Can a non-resident open an investment account in Canada? Sep 21st

I moved to Sweden to study in 2021 and I am no longer considered a resident of Canada (to my understanding). However, I have some money to invest. I am not allowed to contribute to my TFSA which leaves me with contributing to an RRSP or an ISK (Swedish tax efficient account). In short, you pay ~0.40% of the total account value in tax per year.

My contract in Sweden ends in 2024, but it is possible that I stay there, move back to Canada or move elsewhere in the world.

My questions: Would it make sense to contribute to an RRSP given that I have no Canadian income to offset? And what would be the consequences of withdrawing in a few years if I end up staying in Sweden? Or would you consider the ISK, or some other alternative?

—Kyle

How being a non-resident of Canada can affect your investments

Canadian residents are taxable on their worldwide income. Non-residents of Canada are subject to withholding tax on income in Canada that generally ranges from 15% to 25%. But they typically only file a tax return for certain types of income, like rental property income or the sale of real estate…