Moving to Canada from Singapore

Moving Costs to Canada

*These prices are estimates and may vary depending on route, moving volume, and season.

The best way to estimate the cost of moving to Canada from Singapore is first knowing the volume of your move. Generally, the more items you move, the more it will cost. Estimating the volume alone can be challenging, but you can use our easy volume calculator tool below to get an instant estimate.

Moving Companies From Singapore to Canada

Moving to Canada from Singapore is a long journey. Normally, using professional movers for long-distance moves like this is the best option, making your move and journey to your new home much more pleasant.

You can see all our international movers and research their offers, or have a look below at some of the best moving companies from Singapore to Canada:

• Moovaz

6.0

10

Moovaz

Singapore

1 ratings as Professional

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1 ratings as "Professional"

• Reddot Movers

9.8

186

Reddot Movers

Singapore

2 ratings as Friendly

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2 ratings as "Friendly"

• Family Relocation

8.3

11

Family Relocation

Singapore

1 ratings as Good Communication

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1 ratings as "Good Communication"

Request Moving Quotes

To ensure you find the best deal for yourself, request moving quotes from many different companies. For example, companies often give you offers based on your situation, the popularity of the route, and other factors. Having offers from many companies allows you to compare them, and find one that suits your needs.

Fill in our moving quote form below and receive up to five free quotes from movers now.

Canadian Visa for Singaporeans

If you are looking to move to Canada permanently, you will need to apply for your visa through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Express Entry Program. You can apply for your visa and consult which visa suits your needs on the Government of Canada immigration website.

The requirements for a Canadian permanent resident application (PR) for Singaporeans are the following:

• Proof of language test for English or French (IELTS or TEF)
• Education qualifications
• Financial proof to support settling in Canada
• Medical exam proof (if necessary)
• Proof of no criminal record

Do Singaporeans Need a Visa for Canada when visiting?

Singaporeans need a visa for Canada if they stay for more than 6 months. If you travel to Canada for less than 6 months you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that costs 7 CAD. For the application, you need the following:

• A valid passport
• Valid email address
• Accepted payment method (Mastercard, Visa, American Express)

Taxes in Canada

Non-residents in Canada are taxed solely on their income earned in Canada. If you are living in Canada for longer than 183 days, you will count as a resident and will be taxed on your worldwide income.

The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar CAD, and the exchange rate fluctuates but 1 SGD is approximately 1,05 CAD. Before moving to Canada it’s best to exchange some money for emergencies.

Canada vs Singapore Salary

Salaries in Singapore tend to be higher than in Canada, but this is also reflected in the cost of living in Singapore. Canada has generally lower rent prices and costs which make the average salary suffice.

Cost of Living in Canada

Compared to Singapore, one of the most expensive countries in the world, Canada is less expensive. Of course, there are differences in the costs of provinces. Below you can find a comparison between Montreal and Singapore:

*These estimates are from October 2024, Source: Numbeo

Life in Canada vs Singapore

Singapore and Canada have many similarities such as being safe places to live and having high-quality education and healthcare, but there are differences, especially in climate and nature. Canada is also a multilingual country, split into French and English-speaking parts.

Best Cities in Canada to Move to

Montreal, Quebec – Montreal is located in the French province of Canada, but English is widely used in the city. The city is known for its cultural heritage and remarkable architecture, making it the perfect place for anyone who loves history. Montreal is also a culinary heaven with beautiful outdoor spaces and islands.

Boucherville, Quebec – Canada’s “best-kept secret”, Boucherville is known for good weather, affordable housing prices, and more. The city is a nature lover’s dream, offering many hiking opportunities and wildlife to explore. It’s also located close to the American border making traveling easy.

Edmonton, Alberta – Edmonton is located near the Canadian Rocky Mountains and offers a beautiful mix of all four seasons. The city also has a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, but has many job opportunities and an emerging tech scene. Edmonton is known as the “festival city” hosting many festivals year-round.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Halifax offers a unique combination of urban city life with scenic beaches and waterfronts. As a coastal city, Halifax has a subtle climate compared to other areas in Canada, making the winters easier to adjust to as a Singaporean.

Quebec City, Quebec – Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in Canada, offering a European cultural touch. It’s a French-speaking part of Canada and has many working opportunities for internationals. The city has many top schools, making it a great option for families or students.

Burlington, Ontario – Burlington is a suburban area near Toronto and is voted one of the best cities for families. Due to the proximity to Toronto, the city offers many working opportunities and an easy commute to the bigger city. If you’re looking for a nature-filled suburban life this might be the city for you.

Toronto, Ontario – Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the financial hub offering ample job opportunities. The city is known for being multicultural and has many Asian communities making it easy to feel at home. It’s located close to Niagara Falls and has great public transportation making it easy to have small trips.

Things to Know About Canadian Culture

Canadian culture is similar to other Nordic cultures but has many unique aspects. It differs from Singaporean culture and we advice you to get to know the ins and outs of the culture before your move. Below you can find some key aspects:

• Politeness: Canadians are known for their politeness always saying “sorry” and “thank you” which shows in their everyday interactions.
• Respect and Cultural Diversity: They also emphasize respecting cultural differences and diversity, which makes it easier for foreigners to feel part of the community.
• Personal Space: Similar to other Nordic countries, Canadians value their personal space, and keeping a distance in lines and social interactions is normal.
• Love for Outdoors and Nature: Canadian culture respects nature and what it has to offer. Canadians spend most free time outdoors in nature hiking or doing sports.
• Hockey: Hockey is a big part of Canadian culture, and you will witness many NHL matches.

Working in Canada as a Singaporean

When moving to Canada for work you have two different options. You can apply for an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit that allows you to work for most companies in Canada. Find information on work permits on the government site.

Criteria for work permit:

• Proof that you will leave when your work permit expires
• Proof of finances for the duration of your stay
• No criminal record
• Not a security risk
• Medical examination (if needed)
• Offer any other documents requested

Education for Immigrants in Canada

All immigrants in Canada are eligible to enter the public school system, including permanent residents, work permits, and study permit holders. In most cases, temporary resident holders must supply the school with documents to verify their eligibility, but they will be admitted to the schools.

The public schools in Canada are free, also for immigrants with permanent or temporary residence permits. The country also offers private schools, for which you need to pay a tuition fee. Most schools are taught in English, with the exemption of French schools in the French-speaking parts of the country, making it easy for immigrants to integrate.

Healthcare in Canada

Canada has a universal healthcare system called Medicare, which is mostly free for all citizens and permanent residents. If you are eligible for public healthcare, you must apply for it upon arrival for which you will need your passport, study or work permit, and proof of residency.

The Medicare coverage for foreigners varies in each province in Canada. Therefore as a foreigner having private healthcare is often recommended, to receive some assistance with your healthcare costs.

Benefits of private healthcare in Canada:

• Faster access
• More services (e.g. mental health and wellness)
• Better comfort
• Specialized care
• International & travel coverage

Ready Yourself for Your Move to Canada

Hopefully, you feel prepared and confident with your knowledge about Canadian culture, costs, visas, and more. If you are still left with questions have a look at our FAQs below, otherwise start preparing for your journey eh!