Canada Digital Nomad Visa

Overview

A Digital Nomad Visa allows visa nationals to live in a country while working remotely for an employer or clients abroad. This visa attracts remote workers by providing legitimate residency without needing local employment.

In Canada, the Digital Nomad program is a part of the country’s Tech Talent Strategy, which aims to attract skilled remote workers with jobs outside Canada to enter Canada, seek job offers, and work for Canadian employers.

Typical Benefits of Digital Nomad Visas

Here are the benefits of Digital Nomad Visas:

• Legitimate residency: Digital Nomad Visa holders can legally reside in the host country and work for overseas employers without requiring local employment sponsorship.
• Access to banking and healthcare services: Individuals holding Digital Nomad Visas can access banking services through their mobile banking apps, make purchases, and pay bills from anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection. While travelling, they can also purchase private health insurance to receive medical care in different countries.
• Tax incentives: Some countries provide favourable tax arrangements or exemptions for digital nomads.
• Potential to build a global network: Those with Digital Nomad Visas can connect with other skilled workers and position themselves for more opportunities abroad.
• Work-life balance: Digital Nomad Visas allow individuals to set schedules and work at convenient times. This gives them more time for hobbies and relaxation while experiencing new cultures and environments.

Examples of Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas 

As of January 2025, about 45 countries offer Digital Nomad Visas. A few of them include the following:

• Portugal: Offers a special Digital Nomad (D8) Visa to non-EU freelancers and remote workers who want to live in Portugal for up to 1 year. You extend the visa four times and have a 5-year total stay in Portugal.
• Spain: Offers a Digital Nomad Visa, which allows non-EU nationals to live and work remotely in Spain for up to one year and is renewable for up to 5 years.
• Croatia: The Croatian government issues a temporary resident visa to digital nomads. It is valid for one year and is not renewable. You can apply for another one after 6 months your initial temporary resident permit has expired.
• Estonia: The Estonian government created the Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, allowing foreign remote workers to enter the country and remain for up to one year. You cannot extend this visa once it expires. If you want to continue staying in Estonia as a digital nomad after the one-year validity of the Digital Nomad Visa, you can apply for another one while remaining there. This new visa can only last for 6 months.
• Brazil: The Brazilian government issues the Digital Nomad Visa to foreign nationals intending to live in the country while working for foreign-based employers. This visa is valid for 1 year and can be extended for the same period after it expires.
• Argentina: Offers a Digital Nomad Visa to non-Argentine freelancers or self-employed individuals with foreign clients. This visa allows them to live in Argentina for up to 1 year and renewable for the same period after it expires.
• Malaysia: Offers a Digital Nomad Visa (also called the De Rantau Pass) that allows IT workers, freelancers, and content creators to work remotely in Malaysia for foreign-based employers. This visa is valid for 3 to 12 months and can be renewed for 12 months.
• Kenya: The Kenyan government issues Digital Nomad Visas to global digital professionals intending to live in Kenya and work for their employer based outside the country. The Kenyan Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 12 months. It’s renewable and offers a path to long-term residency in Kenya.
• South Africa: Offers a Digital Nomad Visa (also called Remote Work Visa) that allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa and work remotely for their employers based outside the country. This visa is valid for a maximum of 3 years.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or a Visitor Visa, is an official document the Canadian immigration authorities attach to your passport, allowing you to enter Canada. While this visa lasts 6 months, the border services officer can allow you a longer or shorter stay. You can visit Canada with this visa for various purposes, including the following:

• To visit a family member
• To visit as a tourist
• For business
• To visit a partner or spouse

Who Qualifies for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

To qualify for a TRV, you must fulfill certain requirements, including:

• Proving your ties to your home country, such as jobs, properties, and financial assets
• Having a valid passport or other travel documents
• Having sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Canada
• Proving that you’ll return home when your visa expires
• Having good health
• Having a clean immigration or criminal history

Application Steps for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Here are the steps visa nationals seeking a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) can follow to obtain it:

• Check your eligibility for a TRV
• Create an IRCC secure account (if you don’t already have one)
• Complete Form IMM5257 (TRV Form)
• Gather your documents
• Pay the application fee
• Submit your visa application
• Provide digital copies of your fingerprints and photographs
• Await the processing of your application

Startup Visa Program

The Canadian Startup Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs with the skills and capacity to establish businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). The Startup Visa program offers a route to permanent residency and is valid for three years. The businesses you can establish in Canada with this visa must:

• Be innovative
• Be competitive internationally
• Create jobs

Eligibility for Entrepreneurs and Startups

To obtain this visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:

