Moving from Nepal to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
10,000+ per year (growing rapidly). Here is what every newcomer from Nepal needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Nepal newcomers wonder about
- →Building credit from zero in Canada
- →Nepali-speaking settlement services in Toronto/Brampton
- →Sending money to Nepal efficiently
- →TFSA vs RRSP for Nepali newcomers
Does your Nepal credit score transfer to Canada?
Nepali credit scores do not transfer to Canada. KOHO and Capital One Secured are the most accessible first credit products for Nepali newcomers.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Nepal
Nepal's banks (Nabil Bank, NMB Bank, Standard Chartered Nepal) don't have Canadian branches. TD and Scotiabank are popular first choices.
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 Nepal
Wise and Remitly offer CAD→NPR corridors. IME (International Money Express) and Prabhu Money Transfer have strong Nepal networks. Khalti and eSewa (Nepali digital wallets) can receive from some services.
Nepal community in Canada
Brampton, Mississauga, and North York (Toronto) have growing Nepali communities. Calgary and Edmonton are increasingly popular destinations.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Nepali-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Nepal and Canada
Canada and Nepal do not have a tax treaty.
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 Nepal newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Nepal initially settle in Toronto and Ontario. Established communities mean more Nepali-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