Immigrating to Quebec is a major step, and the better prepared you are, the smoother your first weeks will be. Whether you are arriving as an entrepreneur, a self-employed worker or a work permit holder, some steps are best started before you leave.
We have gathered the key points to review in this checklist, drawn from what we see every day with our clients.
Why Prepare Your Arrival?
Your first days in Quebec go by quickly: finding a place to live, opening an account, registering for public services, enrolling the children in school… Every step you take care of in advance means more time and energy for what really matters: your project and your family.
A tip from the field: make a short list of things you want to discover, too. Settling in is also about learning to love your new city.
The Before-You-Arrive Checklist
1. Assess Your French (and Start Now)
French is the official language of Quebec. It is the language of government, of most workplaces and of daily life, especially outside Montreal. While English is widely spoken in the city, a good command of French makes your integration, business relationships and administrative steps much easier.
The good news: the Quebec government offers free French courses, online or in person, full time or part time, and some options even come with financial assistance. Registration goes through Francisation Québec, the government’s single point of access.
If you are still a beginner, starting before you arrive makes a real difference in your first months.
2. Review Your Career or Business Plans
If you work in a regulated profession (engineering, health care, accounting, law…), contact the relevant professional order now: having your diplomas and experience recognized can take several months.
For entrepreneurs and self-employed workers, this is the time to review your business plan and timeline: finding premises, registering your business, first contacts with suppliers or clients. Arriving with a clear roadmap lets you get to work quickly.
3. Open a Bank Account
Several Canadian banks offer packages for newcomers, and some let you start opening an account from abroad. This way, you avoid travelling with large amounts of cash and can receive your first payments as soon as you arrive.
Please note: if you are carrying CAN$10,000 or more (in cash or monetary instruments), you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency when you enter the country.
4. Plan Your Health Coverage
Many newcomers learn about this one too late. In Quebec, every newcomer settling permanently must register with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), but a waiting period of up to three months applies before public coverage begins. During this waiting period, private health insurance is strongly recommended, as medical care can be expensive.
Some nationals are exempt under social security agreements, for example citizens of Belgium and France. In that case, you will need to provide proof of insurance or a certificate of coverage from your home country’s social security system, which should be obtained before you leave.
Check your situation with the RAMQ before you go: it takes a few minutes and can save you significant costs.
5. Arrange Your Housing
In most cases, it is best to plan temporary accommodation (family, friends, a furnished rental, a hotel) for your first few weeks. This gives you time to visit neighbourhoods and choose your home on site, with full knowledge of your options.
A few Quebec specifics worth knowing:
- Most leases start on July 1, traditionally Quebec’s big moving day. Searching for an apartment in May or June is therefore very competitive.
- Leases must be written on the mandatory form of the Tribunal administratif du logement (Quebec’s housing tribunal).
- A landlord cannot require a security deposit; they can only ask for the first month’s rent in advance.
6. Gather Your Documents
Prepare a complete file for each family member travelling with you:
- Valid passports
- Immigration documents: Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or the port of entry letter of introduction for your work permit, depending on your situation
- Birth certificates and marriage certificate (or proof of common-law union)
- Diplomas, transcripts and proof of work experience
- An up-to-date CV and reference letters
- A valid driver’s licence and, ideally, a letter confirming your driving record
- Vaccination records and medical and dental records
- Your children’s school records
- Two copies of a detailed list of the goods you are bringing with you, and two copies of a list of goods arriving later, with their value
Important: bring the originals and keep copies in a separate place. If your documents are in neither French nor English, plan for certified translations; several Quebec organizations require translations by a certified translator who is a member of the OTTIAQ (Quebec’s order of certified translators).
7. Get Ready for Winter (and All Four Seasons)
Quebec has four distinct seasons, and winter is truly cold. A good coat, waterproof boots, a tuque (winter hat), mittens and a scarf are essentials from December to March. A tip from the field: there is no need to buy everything before you leave. Winter clothing bought locally is often better suited to the climate.
If you plan to drive, note that winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15.
Approximate average temperatures in Montreal:
- Spring (late March to mid-June): 0°C to 20°C
- Summer (mid-June to mid-September): 20°C to 30°C, sometimes humid
- Fall (mid-September to early December): 15°C to 0°C
- Winter (December to March): -5°C to -20°C, with colder spells depending on wind chill
To learn more, read our article on Montreal’s four seasons on our blog.
Your First Days in Quebec: Steps to Plan For
Once you arrive, a few steps should be taken quickly:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada, required to work and file your tax returns.
- RAMQ registration, as soon as possible after your arrival.
- Enrolling your children in school or childcare.
- Housing: consider one or more temporary stays (depending on your budget and how much you are bringing) to discover different neighbourhoods, and start visiting apartments quickly. Always visit the unit before signing, read the lease carefully and, once settled, update your address with the relevant organizations (RAMQ, SAAQ, your bank, Service Canada).
- Driver’s licence: your foreign licence is generally valid for a short period (six months); depending on your country of origin, you may be able to exchange it with the SAAQ without an exam, thanks to reciprocity agreements.
- Family benefits: the Canada Revenue Agency lets you apply for the Canada Child Benefit as soon as you arrive, in addition to the Family Allowance paid by Retraite Québec.
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration also offers Accompagnement Québec, a free service to guide you through your settlement steps.
How Conexa Supports You
At Conexa, we support entrepreneurs well beyond the immigration file. Our personal services make your settlement easier: housing search, bank account opening and family integration.
Our goal: to let you focus on what matters most, your project and your success in Quebec.