An international move to Canada from Dubai can be exciting, but it takes careful planning that should ideally start months in advance. Start by creating a comprehensive checklist to keep track of all your tasks. One key item to include is hiring experienced international movers to Canada to handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on the other important details of your relocation.
Your Checklist for Relocating to Canada
As the movers handle the packing and transit, here is a quick list of things you need to check off.
1. Organize Important Documents and Records
Organize all your personal documents well before your departure date, including your valid passport, Emirates ID, and any national identity cards. For instance, when canceling your UAE residence visa, you’ll need to return your Emirates ID to the immigration office.
You should also have original copies of all the important documents, like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any academic degrees or transcripts with you. Make sure to keep copies of school records or work letters you might need later.
2. Packing and Shipping Your Belongings
Sort and pack your belongings carefully. Start by sorting your items into three categories: keep, sell, or donate. It is better to take along only those items that you really need in Canada. Once you sort everything, make a detailed inventory of the items you plan to ship. This helps with customs and ensures you don’t forget something behind.
3. Finances and Banking
Before leaving, pay off any loans, credit cards, or outstanding bills, and close any UAE bank accounts or credit cards you do not need. Next, transfer your savings to your new Canadian bank account (if you have any). You can use your current bank or a currency exchange for the international transfer service. Be sure to transfer funds well in advance, as the process may take several days.
4. Cancellation of Rental Agreements
Check your rental contract for the end date and required notice period. Inform your landlord in writing that you plan to move out; typically, tenants need to give the notice 1–3 months in advance. When the notice period has passed, your landlord will cancel your tenancy through the Ejari system. Make sure you keep copies of all the correspondence and handover papers. If you have a security deposit receipt, you can use it to claim your refund after the final inspection.
5. Termination of Utilities and Services
Contact your utility provider to disconnect services. That would include paying your DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bills for your electricity and water services. Once you pay the last bill, they will issue a clearance certificate. Keep that certificate as it proves you have paid all your dues and helps avoid future disputes.
Contact your internet or mobile service provider as well, and ask for the final bill and security deposit, if any, once you return the equipment.
6. School Records and Tuition Refunds
Parents must collect a school transfer or school-leaving certificate for each child. This official document should highlight that the child has left the school in Dubai and needs to enroll in a new school in Canada.
Ask the school for copies of report cards or transcripts, and discuss tuition refunds, as some schools refund part of the fee if you leave mid-year. Also, get your child’s medical and vaccination records, as Canadian schools often ask for immunization history.
7. Driver’s License and Vehicles
If you have a car in the UAE, decide whether to sell it or ship it. Shipping a car to Canada can be expensive and involves complex import rules, so many expats sell their cars in Dubai instead. If you do sell, cancel the car registration (RTA paperwork) and the insurance.
It would be wise to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Dubai before you leave.
8. Health and Medical
Schedule a full medical check-up a few weeks before departing. Ask your doctor for copies of your medical records and current prescriptions (enough to last a few weeks in Canada). Make sure you or your children have all the routine vaccinations (tetanus, measles, etc.) and are all up to date. Pack any special medicines in your carry-on, since you may need them soon after arrival.
It is also very important to have health insurance ready. Canada has provincial health plans, but new residents often face a waiting period. To avoid gaps in medical coverage, arrange for travel health insurance or a short-term private plan to cover those first months in Canada. Once you arrive, you should apply for your provincial health card immediately.
9. Pet Relocation
Check Canada’s pet entry rules, including vaccinations, microchipping, and quarantine. Visit a vet early for required vaccinations and health certificates, and prepare your pet’s passport or health record. After that, research airline pet policies and then book travel arrangements accordingly.
Conclusion
A good checklist means fewer surprises when you relocate to Canada from the UAE. Since you will be busy doing a lot of stuff, consider using ServiceMarket for international moving services. Visit the website or download the app for free quotes and get rid of all the hassle.