• Having sufficient funds to settle in Canada
• Meeting language requirements
• Pitching your qualifying business to a designated organization and obtaining their support

Why It May Suit Digital Nomads with Innovative Ventures

Digital nomads who are entrepreneurs with innovative ventures can leverage the opportunities provided by the start-up visa program. With this visa, digital nomads with creative business ideas can establish their companies in Canada and gain permanent residency. While they work for their foreign-based employers as digital nomads, they must obtain a work permit to manage their companies in Canada.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Canadian government program that allows individuals aged 18 to 35 (or 18 to 30 in some countries) to work or travel in Canada. This program is exclusive to Canada’s partner countries, and not every stream is available to everyone.

The work and travel experiences are three in number, including:

• Working holiday: Grants you an open work permit to work for multiple employers and at different locations in Canada. You must provide medical exams to get some jobs.
• International co-op (Internship): Grants employer-specific work permits for post-secondary students to gain work experience.
• Young professionals: Grants employer-specific work permits for career development.

The IEC program is valid for 2 years, and it helps individuals to:

• Fund a lifetime’s trip as they work in Canada
• Obtain valuable international work experience
• Develop their French or English language skills

Opportunities for Young Professionals to Work Remotely Under This Program

While the International Experience Canada (IEC) program primarily facilitates in-country employment, remote work may still be possible under certain conditions, including the following:

• Working holiday: As a digital nomad, you can legally reside in Canada and continue to do your full-time job remotely for an employer or client outside Canada.
• International co-op (Internship): While this program may be less applicable for digital nomads, it could be an option if the remote or freelance work is tied to a Canadian internship.
• Young Professionals: Remote work may be allowed if the employer is Canadian and the job aligns with program conditions.

Open Work Permits and Business Visas

Open work permits and Business Visas provide viable pathways for digital nomads seeking greater flexibility in Canada.

Open Work Permits

Open work permits allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer beforehand. Types of open work permits include:

• Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP): For international students who complete a qualified program at a Canadian institution, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Allows temporary residents awaiting Permanent Residence (PR) processing to continue working in Canada.
• Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): For spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students in Canada to work.

Business Visas

Canada offers various Business Visas options to freelancers and self-employed individuals, including:

• Business Visitor Visa: This is for individuals entering Canada for business meetings, conferences, or networking.
• Self-Employed Persons Program: This program is for individuals with relevant athletic or cultural experience who can contribute to Canada’s economy.

Can You Legally Work for a Foreign Employer in Canada?

You can work legally for a foreign employer while residing temporarily in Canada as long as:

• You’re not entering the Canadian labour market
• Your permit or visa allows you to stay in the country legally for remote work
• Your income comes from outside of Canada
• You’re not engaging in business activities targeting the Canadian market

Understanding Tax Residency

While most digital nomads visit Canada only for 6 months on a Visitor Visa, their home countries continue to be their tax residences. In Canada, digital nomads have no income tax obligations.

When Does a Digital Nomad Become a Tax Resident in Canada?

A digital nomad can become a tax resident in Canada when they:

• Stay in Canada for 183 days or more in one year. This makes them tax residents as it applies to everyone residing in the country for the same period. Hence, they must declare their worldwide income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and may be required to pay Canadian income tax from their earnings abroad.
• Establish significant ties, such as social connections, home, family, and bank accounts.

Double Taxation Treaties and Their Benefits

Canada has tax treaties with about 94 countries to prevent double taxation. These treaties are beneficial to digital nomads in the following ways as it helps them:

• Avoid paying tax twice on the same income in Canada and their home country.
• Claim foreign tax credits for taxes they paid in another country.
• Reduce their liability through tax exemptions.

Cost of Living Breakdown for Remote Workers

The cost of living in Canada depends on the type of accommodation, lifestyle, and city in which you intend to live. Here is an estimate of the monthly living cost in major Canadian cities for an individual:

Internet and Remote Work Infrastructure

Canada has one of the most developed digital infrastructures in the world, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.

Internet Speeds in Canada

Canada generally has good internet speeds, which allows digital nomads to work efficiently. This enables them to carry out large file uploads and downloads, video conferencing, smooth streaming, and real-time collaboration.

