Canada has recently made it super easy for you to live and work in the country legally for up to six months as a digital nomad. In fact, depending on your nationality, you might not even need a Canada digital nomad visa to work here! The government has also made it relatively straightforward for tech-industry nomads in Canada to secure permanent work in the country. Sounds like a dream, right?
So, what are the new Canadian visa regulations for digital nomads? How can you make your dreams of living and working in this country come true? Where should you spend your time once your boots are on the ground? We’ll answer all those questions and more in this ultimate guide to the Canada digital nomad visa.
Does Canada Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Strictly speaking, Canada does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. But the government has taken deliberate steps to attract digital nomads to the nation by easing restrictions regarding working while traveling.
Since June 2023, digital nomads have been able to work remotely while staying in Canada using the same visa as a tourist. The visa requirements for tourism purposes differ depending on your nationality. If you’re from a visa-exempt country, such as the UK or Australia, you simply need to apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Lawful residents and citizens of the USA don’t even need an eTA.
Canada Digital Nomad Visa
Thanks to what is unofficially being called the new Canada Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers from across the globe can make Canada their home for up to six months with ease. In most cases, digital nomads can enter the country following the same process as they would if entering as tourists. Once inside Canada, you may have the opportunity to find employment with a Canadian company and obtain a work permit, but you don’t need a permit to work remotely for employers outside of Canada.
Canada Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Canada’s new visa regulations allow just about anybody to work remotely in Canada as a digital nomad, provided you:
- Have a valid travel document (usually a passport)
- Have permission to enter Canada as a visitor (eTA or visitor visa)
- Are in good health
- Don’t possess immigration-related or criminal convictions
- Can perform your job remotely from anywhere in the world
- Are employed by an organization outside of Canada or registered as self-employed outside of Canada
- Do not currently provide services to clients located in Canada
- Have the finances to cover your stay (this can vary)
Keep in mind: If you already have clients located in Canada, you won’t be able to enter the country as a digital nomad with just visitor status, but don’t worry; there are other avenues available.
Who Can Apply for the Canada Digital Nomad Visa?
As long as you can work remotely from anywhere in the world, you can easily obtain permission to live and work in Canada for a maximum of six months with visitor status. The important thing is that you must not provide services to clients located in Canada. But you can seek employment with a Canadian company once you’re in the country. Just remember that you’ll need a work permit before starting employment with a Canadian organization.
Documents Needed to Apply for the Canada Digital Nomad Visa
One of the best things about what is being dubbed the Canada Digital Nomad Visa is that you don’t need any additional documents to obtain one. That’s because, as mentioned above, there is no separate visa for digital nomads. Instead, digital nomads can enter Canada with visitor status and work remotely as digital nomads for clients who are not based in Canada. And yes – let us reiterate – there is no need for a work permit.
Do keep in mind that while no additional documentation is required to enter Canada as a digital nomad rather than a tourist, the immigration officer must be satisfied that you’ll leave the country by the end of your authorized stay, so you may be asked for proof of onward travel (though, reportedly, this is rarely the case; still, better safe than sorry!).
How to Apply for the Canada Digital Nomad Visa
Wondering how to go about living and working in Canada as a digital nomad? As mentioned, you can simply enter Canada as a visitor and can legally work remotely. First, you should find out whether you need a visa to enter Canada as a visitor, but many nationalities are visa-exempt and only require an eTA.
Assuming you’re from a visa-exempt country such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or most EU nations, here’s how you can apply for your electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to live for up to six months in Canada as a digital nomad:
Step One: Gather Your Supporting Documents
All you need to apply for the eTA is a valid passport (usually with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages remaining), a debit or credit card, and your email address.
Step Two: Go to the eTA Application Page on the Canadian Immigration Website
Equipped with your passport and a form of payment, visit the Canadian Immigration website and complete the form. Bear in mind that your form cannot be saved, so you’ll need to complete it in one sitting. But don’t worry; it’s pretty simple!
Step Three: Answer the Questionnaire
You’ll need to answer an eligibility questionnaire when you apply for your eTA. The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. If you wish, you can provide details of your intention to work as a digital nomad while in Canada.
Step Four: Pay the Application Fee
It costs just CAD 7 to apply for your eTA, and this fee is non-refundable. See below for accepted forms of payment.
Step Five: Receive Your eTA
Once your eTA application is approved, you’ll receive your confirmation of permission to travel by email. Sometimes, applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to a few days.
