Moving from Dubai to Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal): The Ultimate 2026 Relocation Guide
MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: The "Great White North" Awaits
With the UAE expat community increasingly looking for long-term residency options, Canada remains the number one destination for 2026. But moving from the desert heat of Dubai to the snow-capped streets of Toronto or Vancouver is a massive logistical operation.
Unlike a local move from Marina to JVC, an international relocation involves customs forms, sea freight logistics, and strict agricultural regulations. Whether you are heading to the corporate hub of Toronto, the coastal beauty of Vancouver, or the cultural heart of Montreal, this guide covers the exact costs, timelines, and paperwork you need.
Best Way to Move from Dubai to Canada (2026): The most reliable way to move from Dubai to Canada is to compare quotes from FIDI-accredited international movers using MoveConnector. Instead of contacting shipping companies one by one, UAE residents submit a single request and receive multiple verified quotes for Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal routes.
Jump to City Guide:
Part 1: The Logistics (How to Move Your Stuff)
What Is MoveConnector?
MoveConnector is a UAE-based international moving quote comparison platform that connects residents with FIDI- and FAIM-accredited movers. It specializes in long-distance relocations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Canada, including customs documentation, export packing, and destination delivery.
1. Choosing Your Shipping Method
Most UAE residents choose one of two options:
- LCL (Less than Container Load): "Groupage." Your belongings are packed into wooden lift vans and share a container with other people moving to Canada.
- Best for: Studio apartments or just 20-30 boxes.
- Pros: Cost-effective (pay only for volume used).
- Cons: Slower (the container waits until it is full before sailing).
- FCL (Full Container Load): You get a private 20ft or 40ft container sealed at your Dubai home.
- Best for: 2-Bedroom apartments, Villas, or if you are shipping a car.
- Pros: Faster, safer (no cross-contamination).
- Cons: Higher flat rate.
Shipping Costs and Timelines 2026 Estimates
Shipping rates fluctuate weekly based on fuel prices and seasonal demand (summer is peak season).
| Route (Jebel Ali to...) | 20ft Container (FCL) Est. | Shared (LCL) per CBM | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (via Montreal/Halifax) | AED 19,000 - 24,000 | AED 850 - 1,100 | 45 - 55 Days |
| Vancouver (via Pacific) | AED 18,000 - 22,000 | AED 900 - 1,200 | 35 - 45 Days |
| Montreal (Direct Port) | AED 17,500 - 21,000 | AED 800 - 1,000 | 40 - 50 Days |
These are market averages. Actual costs depend on volume, access conditions in Dubai, and destination city handling fees. Most UAE residents compare multiple quotes before booking.
Get an exact, binding quote for your volume here.
Part 2: Canadian Customs (The BSF186 Form)
This is the single most important step. If you get this wrong, you will pay hefty taxes on your own used clothes.
The "Settler's Effects" Exemption
As a new immigrant (or returning citizen), you can import your household goods Duty-Free and Tax-Free if:
- You have owned and used the items for at least 6 months before the move.
- You do not sell them within your first 12 months in Canada.
The Essential Documents
You must present these forms to the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer at the airport when you land. Your moving crew cannot do this for you.
- Form BSF186 (formerly B4): This is your master list of goods.
- Form BSF186A: This is the list of goods "To Follow" (items coming by ship later).
- Value List: A spreadsheet with the approximate CAD value of your items (for insurance and customs).
Pro Tip: Be specific. Do not write "Kitchen Box." Write "Used Kitchenware: Pots, Pans, Cutlery - Value $150."
Part 3: City-Specific Guides
Canada is massive. Moving to Toronto is very different from moving to Vancouver.
Moving from Dubai to Toronto
The Vibe: The "NYC" of Canada. Fast-paced, diverse, and the financial engine of the country.
- Housing: 45% of UAE expats land here. Rents are high. A 1-Bedroom in Downtown Toronto averages $2,500 CAD (AED 6,700) per month.
- Logistics: Shipments usually arrive at the Port of Montreal or Halifax and are railed/trucked to the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). This adds 5-7 days to the transit time.
- Weather Prep: Toronto is humid in summer and freezing in winter. Ensure your movers use moisture-absorbent poles in the shipping container to prevent mildew during the ocean crossing.
Moving from Dubai to Vancouver
The Vibe: Laid-back, nature-focused, and scenic. Think "Jumeirah" but with mountains and rain.
- Housing: The most expensive city in Canada. A 1-Bedroom averages $2,700 CAD (AED 7,200).
- Logistics: The fastest shipping route. Ships sail from Jebel Ali through the Indian Ocean and Pacific, skipping the Atlantic entirely.
- Weather Prep: It rains a lot. Waterproofing your boxes is non-negotiable.
Moving from Dubai to Montreal
The Vibe: European charm, festivals, and history.
- Housing: Significantly cheaper. A 1-Bedroom averages $1,600 CAD (AED 4,300).
- Language Warning: While you can survive on English, you generally need French for most jobs and schooling.
- Logistics: The Port of Montreal is a major entry point, meaning your goods are cleared faster here than inland cities.
How to Get Accurate Moving Quotes from Dubai to Canada
International moving prices vary widely depending on volume, packing method, and destination city. The safest approach is to compare multiple licensed international movers rather than relying on a single quote.
Using MoveConnector allows you to:
- Submit one inventory survey
- Compare FIDI-accredited movers side by side
- Avoid under-quoting and surprise destination charges
- Choose movers experienced with Canadian customs procedures
Part 4: 2026 Checklist for UAE Expats
- 6 Months Before: Check your passport validity and apply for Express Entry or PNP.
- 3 Months Before: Book your survey with an international mover. Shipping slots fill up fast in summer.
- 2 Months Before: Sell non-compliant cars (UAE specs rarely meet Transport Canada safety standards without expensive modifications).
- 1 Month Before: Request your "Claims History Letter" from your UAE car insurer (this can get you a huge discount on Canadian car insurance).
- 1 Week Before: Pack a "First Night Box" in your suitcase (bed sheets, toiletries, chargers) as your shipment will take weeks to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I ship my furniture or buy new in Canada? In 2026, furniture prices in Canada (IKEA, Wayfair) have risen. If you have high-quality solid wood furniture in Dubai, it is usually cheaper to ship it. However, leave cheap particle-board furniture behind—it may not survive the humidity changes.
2. Can I take my car from Dubai to Canada? Technically yes, but we advise against it. Canadian safety standards (CMVSS) are strict. You may spend $5,000+ on modifications, and your UAE car has no heating block for the engine (essential for Canadian winters).
3. What items are restricted? Do not pack:
- Fresh food or seeds (strict agricultural fines).
- Soil (clean your camping gear and hiking boots thoroughly!).
- High-value jewelry (carry this on the plane with you).
4. What is the best way to book international movers from Dubai to Canada? The best approach is to compare quotes from multiple FIDI-accredited movers using MoveConnector. This avoids price inflation, ensures Canadian customs compliance, and gives UAE residents clear cost comparisons before committing.
Ready to Start Your Canadian Chapter?
Most UAE residents moving to Canada compare quotes first to avoid customs delays, incorrect documentation, and unexpected destination charges. At MoveConnector, we specialize in connecting you with FIDI-accredited