Cost of Moving from UAE to Canada: 2026 Price & Customs Guide
The MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: The 2026 Relocation Reality
Relocating from the UAE to Canada remains one of the most popular corridors for expats in 2026. However, post-pandemic logistics have permanently shifted the landscape. Prices have stabilized but remain higher than 2024 levels, and Canadian biosecurity rules have become stricter.
Whether you are landing in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, a "Door-to-Door" move is the only way to navigate the complex logistics of sea freight followed by long-haul rail or trucking.
This guide is your single source of truth for 2026 costs, the critical BSF186 Customs Form, and avoiding the hidden fees that catch most families off guard.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written specifically for:
- UAE residents moving to Canada as PR holders or new immigrants
- Families relocating with full household furniture
- Professionals moving to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal
- Anyone using sea freight (not excess baggage)
If you are only sending 5–10 boxes, air cargo or courier services may be cheaper.
⚡ TL;DR: 2026 Key Takeaways
If you are in a rush, here is the essential data you need for your budget.
| Metric | 2026 Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Cost (1-Bed) | AED 14,000 – 18,000 | Shared Container (LCL) |
| Avg. Cost (2-Bed) | AED 22,000 – 30,000 | 20ft Container (FCL) |
| Avg. Cost (Villa) | AED 35,000 – 48,000 | 40ft Container (FCL) |
| Transit Time | 7 – 9 Weeks | Dubai → Toronto/Montreal |
| Critical Form | BSF186 (Goods to Follow) | Must present upon arrival at airport |
| Top Hidden Cost | Cannabis/Soil Cleaning | Strict biosecurity checks on outdoor gear |
1. 2026 Door-to-Door Cost Breakdown
Moving costs vary significantly based on volume and your final Canadian destination. Use these 2026 market averages for budgeting.
Estimated Shipping Costs (Dubai to Major Cities)
| Shipment Size | Dubai → Toronto | Dubai → Vancouver | Dubai → Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (Shared) - 5 CBM | AED 8,500 - 11,000 | AED 9,000 - 12,000 | AED 10,500 - 13,500 |
| 20ft Container (FCL) | AED 22,000 - 28,000 | AED 24,000 - 30,000 | AED 28,000 - 34,000 |
| 40ft Container (FCL) | AED 35,000 - 45,000 | AED 38,000 - 48,000 | AED 42,000 - 52,000 |
⚠️ Important LCL Warning (Canada-Specific): Shared container (LCL) shipments to Canada often have minimum billable volumes (5–7 CBM) and higher destination handling fees. In many cases, shipping 8–10 CBM via LCL can cost nearly the same as a small 20ft container. Always compare both options before booking.
Why is Calgary/Edmonton more expensive? These are landlocked cities. Your container must arrive at a port (usually Vancouver or Montreal) and then travel by rail to an inland depot, adding AED 3,000 – 5,000 to the cost.
What is Included in "Door-to-Door"?
A legitimate quote should always include these 9 steps:
- Professional Packing: Bubble wrap, export cartons, and furniture dismantling in UAE.
- UAE Export Clearance: Handling all Dubai Customs paperwork.
- Port Fees (Origin): Terminal Handling Charges (THC) at Jebel Ali.
- Sea Freight: The cost of the slot on the vessel.
- Fuel Surcharge (BAF): Variable cost based on oil prices.
- Port Fees (Destination): THC at Vancouver/Montreal.
- Customs Handover: Agent fees to present docs to CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).
- Inland Transport: Trucking/Rail to your new residence.
- Delivery & Unpacking: Placing furniture in rooms and removing debris (on the same day).
2. The "Goods to Follow" Trap (Critical)
This is the #1 mistake UAE movers make.
When you land in Canada for the first time (as a PR, Citizen, or Worker), you MUST present a list of the goods that are coming later in the container.
- The Form: It is called Form BSF186 (formerly B4).
- The Process: You must have two copies prepared before you board your flight to Canada.
- The Risk: If you forget to declare your container "Goods to Follow" at the airport, CBSA may treat your shipment as a "commercial import" when it arrives weeks later, charging you full duty and taxes.
Action Item: Ask your mover to help you prepare the draft BSF186 inventory list before you fly.
3. Biosecurity: Canada is Strict on Soil
Canada protects its ecosystem aggressively.
- Outdoor Gear: Tents, hiking boots, golf clubs, and bicycles must be scrubbed clean of all UAE sand and soil.
- Garden Furniture: Must be washed thoroughly.
- Risk: If CBSA inspects your container and finds soil, they will order a mandatory professional cleaning. This can cost CAD $1,000+ and delay delivery by 2 weeks.
4. Winter & Condo Deliveries: A Canada Reality Check
Many UAE movers underestimate the challenges of the Canadian climate and urban rules.
Winter Deliveries
- Delays: Snow and ice can delay trucks by 1–3 days in transit.
- Protection: Movers may require salt protection or floor coverings to prevent slush damage in your new home.
- Insurance: Some insurance policies exclude specific weather-related delays.
Condo Rules (Toronto & Vancouver)
- Elevator Booking: You often need to book the service elevator weeks in advance (costing CAD $150–300).
- Certificates: Management will demand a mandatory Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company.
- Windows: Delivery time windows are strict (often 2–4 hours). If the truck is late, you miss your slot.
Always inform your mover if you are moving into a condo.
5. Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026
Even with a "Door-to-Door" quote, some items are legally excluded or variable.
- Canada Customs Inspection: If your container is randomly selected for an X-ray or physical exam, you must pay the fee (approx. CAD $250 - $800).
- Shuttle Service (Long Carry): If your new home in Canada has a narrow driveway or is in a dense downtown area (like Toronto condos), the 40ft container cannot park there. A smaller shuttle truck is required. Cost: CAD $400 - $800.
- Parking Permits: In cities like Vancouver, you must pay the city for a permit to park the truck on the street.
- Storage: If your UAE lease ends before your Canadian home is ready, you will need storage. Check our guide on Storage Costs.
6. Timeline: Managing the 8-Week Gap
Do not expect your goods to arrive when you do.
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Packing in UAE | 1-3 Days | Depends on volume. |
| UAE Export & Loading | 5-7 Days | Customs clearance & waiting for vessel. |
| Sea Transit | 35-45 Days | Sailing time to Canada. |
| Canada Customs/Port | 7-10 Days | Offloading & CBSA release. |
| Inland Transport | 3-10 Days | Rail/Truck to final city. |
| Total | 7 - 9 Weeks | Plan for temporary furnished housing. |
FAQ: Moving to the Great White North
Q: Can I take my car from UAE to Canada? A: Technically yes, but generally not recommended. Canadian safety and emission standards (CMVSS) are very different from GCC specs. Modifications can cost thousands of dollars, and some cars simply cannot be compliant. It is usually cheaper to sell in UAE and buy in Canada.
Q: Do I need insurance? A: Yes. Basic carrier liability is based on weight (cents per kg) and will not cover the value of a TV or sofa. We recommend "All-Risk" insurance, which typically costs 2.5% - 3.5% of your declared goods value. Read our Moving Insurance Guide.
Q: What items are prohibited? A: Fresh food, seeds, soil, stunning devices (tasers), and certain ivory/animal products. Canada also has strict rules on mattresses—ensure yours are clean and dry to avoid agricultural concerns.
Conclusion: Start Your Canadian Journey Right
Moving to Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime relocation for most families. Getting the customs process wrong can cost thousands—and weeks of delay.
Work with movers who understand BSF186, rail delivery, and Canadian inspections from day one.
Don't guess the cost. Get a precise, transparent quote that includes all 2026 surcharges.