Not yet, and this is a common misunderstanding. Canada has been a full Hague member since 11 January 2024, which is genuinely true. But Thailand — the destination country — only acceded to the Convention on 30 June 2026 and it doesn't take effect until 28 February 2027. The missing piece is on Thailand's side. Until then, your Global Affairs Canada apostille also needs legalisation at the Royal Thai Embassy in Ottawa.

Yes to CPP (fully portable internationally). OAS is generally portable overseas if you lived in Canada for 20+ years after age 18. Notify Service Canada of your move. GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) is NOT paid to non-residents of Canada — if you currently receive it, it stops when you leave.

Usually not quite. Combined maximum CPP (CAD 1,507.65/month, 2026) and maximum OAS (CAD 743.05/month, Apr-Jun 2026 quarter) comes to roughly CAD 2,250/month. The Non-OA requirement is 65,000 THB/month, which moves with the exchange rate but is often above that combined figure. Common supplements: RRIF drawdown, rental income from Canadian property, investment income — or the 800,000 THB bank-deposit route, which sidesteps the income test entirely.

Yes — there's no restriction on RRIF drawdown as a non-resident. Canadian withholding tax applies on RRIF/RRSP payments to non-residents, with the specific rate depending on the CA-Thailand tax treaty and payment type. A Canadian accountant with non-resident tax expertise is recommended before beginning drawdown from abroad.

The RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check (fingerprint-based, Level 2) is the standard requirement for Thai visa purposes — it covers your national criminal record. A local municipal or provincial police clearance doesn't capture records held federally, so it isn't a substitute.

No — the DTV does require a 500,000 THB bank balance; it just doesn't require a police certificate, which is easy to conflate. Every DTV applicant needs the bank balance regardless of income level.

Yes. The CA-Thailand tax treaty affects how CPP, OAS, RRIF income, dividends, and other Canadian-sourced income is taxed once you're a Thailand resident — but the specific provisions need professional confirmation. Becoming a non-resident of Canada for tax purposes has several implications (withholding taxes, departure tax on certain assets, TFSA treatment) worth reviewing with a non-resident tax specialist before departure.

Yes — particularly in Chiang Mai, which consistently ranks among the top expatriate cities for Canadians. Bangkok has the Canadian Embassy and the Canadian-Thai Chamber of Commerce. Phuket and Koh Samui have smaller but established Canadian communities.

The visa process is identical for all Canadian passport holders regardless of provincial origin. French-speaking Canadians can access RCMP and Global Affairs Canada services in both English and French; the Thai Embassy in Ottawa and its consulates handle all Canadian applicants the same way. If you need French-language support from our team, ask — we can accommodate.

Provincial plans (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, and others) have specific out-of-country coverage rules, and most provide minimal or no coverage outside Canada after a certain absence period. Notify your provincial health authority of your departure and confirm the current rules for your province. The Non-OA visa requires OIC-approved Thai health insurance regardless — 40,000 THB outpatient + 400,000 THB inpatient minimum.

Start with the free eligibility check above. Tell us your age, income situation (CPP, OAS, RRIF, savings), and how long you want to stay — we identify the right visa (Non-OA, LTR, DTV, or Privilege), confirm the current RCMP and legalisation steps, and give a fixed-price quote. No obligation.