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.
New OAS Payment Coming on This DateTherefore, 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:
- Be 65 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- 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 resided in Canada for 20 years or longer after turning 18, you will be eligible to receive Old Age Security payments globally.
- 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.
Canada OAS Clawback GuideOAS 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 2026Countries with agreements include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- India
- Germany
- Philippines
If you are planning to live abroad, check if your destination country has such an agreement.
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.
If you are a non-resident for Canadian tax purposes, Canada will take a 25% withholding tax off the Old Age Security payment each month at the source; therefore, you will not have to pay this tax separately.
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.
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.
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
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.
Seniors who are Canadian citizens will be able to enjoy their retirement outside of Canada, while still receiving the same benefits they would have earned if they remained living in Canada, if they plan appropriately.
“This article is based on official government data and verified sources.”
