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Moving to Europe From Canada 

A full guide including costs, visa requirements, and checklist 

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Moving to Europe from Canada can be overwhelming, especially when you are not sure of all the aspects of this process. Fortunately, we are here to provide you with the latest information regarding visas, costs, and much more. Continue reading this article to discover your next steps! 

 

Cost of Moving to Europe 

The average cost of moving from Canada to Europe is between $4,000 and $16,500 CAD. 

There are different factors that influence the actual cost of your move. Whether it’s the size of your household, destination, or even the moving companies to Europe, your costs can vary. 

See the table below for the estimated cost of shipping container from Canada to Europe 

Home Size  20ft Container (CAD)  40ft Container (CAD) 
1-Bedroom Home  $4,000 – $7,000  $6,000 – $9,000 
2-Bedroom Home  $4,500 – $7,500  $6,500 – $10,000 
3-Bedroom Home  Not recommended  $9,000 – $15,000 
4-Bedroom Home  Not recommended  $10,000 – $16,500 

Disclaimer: These are mere estimates. For accurate pricing, request a free container shipping quote! Use our volume calculator to estimate the size of your move.

 

Moving Companies to Europe 

We understand how hard it is to find trustworthy moving companies. We are collaborating with some of the best international removals to Europe. 

Here are the top 4 best moving companies to Europe: 

Waypoint International Moving

AMJ Campbell International

Go Transport Canada

IntraGlobe

We advise you to click the button below and request up to 5 free container shipping quotes to compare the moving companies. 

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Cost of Living in Europe Vs Canada 

The average cost of living in Europe is generally 10-15% cheaper than in Canada. 

Depending on your destination, you can find the estimated cost of living by country in Europe in the table below: 

Item  Canada  Germany 
Gasoline (1L)  $1.55  $2.35 
Eggs (12)  $3.80  $4.30 
Restaurant Meal (1)  $22.00  $20.00 
Cappuccino (Regular)  $4.50  $3.90 
Bread (500g loaf)  $2.80  $3.20 

Disclaimer: These costs are only estimations. If you would like to find the cost of living in a specific country from Europe, we suggest checking out Numbeo, 

European Visa For Canadians 

Canadians need visa for Europe when they decide to move there. It is important to know what kind of visa you need and what the requirements are. We created a table showcasing the most popular European countries requiring visas for Canadian citizens: 

Country  Visa Type 
Portugal  D7 Visa (Passive Income) 
Netherlands  Highly Skilled Migrant Visa 
Germany EU Blue Card
Spain  Digital Nomad Visa 
  Self-Employment/Work Visa 

Note: Read more on the official websites of the country of your choice for detailed information. 

How to Apply For Europe Visa 

The general European visa requirements are as follows: 

  • Valid Passport 
  • Completed Visa Application (found on the official country government page)  
  • Passport Photos (must be recent) 
  • Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, work contract) 
  • Proof of Accommodation (rental contract) 
  • Criminal record Check 
  • Visa Fee Payment (usually between $70 and $150 CAD) 
  • Language (some countries require learning their language) 

In the European countries requiring visas, you need to apply directly on their official government websites. We suggest you investigate this topic, as it is crucial for your moving plans. 

Are You Moving to Europe With Family? 

If you are moving to Europe with family, then there are some requirements they need to meet as well. Check the table below for more information regarding family reunification visas: 

Country  Visa Type 
Portugal  Family Reunification Visa 
Netherlands  Residence Permit for Family 
Germany Family Reunification Visa 
France  Regroupement Familial (Family Reunion) 
Spain  Family Reunification Visa

Note: It’s very important to check the actual government websites of the specific country you want to move to along with your family. 

Are You Moving to Europe With Pets? 

If you’re planning on bringing your pets with you to Europe, you must be aware of some aspects: 

  • Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785): Before vaccination of rabies; 
  • Rabies vaccination: At least 21 days before travel, and after the microchip; 
  • EU Health Certificate: Must be completed by a Canadian vet with a valid license and endorsed by CFIA within 10 days before travel. 
  • Tapeworm treatment: Only required for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway; 

Necessary documents: 

  • Valid rabies certificate
  • EU Health Certificate
  • Proof of microchip implantation
  • Proof of tapeworm treatment (if applicable)

Living in Europe as a Canadian 

Europe is becoming very popular among Canadian expats. Living in Europe as a Canadian can be challenging, especially if you are not sure which country is best for you. 

Canadian expats truly enjoy the diverse rich cultures and lifestyles. Having a more relaxed and slower work life, Europe seems to be a very good option to move to. 

Check out the best countries to live in Europe for English speakers: 

  • Portugal: Is known for its affordable cost of living, welcoming community, and amazing climate. 
  • Netherlands: Recognised for high-quality English, perfect for expats coming from Canada. 
  • Germany: Famous for its good economy, Germany offers very good opportunities. 
  • France: Full of culture and life, France is very popular among expats. 
  • Spain: Known for its amazing climate and lifestyle, Spain can be a great choice if a livelier environment resonates with you. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Europe as a Canadian 

Pros

 Easier access to healthcare
 Affordable travel
 Good work life
 Rich cultures
 Welcoming communities

Cons

 Long visa processes
 Language barrier
 Higher taxes in some countries
 Slow administration
 Housing problems

Tax Rates in Europe 

On average, the tax rates in Europe are 10-20% higher than in Canada. 

See the table below for an overview of tax rates in the most popular destinations: 

Country   Income Tax Rate 
Canada  33% 
Portugal  48% 
Netherlands  49.5% 
Germany  47.5%  
France  55.4% 
Spain  47% 

Safety in Europe 

Depending on the country, the safety concerns can vary. Here are some of the safest countries to live in as a Canadian: 

  1. Iceland 
  2. Denmark 
  3. Ireland  
  4. Austria 
  5. Portugal 

These countries are ranked as the safest in Europe. 

Jobs in Europe For Foreigners 

Finding an English speaking job in Europe is generally not difficult, however it can be a bit tricky. We gathered a few platforms that provide jobs suited for English speakers: 

We truly hope these sources help you get an idea of what you may find in Europe. We advise you to start searching for jobs in Europe for foreigners on other platforms as well to increase your chances of finding what you need. 

Moving to Europe Checklist 

  1. Check out our volume calculator to estimate the size of your move. 
  2. Explore the top moving companies to Europe and pick the one/s you want. 
  3. Request quotes from the moving companies to get a price estimation. 
  4. Prepare your documents in time to focus on the moving process better. 
  5. Start packing! You should start packing as soon as possible to be better prepared. 

Are You Ready? 

Good job for making it to the end! We hope our article and checklist for moving to Europe have given you a good idea of how to start your new journey. Good luck with your endeavours! 

Frequently asked questions

Do Canadians need visa for Europe? 

Is Europe better than Canada?

Can I drive in Europe with a Canadian license?