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YUL

Montréal

Québec, Canada

Arriving, settling in and working in Montréal: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to MontréalRead the guide ↓
Photo: Samuel Charron / Unsplash
Guide sections12
Sourced facts65
Last verified1 Nov 2026
Areas with rent9

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Montréal at a glance

The basics about Montréal, plus official sources for weather, safety and prices.

  • Montréal is divided into 19 boroughs (arrondissements), each with its own page on the City's website.
    montreal.ca ↗
  • French is Québec's official language. Since June 1, 2023, the Québec civil administration must generally provide its services only in French.
    quebec.ca ↗
  • Montréal uses Eastern Time. Clocks go forward one hour on the second Sunday in March and back one hour on the first Sunday of November, at 2:00 a.m.
    nrc.canada.ca ↗
  • For official forecasts and weather alerts, use Environment Canada's 7-day forecast for Montréal.
    weather.gc.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • The UK government's travel advice for Canada lists seasonal risks, including winter storms from November to April and thunderstorms from April to September.
    gov.uk ↗
  • Statistics Canada publishes Consumer Price Index (inflation) data for Canada and each province, including an interactive CPI dashboard. Use it to follow changes in the cost of living.
    www150.statcan.gc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws & local rules

French-language rules and road rules that surprise newcomers.

  • Under the Charter of the French language, Québec government bodies may use another language with immigrants only during their first six months after arriving in Québec, and must use only French whenever they consider it possible.
    quebec.ca ↗
  • Right turns on a red light are not allowed anywhere on the island of Montréal. Elsewhere in Québec they are allowed unless a sign says otherwise.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • From December 1 to March 15, vehicles in Québec must have four winter tires in good condition.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • Holding a phone or other device while driving is prohibited in Québec, even when stopped at a red light. Drivers and passengers may not smoke cannabis inside a vehicle.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption from Health Canada.
    gov.uk ↗
  • The UK FCDO warns that illegal drugs carry severe penalties in Canada, including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
    gov.uk ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Montréal

Getting from YUL into the city, and what to do first.

  • STM bus 747 runs between Montréal-Trudeau airport and downtown 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Stops include Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM métro stations and the Montréal intercity bus terminal.
    stm.info ↗
  • The STM says the 24-hour pass ($11.25 regular fare) is the best fare for the 747. It gives unlimited trips for 24 hours on the métro, REM, train and 747 bus.
    stm.info ↗
  • At the airport, the STM counter and fare machines are at door 28 of international arrivals. You can also pay exact change on the bus, or buy before you land with the Chrono app.
    stm.info ↗
  • When you enter Canada, you must declare currency or monetary instruments worth CAN$10,000 or more. You must also declare all food, plants, animal products, weapons and firearms.
    cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • RAMQ says you can register for the Québec Health Insurance Plan as soon as you arrive, if you meet the eligibility conditions. Its processing time is currently 60 working days.
    ramq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

STM fares, transfers and OPUS.

  • STM Zone A fares listed on 1 November 2026: 1 trip $3.75, 2 trips $7, 24-hour pass $11.25 and monthly pass $110.
    stm.info ↗
  • Once you validate your fare, you have 120 minutes to transfer between bus, métro, train and REM to finish your trip.
    stm.info ↗
  • Children aged 11 and under travel free when accompanied by someone aged 14 or over who is responsible for them.
    stm.info ↗
  • You can load fares on an OPUS card, buy them through the Chrono app, or at points of sale.
    stm.info ↗
Show 1 more
  • You may drive in Québec with a valid licence from outside Québec for six months after you take up residence. After that you must hold a Québec licence.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods & renting

Montréal's boroughs, and Québec's tenancy rules.

