Quebec Newcomer Finance Guide (2026)

At a glance: Quebec

Healthcare for newcomers in Quebec

Quebec has its own distinct health system. Permanent residents and refugees are covered immediately by RAMQ. Most work permit holders have a 3-month wait. Quebec also requires provincial drug insurance (RAMQ or employer plan). Source: ramq.gouv.qc.ca

Source: RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) official site

Provincial income tax in Quebec

Quebec has a separate provincial income tax system (Revenu Québec) in addition to the federal CRA system. You file two separate tax returns. Provincial rates range from 14% to 25.75%. Refundable tax credits include Solidarity Credit (similar to Trillium).

Federal taxes are the same across all provinces and are filed with CRA. Quebec residents file a separate provincial tax return with Revenu Québec in addition to the federal return.

Banking in Quebec

Bill 96 (2022) requires commercial services to be available in French in Quebec. Most major banks have French-first services in Montreal. Caisse Desjardins is Quebec's dominant credit union network and an excellent option for newcomers.

All Big Six banks — RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and National Bank — have branches in Quebec. For newcomers without Canadian credit history, we recommend opening a chequing account at a Big Six bank for everyday banking and a KOHO account to immediately start building Canadian credit (no credit check required).

Key provincial benefits in Quebec

• ✓Solidarity Credit
• ✓Family Allowance (Allocation famille)
• ✓Childcare subsidy (CPE)

These are in addition to federal benefits available to all Canadian residents — GST/HST Credit, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP). See our full tax guide to make sure you claim everything you are eligible for.

Top cities for newcomers in Quebec

Most newcomers to Quebec settle in these cities for access to jobs, community organizations, and newcomer services.

Your next steps as a newcomer in Quebec

1. 1

   Get your SIN

   Apply at Service Canada as soon as you arrive. You need it to work, file taxes, and open many financial accounts.

2. 2

   Register for RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec)

   Apply immediately upon arrival. There is a Immediate for PR/refugee; 3 months for most work permits — plan accordingly.

3. 3

   Open a Canadian bank account

   Use a newcomer banking program (Scotiabank StartRight, BMO NewStart, or TD New to Canada) for a free first-year account.

4. 4

   Start building Canadian credit

   Get a KOHO credit builder or Capital One Secured card. Canadian credit history is required for mortgages, car loans, and many rentals.

5. 5

   Open a TFSA

   Your most flexible savings tool. Contributions are tax-free. Wealthsimple offers a free TFSA in about 10 minutes.

6. 6

   File your first tax return

   Due April 30. Even if you arrived late in the year, file — you may be eligible for the GST/HST Credit and other benefits.

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