Living Abroad A CANADIAN’S GUIDE TO WORKING, STUDYING, VOLUNTEERING OR RETIRING IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY Travel.gc.ca LIVING ABROAD A Canadian’s guide to working, studying, volunteering or retiring in a foreign country Published by Global Affairs Canada To obtain more information or additional free copies of this booklet, visit travel.gc.ca, email [email protected] or call 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000. This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Ce document est aussi disponible en français sous le titre Vivre à l’étranger Information in this publication is readily available for personal and public non-commercial use and may be reproduced, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from Global Affairs Canada. We ask only that users exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced; that Global Affairs Canada be identified as the source department; and that the reproduction not be represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with the department or with its endorsement. All information in this publication is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Global Affairs Canada makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate at the time it is published. The department, as the publisher, is solely responsible for the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and reliability of any such information. The information, however, is subject to change at any time without notice. Consult our website and resources in the “For More Information” section for the most up-to-date information. The reader is also encouraged to supplement this information with independent research and professional advice. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2013 Cat. No. FR5-65/2012E ISBN 978-1-100-21202-9 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 BEFORE LEAVING CANADA 3 Complete a risk assessment .................................................................................. 3 Carefully evaluate opportunities abroad ............................................................... 4 A little planning goes a long way ........................................................................... 6 Registration of Canadians Abroad.......................................................................... 7 Dual citizenship—blessing or burden? .................................................................. 9 Temporary versus permanent residency ................................................................. 9 In case of an emergency… .................................................................................. 10 Your health on the move ....................................................................................... 11 Purchase the best insurance you can afford ........................................................ 14 Supplemental insurance versus replacement insurance ..................................... 15 Moving abroad with children ................................................................................ 17 Required travel documents .................................................................................. 18 Calculate the costs .............................................................................................. 21 WHILE LIVING ABROAD 22 Stay safe .............................................................................................................. 22 A roof over your head ............................................................................................ 23 Health care........................................................................................................... 24 Culture shock ....................................................................................................... 25 Manage your money ............................................................................................. 26 Cushioning the impact ......................................................................................... 26 Legal matters ....................................................................................................... 29 Immigration and citizenship ................................................................................ 31 Driving ................................................................................................................. 33 Consular services ................................................................................................. 34 Have an emergency plan ...................................................................................... 35 Death abroad ....................................................................................................... 35 Keep connected .................................................................................................... 36 COMING BACK TO CANADA 38 Planning for your return ....................................................................................... 38 FOR MORE INFORMATION 41 INTRODUCTION The world beyond our borders is home to about three million Canadians. Like you, they each have their own reasons for choosing to live in a foreign land, whether to work, study, volunteer, retire or pursue other opportunities. Residing abroad—either permanently or temporarily— can be a rich and rewarding experience. It can also be challenging, particu- • inform and prepare yourself larly if you move to another before leaving Canada; country based on a dream, without • take care of yourself and your considering the risks and responsi- loved ones while abroad; bilities. The decision to leave • know what to do if things don’t familiar surroundings and adapt to work out as expected; and another social and cultural envi- • plan for your eventual return. ronment should not be taken lightly. It requires thorough re- We urge you to read this booklet search, knowledge and planning. as well as our main publication, Bon The better prepared you are before Voyage, But… Essential Information leaving Canada, the better your for Canadian Travellers. Also be sure experience abroad will be. to visit travel.gc.ca—your official source of information on interna- The Government of Canada assists tional travel. And have a safe, thousands of Canadians residing healthy and happy stay abroad! in foreign countries each year. With more than 260 offices in 150 countries worldwide—plus an Questions about Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa—we’re at your foreign travel? service 24 hours a day, seven days a • Is it safe to go there? week. While there are limits to the • Could I get sick? help we can give you, we offer a vast • Who can I contact for range of consular services, from emergency help? replacing lost passports and sharing • Can the Government of Canada information on local laws to lending get me out of a foreign jail? support during natural disasters and • What should I do if I lose medical emergencies. my passport? • Do I have to pay taxes on foreign income? We’re well aware of the challenges • What can I bring back you’ll face while living abroad. to Canada? That’s why we’ve developed this Answers: Travel.gc.ca booklet to help you: 2 BEFORE LEAVING CANADA COMPLETE A RISK ASSESSMENT It’s important to consider not only the rewards but also the risks of relocating abroad. Be sure to complete a risk assessment of each possible host country in order to identify a safe and suitable destination. If you’re daunted by the perils and inconveniences of a particular destination, then rule it out. A risk assessment will pinpoint • The pace of life may be very concerns you should be aware of, different from what you’re such as safety and security, health used to, affecting your work conditions and the political, habits and well-being. economic, cultural and natural • Safe and comfortable environment, as well as precau- housing may be scarce or tions you can take. For example: prohibitively expensive. • There may be no wheelchair • Some countries experience access or allowances for continuing wars, insurgencies people with hearing, sight and civil unrest. or other special needs. • Others are subject to • The consumption of extreme temperatures and alcohol may be illegal, or natural disasters, such as persons convicted of drug- typhoons, earthquakes and related offences may face volcanic eruptions. capital punishment. • Children may be tried, con- victed and incarcerated as adults for their crimes. Read up, register, reach us The Government of Canada encourages Canadians to follow the Three Rs of international travel: • Read up on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry require- ments, health conditions and other key travel topics by consulting our Travel Advice and Advisories (travel.gc.ca/advice). • Register with us through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving Canada, so we can contact and assist you in an emer- gency abroad, such as a hurricane or civil unrest, or inform you about an emergency at home (travel.gc.ca/register). • Reach us at our Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa for urgent assistance while abroad (travel.gc.ca/emergencies). Travel.gc.ca | 3 To carry out a risk assessment: CAREFULLY EVALUATE • Start by consulting the Travel OPPORTUNITIES Advice and Advisories for your ABROAD prospective host country to see if an official Government A wide range of work, study, of Canada Travel