Digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Visa
Last updated: May 2026
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 6-month default per visit; officers may grant up to 1 year at their discretion (policy effective Jan 5, 2026). No dedicated digital nomad visa.
- Income Requirement
- No fixed minimum — must show sufficient funds for duration of stay
- Processing Time
- eTA: minutes; Visitor visa: a few weeks
- Apply From
- Online (eTA for visa-exempt countries) or at Canadian embassy/consulate (visitor visa)
- Application Fee
- $7 CAD (eTA); $100 CAD + $85 CAD biometrics (visitor visa)
Requirements
- 1Valid passport or travel document
- 2Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for 3–6 months)
- 3Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- 4Intent to leave Canada at end of visit
- 5No criminal inadmissibility
- 6eTA (visa-exempt nationals) or visitor visa (visa-required nationals)
- 7Remote work must be for employer outside Canada (no Canadian work permit needed)
How to Apply
- 1Check if you need an eTA or visitor visa at canada.ca
- 2For eTA: apply online ($7 CAD) — approved within minutes
- 3For visitor visa: create account on IRCC Portal
- 4Complete online application and upload documents (passport, finances, ties to home country)
- 5Pay fees ($100 CAD + $85 CAD biometrics if required)
- 6Give biometrics at visa application centre if required
- 7Wait for processing (a few weeks for visitor visa)
- 8Enter Canada — stay up to 6 months per visit
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (visa-exempt nationals) | $7 CAD (~$5 USD) |
| Visitor visa application | $100 CAD (~$75 USD) |
| Biometrics fee (if required) | $85 CAD (~$63 USD) |
| Travel health insurance | $100–$300 CAD/month |
Living Costs
Canada is a high-cost destination, especially in Vancouver and Toronto. Smaller cities like Montreal and Calgary offer better value. Budget $2,500–$4,500 CAD/month ($1,850–$3,350 USD).
Toronto
Rent $1,800–$2,800 CAD/month for a 1-bed; coworking $300–$500 CAD/month; meals out $15–$25 CAD
Vancouver
Rent $2,000–$3,000 CAD/month for a 1-bed; coworking $250–$450 CAD/month; meals out $15–$25 CAD
Montreal
Rent $1,200–$1,800 CAD/month for a 1-bed; coworking $200–$350 CAD/month; meals out $12–$20 CAD
Tax Implications
Under 183 days/year and no residential ties: non-resident, exempt from tax on foreign income. 183+ days/year: deemed resident, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates (15%–33% federal + provincial).
Tax rules change frequently. Consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions based on this information.
Get tax threshold alerts before you trigger residency
NomadSync tracks your days in every country and warns you when you're approaching tax residency thresholds — like the 183-day rule.
Also Consider
Other popular digital nomad visa destinations
Passport Visa-Free Access
Check if your passport allows visa-free entry to Canada
We review and update this guide regularly. If you spot an error, let us know.
Planning your move?
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