Working in Trinidad and Tobago

If You Are Posted Temporarily in Trinidad and Tobago

Many Canadians, as part of their work, are sent on temporary postings in another country. These postings may be to the same company, or to a related company (for example, an affiliate or subsidiary in another country).

In such circumstances, the Agreement on Social Security between Trinidad and Tobago and Canada ensures that you can continue to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan if your employer sends you to Trinidad and Tobago to work temporarily. In this way, your Canada Pension Plan protection will not be interrupted. The Agreement also ensures that you will not have to contribute to the National Insurance System of Trinidad and Tobago while you are working there.

For the provisions of the Agreement to apply to you, you must be working in Canada and contributing to the Canada Pension Plan before your posting to Trinidad and Tobago. The posting must be part of your work duties. It cannot be an entirely new job in Trinidad and Tobago which has no relation to your job in Canada. Also, the posting cannot be expected to last more than five years.

To benefit from the provisions of the Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement regarding temporary postings, you and your employer have to obtain a certificate of coverage from Revenue Canada. The addresses, telephone and fax numbers for Revenue Canada are given below.
 

If You Are Self-Employed and Work in Trinidad and Tobago


If you are self-employed and work in Trinidad and Tobago as part of your self-employment, you will not have to contribute to the National Insurance System of Trinidad and Tobago.

Under the Agreement, however, if you ordinarily reside in Canada, you can continue your coverage under the Canada Pension Plan.

For more information, please call or write Revenue Canada.
 

If You Take a New Job in Trinidad and Tobago


If you take an entirely new job in Trinidad and Tobago, you will have to contribute to the National Insurance System of Trinidad and Tobago.