  • The City suggests looking for housing by walking around neighbourhoods and looking for 'For Rent' signs, asking people you know, and checking eligibility for social and community housing.
    montreal.ca ↗
  • The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) says a landlord cannot ask for a deposit, whether for the keys or for furniture.
    tal.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • A landlord must give a new tenant written notice of the lowest rent paid for the dwelling in the 12 months before the lease starts (section G of the lease). If you pay more, you can ask the TAL to fix the rent within 10 days of signing.
    tal.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • At lease renewal, a tenant has one month from receiving a notice of rent increase to accept or refuse it. If the tenant refuses, the landlord must apply to the TAL to fix the rent.
    tal.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • The TAL does not apply a fixed annual increase rate. It provides a calculation tool, based on the building's income and expenses, to help landlords and tenants agree.
    tal.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • CMHC's Rental Market Report covers rents, vacancy rates and market conditions in major centres.
    cmhc-schl.gc.ca ↗
External links
Tribunal administratif du logement ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

French-language schooling rules, and Montréal's school boards.

  • Under the Charter of the French language, children of permanent residents and CSQ holders are not eligible for English public school. They attend a French public school or a non-subsidized English private school.
    emsb.qc.ca ↗
  • Children of people living in Québec temporarily to work or study may get temporary authorization (a Certificate of Eligibility) to attend English school. Under the amended rules it can't be renewed.
    emsb.qc.ca ↗
  • The Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM) lists 185 establishments and 117,626 students. Families of students born outside Canada, or who don't speak French, book an appointment online with its reception service.
    cssdm.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • To enrol with the CSSDM, a parent brings two original proofs of a Québec address and one original proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or permanent residence card.
    cssdm.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • The English Montreal School Board describes itself as the largest English public school board in Québec, with more than 32,000 students.
    emsb.qc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Registering with RAMQ, finding a family doctor, and health advice.

  • You can register for Québec health insurance as soon as you arrive, if you meet the conditions. This includes people settling in Québec and people here temporarily to study or work.
    ramq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • RAMQ's processing time for health insurance applications is currently 60 working days. It will contact you if your application is incomplete.
    ramq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • Info-Santé 811 (option 1) is free and confidential. A nurse gives advice on non-urgent health concerns, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
    quebec.ca ↗
  • Info-Social 811 (option 2) connects you with a psychosocial worker for psychosocial or mental health issues.
    quebec.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • To get a family doctor, join the waiting list through the Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF). Registering with a family doctor is voluntary and free.
    quebec.ca ↗
  • The City's emergency numbers: 911 for police, ambulance and firefighters; 1-800-463-5060 for the anti-poison centre; and 811 for the provincial health line.
    montreal.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking & IDs

Your SIN, a bank account and tax basics.

  • You can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) online, by mail or in person at Service Canada. If your documents are in order, you get your SIN during an in-person visit. There is no fee.
    canada.ca ↗
  • You have the right to open a bank account even if you have no job or no money to deposit right away. The bank must confirm your identity with acceptable ID.
    canada.ca ↗
  • The CRA treats your first year as a tax resident as your newcomer year. You can apply for some benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit, before you file your first tax return.
    canada.ca ↗
  • The City's Accès Montréal Card gives discounts and benefits. People without legal status can get a City identity and proof-of-residence card.
    montreal.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving & cars

Using a foreign licence, insurance and Québec's road rules.

  • After you settle in Québec, you can drive on a valid licence from outside Québec for six months. You must be a Québec resident to apply for a Québec licence.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • To exchange your licence, request an appointment with the SAAQ to have your driving experience recognized. The SAAQ contacts you within 20 business days of receiving the form.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • Québec's public automobile insurance plan covers bodily injury in a traffic accident, whoever is at fault.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • Vehicle owners need civil liability insurance of at least $50,000 from a private insurer, with rare exceptions.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • A zero-alcohol rule applies to drivers under 22 and all new drivers. For drivers 22 and over the limit is 0.08.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
  • The highway speed limit is 100 km/h. In towns the default is 50 km/h, and school zones are often 30 km/h.
    saaq.gouv.qc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Montréal

