Investing in Canada as an expat

Because the options available to you in Canada – and the costs, outlook and tax rules – might vary a lot from your home country, it’s important to educate yourself on investing in Canada before you put any money on the line.

This guide looks at various Canadian investment options from property to stocks, pensions, and alternative assets, covering product availability and tax implications.

This guide is for information only and does not constitute advice. Different types of investment are suitable for different individual needs. Get professional advice and support to choose the right investment plan for your unique situation.

Key takeaways: Investing in Canada

• Canada has a large economy and many investment opportunities – getting professional advice is key to successfully investing in Canada or elsewhere
• Canada does not have a specific investment visa – but there are start up visa options which could be used by individuals moving to Canada to work in their own business
• Expats can invest in Canada in a pension or buying shares – many different options are available depending on individual needs
• Non-residents can not usually buy Canadian real estate at the time of writing – there is a ban on most foreign non-resident purchases of real estate set to run until 2027, although you may still be eligible to buy through exemptions for some residents, or if you’re a permanent resident
• Choose a low cost service to convert and send currencies – providers like Wise have high limits, fees which get lower when you send over 35,000 CAD, and the mid-market exchange rate

Investment in Canada

Canada has one of the ten largest economies in the world and is an attractive place for investors of many types.

Canadian government information details the service, manufacturing and natural resource industries as the most important sectors to understand. Over 75% of Canadians work in service related industries which could be anything from retail and tourism through to finance, IT and banking.

There’s also a healthy manufacturing segment which includes both high tech and engineered equipment, and clothing, food and other more day to day goods. The largest export market for manufactured goods is the US.

Finally, Canada has a very important natural resources industry which covers domestic and international use of forestry, fishing, agriculture, mining and energy products.

Investors looking for Canadian real estate opportunities need to know that at the time of writing, Canada has a ban on foreign non-resident purchases of real estate in most situations. This has been extended to 2027 and is due to a shortage of housing for local citizens.

There are some exceptions for foreign permanent residents and people married to Canadians for example, but if you’re thinking of buying property in Canada you’ll need to get specialist advice. Some exemptions can also apply for temporary residents looking to buy a primary residence.

How much is needed to invest in Canada to get citizenship?

Canada does not offer citizenship through investment. There are ways you can get a visa to enter Canada as an entrepreneur or investor, but generally you must be sponsored by an authorised agency, and you’ll need to demonstrate you have enough money to survive even before your business is established.

To give an example, the Start Up Visa requires you to be sponsored by an authorised business incubator, venture capital fund or angel investor group. You may find you need committed capital, and of course, a business idea that’s strong enough to gain access to one of these backers.

If you qualify for a visa to enter Canada you may be able to become a permanent resident, and from there apply for Canadian citizenship. However, this is a relatively long process, and requires you to continue to qualify for a relevant visa for 5 years or more.

What to know before investing in Canada

Seeking professional advice is crucial before making investments, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with local rules and regulations in Canada. Most banks and financial institutions have investment advisors available by appointment, including some which offer multi-lingual support services that may be handy for expats.

Bear in mind that you don’t have to use the advisors on hand at your bank. Look for financial advisors familiar with the needs of expats who may be able to give an unbiased assessment of your options.

As an expat investor it’s also important to remember that currency fluctuations can impact returns – get hit by a bad rate when repatriating your savings and you could end up with less than you expect in your home currency.

Wise can help investors move money efficiently between countries with mid-market exchange rates and low fees on international transfers. Wise also offers automatic fee discounts on larger transfers, and has a dedicated support team for large international transfers.

How to start investing in Canada as an expat

Before you start investing in Canada you’ll need to make sure you have a good understanding of the local market, as well as general principles for investing as effectively as possible. Here are a few universal investment principles to consider:

• Start with low-risk investments for beginners, to give you a chance to learn more about the investment journey
• Diversify investments to avoid concentration risk, looking at different asset types or geographies for example
• Understand time horizon and risk profile – investing is usually a long term concern, so if you’re looking at quicker returns you will need to choose your products carefully
• Never invest more than you can afford to lose and don’t borrow to invest
• Research thoroughly and avoid “too good to be true” offers – including when you compare the fees of different platforms or brokers
• Consider professional advice for complex investments and as you learn

This guide is for information only and does not constitute advice. Different types of investment are suitable for different individual needs. Get professional advice and support to choose the right investment plan for your unique situation.

Savings account investments in Canada

You’ll find an excellent range of savings accounts available from national and regional banks in Canada. Savings options described by the Canadian government include:

• Savings accounts for short-term deposits
• Short-term guaranteed investment certificates (GICs)
• Bonds, such as Canada Savings Bonds
• Funds and stocks
• Index-linked deposits
• Long-term guaranteed investment certificates (GICs)
• Registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs)
• Registered education savings plans (RESPs)
• Registered disability savings plans (RDSPs)
• Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs)

Savings accounts made with credit institutions in Canada are protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) up to 100,000 CAD per depositor.