5G Availability

More than 70% of the Canadian population access the 5G network. This best suits digital nomads who rely on fast internet availability to work remotely. According to a recent study examining the cellular connectivity experiences of consumers of Canada’s Big 3 providers:

• Bell has the fastest 5G download speed
• Telus has the best 5G availability
• Rogers continues to be the most dependable network
• Coworking Spaces

Digital nomads seeking networking opportunities and a professional environment to operate from can access coworking spaces in Canada. Here are some coworking spaces in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal:

Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Canada

As a digital nomad planning your move to Canada, you should look for Canadian cities that can meet your needs. Many Canadian cities have unique advantages in terms of lifestyle, cost of living, and amenities. The top cities for digital nomads you can choose from include:

Vancouver

Vancouver suits digital nomads who love outdoor activities due to its mild climate, and stunning natural surroundings, including mountains and ocean access. Digital nomads in Vancouver can engage in various activities, including beach time, hiking, biking, skiing, and whale watching.

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around CAD$1,100 – 3,200. You also need to budget funds for food, groceries, and transportation, which can be high-cost. Vancouver has high-speed internet, numerous coworking spaces, and a reputable remote work culture.

Toronto

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, offers a variety of networking opportunities, cultural diversity, and a lively community. Due to its thriving startup ecosystem, support for new businesses, and strong tech scene, it is ideal for digital nomads with entrepreneurial capacity.

Toronto has an estimated one-bedroom apartment rent averaging CAD$1,800 – 3,000. The public transit is considerably good, but overall living costs are high. Toronto also has numerous coworking spaces, fast internet, and a competitive business environment.

Calgary

Calgary has a thriving startup ecosystem and a lower cost of living. It is renowned for its quality of life, digital infrastructure, and connectivity. Calgary is a good fit for digital nomads who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. The estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary is CAD$1,000 – 1,850. The city has growing coworking spaces, fast internet, and a business-friendly environment with some of the lowest utility rates and property taxes in Canada

Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in the Quebec region of Canada. It is known for its European-style charm and North American flair. It encompasses captivating architecture, diverse culture, and an exceptional culinary scene. Montreal’s estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment is CAD$1200 – 2,200. Montreal also has high-speed internet, French, and English speaking communities and affordable coworking spaces.

Insurance Options for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads in Canada do not qualify for public healthcare, so securing a private insurance plan is essential. Several international insurance providers offer coverage tailored to digital nomads, ensuring access to medical care, emergency services, and travel protection. Our immigration lawyers at Total Law can recommend private health insurance providers in Canada that can meet your travel needs. However, the insurance options digital nomads can consider include:

World Nomads

World Nomads offers comprehensive travel and health insurance to Canadian residents. Their coverage includes trip cancellation, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and other travel needs. Their annual insurance plan allows digital nomads to purchase travel protection once for 365 days, and the trip length is 45 days.

As a digital nomad, this covers almost every trip you take (which could be more than 100 miles) from your residence. This plan suits digital nomads intending to have multiple trips throughout the year when they enter Canada.

SafetyWing

SafetyWing offers international health and travel insurance to remote workers while they are outside their home countries. Digital nomads can choose SafetyWing, as it offers affordable monthly plans. The insurance covers travel-related incidents, medical emergencies, and doctor visits, excluding pre-existing conditions. Individuals can buy the SafetyWing insurance for an unlimited time until they turn 70. It auto-renews after 28 days and can last up to 364 days.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global offers an annual contract with extensive global coverage, including routine checkups, cancer care, dental care, mental health support, and emergency treatment. If you pay your premiums consistently and meet other eligibility requirements, you can renew this plan yearly.

This travel insurance suits digital nomads intending to stay in Canada long-term or those needing advanced healthcare options. Cigna Global offers Silver, Gold, or Platinum packages to meet various applicants’ health insurance needs. As a digital nomad planning your move to Canada, you can choose the plan that best suits your situation.

Tips for Finding Affordable Housing

As a digital nomad, you must find affordable accommodation, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where rent prices can be high. Our team of immigration lawyers can help you find budget-friendly accommodation in Canada. Here are several ways you can secure housing in Canada:

• Check Facebook groups and forums to get information on affordable houses on short-term leases on Facebook groups and forums.
• Stay outside the city centre: Housing in suburban areas such as Mississauga (Toronto) or Burnaby (Vancouver) is often more affordable than in major cities in Canada.
• Explore Airbnb and furnished sublets: If you plan to stay in Canada shortly, you can choose Airbnb. If you intend to stay for long, you can opt for furnished sublets.
• Use rental websites: These websites offer estimated costs for apartments and shared housing. You should filter your searches on your budget and duration of stay.
• Consider co-living spaces: To minimize accommodation costs, search for shared living spaces with flexible leases.