Gizane Campos
Canada is a preferred choice for many digital nomads seeking a remote working destination with a high quality of life, enhanced safety, modern amenities, and natural beauty.
Thinking of working remotely in Canada? If so, you may need a Visitor Visa, or potentially an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you’re from a visa-exempt country. This will allow you to stay for up to six months while working for a foreign employer.
This article covers all you need to know about remote working in Canada, including:
Why work remotely in Canada?
Canada offers an attractive working environment for digital nomads, boasting a quality of life and natural beauty very few other countries can match.
The country ranks 8th out of 65 countries in the GIU’s 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, which assesses the best countries for working remotely based on available visas, economic strength, quality of life, and tech and innovation.
Still, there are advantages and downsides to consider. Below, we explore the pros and cons of working in Canada.
Benefits of remote working in Canada
- Cost savings: Working remotely means you have the option to live in more affordable areas and decrease your commuting costs.
- Increased flexibility and productivity: Greater control over your workday and environment will help boost productivity.
- Expanded job opportunities: You can apply for a remote job internationally.
- Improved work-life balance: Canada ranks highly in Remote’s 2025 Global Life-Work Balance Index, placing 7th out of 60 countries for its policies on annual leave, access to healthcare, public safety, and average hours worked per week.
- High safety and quality of life: Canada ranks 14th on the 2025 Global Peace Index and 12th on the Quality of Life Index, proving it is a peaceful, fulfilling place to live.
- Cultural diversity: Canada is renowned for its cultural diversity, offering an inclusive and globally connected work environment.
Challenges of remote working in Canada
- Cost of living: Canada’s overall cost of living is relatively high, especially in major cities.
- Potential for isolation: Limited face-to-face connection could lead to feeling disconnected.
Who can work remotely in Canada?
Anyone can work remotely in Canada as long as they are legally allowed to be in the country.
- Canadian remote workers (Canadian citizens and permanent residents) can work remotely for any employer, including companies outside of Canada, without needing a work permit or visa.
- Some nationalities can enter Canada visa-free for up to six months or will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
- If you are from a visa-required country, you must obtain a valid visa before you can enter Canada.
Do you need a work permit to work remotely in Canada?
If you plan on working remotely in Canada for a foreign company, you do not need a work permit because you’re not entering the Canadian job market. This means you can legally work as a digital nomad in Canada while on a Visitor Visa.
See our full immigration guide to relocate to Canada
Digital Nomad Visa in Canada
Technically, Canada does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa.
However, under its Tech Talent Strategy, the Canadian government encourages digital nomads to live and work remotely in Canada using a Visitor Visa.
The goal is to attract skilled remote workers who can contribute to the local economy during their stay.
Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
Canada’s Visitor Visa, also known as the Temporary Resident Visa, grants temporary permission mainly for tourism in Canada. This is a multiple-entry visa, so you can use it until it expires.
- Visa validity: Usually up to six months, but can be extended
- Visa application fee: CAD $100
- Visa requirements: Valid passport, proof of intent to leave, sufficient funds, clean criminal record, travel insurance, and application forms
Other work visa options
- Work Visa: If you intend to work for a Canadian employer, you are entering the labor market and will need a work visa in Canada.
- Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs with an innovative and feasible business idea, the Canada Start-up Visa is a great option.
See our ultimate guide to the Canada Start-up Visa
Key Considerations for Remote Workers in Canada
Once you are all set to enter Canada, there are a few other considerations to take note of, like your tax obligations and how the Canadian healthcare system works.
Do I need to pay income taxes while working remotely in Canada?
Living in Canada doesn’t mean you automatically have tax residency.
If you stay in Canada for 183 days or more in a year, have strong residential ties, and treat Canada as your home base, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may consider you a resident for tax purposes, bringing on tax implications in Canada. This means you’ll need to file a tax return and might have to pay taxes in Canada on your worldwide income.
However, if you are not a tax resident, you will only need to pay income tax on any Canadian-sourced income. In this case, working remotely in Canada for foreign companies will not count as Canadian-sourced income, and you will not pay taxes on that income in Canada.
Canada also has tax treaties with other countries, like the US and the UK, to help avoid double taxation.
Can I access public healthcare while working remotely in Canada?
Canada’s public healthcare system, which is funded by taxes, provides coverage mainly to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Visitors to Canada on a Visitor Visa are not covered by the country’s public healthcare system. Therefore, to access healthcare in Canada, visitors must obtain private travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses.
Top Canadian Cities for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Toronto
TorontoToronto offers a diverse, multicultural environment with a strong tech scene, plenty of coworking spaces, and good public transportation.
However, living costs in Toronto can be quite high, so it’s important to estimate your budget carefully.
Montreal
Montreal is an affordable option for budget-conscious remote workers. It is known for its European-style charm and strong arts and music scene, making it a good option for creatives.
Vancouver
For digital nomads who are after stunning natural surroundings, including mountains and ocean, Vancouver is a great option. It also boasts a thriving tech scene.
Vancouver is the most expensive city to live in Canada, so bear this in mind when deciding where to stay.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital city is great for a balanced, high-quality lifestyle with a more affordable cost of living.
It offers a mix of historical sites, modern amenities, and opportunities for outdoor activities, including numerous parks and the scenic Rideau Canal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working Remotely in Canada
Can a US citizen work in Canada remotely?
Americans moving to Canada to work remotely can enter the country visa-free and stay for up to six months.
Can I work remotely in Canada for a foreign company?
Yes, it is possible to work remotely in Canada for a foreign company. As long as you can legally work in Canada (for example, through a visitor visa or eTA, if required), and your remote work is for a company outside of Canada, you are generally permitted to work remotely while residing in Canada without needing a Canadian work permit.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Canada?
If you are a citizen of a visa-required country, you will need a visa to enter and work in Canada.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, a visa is not required.
Do I need a work permit to work remotely in Canada?
No, you typically do not need a work permit for working remotely in Canada, unless you intend to work for a Canadian company.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Canada and who qualifies?
Technically, Canada does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa.
However, under its Tech Talent Strategy, the Canadian government encourages digital nomads to live and work remotely in Canada using a Visitor Visa.
Can I get Canadian permanent residency while working remotely?
It is possible to pursue Canadian permanent residency while working remotely for a foreign company.
While Canada doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa, remote workers can enter Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa or Visitor Visa, and then explore options for work permits and ultimately, permanent residency.
Can I work remotely in Canada for a UK company?
Yes, working remotely in Canada for a UK company is possible, as long as you are legally able to enter Canada via your passport, an eTA, or a visa, depending on your nationality.
What are the best Canadian cities for remote workers?
Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver are considered the best cities in Canada for digital nomads. Halifax and Calgary are other great options.
How can I avoid double taxation if I work remotely in Canada for a US/UK company?
Both the US and the UK have double taxation agreements with Canada, which helps avoid situations where their citizens are taxed twice on the same income.
