Moving to Montreal is easier when you deal with a few things early: your status, housing, health coverage and winter. This checklist covers them in order. Rules depend on your citizenship and immigration status, so follow the official links for anything that applies to you.
1. Check your status first
If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your work or study permit decides much of what follows, including health coverage. Start with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Quebec also runs its own immigration programs, through Québec.ca.
2. Time your apartment search
Many leases in Quebec end on June 30, so lots of apartments come up in spring and July 1 is the busiest moving day of the year. If your dates are flexible, avoid arriving on July 1: movers, trucks and elevators book up. Arriving in autumn or winter can mean less competition, but fewer places to choose from.
Before you sign, read the basics on the Tribunal administratif du logement site. It explains standard leases, rent increases and renewals. Ask what’s included, such as heating, hot water and appliances, because that changes what you’ll pay each month.
3. Pick a neighbourhood for your routine
Think about your commute and the Metro line near you, not just what’s popular. The best neighbourhoods to live in guide compares the main options. Verdun and Saint-Henri are more residential, and the Plateau and Mile End are more central and busier.
4. Health coverage
Quebec’s public health insurance is run by the RAMQ. Whether you’re eligible, and when coverage starts, depends on your status and where you’re moving from. Check before you arrive, and arrange private insurance for any gap.
5. Start French early
Many people get by in English in central Montreal, especially at first. But French helps with work, government services and getting to know neighbours. Francisation Québec offers free French courses to eligible adults.
6. Get a transit card
Most people in central Montreal get around without a car. Get an OPUS card for the STM’s buses and Metro, and check the monthly fare options on the STM site. See getting around Montreal.
7. Prepare for the first winter
Buy a warm coat, waterproof boots with good grip, a hat and gloves before December, when stores are well stocked. If you have a car, learn the snow-clearing parking rules for your street. And plan some indoor activities for January and February, the coldest months. Weather by season explains what to expect.
8. Budget realistically
Rent is usually the biggest cost, followed by groceries, transit and utilities. We don’t quote prices that change monthly. Use current listings and the cost of living guide to plan your budget.
Read next: living in Montreal.