Thinking of moving to Quebec from another province? Whether you’re relocating for work or school or simply want a change of pace, moving to Quebec involves more than just packing your bags. From choosing where to live and creating a moving budget to setting up your insurance, there are several steps to take before and after you arrive.
In this blog, we provide a checklist of what you need to do when moving to Quebec from another province so you can settle into your new home with minimal stress.
How to move to Quebec from another province
As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you have the right to live anywhere in Canada. Unlike international moves, there are no interprovincial barriers or permissions required to relocate to Quebec. So if you want to move to Quebec from another province, here’s how you would typically do it:
- Decide to move: Confirm that relocating to Quebec is the right choice for you.
- Create a budget: Account not just for moving costs, but also the difference in Quebec’s cost of living.
- Choose where you will move to: Pick the city or region in Quebec where you want to live and find a home to rent or buy.
- Confirm your work plans: Start job hunting or confirm with your current employer about transferring to Quebec.
- Arrange your move: Pick a moving date, choose what you will take or leave behind, book a moving company or truck, and arrange transport for your car.
- Update your ID and documents: Your health card, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and other important documents may need to be transferred.
- Set up utilities: Set up hydro and internet accounts for your new home.
- Register for health insurance: Apply for Quebec’s public health insurance (RAMQ).
- Buy insurance for your home: Although not mandatory by law, your mortgage lender, condo corporation, or landlord may require you to have insurance.
- Buy car insurance: While Quebec has a public car insurance plan through SAAQ, you may want to get additional coverage through a private insurer, like YouSet.
Moving to Quebec from another province: To-do list
Before you settle into your new home, there are a few important steps to make your move to Quebec as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s everything you should tackle in a handy to-do list:
✅ Sign your lease or finalize the purchase of your new home
Once you’ve decided to move to Quebec, the first step is to secure your new place. Whether you’re renting or buying, make sure to carefully review and ask thoughtful questions before signing your lease or finalizing the purchase documents.
Once everything is finalized, you’ll officially have your new Quebec address.
✅ Create a moving budget
Moving costs can add up quickly, so creating a budget can help keep you on track. Be sure to factor in expenses like movers or truck rentals, travel costs, new furniture, and a buffer for any unexpected expenses.
The cost of moving to Quebec from another province can vary widely, depending on certain factors such as:
- Whether you hire movers or move everything yourself
- Whether you need temporary housing
- The distance you’re moving
- The size of your move
- The time of year (prices rise around July 1st, Quebec’s “Moving Day”)
For example, a small DIY apartment move from Toronto to Montreal could cost between $1,000 and $2,000, whereas a full-service move from BC to Quebec could easily cost over $7,000.
Having a budget will help you stay on track financially during your move to Quebec.
✅ Hire a moving company or rent a truck, if needed
Depending on the size of your move and budget, you might want to hire professional movers or rent a truck and move everything yourself. Book early, especially if you’re moving in the busy summer months (like July 1, Quebec’s “Moving Day”). Shop around and compare quotes to find the best option for you.
✅ Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration (SAAQ)
After moving, you’ll need to get a Quebec driver’s license issued by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). To transfer your driver’s license from another province to Quebec, here’s what you need to do:
- Fill out the form to request an appointment for a license exchange. You’ll be contacted within 20 business days.
- Go to your service centre appointment. Bring your documents, including your current driver’s license, proof of Quebec residency, and proof of Canadian citizenship.
- Pass the proficiency tests (if required).
- Pay the license exchange fees ($23.20 as of April 2025)
You can still drive in Quebec with your current provincial license for up to 6 months after moving, but it’s best to update it with the SAAQ as soon as possible. If you don’t register your vehicle, you may face fines of up to $3,000.
If you have a vehicle, you’ll also need to:
- Register it with the SAAQ within 90 days of your move
- Get a Quebec registration certificate and license plates
- Purchase car insurance from a Quebec provider like YouSet
✅ Buy car insurance to supplement Quebec’s public plan
Although basic personal injury coverage is provided through Quebec’s public car insurance plan (SAAQ), drivers are still required to buy at least $50,000 in third-party liability coverage from private insurance companies or brokers, like YouSet. This is also where you will get collision coverage (to cover damage to your car in an accident) and/or comprehensive coverage (for things like theft, vandalism, or weather damage).