In most cases, you need to enter Canada by air with an eTA. Your eTA will be linked to your passport, though it’s still a good idea to print and carry the receipt.
Digital Nomads from the USA
If you’re a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the USA, you don’t require a visa or an eTA to enter Canada as a visitor or a digital nomad. All you’ll need is your passport and, if applicable, your green card.
Digital Nomads from Non-Visa-Exempt Countries
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need a visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) to enter Canada as a digital nomad. In most cases, you’ll be required to provide your biometrics and fingerprints after applying for the visa.
Extending the Canada Digital Nomad Visa
The eTA and visitor visa usually grant the holder a stay of up to six months in Canada. If you wish to stay longer than six months, you can apply for a ‘visitor record’. While not a visa, a visitor record – if granted – permits you to stay in Canada for longer than six months as a visitor or a digital nomad who is authorized to work without a work permit.
You should apply for a visa extension at least 30 days before the expiration date of your visitor visa or eTA. The application fee starts at CAD 100. If your application is rejected, you should leave Canada before your original permission of stay expires. If approved, you’ll be notified of your visa’s new expiration date. Learn more about extending a visitor visa or eTA in Canada.
Cost of the Canada Digital Nomad Visa
The “Canada Digital Nomad Visa” is actually the same thing as an eTA (for citizens of visa-exempt nations). It costs just CAD 7 to apply for your eTA online, and you’ll usually receive approval within minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Canada?
Citizens from visa-exempt countries often receive their eTA to visit Canada as a digital nomad within a few minutes of submitting their online application. However, when application volumes are high, it can take a few days to receive a response from Canadian Immigration. So, we highly recommend applying for your eTA at least a couple of weeks before your flight date.
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need a visitor visa to enter Canada. On average, it takes 12 days for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your application. Keep in mind that visa applications can take over a month to process, so it’s best to apply far in advance of your travels.
Alternatives to the Digital Nomad Visa in Canada
As mentioned, digital nomads can usually live and work remotely in Canada for up to six months. If you want to stay longer, you might be interested in these visa alternatives:
Start-Up Visa (SUV)
If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea and access to capital, you might be eligible for the Start-Up Visa. The Canadian government is currently working to reduce waiting times for this type of visa, which could grant you a work permit for up to three years.
Self-Employment Visa
You may be able to apply for a self-employment visa if you intend to stay in Canada longer than six months as a digital nomad. Applicants aged between 18 and 35 years tend to have the best chance of obtaining this visa. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for five years and can even lead to permanent residency!
Temporary Work Authorization
You might be able to relocate to Canada as a digital nomad with Temporary Work Authorization if you are recruited by a company in Canada. Having additional clients based in other countries is unlikely to have a negative impact on your application. The duration of this authorization can vary.
Work Permit
If you enter Canada as a digital nomad with visitor status, you can seek employment with a Canadian company. If you’re successful in finding employment, you’ll need to get a work permit before starting work, but the government is working to streamline this process in line with its Tech Talent Strategy. These permits are generally valid for 1 to 2 years.
Can You Live in Canada as a Digital Nomad on a Tourist Visa?
Since June 2023 as part of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, digital nomads can work remotely in Canada for up to six months on visitor status, provided they don’t provide services to clients located within Canada. If you find a Canadian employer in the tech industry once you’re inside the country, you can then apply for a work permit.
Still looking for a solid remote work opportunity? Check out our post on the top entry-level digital nomad jobs!
Tax Requirements for Digital Nomads in Canada
You are not obligated to pay any tax to the Canadian Government while working remotely for foreign clients as a digital nomad with visitor status, provided you don’t live in Canada for more than 183 days per year. However, you will be subject to local tax regulations if you obtain a work permit to provide services to a Canadian organization.
The income tax rate in Canada is as follows:
- 15% – on taxable income that is $55,867 or less
- 20.5% – on taxable income over $55,867 to $111,733
- 26% – on taxable income over $111,733 to $173,205
- 29% – on taxable income over $173,205 to $246,752
- 33% – on taxable income over $246,752
Is Canada a Good Place for Digital Nomads?
Whether or not Canada is a good place for digital nomads depends entirely on you, your wants, and your needs. Canada is a very attractive place to live for digital nomads thanks to its scenery, high quality of life, cultural diversity, and employment opportunities. However, Canada also has a high cost of living and winters that are not for the faint-hearted.
