Moving to Canada
Planning a move to Canada – to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary or Ottawa? Hartmann International has been organising overseas moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, FAIM-certified standards, a worldwide partner network and complete Canadian customs handling from a single source.
Your move to Canada – everything from a single source
Whether it is an apartment in Toronto, a house in British Columbia or an assignment to Alberta – we plan your move to Canada from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle sea and air freight, packing, insurance and the Canadian customs clearance, all from a single source.
- International private removals – flat, house, full service
- Company and employee relocations worldwide
- Sea, air and road freight incl. container loading
- Customs clearance & export/import documents
- Part-load shipments & storage in our own facilities
- Moving boxes, packing material & furniture dis-/assembly
- Disposal of items you no longer need
- AMÖ-, FIDI- & FAIM-certified international standards
One-stop move
From packing to customs clearance – one dedicated contact for your move abroad.
International expertise
Canada is one of our classic overseas destinations: we ship your household goods in our own container via the Canadian ports on the East and West Coast – and take care of clearance with Canadian customs (CBSA).
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to Canada
From the first consultation to setting up your new home, we take care of everything: we plan your move, supply packing material and moving boxes, pack securely for sea transport, organise the shipping across the Atlantic and reassemble your furniture at the destination.
On request we handle the transport only or the complete full service – including part-load transport, storage in our own facilities and relocation service. That makes your move to Canada plannable and stress-free, despite the long distance.
Transport routes to Canada
The main route to Canada is sea freight in a container: for a complete household, your own 20- or 40-foot container is the most economical solution. We pack securely for sea transport, load and organise the shipping via the Canadian ports – Halifax and Montreal on the East Coast, Vancouver on the West Coast – including delivery to your door.
Air freight is ideal for urgent or smaller shipments – when important items need to be in Canada quickly, for example at the start of an assignment. We handle packing, documents and the whole process.
There is no pure overland route for a move across the Atlantic – within Canada our partner network handles the onward transport from the port of arrival to your new address, whether to Calgary, Edmonton or Ottawa. That way your goods reach the vast interior of the country safely too.
Move stress-free with Hartmann International
Since 1856 we have accompanied you at every step – from the personal consultation through the binding fixed-price quote to furniture assembly at your destination. Your goods are covered by the statutory carrier liability; on request we arrange extended transport insurance at replacement value. We work with permanent, fairly paid staff and vetted partners on site.
With our relocation service we take the official paperwork off your hands – for job-related moves as well as for private customers. We support you with, among other things, your visa and residence status, finding a home, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. That way you arrive in Canada relaxed from the very start.
Your international move in 5 steps
Enquiry
Free of charge by form, e-mail or phone.
Consultation & survey
We record volume, transport route and customs requirements.
Fixed-price quote
Transparent & in writing, incl. transport and customs.
Transport
Packing, loading and shipping by sea, air or road.
Delivery & assembly
Delivery, unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination.
Customs & documents for your move to Canada
Canada is not part of the EU: a customs declaration with Canadian customs (CBSA) is required for every move, together with a complete inventory list of your goods. If you are transferring your place of residence, you can usually import your used household goods free of duty – we handle the process and tell you exactly which documents are needed and when.
For household goods, the BSF186 form (and BSF186A for later shipments, the “goods to follow” list) with a list of items is required. You also need a valid passport and an appropriate visa or residence status (e.g. Permanent Residence) for entry. We support you with the customs documents and the inventory list so that the import runs smoothly.
What does a move to Canada cost?
The cost of a move to Canada depends mainly on the volume, the destination region (East or West Coast, the interior), the transport route (sea freight in your own container, part load or air freight) and the services you choose. The effort for Canadian customs clearance is added on top. A further lever is the part load: you share the container and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for overseas moves. After a short assessment – by phone, video or on site – you therefore receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, including transport, packing and customs handling.
Calculate your moving costs online
Use our online moving calculator to get a non-binding first estimate for your international move in just a few minutes – volume, distance and services step by step.
