Guide

Pensions earned abroad: what follows you to Quebec

Years contributed elsewhere may count, be totalised, or be lost. Three questions decide: where, how many years, and whether there is an agreement between the countries.

⚠ Immigration thresholds and programs change fast — check the date

This page describes the general structure of the system, which stays stable. But exact thresholds, fees, and specific program statuses can change within weeks. Before relying on a specific figure or date below, confirm the current status on Quebec.ca or Canada.ca.

Check before acting

Years contributed elsewhere may count, be totalised, or be lost. Three questions decide: where, how many years, and whether there is an agreement between the countries.

A foreign pension is taxable here

A benefit paid by another country does not escape Canadian tax because it comes from far away. Under tax treaties it may be taxed here, there or shared; a foreign tax credit can prevent double taxation.

Official sources

Sources: Retraite Quebec (https://www.retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/); Service Canada — social security agreements (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/social-security-agreements.html). Checked September 20, 2026 — amounts, deadlines and fees are not reproduced here: confirm with the official source.

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