Because of this hybrid model, car insurance in Quebec is often cheaper than in other provinces. For example, among YouSet users, car insurance costs $75 a month in Quebec vs. $220 in Ontario.
✅ Buy insurance for your home
While home insurance isn’t mandatory by law in Quebec, mortgage lenders, condo corporations, and landlords often require it. Fortunately, platforms like YouSet make it easy to compare quotes from Quebec’s top insurers and find the best price on a policy in just minutes.
You can even check what others in your area are paying for insurance first, so you have something to compare any quotes you get against.
✅ If you’re driving your car to Quebec, plan the route
Map out your route ahead of time if you’re driving your car to Quebec. Plan for rest stops and overnight stays (if needed), and ensure your vehicle is ready for the trip with necessary maintenance like an oil change or tire check. Bring important documents like your driver’s license, registration, and proof of car insurance.
✅ If you’re shipping your car to Quebec, contact a car transport service
If you want to bring your car and driving isn’t an option, you can arrange to have your car shipped to Quebec. Look for reputable car transport companies that offer service between your current province and Quebec. Get a few quotes, check customer reviews, and confirm pickup and delivery timelines so you can coordinate everything with your moving schedule.
Some reputable car transport services include:
- MVS Canada
- Canadian Car Shipping
- Professional Car Carriers
✅ Apply for Quebec’s health insurance (RAMQ)
In Quebec, health insurance is provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Apply for your health card through RAMQ as soon as possible after moving, as it can take up to three months (or even longer) to receive it. To apply, register online and provide documents such as a photo ID and proof of address.
The application process can generally be done online, but in some cases, you may need to visit RAMQ in person. After applying, there is usually a waiting period of about 3 months before your coverage officially starts. Don’t worry, though, your old province’s health insurance will cover you during this wait.
✅ Set up a Hydro-Québec account for electricity
While other provinces may have multiple energy providers, Hydro-Québec is the only one in Quebec. You’ll need to set up an account with them before moving into your new place, which is fairly straightforward. There are two ways you can do so:
- Online: Create your Customer Space and submit a service request on Hydro Quebec’s website. You’ll need the full address of where you’re moving to, your email address, and phone number. This is the fastest option (and it’s free!).
- Over the phone: You can request a new service contract with a customer service rep over the phone, but it will cost you $25 plus tax.
✅ Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post
Even if you update your address with all your important services and providers, some mail might still slip through the cracks or take a while to catch up to your new home. It’s a good idea to set up mail forwarding at least 4 months after you move so that any mail gets sent directly to your new address.
As of April 2025, it costs $80.50 to forward your mail to Quebec from another province for 4 minutes ($122.75 for a full year). You can buy mail forwarding with Canada Post online or at a post office, though doing so online is quite simple. Here’s how you can do so online:
- Sign up for a Canada Post account or log in
- Enter your old and new address details and provide your ID information
- Choose the length of service (4 or 12 months)
- Enter your payment information
Be sure to purchase mail forwarding before you move, as it takes about five days to start working.
✅ Set up your internet
If your current internet provider doesn’t offer services in Quebec, you’ll need to cancel it before you move and find a new one. Compare internet plans and prices, considering factors like speed, cost, and limits.
Once you choose a provider, setting up your account is relatively easy. You can:
- Sign up online or call the company to create your account
- Schedule an installation appointment
- Receive and set up your equipment
Some of the most popular internet providers in Quebec include:
- Bell
- Videotron
- Cogeco
- EBOX
- Telus
- Fizz
✅ Confirm any other local services
If applicable, register with your new municipality for certain essential services like garbage collection, parking permits, and property taxes. The specific registrations depend on where you’re living, but the most common ones are:
- Garbage collection: Some cities in Quebec may require you to register your address to activate garbage, recycling, and compost collection.
- Parking permits: Cities like Montreal have strict parking permit rules by borough, so you’ll need to register for a residential parking permit through your city’s website if you have a vehicle.
- Property taxes: If you buy a home in Quebec, you’ll need to register with the municipality for property tax billing.
- Animal registration: If you have a dog or cat, you may need to register your pet and pay to get a license from your municipality.
✅ Update your banking information
After you move, update your address with your bank to avoid any issues with billing, payments, or direct deposits. You should also update your address with any employers or services linked to your bank account, like rent, utilities, subscriptions, or insurance.
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