Major banks like Royal bank of Canada offer a full range of deposit accounts which can suit pretty much any eligible client. There are also digital first banks and providers in Canada which have interest bearing accounts, such as Tangerine.

Pension investments in Canada

If you’re planning on staying in Canada for the rest of your life, you’ll need to make provisions for retirement. In most countries globally you’ll come across the three-pillar pension system: state, occupational, and private pensions. These options are also available for Canadian residents.

State pension

You may be able to claim a Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) pension if you

are at least 60 and have made contributions to a CPP in the past. The standard age to get your pension is 65, but you can also leave it as late as 70 to start to draw funds. The amount you get depends on your age and other factors including your contributions and average earnings through your working life.

Pension amounts vary and are reassessed on a regular basis. You can make an application and get a pension forecast based on your own situation online.

Employer pensions

Employer pensions are arranged by your employer, and usually require both the employer and employee to make contributions.

Employer pensions are common for private sector employees, and are usually defined contribution schemes in which you save a fixed amount of your salary which is invested until the time you retire. Upon retirement you can use the funds accumulated to buy an annuity.

You can also use your money to pay into a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or locked-in registered retirement income fund (RRIF) or to take as cash in some cases.

Defined benefit schemes which pay out based on tenure and other factors do still exist, but they’re now very rare.

Private pensions

It’s also possible to arrange a private pension in Canada which may be saved as registered pension plans (RPPs), registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), registered retirement income funds (RRIFs), specified pension plans (SPPs), or pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs).

Plans like these can often be set up through major banks or insurance companies and may offer tax advantages. Usually you will not be taxed on money in your account, but you’ll pay tax on withdrawal instead.

Your private pension may be used to supplement any annuity you might have from a state scheme or an Employer pension. As pension types vary a lot, you may need to get advice to ensure you select the best private pension option for your situation.

Property investments in Canada

At the time of writing, Canada has a ban on most non-resident purchases of real estate. You may be able to buy property as a foreigner if you’re a permanent resident of Canada or through family relationships with a Canadian citizen.

Foreign ownership restrictions and eligibility

Foreigner non-residents looking to buy property in Canada need to get legal advice to understand their options – generally this is not possible, under a ban which is set to run until at least 2027.

If you are a permanent resident or if you’re married to a Canadian you may still qualify to buy property. In some situations there are also exemptions for temporary residents looking to buy a primary residence but rules also apply here.

Market conditions and pricing

Canada’s real estate market was considered to be very expensive, which was causing housing problems for local citizens. As a result the ban on foreign non-resident purchases was brought in to cool the market and make it more affordable for locals to buy.

In 2025-6 property prices have been fairly stable, coming slowly down from their 2022 peak.

Property prices do change a lot, and regional variations can be quite stark. For that reason you’ll need to take some time to learn more about the property market in the area of Canada you’re considering investing in, so you can spot good deals when they arise.

Buying property in Canada? If you need to move a large payment overseas, Wise could help, with high transfer limits (usually around 1m GBP or equivalent), transfer fees which get lower when you send over 35,000 CAD, the mid-market exchange rate and a dedicated customer support team for large transfers.

Mortgage options and costs

If you need to pay for your Canadian property with a mortgage you can apply directly to Canadian banks, or you might prefer to work with a broker to secure the best possible mortgage as an expat in Canada.

Variable down payments may be required to secure a mortgage as an expat, with interest rates dependent on the mortgage type, value and duration. Your prospects for being approved for a home loan depend on affordability, and your legal status in the country, as well as other factors such as the property location and value.

Insurance and protection requirements

If you’re taking out a mortgage in Canada you may want to look into life insurance cover, to ensure the loan can be serviced even in the case of death. This isn’t usually mandatory, but can offer peace of mind.

If you’re getting a loan and need mortgage protection for Canada, here are some life insurance companies in Canada you may want to look into:

• Canada Life
• Sun Life
• Manulife

Investment funds in Canada

A popular option for many people in Canada is to use investment funds which are often overseen by fund managers who take over the job of picking assets and managing the portfolio for clients. If you invest in a fund your money is used to buy assets like shares, and you can profit from the growth of that asset, or from dividends paid while you own it.

Canada’s stock exchange is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), to keep customers as safe as possible. There are also specific provincial and territorial bodies involved in local administration.

Types of investment funds

Common types of investment finds you may see include:

• Exchange-traded funds (ETF) – low-cost, easy to trade funds indexed to stock exchanges
• Equity/stock funds – investing in stocks and shares for long-term growth
• Bond/debt funds – investing in bonds with periodic dividends
• Mixed funds – combination of shares and bonds
• Hedge funds – private funds with higher returns but more expensive and risky

Before you choose the right funds for your needs, take some time comparing fund performance against fees, and seeking professional advice to ensure you buy into the right options for your investment goals.

Investing in stocks and shares in Canada

The main Canadian stock exchange is the Toronto Stock Exchange – and there’s also the Canadian Securities Exchange which is a regulated exchange for small-cap and emerging companies in Canada.

