Canada is one of the top destinations for Kenyans because of its thriving economy, political stability, highly developed healthcare system, and internationally recognized education systems. The country has family-friendly immigration policies and offers different pathways for skilled professionals and students to obtain permanent residency.
Despite being the second-largest country by land mass after Russia, Canada is sparsely populated. According to Worldometer’s 2026 interpretation of UN Population Division estimates, the country ranks 38th, with about 0.49% of the world’s total population. The massive landmass and low population density create high demand for skilled workers to support the economy and drive a policy and culture that is more welcoming towards immigrants.
Canada is a multicultural nation that hosts a diverse population from all over the world. This inclusivity makes the country particularly welcoming for expats moving to Canada from Kenya, who generally find Canadians or “Canucks” to be very friendly. While they speak many languages, the official languages are English and French.
Kenya and Canada have an excellent relationship. The two nations have shared interests that involve strategic ties in labor and trade cooperation, aviation, and climate diplomacy.
Like Kenya, Canada allows dual citizenship.
As of 2025, there are about 29000 people of Kenyan origin living in Canada. The number continues to grow each year as the country facilitates multiple pathways for Kenyans to immigrate to Canada to work, study, or live permanently.
The most common immigration pathway is the Express Entry system for skilled workers. Other ways to relocate to Canada from Kenya include family sponsorships for individuals with relatives already in Canada, or the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) where provinces nominate candidates according to their labor needs. New pilot programs in 2026 specifically target caregivers and rural and Francophone minority communities for permanent residency.
A formal application process through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is necessary for permanent relocation to Canada from Kenya, but only a temporary visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) suffices for short visits.
Here are some essential tips you should keep in mind when relocating to Canada from Kenya.
1. Essential Documents for Moving to Canada
The Canadian government requires immigrants to provide mandatory travel information and make customs and immigration declaration in advance. The Canadian Border Services Agency directs using the ArriveCAN app before flying in to save time and to enjoy a smooth, modern travel experience.
Other essential documents to keep on your person and not packed in luggage include;
- Canadian travel visa
- Passports and other travel documents for each family member you’re traveling with
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member
- Detailed list of all household and personal items you’re importing to Canada (2 copies)
- List of items that will be arriving later (2 copies)
- Driver’s license (International Driver’s Permit)
- Vaccination certificates, especially if you have kids you plan to enroll in school
If you’re importing used household goods and personal effects to Canada, you’ll need to provide the following documents;
- Copy of your passport (the photo page only)
- Proof of your residency abroad (for at least 12 months)
- Detailed inventory or packing list (in either English or French)
- Personal effects accounting document (Form BSF186)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
- Immigration papers (if applicable)
- Liquor permit (if applicable)
- Student visa (if applicable)
- Work permit (if applicable)
For seasonal residents who want to import used household goods and personal effects to Canada, some documents they may show to prove they live in the country include a copy of a deed and a lease or sales agreement.
If inheritance items are among the goods you’ll be importing, you’ll need to produce a copy of the will, death certificate, or a letter from the executor of the concerned estate.
2. Conditions for Duty-Free Entry of Household Goods and Personal Effects
Returning citizens and former residents moving to Canada from other countries are allowed duty-free importation of household goods and personal effects if;
- They owned and used the goods for at least 6 months before importation
- They have lived abroad for a minimum of 12 months (although those who’ve lived abroad for 5 years or more are exempt from the 6-month ownership rule)
- Their shipment doesn’t include goods that are for resale or which will be otherwise disposed of within 12 months of importation
- The value of their personal or household items (including a motor vehicle) doesn’t exceed CAD$10,000 on the date of importation
Canada charges duty and taxes on the value above the stipulated limit of CAD$10,000 on the date of importation. These levies are only applicable for household goods and personal effects imported by former residents who choose to resume residence in Canada.
Meanwhile, Kenyans moving to Canada for the first time to settle for a year or more are only required to have owned, possessed, and used their goods abroad to qualify for duty-free entry. These goods must still meet specific requirements to enter Canada. They must also not be sold or disposed of 12 months after importation.
Diplomats can also import their goods tax and duty-free into Canada. However, they’re required to obtain an obligation for privilege from the Canadian Ministry of External Affairs.
