Canada is a dream destination for people worldwide, and this aspiration is particularly true for European citizens who have shown an increasing interest in relocating to Canada in recent years.
Fortunately, those looking to move to Canada from Europe have a wide array of options available, and they can take advantage of the numerous opportunities the country provides, whether it's in terms of employment or starting a business. Canada's welcoming and diverse environment offers a promising path for those seeking a new life on this North American continent.
Fortunately, those looking to move to Canada from Europe have a wide array of options available, and they can take advantage of the numerous opportunities the country provides, whether it's in terms of employment or starting a business. Canada's welcoming and diverse environment offers a promising path for those seeking a new life on this North American continent.
What Reddit says about moving to Canada from Europe?
German from Toronto says: "As a Canadian, one key piece of advice is to carefully choose your destination within Canada. The country is vast, and each region differs in terms of culture, climate, job opportunities, cost of living, and political views. For example, if you don't know French, Quebec may not be ideal, and downtown Vancouver may mean tight living spaces. Moreover, keep in mind that Canada, while great in many ways, is not without its flaws. Issues like healthcare wait times, harsh winters, and instances of unkindness, including racism, exist. It's essential not to expect a perfect utopia, as it's sometimes portrayed in the media."
Ann from Quebec says: "I'm Belgian. To be honest, I spent just 6 months in Toronto before moving to Quebec. English-speaking Canada is like a more pleasant, less violent USA. It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I prefer Quebec because of its distinct culture, people, and cuisine.
What I don't like in Quebec is the healthcare system, the high cost of living, and the limited social benefits. Waiting for years to get a family doctor and having only 2 weeks of holiday leave feels like a step backward compared to Europe. The one exception is anything related to kids – there's more child allowance and time off at birth.
All in all, it's a great place to visit and stay for a year, but not for building a long-term career or retiring."
Ann from Quebec says: "I'm Belgian. To be honest, I spent just 6 months in Toronto before moving to Quebec. English-speaking Canada is like a more pleasant, less violent USA. It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I prefer Quebec because of its distinct culture, people, and cuisine.
What I don't like in Quebec is the healthcare system, the high cost of living, and the limited social benefits. Waiting for years to get a family doctor and having only 2 weeks of holiday leave feels like a step backward compared to Europe. The one exception is anything related to kids – there's more child allowance and time off at birth.
All in all, it's a great place to visit and stay for a year, but not for building a long-term career or retiring."
Reddit: moving from Germany to Canada
Alex from Toronto says: "I moved from Germany to Toronto and love it, but the cost of living, especially housing, is a significant difference. Average 1BR rent in Toronto is about $2300-2500, even higher in Vancouver. For a 3BR, it's $3-4k+ monthly, similar for a mortgage with a downpayment.
As a single earner, you'd realistically need to make $180-200k+ for a decent living standard, possibly more with childcare costs. You can get by with less, but it might not be worth the move if you're already comfortable. Two incomes make it more manageable.
So, first, assess your financial situation, and if you lack Canadian status, prioritize that as finding a job with visa sponsorship, especially in tech, isn't straightforward. On the bright side, Canadians are welcoming and making friends is easier than in Europe. Toronto, particularly, is culturally diverse due to immigrants. Winters are milder than you might expect, with Vancouver having mild, rainy winters and Toronto having cold but sunny winters compared to central Europe."
As a single earner, you'd realistically need to make $180-200k+ for a decent living standard, possibly more with childcare costs. You can get by with less, but it might not be worth the move if you're already comfortable. Two incomes make it more manageable.
So, first, assess your financial situation, and if you lack Canadian status, prioritize that as finding a job with visa sponsorship, especially in tech, isn't straightforward. On the bright side, Canadians are welcoming and making friends is easier than in Europe. Toronto, particularly, is culturally diverse due to immigrants. Winters are milder than you might expect, with Vancouver having mild, rainy winters and Toronto having cold but sunny winters compared to central Europe."
What goes into moving to Canada from Belgium
Moving to Canada from Belgium is a significant choice, but with thorough planning and readiness, it can become a seamless and fulfilling journey. Whether you're seeking new career prospects, an improved quality of life, or just a change of environment, Canada provides something for everyone.
These are the 5 steps to guide you in achieving your relocation to Canada:
These are the 5 steps to guide you in achieving your relocation to Canada:
- Assess your eligibility
- Discover an appropriate immigration route
- Submit your permit application
- Get ready for the move
- Make the move to Canada
Is it worth moving to Canada from Europe?
Relocating to Canada offers a fantastic opportunity for a fresh start, and there are numerous compelling reasons to consider this move for you and your family. Canada's multicultural society and high quality of life make it an ideal destination for immigrants. However, deciding to move from one country to another can be a significant decision. Here are 10 compelling reasons to contemplate taking that leap of faith and embracing the Canadian lifestyle:
- Canada boasts one of the world's most resilient economies and a highly stable political environment.
- With low crime rates, Canada is one of the safest places to live.
- The quality of life is exceptional, and healthcare is predominantly free and easily accessible.
- Canadians are renowned for their friendliness and welcoming nature.
- Canada offers a straightforward immigration process with affordable fees and minimal waiting times.
- Canada is home to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
- The country's natural beauty is diverse, with numerous lakes, mountains, and stunning countryside.
- Job opportunities abound in Canada, especially for immigrants with skills in various trades.
- Experience a range of seasons in Canada, with widely varying temperatures throughout the year.
- Canada ranks as one of the world's most developed countries, holding the top position in quality of life according to the United Nations' Human Development Index.