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 1 Oct 2025. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Downtown Montréal/Îles-des-Soeurs (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Downtown Montréal/Îles-des-Soeurs', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,598
2 bedroomCA$2,092
Near the centreSingles
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Plateau-Mont-Royal (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Plateau-Mont-Royal', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,298
Near the centre
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Sud-Ouest/Verdun (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Sud-Ouest/Verdun', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,201
2 bedroomCA$1,344
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Hochelaga-Maisonneuve', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,175
2 bedroomCA$1,314
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Ct-des-Neiges/Mt-Royal/Outremont (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Ct-des-Neiges/Mt-Royal/Outremont', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,146
2 bedroomCA$1,415
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

ND-de-Grâce/Ct-St-Luc etc. (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'ND-de-Grâce/Ct-St-Luc etc.', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,124
2 bedroomCA$1,464
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Villeray/St-Michel/Pc-Extension (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Villeray/St-Michel/Pc-Extension', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$931
2 bedroomCA$1,398
Lower rent
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Ahuntsic/Cartierville (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Ahuntsic/Cartierville', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$933
2 bedroomCA$1,262
Lower rent
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Saint-Laurent (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Saint-Laurent', Montréal
1 bedroomCA$1,163
2 bedroomCA$1,365
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Average monthly rent in purpose-built rental apartments (row and apartment structures) by CMHC survey zone, October 2025. This covers all occupied and vacant units, including long-time tenants, so it is lower than the asking rent for a newly listed unit.

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs & work

Job search, credential recognition and support in Québec.

  • Job Bank is Canada's national employment service. Use it to search job postings and find labour market information.
    jobbank.gc.ca ↗
  • Job Bank's labour market pages give an overview of conditions by province. You can also look up an occupation's wages, prospects and job requirements.
    jobbank.gc.ca ↗
  • If your occupation is regulated, contact its regulatory body in your province to begin foreign credential recognition. The federal Foreign Credential Recognition Tool helps you check this.
    canada.ca ↗
  • In Québec, regulated professions are recognized through a Québec regulatory body. The Québec government also offers a comparative evaluation of studies done outside Québec.
    quebec.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • Québec emploi lists job offers across the province. You can create a candidate profile.
    quebec.ca ↗
  • Accompagnement Québec agents help immigrants with an action plan that includes skills recognition and finding a job.
    quebec.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities & colleges

Montréal's universities, and the two permits international students need.

  • McGill University is a public university founded in 1821. International students from more than 150 countries make up nearly 30% of its student body.
    mcgill.ca ↗
  • Concordia University reports about 50,000 students, with two campuses: SGW (downtown) and Loyola.
    concordia.ca ↗
  • Université de Montréal is a French-language university. With its affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal, it describes itself as Québec's leading hub of higher education and research.
    umontreal.ca ↗
  • To study in Québec, international students need a Québec Acceptance Certificate from the Québec government and a study permit from the Government of Canada.
    quebec.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • To apply for a study permit, you need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). Check that your post-secondary school is on IRCC's DLI list.
    canada.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Newcomer support

Free help from the Québec government, the City and community groups.

  • Accompagnement Québec is the Québec government's free integration service for people who already have immigration status in Québec. You register through Arrima. Phone 514-864-9191 (Greater Montréal).
    quebec.ca ↗
  • The Québec government offers free French courses to eligible people aged 16 and over who live in Québec. Financial assistance is available to immigrants under certain conditions.
    quebec.ca ↗
  • Community organizations in Montréal's neighbourhoods offer free help with housing, jobs, school or daycare registration, food, immigration procedures and learning French.
    montreal.ca ↗
  • A Montréal library membership lets you borrow books and films, use computers with internet access and attend library activities.
    montreal.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • IRCC's 'Find free newcomer services near you' tool lists government-funded settlement organizations. Eligibility depends on your status. From April 1, 2026, economic-class permanent residents can use these services only for a limited time.
    ircc.canada.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

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