Moving to Thailand as a Canadian
Thailand attracts thousands of Canadians with affordable living and rich culture.
before
- Content to be written in back office (nationality + language)
~20,000 Canadians live in Thailand. This guide covers work visa, CRA obligations, CPP/OAS abroad.
Visa & requirements
- Canadian passport
- Thai employer
- Degrees
- Work permit post-arrival
Canadians need a Non-Immigrant B from the Thai Embassy in Ottawa. Digital work permit since 2025.
Expatriation budget
- Suburban apt
- Local food
- Transit
- Central condo
- Mixed dining
- Insurance
Monthly budget for expats
Bangkok: CAD 1,600–3,400/month. Chiang Mai: CAD 1,100–2,000/month. Thailand is 60–70% cheaper than Canada. Health insurance: CAD 400–1,100/year locally.
Internet & connectivity
Internet and connectivity
Thailand has fast, affordable internet. Fiber 100–500 Mbps for $15–30/month. Much cheaper than Canadian ISPs (Bell, Rogers, Telus).
Average speed: 150 Mbps
Taxation & obligations
Canada taxes worldwide income. Canada-Thailand treaty applies. CPP contributions can be maintained. File NR73 with CRA when leaving.
Steps to settle in Thailand
Before departure
- Obtain Non-Immigrant visa
- Legalise documents
- Health insurance (provincial coverage ends)
- Notify CRA of residency change
- Update CPP/OAS details
Settling in
- Open local bank account
- Work Permit if needed
- Long-term lease
- Register with Canadian Embassy
- Thai Tax ID
Daily life
- Renew visa
- 90-day report (TM47)
- CRA annual filing
- CPP/OAS payments continue abroad
- Thai driving licence
Advantages & challenges
Advantages
- Very affordable
- Excellent healthcare
- Modern infrastructure
Challenges
- Visa tied to employer
- Language barrier
- Time zone difference
Yes, both CPP and OAS are payable worldwide.