Moving from Brazil to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
15,000+ per year (growing rapidly). Here is what every newcomer from Brazil needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Brazil newcomers wonder about
- →Where is the Brazilian community in Toronto?
- →How to get a credit card without Canadian history
- →Wealthsimple vs TFSA — which comes first?
- →Portuguese-speaking tax accountant in Toronto
Does your Brazil credit score transfer to Canada?
Brazilian Serasa, SPC, and Boa Vista credit scores do not transfer to Canada. Start fresh. The American Express global card transfer works if you have an existing Brazilian Amex card.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Brazil
No major Brazilian banks have Canadian branches. Itaú, Bradesco, and Banco do Brasil don't operate in Canada. Open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible — Scotiabank's StartRight is available from Brazil before you land.
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 Brazil
Wise offers competitive CAD→BRL rates. Remitly is growing in the Brazil corridor. Avoid bank wire transfers — exchange rate spreads on BRL are typically 2–4%.
Brazil community in Canada
Toronto (Little Portugal area, Kensington Market) and the GTA have large Brazilian-Portuguese communities. Vancouver's Richmond and Burnaby have smaller but growing Brazilian populations.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Portuguese-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Brazil and Canada
Canada and Brazil have a partial tax treaty (limited to air and shipping). Double-taxation risk exists on investment income. Consult a tax professional about Brazilian investment income and FBAR-equivalent reporting.
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 Brazil newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Brazil initially settle in Toronto and Ontario. Established communities mean more Portuguese-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