Relocating from the UAE to Canada - 4 things to consider

Moving Tips
International Relocation
Moving to Canada
Moving from the UAE

Published
November 21st, 2023

Written By 
Nevine Hussein

Nevine is a Senior Relocations Consultant based in our Middle East service hub in Dubai, UAE. 

 
Nevine is an experienced Relocations Consultant. She started her career in 2006 and joined Crown Egypt in 2008. Nevine moved to Dubai with Crown UAE in 2016.

During her time with Crown, Nevine has helped hundreds of customers plan their moves and relocate to many locations around the world.
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Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to Canada?

  
When moving to a new country, having the correct information and guidance is crucial to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Nevine Hussein, Crown Relocations' Senior Residential Consultant, shares valuable insights to answer five commonly asked questions about relocating to Canada. 

From transit times to customs duties and shipping vehicles, we've got you covered.

 1. Transit Times for Sea Shipments to Canada


You should allow between 8 and 12 weeks for a shipment to reach your new home in Canada. For moves from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers sailings from Jebel Ali to Canada’s main ports: Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, ensuring faster and more reliable transit times. 

The sailing to Canada takes between 47 and 55 days depending on the port of entry. 
The door-to-door transit times include:

  • Sailing time from port to port 
  • 5 to 7 working days in both the UAE and Canada for customs clearance 
  • Loading, unloading, and final delivery.

Toronto Skyline at dusk

2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises


Crown Relocations aims to offer detailed estimates for international moves. However, it's important to be aware that there might be additional expenses to account for at your destination. Some common examples include:

Major Cities: Delivery access often requires a parking permit.
 
Apartment Blocks: Delivery above the 1st floor, whether via internal building elevator or stair carry, will attract additional costs. 

Residential Areas: May have access limitations for large vehicles and shipping containers, requiring additional shuttle vehicles and/or long carry to transport items.

Oversized/Heavy Furniture: Consider whether items will fit in your new home and be easily manoeuvred, particularly upstairs. If items need to be dismantled and reassembled, hoisted through upstairs windows or external elevators, this will attract additional costs.

Third-Party Services: When shipping your furniture to Canada, consider that a handyman will need to reassemble most disassembled items (unless very basic). Crown can arrange this service through an external company at an additional cost.  

If you have a final delivery address at the time of your enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will work with you to discuss the details and provide tailored solutions to avoid surprises or additional expenses.

  

3. Customs Duties on Household Goods


You may qualify for exemption from customs duties and taxes on your household goods if they are for personal use (i.e. not in commercial quantities) and if you meet the specific requirements:

  • Your goods must have been used for a minimum of 6 months before being imported into Canada.
  •  When you travel to Canada, you must carry the packing list (prepared and given by the Crown Operations Team Leader) and have it stamped by the airport Customs Office, who will give you a B4E form in return. 

Important Note: Upon arrival of your shipment at the port in Canada, you will need to visit the nearest Customs Office in your area with the earlier stamped documents for customs screening. 

  • If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must hold a valid work/residency permit 
  • You will need to prove that you have lived abroad for at least 12 months before the shipment import into Canada

Customs duties and taxes will apply if you ship new items owned for less than six months.
  

4. Shipping Vehicles to Canada


All personal vehicles must meet the Canadian Safety Standards and Emission Controls. Unless exported from Canada, most vehicles will not meet these requirements and should not be sent.

Important Note:  If a vehicle is sent to Canada and is not allowed, the vehicle will either be destroyed or shipped out of Canada at your expense.

Vehicles 15 years and older are exempt from this rule. Before attempting to import a motor vehicle in this category, be certain it has been manufactured to meet Canadian standards and bears a “compliance label.”

The vehicle may be subject to provincial sales tax, so it is advisable to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the province or territory, to which you are moving.