualify for an open work permit; children may study.
    Leads to
    No direct PR stream, but Canadian management/work may support PR (e.g., Express Entry/PNP) later.
    Apply
    Online (outside or inside Canada) via IRCC; employer offer filed in Employer Portal before applying.

    Documents Business plan and proof of capital · Proof of ownership/role · Evidence of benefit (jobs, investment, innovation) · Employer Portal offer (where applicable) · Biometrics, police/medical if required

    Official page →

  6. Other route

    Intra‑company transferee (including new office)

    International Mobility Program — Intra‑Company Transferees (C12)

    Executives, senior managers or specialised‑knowledge staff transferred from a foreign entity to its Canadian parent/subsidiary/branch; founders sometimes use ‘new office’ to establish a Canadian operation.

    Income floor
    none set in law; must meet wage/role norms; new‑office cases must show adequate resources and a viable plan.
    Duration
    Up to 3 years initial (established entities) or 1 year for ‘new office’; total cap typically 5–7 years depending on role.
    Cost
    Work‑permit fees + employer‑compliance fee; biometrics.
    Processing
    Varies by post; ‘new office’ scrutiny is higher.
    Eligibility
    At least 1 year full‑time with the foreign enterprise in the last 3 years; qualifying corporate relationship; genuine role in Canada; admissibility checks.
    Work rights
    Employer‑specific for the Canadian entity.
    Dependants
    Spouse may qualify for an open work permit; minor children may study.
    Leads to
    No direct PR, but Canadian experience may support PR (e.g., Express Entry/PNP).
    Apply
    Online or, for some CUSMA nationals, at a POE/in‑Canada per IRCC rules.

    Documents Corporate structure evidence · Employment letters and CV · Business plan/leases for new office · Employer Portal offer number · Biometrics

    Official page →

Without a visa, by passport

The stay you get on arrival, and whether working remotely on it is tolerated

  • EU / EEA / SwitzerlandVisa‑exempt; eTA required to fly; authorised stay typically up to 6 months per entry.Remote work for a non‑Canadian employer is allowed under IRCC’s digital‑nomad policy while visiting; local work requires a permit.
  • United KingdomVisa‑exempt; eTA required to fly; up to 6 months per entry.Remote‑for‑abroad allowed while visiting; IEC Working Holiday open to UK citizens (age window expanded to 18–35 under the UK–Canada youth mobility arrangement).
  • United StatesVisa‑exempt; no eTA required (land/sea/air); up to 6 months per entry.Remote‑for‑abroad allowed while visiting; U.S. tax treaty rules may still tax employment performed physically in Canada.
  • AustraliaVisa‑exempt; eTA to fly; up to 6 months per entry.Remote‑for‑abroad allowed while visiting; IEC available.
  • JapanVisa‑exempt; eTA to fly; up to 6 months per entry.Remote‑for‑abroad allowed while visiting; IEC available.
  • BrazilVisa‑required for most; some are eTA‑eligible for air travel if they hold a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa or held a Canadian TRV in the last 10 years.Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor; check eTA‑eligibility conditions.
  • MexicoVisa‑required since 29 February 2024; some are eTA‑eligible for air travel if they hold a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa or held a Canadian TRV in the last 10 years.Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor.
  • PhilippinesVisa‑required; some are eTA‑eligible for air travel if holding a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa or a prior Canadian TRV within the last 10 years.Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor.
  • ThailandVisa‑required; some are eTA‑eligible for air travel under the same conditions as above.Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor.
  • IndonesiaVisa‑required generally; since 26 May 2026 some travellers may be eTA‑eligible for air travel if meeting IRCC conditions.Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor.
  • MalaysiaVisa‑required generally; since 26 May 2026 some travellers may be eTA‑eligible for air travel if meeting IRCC conditions.Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor.
  • IndiaVisa‑required (TRV).Visitor remote‑for‑abroad allowed when admitted as a visitor; biometrics required for most.

