LIVING ABROAD - A Canadian’s guide to working, studying, volunteering or retiring in a foreign country

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Bintang

LIVING ABROAD provides practical guidance for Canadians planning to work, study, volunteer, or retire overseas, covering both opportunities and responsibilities. It emphasizes risk assessment, careful evaluation of options abroad, registration, and health preparedness, including insurance choices and travel document planning. While abroad, it focuses on safety, housing, health care, culture shock, money management, legal and immigration matters, consular support, and emergency preparedness. It also guides return planning for coming back to Canada.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages46

Reading Time1 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Introduction

Before leaving Canada

While living abroad

Coming back to Canada

For more information

Living AbroRING A CANADIAN’SOGRUIDERETIRTIONWGIONRKAINGFOR,SEITUDYINGGN COUN,TRY [Travel.gc.ca](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](travel.gc.ca) , email [enqserv@international.gc.ca](enqserv@international.gc.ca) 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 thereproduction 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 ..........................

FAQs

What does this guide help Canadians do before leaving Canada?

It covers completing a risk assessment, evaluating opportunities abroad, planning, registering Canadians abroad, considering dual citizenship, understanding temporary versus permanent residency, and preparing for emergencies and health needs.

What topics are addressed while living abroad?

It provides guidance on staying safe, housing, health care, culture shock, managing money, legal matters, immigration and citizenship, driving, consular services, emergency plans, death abroad, and keeping connected.

How does the guide support Canadians when returning to Canada?

It includes planning for a return, focusing on steps and considerations to transition back to Canada after living abroad.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Bintang