Moving Abroad from Canada

How Can You Move to Another Country?

You’ve decided to relocate to another country from Canada, congratulations! Let’s begin to plan. Most international moves require visa applications, hiring a company to move overseas, new housing and healthcare, and more. The checklist for moving overseas below lists what’s needed.

Checklist Moving Overseas

Relocating overseas is complex, but transitioning can be smooth with the right planning. Whether you’re relocating from Canada for work, study, or a fresh start, a checklist when moving abroad is key. Here are the things to do before moving abroad from Canada.

1. Choosing Your Destination: Visa Requirements

• Choose where you’ll move abroad to from Canada.
• Research residency and visa options (work, study, retirement, investor, digital nomad).
• If needed, secure a local job and research the wages and living expenses.
• Ensure passport validity and gather medical records and paperwork for visa, employment, or housing (birth certificates, marriage licenses, qualifications, etc).
• Check for visa requirements for you (or your pets).

2. Financial and Budgeting Matters

• Budget for moving costs, flight tickets, service fees, housing deposit, and emergencies.
• Open an international bank account if needed.
• Assess the tax system abroad and research the rules around double taxation.

3. Housing & Living Arrangements

• Research neighborhoods and rental prices for temporary or long stays.

4. Healthcare Insurance

• Arrange healthcare coverage (public, private, or international).

5. Moving Logistics

• Compare shipping options and hire an international mover.
• Decide on what to bring and sell, and pack your belongings.

6. Notify Authorities

• Inform your Canadian bank, government, insurance, social security, and tax office of your move abroad.
• Set up mail forwarding with the postal service.
• Cancel subscriptions and utilities on time.

7. Preparation Before the Arrival

• Arrange an international phone plan or get a local SIM upon arrival.
• Host a farewell gathering and mentally prepare for moving internationally.
• Understand the local customs, laws, and basic language of the country you’re moving overseas to.

Cheapest Way to Move Internationally

An international move can be expensive, but luckily there are ways to cut costs while moving internationally. You can save money with careful planning and strategic choices.

• Minimize What You Move – Declutter: Sell, donate, or store items to reduce moving costs. Leave bulky items or repurchase items once you’ve moved abroad.
• Choose a cost-effective option – Choose sea over air freight, especially for larger volumes. It’s slower but much cheaper. You can also share a container (groupage) when shipping your furniture and belongings to save some money.
• Compare to find the best deals – Get free quotes from various international moving companies to compare. Look for international moving discounts (e.g. early deals or student discounts).
• Plan ahead – Last-minute international moves come with premium charges. Avoid moving internationally during peak seasons (summer and holidays) to save money.
• Take some cost-saving measures – Look for employer relocation assistance when moving abroad for work. Use free or second-hand packing materials and pack efficiently to maximize space.

Moving House Packing Guide

When packing for an international move, you want your belongings to arrive safely and efficiently at your new home. Use this moving house packing guide for your overseas relocation:

• Create a packing plan and categorize items on necessity, fragility, and shipping method.
• Buy boxes, collect them at the supermarket, or pick them up second-hand.
• Only move abroad with the items that you truly need. Donate, sell, or store the rest.
• Start with packing items from the rooms that aren’t frequently used.
• Use sturdy boxes, tape, and vacuum-sealed bags to protect your items.
• Pack heavier items at the bottom and fill empty spots with clothing.
• Label boxes clearly for easy unpacking.
• Wrap fragile items with padding, bubble wrap, or soft materials.
• Pack an essentials box with medications, chargers, tech, and a change of clothes.
• Keep passports, visas, medical records, and financial papers in an accessible place.
• Decide what to take in your checked luggage and what to ship overseas.
• Check the luggage restrictions of the country you’re moving internationally to.