Canada–Austria Social Security Agreement in Force

Summary#

This proclamation gives notice that the Agreement on Social Security Between Canada and the Republic of Austria is in force as of July 1, 2023. The agreement updates how Canada and Austria co‑ordinate pensions and related benefits and replaces earlier arrangements from 1987 and 1995.

What it does#

• Brings the new Agreement on Social Security Between Canada and the Republic of Austria into force on July 1, 2023.
• Replaces the earlier 1987 agreement and the 1995 supplementary agreement, while protecting benefit rights already acquired under those older agreements.
• Lets Canada and Austria “totalize” periods of work, contribution, or residence so people can combine time spent under each country’s rules to qualify for benefits (pensions, allowances, etc.).
• Sets rules about which country’s social security system applies to:
  • employed workers,
  • self‑employed people,
  • workers sent temporarily by an employer (detachments are covered by the sending country for up to 60 months).
• Confirms that benefits can generally be paid when a person lives in the other country (subject to some limits under the Old Age Security Act).
• Requires an administrative arrangement between the countries covering practical details, liaison agencies, and how claims are handled across borders.
• Provides for exchange of information, mutual assistance, medical exams when needed, and rules to protect personal information.
• Allows either country to end the agreement with 12 months notice; acquired benefit rights remain protected.

Who's affected#

• People who have lived or worked in both Canada and Austria and who seek pension or related social security benefits.
• Canadian and Austrian citizens who move between the two countries.
• Employers who send staff on temporary assignments between Canada and Austria.
• The authorities that administer benefits under the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Act, and the equivalent agencies in Austria.
• People already receiving or in the process of claiming benefits under the old agreements (the agreement preserves their existing rights).

Why it matters#

• Individuals who split their working life between Canada and Austria may now be able to combine periods of coverage to qualify for pensions or increases they otherwise could not get on their own.
• People who retire or live abroad can have clearer rules about whether and how benefits will be paid to them outside their home country.
• Employers and workers get clearer, predictable rules about which country’s social security contributions apply during cross‑border work or temporary assignments.
• The agreement aims to reduce paperwork and speed up decisions through administrative cooperation, while setting standards for protecting personal information.