Receiving Old Age Pension Outside of Canada: Many Canadian seniors choose to live abroad after there retirement. Whether they desire to move for the better climate, the presence of their children/family, or just to minimize income expenses while in retirement, relocating outside of Canada is a common solution.
However, one major concern many have is if they can still collect their Old Age Security Pension (OAS) Board if they are living in a foreign country. The answer is yes; however, there are certain rules and requirements that are mandatory to comply for Receiving Old Age Pension Outside of Canada.
We will go through all of this information in this article so you can feel good about planning for retirement.
What is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Canadian seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) monthly payment, a cash benefit from the Federal Government. Eligibility for OAS is not based on employment; it is based primarily on where an individual has lived after age 18.
Therefore, while you may not have ever worked in Canada, you may still qualify for OAS if you have met the required residency periods. To qualify for OAS, you must:
- 65 or older, and a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time the application is approved, and
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
- The amount you receive depends on how many years you have lived in Canada.
Can You Receive OAS Outside Canada?
Yes, you can get your OAS payments while living outside Canada, but only if you meet certain residency requirements.
Here are the basic rules:
- If you have accumulated at least 20 years of Canadian residence after age 18, you can generally continue receiving OAS indefinitely while living outside Canada.
- If you have resided in Canada for fewer than 20 years, your Old Age Security payments 2026 will only be available for six months once you leave Canada.
After the 6-month period, payments will stop unless you return to Canada.
Example: OAS Eligibility Outside Canada
| Senior Situation | OAS Outside Canada? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rubia lived in Canada for 28 years before retiring to Portugal | Yes | Meets the 20-year residency requirement |
| Deepak lived in Canada for 12 years and moved permanently to India | Usually No after 6 months | Does not meet the 20-year rule |
| John spends 4 months yearly in Florida | Yes | Temporary absence does not affect eligibility |
| Charlotte lived 15 years in Canada and worked in Italy under a social security agreement | Possibly Yes | International agreements may help qualify |
OAS Payment Duration Outside Canada
The duration of your payments depends mainly on your residency history.
| Years lived in Canada after age 18 | Duration of OAS outside Canada |
|---|---|
| 20+ years | Indefinitely while abroad |
| 10–19 years (with qualifying agreement and 20+ years combined) | Indefinitely while abroad |
| 10–19 years (no qualifying agreement) | Stops 6 months after leaving Canada |
| Less than 10 years | Stops 6 months after leaving Canada; resumes only if you return and live in Canada for 1 year |
This rule is very important for seniors planning long-term relocation.
International Social Security Agreements
Canada has agreements with a number of nations that help individuals become eligible to receive pension benefits. These agreements are referred to as social security agreements.
The amount of time you have spent living or working within a country that has a social security agreement with Canada could be considered towards your Old Age Security (OAS) payments.
Maximum CPP Rates 2026Examples of countries with agreements include:
- India
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Portugal
- Philippines
- Spain
- France
The official agreement list is available via www.canada.ca
How Much OAS will You Get Abroad?
The OAS Payment Amount 2026 you get depends on how many years you lived in Canada after the age of 18. If you lived in Canada for 40 years or more after turning 18, you receive the full OAS pension. If you lived here for fewer than 40 years, you get a partial pension based on the number of years you were in Canada.
For example, if you lived in Canada for 20 years, you may receive about 50% of the full OAS amount. The payment you get is the same whether you live inside or outside Canada, as long as you still meet the OAS Payment 2026 eligibility rules.
Taxes on OAS Outside Canada
When you are receiving the Old Age Security payment outside of Canada, taxes still apply. The primary thing to know is that there can be withholding tax from your Old Age Security payment by Canada as well as your new country of residence.
Non-resident recipients are generally subject to a 25% non-resident withholding tax on OAS payments unless a tax treaty between Canada and their country of residence provides a reduced rate.