Here are the pros and cons of being a digital nomad in Canada in more detail:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful scenery. From the iconic Niagara Falls to the dramatic Rocky Mountains, Canada has no shortage of amazing sights to see. | High cost of living. The cost of accommodation, food, and transport in Canada can be significant. |
| High quality of life. Canada is a highly developed nation with excellent healthcare, social security, a well-developed infrastructure, and more. | Harsh winters. Canada experiences long and cold winters, which may not be ideal for those suited to hot climates. |
| Cultural diversity. You’ll have the chance to mingle with people from various backgrounds while staying in the melting pot that is Canada. | Long-term visa complexity. While entering Canada as a digital nomad is now straightforward, obtaining visas for longer stays can be a little more complicated. |
| Tech sector opportunities. As a digital nomad, you may be able to find employment in Canada’s thriving tech sector in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. | Healthcare costs for non-residents. Canada boasts excellent healthcare, but costs can be high for non-residents – travel and health insurance is a must. |
Best Places in Canada for Digital Nomads
As the second-largest country on the planet by total area, Canada is bursting at the seams with amazing destinations that boast modern amenities and an incredible atmosphere for digital nomads. In no order of preference, here are some of our favorite Canadian cities and towns for remote workers:
Toronto
If you like the idea of living in a skyscraper-laden modern metropolis, Toronto might be right up your street. Besides a plethora of tourist attractions, Toronto is home to coworking spaces, a growing tech scene, and a vibrant coffee culture.
Vancouver
Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is an urban paradise surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. The city is famed for its laid-back vibe and outdoor activities, which range from skiing to catching ocean waves.
Montreal
Despite being a large city, Montreal is a more affordable place to set up your temporary home than cities like Vancouver and Toronto. On top of a strong tech community, Vancouver boasts a thriving arts scene. It’s also known for its French roots and European charm.
Calgary
Calgary is one of the gateways to the Banff National Park, one of the most breathtaking destinations of natural beauty in Canada. It has one of the highest qualities of life in the nation as it is affordable and well-connected to other major cities in North America via cheap flights. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly neighborhood, we recommend Brentwood or Altadore.
Hamilton
If the cost of living in Toronto exceeds your budget, you might want to look into staying in Hamilton about an hour to the south. Many Ontarians are relocating to Hamilton thanks to its relatively low cost of living, so you’ll have plenty of networking opportunities. You’ll also be close to waterfalls, hiking trails, and Ontario’s famous wine country.
Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s administrative capital with a population that now exceeds one million. Vibrant as the city is, it’s more relaxing than places like Toronto and Vancouver. On top of quiet workspaces, Ottawa is home to parks, gardens, and plenty of other green areas.
Halifax
For a long time, Halifax has been widely considered a more affordable alternative to Vancouver in the digital nomad community. However, prices here are catching up to the more famous large cities. So, now might be the time to see what Halifax has to offer before the cost of living rises even higher.
Cost of Living in Canada for Digital Nomads
The cost of living in Canada for a digital nomad ranges from CAD 2,500 to CAD 4,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle and where you live. For example, a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of nearly CAD 2,500 in the city center of Toronto but only CAD 1,200 in the city center of Calgary.
No matter where you are in Canada, a meal for one at a restaurant will usually cost at least CAD 20 to 25. The average monthly cost of groceries per person is between CAD 200 and 400.
Another major cost you should take into consideration is public transport, though bus and train passes are available in most cities and towns. In Toronto, a monthly pass with unlimited usage costs around CAD 150. And in Vancouver, that price is just CAD 100.
Healthcare in Canada for Digital Nomads
While living in Canada as a digital nomad, you’ll need to take out insurance because healthcare isn’t free for non-residents. This means that should you fall ill or have an accident, you’ll be liable to cover your own medical costs—which can be sky-high. These high medical costs for non-residents make travel insurance for digital nomads so essential.
If you’re not sure what to get, check out our list of the best travel insurance options for digital nomads!
With that said, some provinces and territories might provide limited emergency services, but don’t risk your life on a maybe! Get health and travel insurance!
Best Coworking Spaces in Canada
If you like to work in a coworking space, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best coworking spaces in Canada!
- Project Spaces (Toronto): $65 for 2 days, $150 for 5 days, and $205 for 10 days. 24/7 access, coffee, tea, and sparkling water, fast wifi, and good community.
- Werklab (Vancouver): $165 for 5 days, $350 per month for unlimited, and $500 per month for a stationed desk. Good wifi, 24/7 access, meeting space, and a good community.
