Can I withdraw my Hong Kong MPF after moving to Canada?
Yes. You can withdraw your MPF early on the ground of permanent departure from Hong Kong by making a statutory declaration that you have left to live elsewhere and will not return to work or settle, and by showing proof that you are allowed to live outside Hong Kong, such as Canadian permanent residence. You can only do this once in your lifetime, and a BN(O) passport or its visa is not accepted as proof.
How to claim
Claims go to your MPF trustee through the eMPF Platform, not to the MPFA. You make a statutory declaration about your permanent departure and give the trustee proof that you may live outside Hong Kong.
For people moving to Canada, documents showing Canadian permanent residence, such as a confirmation of permanent residence or PR card, or Canadian citizenship, are the usual proof. Each trustee decides on the evidence in front of it, so ask yours what it accepts before you apply.
Rules to know
Permanent departure withdrawal is allowed only once in a lifetime. Returning to Hong Kong and joining a new scheme does not reset it.
The MPFA has said BN(O) passports and their associated visas cannot be used as evidence. A work or study permit alone may not be enough, because it does not show permanent residence.
Making a false declaration is a criminal offence in Hong Kong.
After the money arrives
Compare transfer providers before moving a large sum: exchange-rate markups often cost more than the fee. Keep records of where the money came from, because Canadian banks and mortgage lenders may ask. If you are already a Canadian tax resident when you withdraw, ask a tax professional whether any part must be reported in Canada.
Can I use my BN(O) visa to withdraw my MPF in Canada?
Not for a Canadian move either: the BN(O) passport and visa are not accepted as evidence. Proof of Canadian permanent residence or citizenship is what trustees usually look for.
Can I withdraw part now and the rest later?
Permanent departure is a once-in-a-lifetime claim, so plan to withdraw the full balance you want in one claim. Ask your trustee how it handles accounts in more than one scheme.
Official sources
- MPFA: early withdrawal of MPF
- MPFA statement on evidence for permanent departure claims (April 2023)
- CRA: newcomers to Canada
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