Moving to Canada is exciting but the first 90 days can also be overwhelming.
Whether you are relocating temporarily on a work permit or planning a permanent move, those first months are crucial for setting yourself up for success.
A visa is only the starting point. Once you land in Canada, a long list of practical matters comes into play. From healthcare and banking to driving, taxes and pension planning; being prepared makes all the difference.
Below, we highlight some of the most important things newcomers to Canada need to arrange during their first three months.
Your First Key to Canada: the Social Insurance Number (SIN)
One of the very first things you should arrange after arrival is your Social Insurance Number (SIN). This number is essential if you want to work in Canada, get paid, file taxes, or access government services.
Many newcomers don’t realise how central the SIN is to daily life. Without it, employers cannot process your salary, and banks or tax authorities may not be able to assist you properly. Applying early avoids unnecessary delays, especially if you start working soon after arrival.
Healthcare: What’s Covered (and What Isn’t)
Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, but it is managed at provincial level and that comes with important differences. Some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months before you qualify for public healthcare.
During this time, private insurance is essential. Even after provincial coverage begins, it usually does not cover dental care, prescription medication, physiotherapy, or vision care. These costs are often covered through employer benefits or private insurance plans.
Understanding the gaps in coverage beforehand helps avoid unpleasant surprises and unexpected expenses.
Opening a Canadian Bank Account & Building Credit
The Canadian banking system works very differently from what most Europeans are used to.
Debit cards are not accepted everywhere, credit cards are used daily, and your credit score plays a major role in renting a property, signing a phone contract or even getting a car loan.
Most newcomers open:
- a chequing account for daily expenses
- a Canadian credit card to start building credit history
Many banks offer newcomer programs that make this process easier, but knowing which documents to bring and which options make sense for your situation saves time and money.
Driving in Canada: Rules Change Faster Than You Think
You can usually drive in Canada with a European licence for a limited time, often 60 to 90 days, depending on the province. After that, you are required to exchange it for a provincial driver’s licence.
This process differs per province and varies by country of origin. Some provinces allow a direct exchange; others require additional tests. Planning this in advance is important, especially if you need a car for work.
For professional drivers, such as truck drivers, the rules are even stricter: European licences are not valid for commercial driving in Canada without additional training and exams.
Taxes: Yes, You’ll Deal with Them Sooner Than You Think
If you work in Canada, you will need to file a Canadian tax return, usually before 30 April of the following year. Even during your first year, tax matters can already become complex, especially if you earn income in multiple countries.
Canada has tax treaties with countries like the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to avoid double taxation, but the application of those rules depends on your personal situation, residency status and timing.
Understanding your obligations early prevents mistakes and penalties later on.
Moving Your Household & Personal Belongings
If you are relocating with personal belongings, Canada allows a one‑time tax‑free import, but only if the correct customs forms are submitted upon arrival.
Shipping household goods, importing a car, or arranging international storage requires planning well in advance. Even small errors in paperwork can cause delays or unexpected costs at the border.
Pension Planning: Even Temporary Migrants Should Think Ahead
Pension is often overlooked, especially by people arriving on temporary permits. Yet in Canada, pension is not fully arranged by the government.
Even temporary workers may contribute to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and need to consider what happens to pension rights if they leave Canada, how Canadian and European pension systems interact, and whether voluntary contributions back home still make sense.
Early awareness helps avoid gaps later on, whether you stay short‑term or eventually apply for permanent residence.
More Than a Visa: Being Truly Prepared
The first 90 days in Canada involve far more than immigration paperwork alone. Practical preparation is what turns arrival into a smooth transition, and uncertainty into confidence.
That’s why comprehensive guidance before and after arrival is essential. Knowing what to arrange, when to act, and what mistakes to avoid makes all the difference.
Canada offers incredible opportunities and with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of them from day one.
Preparing for Canada goes far beyond getting a visa
At Visa4you, we support our clients not only with immigration procedures, but also with practical guidance before and after arrival - from healthcare and banking to taxes, driving licences and settlement planning.
Want to know how we can help you prepare for your first 90 days in Canada?
Get in touch with our specialists for personalised guidance.
