Thinking of moving to Ottawa? Discover everything you need to know in our Ultimate Ottawa Relocation Guide tailored for expats and newcomers.
Planning a relocation to Ottawa? As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers a high quality of life with a blend of urban convenience, bilingual culture, and stunning natural surroundings.
Each year, thousands of expats choose Ottawa for its strong government and tech sectors, excellent educational institutions, and family-friendly neighbourhoods. From historic landmarks like Parliament Hill to the natural beauty of the Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park, Ottawa offers a uniquely balanced lifestyle.
This guide covers all essential steps in moving to Ottawa - from visa requirements and finding a home, to shipping your luggage to Canada alongside your other belongings and settling into daily life - equipping you with the practical knowledge to make your transition smooth and successful.
This ultimate guide covers all the essential aspects when you move to Ottawa, including:
We hope this guide both inspires and informs you. Since information may vary based on individual circumstances, we strongly recommend conducting your own research alongside this guide to ensure your move to Ottawa goes smoothly.
Ottawa is home to a variety of fantastic neighbourhoods, making it simple to find the perfect spot whether you’re planning to buy or rent in the city. Each area has its own distinct vibe and appeal, so your choice will largely depend on your lifestyle preferences and budget.
Each of the neighbourhoods in Ottawa offers something different, so the choice really depends on you!
Start by confirming your visa or immigration status depending on whether you are moving for work, study, family, or retirement reasons. Ottawa’s strong public sector and growing technology industry offer plenty of opportunities, which can improve your visa prospects if you secure employment beforehand. After securing your immigration status, organise practical matters including accommodation, banking, healthcare, and mobile telecoms. Research desirable neighbourhoods such as Centretown, Glebe, Kanata, or Orleans to find the right match for your lifestyle.
Yes. If you’re immigrating from outside Canada, you need a visa or permanent residency document. The visa type depends on your circumstances and could include work permits, study permits, family sponsorship, or Express Entry programmes. Start the application early due to processing times. More details about visa requirements are available in our Ultimate Canada Moving Guide.
When you relocate to Ottawa, it’s important to look beyond visas and shipping logistics to gain a full understanding of daily life in Canada’s capital. From housing and healthcare to education, employment, and finances, several key factors will shape how smoothly you settle in. Whether you’re moving to Ottawa for work, to start a business, study, retire, or join family, these are some of the most common areas people research when planning their new life in this vibrant and welcoming city.
Ottawa offers an excellent quality of life for retirees, combining the safety of well-maintained neighbourhoods with world-class healthcare, scenic riverfront views, and four distinct seasons. Although Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa, those looking to retire in Ottawa can qualify through broader immigration programmes. Options include applying for a Super Visa or family sponsorship if you have children who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, meeting the requirements of investor immigration programmes, or achieving sufficient Comprehensive Ranking System points via Express Entry despite being older. Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program entrepreneur stream may also welcome financially secure retirees intending to start or purchase a business. With outstanding medical care, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a warm community spirit, Ottawa is a top choice for retirement living in Canada.
Entrepreneurs relocating to Ottawa benefit from its dual role as the political hub of Canada and a thriving technology centre. Immigration routes for business owners include Canada’s Start-up Visa Program, Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program with entrepreneur streams, and the self-employed person programme for cultural or athletic professionals. The Start-up Visa requires backing from an approved venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Ontario’s entrepreneur streams set minimum investment and net worth thresholds. Ottawa’s economy spans government services, tech research, tourism, and education, making the city an ideal base for innovative and growth-focused enterprises.
Securing employment before relocating can strengthen your immigration application and make settling in smoother. Ottawa offers job opportunities across technology, healthcare, education, engineering, and public administration, with bilingual English/French skills often advantageous. Ontario’s labour laws guarantee a minimum of two weeks’ paid holiday (rising to three weeks after five years of service), comprehensive workplace protections, and a provincially set minimum wage of CAD 17.60 per hour from 1 October 2025. Ottawa’s professional culture values punctuality, respect, and cooperation, with a generally less hierarchical approach than many global work environments.
Ottawa residents are covered by Ontario’s OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), which provides medically necessary doctor visits, hospital treatment, and emergency services free at point of care. New permanent residents can apply for OHIP immediately upon arrival, with coverage starting as soon as approved — no waiting period applies in 2025. Dental care, prescription medicines, and vision services are typically paid privately or via supplementary insurance. Leading healthcare facilities include The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, and CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario).
Public education in Ottawa is free for children aged 5–18, with separate English and French-language school boards. The city also hosts respected private and international schools, with tuition ranging from CAD 15,000–30,000 annually. Higher education options include the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, which have strong reputations in public policy, engineering, technology, and international research collaborations.
Ottawa’s housing market remains more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, though prices have climbed in recent years. Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is CAD 1,800–2,000, while single-family homes typically sell for around CAD 700,000. Standard rental requirements include references, proof of income, and first and last month’s rent; newcomers without Canadian credit history may need to provide additional deposits.
Ottawa’s living costs are moderate compared with other Canadian capitals. A single person’s monthly expenses (excluding rent) generally range from CAD 1,100–1,500, while a family of four may spend between CAD 4,500–6,000. Utilities average CAD 150–250 per month, grocery bills run around CAD 300–500 per person, and public transport costs CAD 135 per month for an adult pass. Ontario levies a 13% Harmonised Sales Tax on most purchases.
Foreign licence holders may drive in Ontario for up to 60 days before converting to an Ontario driver’s licence. Depending on your country of origin, you might qualify for direct exchange or need to pass written and road tests. Annual car insurance in Ottawa ranges from CAD 1,500–2,500. Winter driving demands snow tyres and confidence navigating icy conditions.
Major Canadian banks including RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC have specific newcomer packages in Ottawa. Opening an account requires identification such as a passport and immigration documents. Transactions are in Canadian Dollars (CAD), and taxes combine federal and Ontario provincial rates. Obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is essential for employment, banking, and tax purposes.
OC Transpo operates buses and the O‑Train light rail across the city, with adult monthly passes priced at CAD 135. Ottawa is well connected to Montreal and Toronto via VIA Rail, while Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport offers domestic and limited international travel. Many residents own cars for exploring rural Ontario and nearby Quebec.
Ottawa has four distinct seasons: snowy winters often dipping to –20°C, mild spring, warm summers averaging 26°C, and vibrant autumn foliage. Winter runs from late November to March and requires good heating and proper cold-weather clothing. Seasonal highlights include skating on the Rideau Canal in winter and summer music and cultural festivals.
Most new arrivals come in via Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW).
Moving personal effects to Ottawa traditionally meant relying on slow sea freight or costly international moving companies. Today, My Baggage offers a faster and more affordable solution through air freight courier services, ensuring your items reach Ottawa quickly and securely.
Whether shipping luggage, boxes, golf clubs, or bikes to Ottawa, My Baggage provides reliable international removals with door-to-door delivery, full online tracking, and dedicated customer support. From single suitcases to larger consignments, your belongings are handled with care from collection to delivery, giving you complete peace of mind throughout your move to Ottawa.
Relocating to Ottawa doesn’t have to mean paying excessive airline baggage fees or waiting weeks for slow sea freight. With My Baggage, you can send your personal effects ahead of time or shortly after you arrive, allowing you to travel light and settle into your new home in Canada’s capital with ease.