Prefer a personal touch? Request a free quote ›
Good to know about your international move
Container sizes
A 20-foot container holds about 30 m³ (roughly a 2–3-room flat), a 40-foot container about 60 m³ (a whole house).
Part-loads save money
With a part-load you share the cargo space with other shipments and pay only your share – ideal for smaller volumes and some flexibility on timing.
Plan ahead
Plan your move ideally 2–3 months in advance, or 3–6 months for overseas – for customs applications and sailing/flight schedules.
Insurance
Every transport is covered by carrier liability; for international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value.
Import restrictions
Not everything may be imported – certain foods, plants, medicines or weapons are restricted. We tell you in advance what can go on the inventory list.
Pets & vehicles
Cars, motorcycles and pets can come along too – pet transport is handled by specialised partners; we tell you which documents are required.
Tip: our moving checklist helps with planning. Transit times depend on destination and transport route – mainland Europe usually a few days, overseas several weeks; we state the exact timeframe in your quote.
Our reference projects
Real international moves, real results – a selection of our international and overseas projects.
Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Mehr erfahren ›
Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Move from China to Herzebrock-Clarholz
Mehr erfahren ›
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
Mehr erfahren ›
Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in Canada you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on sea freight, Canadian customs (CBSA, BSF186), visa and scheduling, and coordinate everything from a single source.
Move well prepared – with our checklist
Keep every step in view: our free moving checklist guides you from planning to move-in through all the key to-dos – deadlines, re-registration, no-parking zones and packing.
Request your free quote now
Ready for your move to Canada? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote including customs handling – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a move to Canada cost?
It depends on the volume, destination region (East or West Coast, the interior), the transport route (sea-freight container, part load or air freight) and the services you choose; Canadian customs clearance is added on top. After a short assessment you receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs. A part load can save you even more.
How does transport to Canada work – sea or air freight?
The main route is sea freight in a container: for a complete household your own 20- or 40-foot container is the most economical solution, shipped via the Canadian ports of Halifax and Montreal (East Coast) or Vancouver (West Coast). Urgent or smaller shipments go by air freight. We pack securely for sea transport and deliver to your door.
How long does a move to Canada take?
For sea freight, allow several weeks as a rule, depending on the departure port, destination port and route – to the East Coast (Halifax, Montreal) usually somewhat shorter than to the West Coast (Vancouver). Add Canadian customs clearance and the onward transport to your address. Air freight is considerably faster. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
Are there customs duties for a move to Canada?
Canada is not part of the EU, so a customs declaration with Canadian customs (CBSA) and an inventory list is required. If you are transferring your residence, however, you can usually import your used household goods free of duty. We handle the whole process.
What documents do I need for a move to Canada?
For the duty-free import of household goods, the BSF186 form and – for items arriving later – the BSF186A form (the “goods to follow” list) with a list of items are required. For entry you need a valid passport and an appropriate visa or residence status. We support you with the customs documents and the inventory list.
Do I need a visa for Canada?
Yes. For a longer or permanent stay in Canada you need an appropriate visa or residence status (e.g. Permanent Residence) and a valid passport. We organise the move itself; with our relocation service we additionally support you with official matters such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and registration.
Can I also transport my household goods to Canada as a part load?
Yes. With a part load you share the container with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are flexible on timing. We handle the Canadian customs clearance here too.
Are my belongings insured on the way to Canada?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For overseas moves in particular we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request.
Can you also transport a car, motorcycle or piano to Canada?
Yes. We ship vehicles, motorcycles and bulky items such as pianos with suitable special packing and load securing. Just mention it when you make your enquiry and we will clarify the import specifics together.
Do you move to all Canadian provinces?
Yes. We organise moves to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton as well as to all other regions. From the port of arrival our partner network handles the onward transport to your new address – including to the vast interior of the country.
What our customers say
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„After our practice relocated a year ago and that went excellently too, I have now also moved privately with Hartmann.”
Hartmann International is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews on ProvenExpert.
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We move you –
regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to Canada, throughout Europe and worldwide.