Moving to Canada from the UK
Are you moving to Canada from the UK and need a helping hand? If you have everything prepared and would like to know the cost, then request a removal quote. Alternatively, if you are still organising, then below you can find information on costs, visa requirements, and top tips.
You can finish reading this article in the time it takes to listen to the Canadian national anthem!
Cost of Moving to Canada From the UK
How much does it cost to move to Canada from the UK?
One of the most important things you need to consider is: how much does it cost to move to Canada? Below we have created a table to give you an estimate of what you might have to pay. Your house removal will be the biggest expense of your move. It is important to understand how international moving costs are calculated so that you can money save in certain areas. Keep reading to discover ways of reducing your house removal cost.
| Household size | Time | Cost |
| 1 bed flat | 4-9 weeks | £2,400 – £3,400 |
| 3-bed house | 4-9 weeks | £5,200 – £7,000 |
| 5-bed house | 4-9 weeks | £7,900 – £10,600 |
How to move to Canada on a budget?
There is no universal cost for a house move as each move is different. This is because the cost depends on many factors. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the following factors so that you can save money on your move.
- Size of your move. Naturally, the more you want to move, the more it will cost. It can be difficult to calculate the volume of your belongings, so feel free to use our handy volume calculator! Also, you should consider selling your furniture and buying new furniture upon your arrival, it can save you money overall.
- Distance & Route: The further and the more complex the destination, the more expensive it will be. You may expect to pay a little extra for those destinations that are not part of a familiar route to removal companies.
- Time of year. Summer is the peak time of year to move house and is consequently more expensive. We recommend that you avoid this period if possible.
- Ask about container shipping costs. Ask your mover if there are ways of saving money with your shipping container.
Moving to Canada?
Moving to Canada Checklist
If you are feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to complete before a move, then perhaps this small checklist can help! Below we have summarised the most important tasks to complete before moving to Canada from the UK. Be sure to use our complete moving abroad checklist to help you feel in control of your move!
Before your move:
- Important documents. Ensure that you have all your important documentation prepared. This includes passports, visas, and work permits.
- Organise an international moving company. You should request quotes from moving companies, find the best international mover for your move, and set a moving date.
- Pack. Read our expert packing guide to learn special tips to optimise your move. Be selective, as it is often cheaper to sell your current furniture and buy new furniture when you arrive.
- Car transport. If you plan on importing your car to Canada, you should determine if you can. More information below.
- Pets. If you have any pets you need to determine whether they meet the pet import requirements for Canada.
- Tax. You must inform HMRC if you are planning to move abroad. We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Canada.
When you arrive:
- Bank. When you arrive, it is advised that you open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible.
- Money transfer. It is a good idea to transfer money from your UK account to your new Canadian bank.
- Healthcare. Be sure to organise your healthcare as soon as possible. See more information below.
- Driving Licence. You can drive a car in Canada with a full UK license.
Getting a Visa For Canada
The first step to moving to Canada is to know how to apply for a Canadian visa. There are multiple routes to obtaining a residency visa in Canada. Any new immigrants in Canada can also find helpful information regarding residency and citizenship on the Canadian government website.
Top Tips for Moving to Canada from the UK
Can you bring your pet to Canada?
If you are considering bringing your pet to Canada, then you should know that there are some import requirements. The Canadian government has the right to refuse entry to any animal that does not meet the import requirements. There are rules about the following:
- Typical domestic animals: cats, dogs, birds, horses etc.
- Exotic animals
- Pet food
How does the Canadian health system work?
One of the most important things to organise once you arrive in Canada is your healthcare. The Canadian health system is very similar to the UK’s in many ways. For the most part, healthcare is free as its paid for in the taxes you pay. However, like the U.K, there are a few things you should expect to pay for:
- Drugs: You will probably have to pay for any drugs and medicine you are prescribed.
- Dentists: You should expect to pay for dental care.
- Optician: You should expect to pay for any care from opticians.
When you arrive in Canada, you should immediately apply for a national healthcare card to enjoy the benefits. You may have to wait up to three months to receive it, so make sure you are privately insured in the meantime.
Read our full guide to healthcare in Canada for more information.
How to transfer money from the UK to Canada
Before you can transfer money to Canada, you will need a Canadian bank account. You can search online for the best option for you. Once you open your Canadian bank account you can transfer the money from your U.K account. TorFX is a great service to help you transfer your money abroad.
Can you import your car into Canada?
Most cars that are sold in countries other than the United States cannot be imported into Canada. However, some special circumstances allow you to bring certain vehicles into Canada. They are as followed:
- It is 15 years old or older
- The vehicle is a bus manufactured before January 1, 1971
- The car is non-regulated
- The vehicle meets all Canadian standards
- The car is a returning Canadian specification vehicle.
Working in Canada
The unemployment rate at the moment is the lowest it’s been in four decades, which has resulted in high amounts of expats being able to find employment when moving to Canada. If you can speak both French and English, you will find it considerably easier to get a job, especially in areas like Quebec. Nevertheless, employers will expect a high level of education more than anything.
It can be hard to find jobs somewhere that it so far away from the UK. So, here is a list of some of the best job search websites:
You can find more information on our working in Canada page.
What Next?
We hope that you have found this page informative and have learned a thing or two about how to move to Canada. If you are interested in looking further, these pages may be of interest to you:
- Look up Moving to Montreal or Moving to Toronto for more helpful advice.
