Living abroad in Canada — Practical questions

Travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, and a 14-day quarantine may be required upon arrival. Check with your embassy for the latest information.

Vaccination is not mandatory for entry into Canada, but it is strongly recommended. Some provinces may have restrictions for the unvaccinated.

Prepare for your quarantine by arranging accommodation in advance, ensuring you have enough food and essentials for 14 days, and staying informed about local rules.

Choose international health insurance that covers COVID-19, including quarantine costs and medical care. Make sure your policy is up to date and meets your needs.

Many expatriates have had to transition to remote work, which involves adaptations like setting up a home office and managing remote work schedules.

Yes, no Quebec law prohibits foreigners from buying real estate. Whether you're a tourist, work permit holder, or student, you can purchase — provided your visa has at least 183 days of validity at the time of transaction (a lender requirement). The federal non-resident purchase ban (in effect since 2023) only applies to people with no legal status in Canada. With a valid visa, you're exempt from this law. However, without permanent residence, mortgage access is more restrictive: expect a minimum 35% down payment.

Transfer taxes (commonly called 'welcome tax') in Quebec are calculated in brackets. Montreal applies an additional rate for properties over 500,000 CAD. For a condo at 500,000 CAD, budget roughly 6,000 to 8,000 CAD in transfer taxes. For a 750,000 CAD property, tax can exceed 12,000 CAD. Paid once at deed signing, there are no exemptions for non-residents or foreigners — all buyers pay. Calculate your exact amount using Montreal's official tool (montreal.ca).

Without Canadian credit, options are limited but available. RBC, TD, and BMO offer non-resident mortgage programs requiring at least 35% down. You'll need: 3-6 months of French bank statements, French tax notices, employment and income proof (translated if needed), and a letter from your French bank confirming your history. Working with an independent mortgage broker (OACIQ-certified) is highly recommended — they know non-resident-friendly lenders. Start the process 3-6 months before your purchase target to build a strong application.

Yes, if you remain tax-resident in France, you have reporting obligations. First, declare the foreign property (and associated Canadian bank accounts) via Form 3916-bis with your tax return. Second, if you rent the property, report rental income in France, even though it's taxed in Canada — the France-Canada tax treaty includes a foreign tax credit mechanism to prevent double taxation. Upon resale, capital gains are taxed in Canada (with withholding for non-residents). Definitely consult a tax specialist in Franco-Canadian law before any purchase.

In Quebec, notarization is mandatory for all real estate transfers. If you can't be in Montreal, you have two options. First: grant a notarized power of attorney to a trusted person in Quebec (friend, agent, or your notary) to sign for you. If prepared in France, it must include an apostille to be recognized in Canada. Second, increasingly common since the pandemic: remote signing via secure videoconference, permitted by some Quebec notaries under specific conditions. Contact the Chambre des notaires du Québec (cnq.org) for details.