Tax

When the country starts counting you as its taxpayer

Residency trigger
Residency is based on ‘residential ties’ (home, spouse/partner, dependants) and facts; a separate ‘sojourner’ rule deems an individual resident for the whole year if present in Canada 183+ days in a calendar year and not treaty‑resident elsewhere. Presence does not have to be consecutive. Source‑based tax can also apply to employment physically performed in Canada even for non‑residents.
Special regime
No special national regime for digital nomads. Residents are taxed on worldwide income; non‑residents on Canadian‑source income only. Many provinces levy their own income tax in addition to federal.
Social security
Employment performed in Canada is generally insurable/pensionable, triggering CPP and possibly EI contributions, including for non‑resident employees; certified non‑resident employers may be relieved of withholding if treaty‑exempt. Canada has Social Security Agreements (totalization) with many countries; a certificate of coverage can prevent double CPP‑type contributions. EI has no totalization; some self‑employed may opt into EI special benefits.
Treaties
Canada maintains a broad tax‑treaty network. Example: Canada–U.S. treaty Article XV taxes employment where performed, with a 183‑day/‘not borne by’ exemption; even when a work permit is not required (visitor remote work), employment income physically earned in Canada can still be taxable in Canada unless a treaty exemption applies. Treaties also reduce withholding on certain passive income.

Practicalities

Bank account access
Under the Bank Act ‘access to basic banking’ rules and FCAC guidance, banks must open accounts for eligible individuals who present acceptable ID, even without a job or large deposit; in practice, many branches ask for a Canadian address and may refuse for risk reasons. Non‑residents can open at some institutions with two pieces of ID; no SIN is required to open an account.
SIM and mobile
No federal prepaid‑SIM registration law. Carriers may request ID for postpaid plans/credit checks. Prepaid can often be purchased without ID; practices vary by retailer.
Health insurance
Visitors are not covered by provincial health insurance; buy private medical/travel insurance. IEC participants must hold comprehensive insurance (including repatriation) for their entire stay.
Address registration
No national address‑registration duty. Provinces may require address details when accessing services (health card, driver’s licence).
Tax number
Visitors cannot get a SIN unless specifically authorised to work; non‑residents who need to file tax can apply for an Individual Tax Number (ITN) with CRA.
Driving
Rules are provincial. As examples, British Columbia allows visitors to drive up to 6 months on a foreign licence; Ontario allows up to 3 months (longer stays typically require exchanging for a provincial licence). Carry an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English/French.
Overstays and restoration
If visitor status expires, there is a 90‑day window to apply for ‘restoration’ of status (fees apply). Beyond that, CBSA may issue a removal order. Exclusion orders typically bar re‑entry for 1 year (5 years for misrepresentation); deportation orders require written authorisation to return.

Canada for remote workers: visitor ‘digital nomad’ policy first; IEC for youth; entrepreneur work permits if building in Canada

How remote workers base in Canada now

Most short‑term remote workers rely on visitor status under IRCC’s digital‑nomad initiative. Cities with easy flights and strong coworking networks (Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal) are common hubs. The key legal point is not to enter Canada’s labour market: do not take Canadian clients, sign Canadian employment contracts, or get paid by a Canadian entity unless holding an appropriate work permit. Officers may ask about the employer, nature of duties, funds and onward plans at the border.

What applicants report

eTA approvals are often near‑instant but not guaranteed; airline staff will deny boarding without a valid eTA/visa. TRV processing for some nationalities can fluctuate seasonally. IEC pools open annually; invitations are not assured and insurance proof is checked at landing. Entrepreneur/‘new office’ intra‑company cases draw close scrutiny of business substance in the first year.

Banking and daily money

Federal ‘access to basic banking’ rules help non‑residents open accounts with acceptable ID, but implementation varies by branch, and some institutions require a Canadian address. GST/HST registration is only required if ‘carrying on business in Canada’ and surpassing the small‑supplier threshold; many remote workers paid by foreign clients aren’t required to register, but facts matter.

What is changing

Canada is actively using eTA policy to calibrate visitor flows. Business‑immigration PR routes (SUV and the Federal Self‑Employed Persons Program) are under intake pauses while the government retools them; founders are relying more on temporary work permits (C11, ICT) pending PR pathways. Youth mobility with the UK expanded age and duration windows.

Researched from canada.ca · canada.ca · canada.ca · ircc.canada.ca · canada.ca · gazette.gc.ca · canada.ca · canada.ca · canada.ca · canada.ca · the authority