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Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts - Quebec - Canada
Archived
Source verified June 10, 2026

Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts

Tax holiday for foreign expert salaries in Quebec
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply

Eligible applicants for this grant include companies located in Quebec that are engaged in scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) projects. The companies must have an employment contract with the foreign expert, and the expert must be specialized in a field relevant to the valorization of SR&ED results. The expert should hold a graduate university degree recognized in Quebec in pure and applied sciences or a related field, or possess equivalent knowledge, and must perform SR&ED activities within the Quebec-based company almost exclusively.

See full eligibility

Overview

Attract recognized foreign experts who are highly qualified in the implementation of innovation projects to work in Quebec. They will receive a tax holiday ranging from 100% of taxable income in the first year, to 25% in the fifth year.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Obtain certifications or accreditations
  • Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
  • Varies by project

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Quebec
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Startups

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

This grant supports activities that enhance the commercialization, transfer, and management of research and development outcomes. These projects are essential for driving technological innovation and economic growth in Quebec's private sector.

  • Management of innovation resulting from research and development projects.
  • Commercialization and marketing of research and development project outcomes.
  • Transfer of advanced technologies from research and development projects.
  • Financing of research and development activities.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant include companies located in Quebec that are engaged in scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) projects. The companies must have an employment contract with the foreign expert, and the expert must be specialized in a field relevant to the valorization of SR&ED results. The expert should hold a graduate university degree recognized in Quebec in pure and applied sciences or a related field, or possess equivalent knowledge, and must perform SR&ED activities within the Quebec-based company almost exclusively.

Eligible expenses

This grant is designed to enhance the recruitment of foreign experts for innovation projects, specifically focusing on research and experimental development (RS-DE) in private businesses located in Quebec. Eligible activities involve various functions related to managing and commercializing the outcomes of RS-DE projects.

  • Management of innovation resulting from RS-DE projects.
  • Commercialization and marketing of RS-DE project results.
  • Technology transfer of advancements resulting from RS-DE projects.
  • Financing of RS-DE activities.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant specifically applies to companies operating in a defined geographical area to enhance innovation and competitiveness. Eligible locations are restricted to align with regional economic strategies.

  • Companies based in the province of Québec, Canada.

Selection criteria

- The grant is awarded based on the specific criteria outlined in the program guidelines. - Evaluation criteria may include the expertise and qualifications of the foreign expert, the relevance of their role in the research and development activities, the potential impact on innovation within the company, and the quality of the proposed project or activities. - Selection criteria may also consider the alignment of the expert's responsibilities with the goals of the research and development projects, the ability of the expert to contribute to the commercialization of research outcomes, and the overall potential for knowledge transfer and technology advancement.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review General Information Guide
    • Read the Guide of general information to understand the requirements and process.
  • Step 2: Complete Application Form
    • Download and fill out the application form.
  • Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
    • Compile a detailed and signed curriculum vitae of the candidate.
    • Prepare a copy of the signed employment contract.
    • Include a copy of the company's certificate of incorporation if it is the first application.
    • Attach one of the following documents:
      • Copy of diplomas from a Quebec university.
      • Copies of postsecondary diplomas with course list and a certified copy of the candidate's last relevant diploma.
      • Comparative evaluation of studies completed outside Quebec.
  • Step 4: Submit Application
    • Send the completed application form and all required documents in a single email.
    • Email this to the provided address: conges.fiscaux@economie.gouv.qc.ca.
  • Step 5: Annual Renewal
    • The expert's certificate needs to be renewed annually using the annual certificate application form.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • The application process is free of charge.
  • The certificate needs to be renewed annually.
  • A certified duplicate of the last relevant degree of the candidate is required if the degree is not from a Quebec university.
  • The candidate must submit a comparative evaluation if the education was completed outside Quebec.
  • The foreign expert can claim a tax deduction for a maximum of five years on their provincial tax return.
  • The application and all requisite documents must be submitted via email in a single submission.
  • For the initial application from a company, a copy of the certificate of incorporation is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts Program

What is the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts?

Attract recognized foreign experts who are highly qualified in the implementation of innovation projects to work in Quebec. They will receive a tax holiday ranging from 100% of taxable income in the first year, to 25% in the fifth year.

Who is eligible for the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts program?

To be eligible for the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts program, you must: The company must be located in Quebec. The company must engage in scientific research and experimental development (RS-DE). The company must have signed an employment contract with a foreign expert.

What expenses are eligible under Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts?

This grant supports activities that enhance the commercialization, transfer, and management of research and development outcomes. These projects are essential for driving technological innovation and economic growth in Quebec's private sector. Management of innovation resulting from research and development projects. Commercialization and marketing of research and development project outcomes. Transfer of advanced technologies from research and development projects. Financing of research and development activities.

Who can I contact for more information about the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts?

You can contact Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE).

Where is the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts available?

The Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts program is available the province of Quebec.

Is the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts is a Tax Credits

Who are the financial supporters of the Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts?

Tax Holiday for Foreign Experts is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)