Moving from Ethiopia to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
5,000+ per year. Here is what every newcomer from Ethiopia needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Ethiopia newcomers wonder about
- →Amharic-speaking settlement services in Toronto
- →Islamic finance options in Canada
- →Building credit as Ethiopian newcomer
- →Ethiopian community churches and organizations in Toronto
Does your Ethiopia credit score transfer to Canada?
Ethiopian credit scores do not transfer to Canada. Starting fresh. KOHO's no-credit-check approach makes it particularly accessible for Ethiopian newcomers.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Ethiopia
Ethiopian banks (Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Awash Bank) don't have Canadian branches. Most Ethiopians open accounts with TD or Scotiabank upon arrival.
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 Ethiopia
Remitly and Western Union have strong Ethiopia corridors. M-Pesa is not common in Ethiopia — TeleBirr (Ethio Telecom's mobile money) can receive from some international services.
Ethiopia community in Canada
Toronto (North Etobicoke, Jane-Finch area) and Ottawa have significant Ethiopian communities. Ethiopian Orthodox churches and community organizations are important social infrastructure.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Ethiopia and Canada
Canada and Ethiopia do not have a tax treaty. Worldwide income must be reported.
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 Ethiopia newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Ethiopia initially settle in Toronto and Ontario. Established communities mean more Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya-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