There are many helpful tools online on the exchange websites which allow you to view trends, search for assets and generally get a feel for the market. If you’re looking for a specific index to follow which may help you understand how the market is trading in Canada, you may find want to look out for any of the following:

• S&P/TSX Composite Index – tracks some of the biggest companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange
• Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap ETF – tracks a mix of small, mid and large companies
• BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity – seeks out low volatility stocks to offer lower risk of exposure to market movements

You can invest in stocks through investment funds managed by individuals, or pick stocks yourself by buying individual assets. This is easily done with online and in-app stock trading platforms. Bear in mind that there are risks in stock trading which you should not underestimate. Costs can also creep in when trading, which can undermine any profits you make.

When selecting a platform to start trading in Canada look carefully at costs including transaction fees, account fees, and taxes.

Ethical and sustainable investing in Canada

As with most countries, there’s growing popularity of ethical investing and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) focused investment in Canada.

If you’re particularly interested in investing in ethical finance opportunities it’s worth talking your views and options through with an investment advisor who can help you target the right assets in Canada based on your investment needs. There are specific advisory services which specialise in ethical investments which may be able to meet your needs.

Other types of investment in Canada

Traditional investments in stocks and shares are very popular in Canada but there are also other options.

Bonds and government securities

Generally government and corporate bonds are viewed as low-risk investments with moderate return rates. Bonds are often used as part of a diversification strategy to ensure your portfolio has a mix of risk within it.

You can get advice from professionals if you’re interested in adding bonds and securities into your portfolio.

Alternative investments

To diversify even further investors may also look at other markets like gold, precious metals, art, wine, and cryptocurrency. Some of these markets are fairly new, which can mean they’re more volatile and not as well regulated as other markets. If you’re considering alternative investments, be wary of scams and do your research carefully before handing over any money.

Life insurance and specialized products

Some permanent life insurance policies in Canada can be used to leave a tax free sum to a beneficiary, or to withdraw from whilst the policy holder is still alive.

If you choose to look into using life insurance to invest, get professional advice, You should also bear in mind that other taxes may still apply, including tax in your home country if you’re an expat in Canada. Get advice before you invest.

Tax on investments in Canada

Before you invest in Canada it’s important to understand the tax implications both in Canada and in your home country if relevant.

Capital gains and investment income taxation

The Capital gains tax (CGT) on investments in Canada depends on your personal marginal income tax rate. Generally 50% of the gain you’ve made is taxed, according to the rates that apply based on your overall income over that tax year.

Get advice on taxes when you sell any assets so you know how the rules apply in your own case.

Property and wealth taxes

There’s no specific wealth tax in Canada at the time of writing, but property taxes usually apply which are set on a local level. Check with your local authorities to know the property taxes which apply in your area.

Conclusion

If you’re an expat in Canada or if you’ve moved there to retire or to live long term, you may be thinking of investing to protect your future financial well being.

Canada has a large range of investment opportunities from saving in high return accounts, investing in shares and other popular assets, or starting a local pension. Get professional advice before you invest in Canada to make sure your plans match your risk profile and needs. And don’t forget that you’ll also need great low cost ways to convert currencies – like Wise – if you’re sending money to or from Canada internationally.

Wise uses the mid-market rate with no markup to worry about, and fee discounts on high value payments over 35,000 CAD. This helps with keeping costs low and making the process to transfer overseas simple, convenient and cheap.

FAQs

How to invest in stocks in Canada?

Invest in stocks in Canada through major banks which have investment products and advisory services, or through popular app based investment platforms. Get advice before you invest to make sure your investment portfolio matches your long term needs.

Where to invest in Canada?

Canada has a full range of investment options from buying property, investing in shares and other popular assets, or starting a local pension.

What is the best way to invest money in Canada?

There’s no single best investment in Canada – the right options for you depend on your needs and preferences. As an expat your requirements can be quite different to a long term Canadian resident, so getting specific advice from an investment expert can help you structure your portfolio.

Is there a reason to invest in Canada?

You may want to invest in Canada if you’re planning on living there or if you want to diversify your portfolio to take in additional geographies. Canada is the largest economy in the world so there are plenty of opportunities for investing.

Is it easy to start investing in Canada for foreigners?

Canada has an accessible investment landscape with few barriers to entry for most people. Get some advice to make sure you’re using your money wisely, and look at all possible investment options before you commit.

Useful resources

(Information last checked on 17th of October 2025)

• Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions – supervisors and regulators of Canadian banks
• Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) – oversees and regulates stock markets
• Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) – oversees and regulates stock markets
• Financial Consumer Agency – Canada’s body for consumer protection for financial products and services
• Toronto Stock Exchange – key stock exchange in Canada
• Canadian Securities Exchange – regulated exchange for small-cap and emerging companies in Canada
• Canada Pension Plan – government information about eligibility and payments for CPP
• Canada immigration – start up visa eligibility
• Royal bank of Canada – full range of deposit accounts of different types
• Tangerine – digital first bank offering savings products