Moving from Bangladesh to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
12,000+ per year. Here is what every newcomer from Bangladesh needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Bangladesh newcomers wonder about
- →Bengali-speaking settlement services in Toronto
- →How to build credit from zero
- →Sending money home to Bangladesh via bKash-compatible services
- →OHIP waiting period for Bangladeshi newcomers
Does your Bangladesh credit score transfer to Canada?
Bangladeshi credit scores (Credit Information Bureau Bangladesh) do not transfer. You start fresh. KOHO credit builder and Capital One Secured are the most accessible first credit products.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Bangladesh
Bangladesh's Sonali Bank, Grameen Bank, and Dutch-Bangla Bank don't have Canadian branches. TD and Scotiabank are popular choices among Bangladeshi-Canadian newcomers.
Once in Canada, use a Big Six newcomer banking program for your main chequing account:
- • Scotiabank StartRight — can apply from outside Canada before you land
- • BMO NewStart — strong newcomer onboarding in most cities
- • TD New to Canada — dedicated newcomer advisors
- • CIBC Smart Start — up to $400 bonus for newcomers with direct deposit
Sending money from Canada to Bangladesh
Wise and Remitly offer CAD→BDT corridors. Western Union and MoneyGram have extensive Bangladesh cash pickup. bKash (Bangladesh mobile money) can receive transfers through some services.
Bangladesh community in Canada
Toronto (Scarborough, particularly the Morningside Heights area) has a significant Bangladeshi community. Calgary and Edmonton also have growing Bangladeshi populations.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Bengali-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Bangladesh and Canada
Canada and Bangladesh do not have a tax treaty. Your worldwide income as a Canadian resident is taxable in Canada.
All Canadian residents must file an annual tax return with CRA by April 30. Even if you arrived mid-year, filing your first return may make you eligible for the GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit. Read our complete tax guide for newcomers →
Where Bangladesh newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Bangladesh initially settle in Toronto and Ontario. Established communities mean more Bengali-speaking services, familiar foods, cultural organizations, and job networks.
See city-specific guides: Newcomer city guides →
Your first 90 days financial checklist
- 1Get your SIN at Service Canada (free, same day)
- 2Open a newcomer chequing account at a Big Six bank
- 3Get a KOHO credit builder card to start your Canadian credit file
- 4Register for provincial health coverage
- 5Set up CRA My Account online
- 6Apply for GST/HST Credit (CRA form RC151 if no T4 yet)
- 7Open a TFSA at Wealthsimple — start saving, even $25/month
- 8File your first tax return by April 30