- Montreal Cowork (Montreal): $30 a day and $275 per month for unlimited access. Coffee corner, kitchen, rooftop, on-site showers, and mentoring services.
- Work Nicer (Calgary): $375 a month for unlimited access. 24/7 access, super-fast wifi, pet-friendly, office supplies, root beer on draft, coffee, common areas, and unlimited printing and meeting rooms.
- Nest Coworking (Hamilton): $25 a day, $240 a month for a dedicated desk, and $400 a month for a private office. 24/7 access, great location, event space area, parking, coffee/tea, and access to Angel Investors.
- MBO Coworking (Ottawa): $20 a day, $100 for 4 days, $200 for 8 days, $300 for 12 days, and $475 a month for a dedicated desk. Coffee/tea and fruit, meeting rooms, office supplies, secure wifi, and flexible plans.
- CoWork Halifax (Halifax): $199 a month. Printing services, high-speed wifi, kitchen, complimentary coffee, meeting rooms, and bike storage.
How to Find a Place to Live in Canada
So, now that you’ve decided you’re making the move the Canada to work and live as a digital nomad, it’s time to find a place to live. Here’s everything on how to find a place to live as a digital nomad in Canada.
- Furnishings: Here’s the thing. If you are staying in Canada for max 6 months, you’re going to want to find a place that is at least partially furnished. The last thing you want to do is purchase furniture first thing when you arrive in a new country.
- WiFi speed: WiFi speeds are particularly important for a digital nomad. Know how much WiFi you’ll need for your work, and make sure the accommodation you pick has strong WiFi. Note that not all accommodations may come equipped with WiFi.
- Location: Since you won’t be spending too much time in Canada, location is all the more important so that you can make the most of your time in the country. Make sure the accommodation is well-connected to public transport, and try to find a place not too far from a major city.
Where to Find a Place to Live in Canada
Unfortunately, finding a place to live in Canada is not the easiest job in the world. But worry not; we’re here to help you with these resources!
Join Facebook Groups
One of our favorite methods of finding a place to stay no matter where we go is to hop on Facebook. Yep – that’s right – Facebook is not dead yet. Join some local Facebook groups dedicated to finding roommates and tenants. You should also check out Facebook Marketplace. Here are some Facebook groups to help get you started.
- Apartments for rent cheap in Toronto Canada
- Toronto Apartments for rent, Housing, Rooms for rent, Roommates, Roomster
- Vancouver apartments/houses for rent/rentals/roommates/roomshare/liv.rent
- rent Or Sublet apartment And Room in montreal/apartment Et Chambre a Louer
Word of Mouth
If you already know someone in your chosen area of Canada, reach out to them! They may know of someone who is looking for a roommate or for someone to sublet to or take over their lease.
Rental Listing Sites in Canada
Of course, another option you have is to check out official rental listing sites in Canada. The issue with this method is that you may struggle to find accommodation for a short-term lease, but it’s definitely worth taking a look anyway.
Travel Accommodation Sites
As you may know already, renting through platforms like Airbnb generally comes with some not-so-pretty ethical concerns. Plus, it’s generally much more expensive renting through these platforms than it would be using the above-mentioned methods. But every now and then, travel accommodation sites can come in handy, especially when you first move to a new city or country.
Top tip: Rent an Airbnb for about a week or so and message the landlord to see if they would rent the apartment to you for longer off-platform. We’ve used this method to find mid-term accommodation before!
You should also check out our list of the best ethical Airbnb alternatives for more ideas!
Canada: An Overlooked Digital Nomad Destination?
As you can see from our ultimate guide to the Canada Digital Nomad Visa, living in Canada as a remote worker couldn’t be more straightforward. If you’re from a visa-exempt country like the UK, New Zealand, or Australia, you can enter Canada as a digital nomad for up to six months by obtaining an eTA, which you can secure within minutes for just CAD 7. And if you’re a permanent resident or citizen of the USA, you don’t need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada as a digital nomad. I mean, we can’t think of anything easier than that!
Of course, digital nomads from other nations will need a visitor visa, but you can usually get one in less than two weeks.
Canada isn’t just a mecca for digital nomads due to the recent changes made to simplify its visa process – it’s also an amazing place for remote workers thanks to its high quality of life, thriving tech community, incredible destinations, and so much more. So, what are you waiting for?
Not sure if Canada is the right fit? Don’t sweat it! Head over to our nomad visa hub to check out some of the other digital nomad visas that are available.
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