Moving from Turkey to Canada — Your Finance Guide (2026)
5,000+ per year. Here is what every newcomer from Turkey needs to know about banking, credit, taxes, and money in Canada.
Top things Turkey newcomers wonder about
- →Turkish-speaking settlement services in Toronto
- →How to exchange Turkish driver's licence
- →TRY/CAD exchange rate strategy
- →TFSA for Turkish newcomers
Does your Turkey credit score transfer to Canada?
Turkish credit scores (KKB/Findeks) do not transfer. KOHO and the American Express global transfer program (for Turkish Amex cardholders) are the main options to start.
Learn more: Complete Canadian Credit Guide for Newcomers →
Banking in Canada for newcomers from Turkey
Turkish banks (Akbank, Yapı Kredi, İş Bankası) don't have Canadian retail branches. Some may offer international wire services. TD and Scotiabank are popular with Turkish 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 Turkey
Wise is very competitive for CAD→TRY corridors. Turkish lira has had significant volatility — exchange rate timing can matter significantly. Compare rates carefully.
Turkey community in Canada
Toronto (North York) and Ottawa have growing Turkish communities. The Canadian Turkish Society offers community resources.
Most cities offer IRCC-funded settlement services in multiple languages. Search for Turkish-speaking settlement agencies in your city at IRCC's settlement service finder.
Tax treaty: Turkey and Canada
Canada and Turkey have a tax treaty (in force since 1976). Provides relief from double taxation.
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 Turkey newcomers settle in Canada
Most newcomers from Turkey initially settle in Toronto and Ontario. Established communities mean more Turkish-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