Remote Work in Canada
Canada has become increasingly remote-work friendly, though the rules depend on your immigration status and who you work for.
Remote Work on Visitor Status
Under Canada's Tech Talent Strategy (2023), you can:
- Stay up to 6 months on visitor status (eTA or TRV)
- Work remotely for a foreign employer without a work permit
- Extend via visitor record for longer stays
Key requirement: Your employer must be based outside Canada. Working for a Canadian company requires a work permit.
Upcoming Digital Nomad Visa
Federal Digital Nomad Visa planned for mid-2026:
- Expected duration: 1-2 years, potentially renewable
- Possible pathway to PR through Express Entry or PNP
- Federal-provincial consultations completed mid-2025
- Legislative framework drafted late 2025
- Expected launch: mid-2026
Tax Implications
Critical consideration: Staying 183+ days in Canada can make you a tax resident, requiring you to pay Canadian taxes on worldwide income.
- Under 183 days: Generally non-resident, no Canadian tax on foreign income
- 183+ days: Risk of tax residency - consult a tax professional
- Residential ties (home, spouse, dependents in Canada) also trigger residency
Internet Infrastructure
| City | Speed Available | Cost/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Up to 1 Gbps | $80-120 |
| Vancouver | Up to 1 Gbps | $80-120 |
| Calgary | Up to 1 Gbps | $75-110 |
| Montreal | Up to 1 Gbps | $70-100 |
| Smaller cities | 50-300 Mbps | $60-90 |
Urban areas have excellent fiber coverage. Rural areas may be limited to DSL or satellite.
Coworking Spaces
| City | Options | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | WeWork, Spaces, many local options | $300-600 |
| Vancouver | Many options downtown | $250-500 |
| Montreal | Growing scene, good value | $200-400 |
| Calgary | Downtown options | $200-400 |
Work Permit Considerations
If you're on a work permit (not visitor status):
- Must work for the employer on your permit (unless open work permit)
- Sector-based permits (2026) allow employer changes within sector
- Remote work for your Canadian employer is generally fine
- Working for a different employer without authorization violates permit
Best Cities for Remote Work
- Vancouver: Mild climate, beautiful setting, high costs
- Toronto: Most amenities, tech hub, expensive
- Montreal: Affordable, creative scene, French helpful
- Calgary: No PST, lower costs, mountain access
- Halifax: Affordable, Atlantic vibe, growing tech scene
Pro Tips
- •Visitor status only allows work for foreign employers - not Canadian companies
- •Stay under 183 days to avoid tax residency complications
- •Digital nomad visa expected mid-2026 for longer stays
- •Get robust internet - it's reliable in cities
- •Consider Montreal for lower costs with good quality of life
Have questions about working remotely in Canada?