Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers
Last Update: May 16, 2025
QC, Canada
Tax holiday for foreign researcher salaries in Quebec
Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Tax Credits
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Grant Providers
- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
- Gouvernement du Québec
Status
Open
Overview of the Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers program
Attract highly skilled foreign researchers to work on SR&ED projects in Quebec by offering them a tax holiday ranging from 100% coverage of their taxable earnings in the first two years to 25% coverage in the fifth year.
Financing terms and conditions
The Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers provides a series of tax exemptions aimed at making Quebec an attractive destination for international researchers. The following details outline the exemption rates over a specified employment period.
- 100% Quebec provincial income tax exemption for the first 24 months of employment.
- 75% tax exemption for months 25 to 36.
- 50% tax exemption for months 37 to 48.
- 25% tax exemption for months 49 to 60.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant facilitates the recruitment of foreign researchers and experts to enhance Quebec's scientific research and experimental development initiatives. The eligible projects focus on research and development activities and technology valorization.
- Scientific research and experimental development (RS-DE) by hiring foreign researchers with expertise in pure or applied sciences.
- Valorization of RS-DE results by involving foreign experts in innovation management, commercialization, technology transfer, and funding activities.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 150,000
Recruitment of foreign researcher for AI-driven healthcare solutions development
$ 176,250
Recruit a foreign expert to develop cybersecurity measures for fintech solutions
$ 112,500
Recruitment of a foreign researcher for circular economy project on waste management
$ 161,250
Bring foreign scientist to improve bioplastics through microbial engineering
$ 135,000
Employing an international researcher to study urban heat islands
$ 135,000
Hiring an international researcher to enhance renewable energy storage systems
Eligibility criteria of the Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers program
An enterprise must fulfill several criteria to be eligible for this grant.
- 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 researcher.
Who is eligible?
Foreign researchers specializing in pure or applied sciences, or a related field, who hold a recognized graduate degree in Quebec or possess equivalent knowledge and skills, are eligible for this grant. Companies in Quebec that are actively engaged in scientific research and experimental development can apply for the certificate on behalf of the foreign researcher.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to companies located in Quebec. The program aims to facilitate the recruitment of foreign researchers by providing tax benefits.
- Companies located in Quebec, Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria are as follows:
- Evaluation based on the research expertise of the foreign researcher
- Evaluation of the relevance of the research to the project
- Evaluation of the potential impact of the research on innovation
- Selection based on the qualifications and experience of the researcher
- Selection based on the potential contributions to the project
How to apply to the Tax Holiday for Foreign Researchers program
1
Review the documents
Consult the General Information Guide.
2
Composition of the application file
- Download and complete the application form.
- Prepare the detailed and signed curriculum vitae of the candidate.
- Include a copy of the signed employment contract.
- Add a copy of the certificate of incorporation of the company (if first application).
- Provide a copy of relevant diplomas or a comparative evaluation of studies.
3
Transmission of the request
Send the application form and the required documents by email to conges.fiscaux@economie.gouv.qc.ca in a single submission.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The certificate for a foreign researcher or expert is issued only once for the entire eligible period.
- The researcher exempts a graduated reduction in provincial tax: 100% for the first 24 months, 75% for months 25-36, 50% for months 37-48, and 25% for months 49-60.
- The company must inform the Ministry of any relevant changes affecting eligibility during the tax exemption period.
- Copies of all diplomas must be translated into French or English if originally in another language.
- For researchers with foreign qualifications, a comparative evaluation of studies is sometimes necessary, conducted by the Immigration, Francization and Integration Ministry (MIFI).
- Renewal of the certificate for an expert is required annually, and no reminders will be issued by the Ministry.
Contact Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
conges.fiscaux@economie.gouv.qc.ca
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