However, many countries have tax treaties with Canada so that the withholding tax will be reduced mostly to as low as 15%, but potentially 0% depending on the country. Usually to obtain this lower rate you will need to need to file a form to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Even if your withholding tax is reduced or eliminated by Canada, your country of residence may still consider OAS to be foreign pension income and may apply tax. The country of residence may or may not impose foreign tax on this income; therefore, it is important that you become familiar with the foreign tax laws in your new country.
Does the OAS Recovery Tax Still Apply?
Yes. High-income seniors living outside Canada may still be subject to the OAS Recovery Tax (OAS clawback). The annual income threshold changes each year and is published by the federal government.
Average Canada Pension BenefitsHow to Apply for OAS from Outside Canada
You can apply for OAS even if you are living outside Canada.
- To apply, fill the Canada OAS application form 2026.
- You will need to fill it with your personal information along with your proof of citizenship or permanent residency and your address outside of Canada.
- Service Canada might also request that you provide them passports, landing papers, or proof of work for a Canadian employer abroad.
- Mail the completed application to the Service Canada office from your previous province or territory in Canada.
- When the application is approved, Service Canada may send OAS payment either to your Canadian bank account; or to a bank outside of Canada.
Can OAS Be Deposited Into a Foreign Bank Account?
Yes. Service Canada offers international direct deposit in many countries around the world. This allows eligible retirees to receive their OAS payments directly into a local bank account without maintaining a Canadian banking relationship. Before moving abroad, verify whether your destination country participates in Canada’s international direct deposit program.
Note: GIS Usually Stops Outside Canada
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is different from OAS.
- GIS is usually payable only while you reside in Canada.
- If you leave Canada for more than 6 consecutive months, GIS payments usually stop.
- OAS may continue, but GIS normally does not.
Remember: Things to Do Before Moving Abroad
If you plan on moving away from Canada, please follow these steps to avoid problems with your OAS payments:
- Inform Service Canada know that you will be moving
- Change the address you have for your banking and mailing
- Check if you are eligible based on how long you have been in Canada
- Look at tax rules in the country you are moving to
- Confirm if your new country has a Social Security Agreement with Canada
Official Government Note
Rules for OAS, GIS eligibility, taxation, and international agreements can change. Seniors should always verify current rules directly via official Canadian government sources before moving abroad or changing residency status.
Wrap-up
Receiving Old Age Security (OAS) outside Canada is possible, but it depends on our residency history, citizenship status, and the country in which you will reside will determine if you qualify to receive OAS payments. Generally speaking, if you qualify under the 20 year rule, you should continue to receive OAS payments while residing outside of Canada.
The amount of OAS you will be paid continues to be determined in the same manner whether you are in Canada or not; however, depending on your country of residence, tax and withholding may change.
Before moving outside of Canada, it is very important that you understand your eligibility to receive OAS payments from Canada, apply for them appropriately and understand how OAS payments will be taxed, so that you do not experience any unexpected events after moving outside of Canada.
Eligible seniors may continue receiving OAS while living abroad, although other benefits such as GIS and certain provincial programs may be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive OAS if I move outside Canada?
Yes. If you meet OAS eligibility criteria, you can continue receiving payments while living abroad.
How many years must I live in Canada to get OAS abroad?
Usually, you need at least 20 years of Canadian residence after age 18 to receive OAS indefinitely outside Canada.
Will my OAS amount reduce if I move abroad?
No. Your OAS amount is based on your years of residence in Canada, not where you live.
Can OAS be deposited into a foreign bank account?
Yes. Service Canada has the option for international direct deposit in many countries.
“This article is based on official government data and verified sources.”
Ritika's writing philosophy is built on one core principle: every person deserves access to clear, accurate, and actionable benefit information — without having to wade through confusing government language. Her guides are trusted by seniors, working families, and low-income households across North America who rely on timely payment updates and eligibility information.
All content written by Ritika is thoroughly research-based, sourced from official government portals including SSA.gov, Canada.ca, and CRA publications.