Things to Know If You’re a Canadian Expat in Latin America

Living abroad can be a life-changing experience for those willing to take the risk. Latin America has lively cities, unique landscapes, and some of the best food in the world. The colorful, music-filled streets can be an attractive place to live for those from Canada.

Being an Expat can be fun, but there are also essential things that you need to be aware of if you live abroad already or if you're thinking about moving somewhere in South America. It's estimated that 2.8 million Canadians live abroad, so it's possible, and others are doing it too!

We're going to discuss all that you need to know about being an Expat in Latin America.

Taxes

Depending on what you do while you're in South America to make money or spend your time, it could be taxable in Canada. Many expats teach English or work for Canadian companies that have offices located in Latin America. Another possibility is that you work online with a Canadian company that allows you to work wherever you want.

When filing taxes, it's important if you remain a resident of Canada, or you have obtained residency in Latin America. You can still be a citizen of Canada, but not a resident. It's possible to keep your residence if you are only working temporarily in another country.

A non-resident has different tax forms than residents of Canada. Also, Canada allows for dual citizenship, so if you become a citizen in a Latin American country, it could affect how you file taxes.

Make sure you file with the Canadian government every year, even if you never plan to live in Canada again. When you don't, you can face penalties or even jail time in extreme cases. To make sure you are doing everything correctly, you can contact Canadian Tax Amnesty Lawyers to ask questions and remain legal while abroad.

Health Insurance

If your job abroad doesn't offer health insurance coverage, it's crucial to consider getting some. Learn if your health insurance with your work also covers you while aboard. If you don't have international insurance, look into traveler's insurance.

This type of insurance comes at various prices and coverages. Depending on your budget and what you want to be protected on, traveler's insurance can be a great option. It's usually affordable, and it's great if your job abroad doesn't provide coverage for you already. Traveler's insurance can be bought for just a certain amount of time, which is convenient if you are only living abroad for a few months.

For preventable illnesses, you should look at the list of vaccines needed for the country you want to reside in. In parts of Latin America, malaria, yellow fever, and other serious illnesses are still in the area. In order to enter some parts of these countries, you need to carry proof of vaccines.

Also, remember that not all medications are readily available in South American countries. Make sure you have enough supply or refills before you go. If there is ever a medical emergency while abroad, contact the Canadian Embassy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visas

When living overseas, you are most likely working abroad. If you are not working with a Canadian company, you will most likely need a work visa from the country that's employing you.

You must get legal permission to work before starting your job abroad. You'll need to set this up beforehand with your employer and the immigration office in the country. If you're unable to set up your visa before arriving in the country, you'll need to enter as a tourist, then switch to a working visa.

If you're not legally working or living abroad, you can get a fine or even jail time in that country. It would help if you also looked into the Canadian requirements for working and living abroad.

The Bottom Line

Living in Latin America can be an experience filled with new adventures and deep culture. It's a chance in a lifetime to learn Spanish or Portuguese, experience a new culture, and get international work and living experience that will stay with you your whole life.

While making this life choice can be great, you need to do some thinking about taxes, health insurance, and visas because you're not just on vacation, you're living abroad. Once you get all of these things figured out, you'll be able to start your life in Latin America!