Living in Montreal: the ultimate expat guide

Among the main pillars of Montreal's economy are aerospace, artificial intelligence, video game development, film production, and life sciences. The city hosts major employers like Bombardier, CAE, and hundreds of tech startups. While French is the official language of business in Quebec, many international companies operate in English, particularly in technology and finance sectors.

Key industries

The aerospace industry is a key employer, while the technology sector, particularly video game development with major international studios, has established the city as a global leader. Healthcare and creative industries also provide significant employment opportunities across the metropolitan area.

Work permits and procedures

International workers need either an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit to work legally in Montreal. The employer-specific permit requires a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) proving no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. Some occupations are LMIA-exempt under international agreements. Young professionals aged 18-35 from eligible countries may apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which offers working holiday permits.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Statistics Canada, Numbeo

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Montreal is home to some of Canada's most prestigious universities and offers programs in both English and French, with internationally recognized institutions providing diverse academic pathways.

Major universities and programs

McGill University, consistently ranked among the world's top 30 universities, is an English-language institution with two campuses. Founded in 1821, McGill is renowned for its Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Law, and Desautels Faculty of Management. While the primary language of instruction is English, students may submit some written work in French. Concordia University is another major English-language institution that excels in fine arts, business, and engineering programs. Its John Molson School of Business ranks among Canada's top business schools. Université de Montréal (UdeM), Quebec's largest university, offers its programs primarily in French. It ranks highly in life sciences and medical research. Other institutions include École Polytechnique de Montréal and HEC Montréal.

Admission process

Admission requirements for universities in Montreal vary by institution and program but typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency tests (IELTS or TOEFL for English programs; DELF/DALF for French), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International students must obtain a study permit from Immigration Canada and a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the provincial government before arriving.

Sources: McGill University, Concordia University, Université de Montréal

Quebec's education system differs from other Canadian provinces, with students attending elementary school (grades 1-6), secondary school (grades 7-11), and then CEGEP (pre-university or technical college) before university. Public education is free for residents, but many expat families choose private or international schools to maintain curriculum continuity or ensure English-language instruction.

International and private schools

Montreal hosts numerous international schools catering to expat families. The Sacred Heart School of Montreal offers an all-girls English Catholic education for grades 7-12. Kuper Academy in Kirkland provides bilingual education from preschool through grade 11 and Lower Canada College (LCC) offers the International Baccalaureate program for grades K-12. Other international and private schools in Montreal include Collège International Marie de France (CIMF) and Alexander von Humboldt School.

Enrollment process

Prospective students of private schools typically have to provide previous academic records, sit an entrance exam and attend an interview. Application deadlines often fall in January or February for the following September. Many schools offer financial aid or sibling discounts.

Sources: Sacred Heart School of Montreal, Lower Canada College

Montreal's housing market offers better affordability than Toronto or Vancouver, though prices have risen steadily in recent years. The city features diverse neighbourhoods, from historic Old Montreal to family-friendly suburbs.

Popular neighbourhoods for expats

The Plateau-Mont-Royal is a prime area for young professionals and students, characterized by its charming tree-lined streets, thriving café culture, and vibrant arts scene. Westmount and Outremont are sophisticated, high-end residential neighbourhoods that attract families due to their excellent schools and parks. Families seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle often choose the West Island (including Beaconsfield and Pointe-Claire), which features larger homes and established English-language schools.

Rental procedures and rental costs

Landlords usually require proof of employment, references, and first month's rent. Quebec law prohibits security deposits. Lease agreements are regulated by the Régie du logement (Tribunal administratif du logement), protecting tenants from arbitrary rent increases. Most apartments are unfurnished, and tenants often purchase appliances if not included.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Source: Numbeo

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Montreal's cultural calendar overflows with year-round activities, from world-renowned festivals to neighbourhood street parties. The city has earned UNESCO City of Design status and is said to host more festivals per capita than any other North American city. On top of the festivals, there is plenty more to see and do in Montreal.

Cultural highlights

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts showcases over 44,000 works from ancient to contemporary periods, featuring regular international exhibitions. The McCord Stewart Museum chronicles Montreal's social history through photographs, indigenous artifacts, and historical costumes. Pointe-à-Callière offers archaeological exhibitions and underground tours through 17th-century ruins at the place where Montreal was founded. Montreal Science Centre provides interactive exhibits and IMAX experiences, while Espace pour la vie—the world's largest natural sciences complex—encompasses the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden with 22,000 plant species, and Planetarium.

Outdoor life and leisure

The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal presents over 500 concerts annually, including numerous free outdoor performances. Just for Laughs attracts international comedians each July, while the Montreal International Fireworks Competition illuminates summer skies. Osheaga features major rock, pop, and electronic acts, complemented by POP Montreal's independent artist showcases. Winter brings Igloofest's outdoor electronic music and Montréal en Lumière's celebration of food and performing arts.

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, Montreal doesn't lack for green spaces. Mount Royal Park spans 470 acres with forests, trails, and panoramic overlooks. The Lachine Canal is a great place for kayaking and cycling, while over 600 parks provide year-round recreational opportunities including skating, cross-country skiing, and outdoor fitness activities.

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The city experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters (December to March) where temperatures can drop to -20°C, and warm, humid summers reaching 30°C. Spring and autumn offer pleasant transitional weather. The city's café culture, outdoor terraces (terrasses), and emphasis on arts and leisure create a European-style atmosphere uncommon in North America.

Getting around

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) operates an efficient metro and bus network covering the island. The metro system features four colour-coded lines (Green, Orange, Blue, Yellow) running from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM weekdays, with extended hours on weekends. Montreal residents aged 65+ travel free within Zone A. The new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail system connects downtown with the airport and South Shore suburbs.

Montreal is exceptionally bike-friendly, with over 700 kilometres of cycling paths and the popular BIXI bike-share program offering seasonal memberships and single-trip options. Winter cycling is common among dedicated riders.

Everyday essentials

French is the primary language but English widely understood in central areas and among younger generations. The city's food scene reflects its multicultural makeup, from traditional Quebecois poutine and smoked meat to Vietnamese pho, Portuguese grilled chicken, and Middle Eastern specialties. Jean-Talon Market and Atwater Market offer fresh local produce year-round.

The province celebrates unique holidays like Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24th) and observes different school break schedules than other provinces.

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The cost of living in Montreal is one of the most affordable costs among major Canadian cities. However, Quebec has some of Canada's highest tax rates, with combined federal and provincial income taxes reaching over 50% for high earners.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of December 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Wise