3. Goods Ineligible for Duty-Free Tax Exemption
While you may bring in household goods and personal effects duty-free, there are certain goods that you must pay duty on. These goods include;
- Farm equipment
- Vehicles for commercial use
- Equipment for contracting, construction, and manufacturing
- Items you’ve bought on your way to Canada
- Items you’ve leased or rented (these aren’t considered items you own)
You must declare all gifts to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). However;
- You may have to pay taxes and duties for the value of gifts that are above CAD$60
- You may have to pay duties on alcohol and tobacco (they can’t be imported as gifts)
- You can bring your wedding gifts with you without paying duty if you plan to marry within three months of coming to Canada
Canada allows you to bring a small amount of alcohol and tobacco into the country without paying duty and taxes. Exceeding the allowable alcohol and tobacco limits will expose you to duties, taxes, and any provincial or territorial levies that apply to the excess amount.
While you’ll have to pay duty on any unused or new item you bring with you, some of the household goods and personal effects that you do NOT have to pay duty on include:
- Books
- Clothes and linen
- Antiques and furniture
- Jewelry and silverware
- Gifts worth CAD$60 or less
- Hobby tools and other hobby items
- Private collections of art, coins, or stamps
- Appliances such as a refrigerator
- Musical instruments
Expert Tip: If you’re unsure whether you must pay duty on some items, it’s advisable to bring their sales receipts and registration documents with you. A CBSA officer will guide you accordingly.
4. You Must Declare your Goods Upon Arrival in Canada
You must give a list of your goods to the CBSA official you encounter on arrival, whether you arrive with the goods or they’ll arrive later. Settlers are advised to provide 2 copies listing all the goods they plan to bring into Canada. The list should;
- Be divided into two sections, one for the goods you’re bringing with you and the other for the goods that’ll be arriving later
- Show the value of each item, its make/model and serial number (if applicable)
Settlers, former residents, seasonal residents, and beneficiaries returning to Canada must fill out a BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document form before travelling so they can give to their assigned CBSA official upon arrival.
You’ll be required to fill out a E311 Declaration Card for;
- Items you must pay duty on, such as alcohol, gifts, and tobacco
- Business goods, animals, plants, food, firearms or other weapons
- Amounts of money more than CAD$10,000
5. Import your Personal Car to Canada Duty-Free
Canada offers duty-free importation of vehicles for personal use.
Work permit and student visa holders enjoy a waiver on duty and taxes for the duration of their permits. However, their vehicles must be imported temporarily and re-exported upon departure from Canada.
For returning citizens and residents, a tax and duty exemption applies to the first CAD$10,000 of their vehicle’s value. They must also have owned and used their cars for more than 6 months to qualify for the exemptions.
Unfortunately, if your vehicle is among those sold outside Mexico and the United States, you can’t import or relocate to Canada with your car. That’s because Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Act doesn’t allow the importation of vehicles built and certified to meet foreign standards. Specifically, the Act doesn’t permit the modification of such vehicles to meet Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The exceptional circumstances where the importation of vehicles from outside the United States and Mexico is allowed include:
- The vehicle is at least 15 years old based on the month and year of manufacture, and belongs to a regulated class of vehicle under the Act (and isn’t a bus)
- The vehicle is non-regulated at importation, meaning that it doesn’t belong to a class of vehicle regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations
- The vehicle meets all Canadian standards and was bought new abroad from a manufacturer (ensure you pre-authorize its importation with Transport Canada)
- The vehicle meets U.S. safety standards and was bought new at retail in the United States before being shipped abroad (it should also qualify for import via the Registrar of Imported Vehicles)
- The vehicle is a returning United States-specification used car originally bought at retail in the U.S. and still compliant with U.S. standards (it should also qualify for import via the Registrar of Imported Vehicles)
Attempts to import an inadmissible vehicle will result in its denial of entry and detention. In such cases, all storage and disposal fees are deemed your responsibility.
6. Vehicles that Fail Inspection by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles Can’t Stay in Canada
If your motor vehicle fails the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection, it can’t stay in Canada. It doesn’t matter that you might have paid taxes and duties as a returning citizen or resident to bring it through customs.
Besides the RIV inspection, all imported vehicles are inspected by the Canadian Agricultural Inspection Agency upon arrival. Therefore, it’s advisable to steam clean your car so that it’s free of any soil or contaminants on arrival. In fact, you should include receipts with the shipping documents as proof of cleaning.
Some of the documents you require to import your motor vehicle include:
- Original bill of lading (OBL)
- Copy of passport (photo page only)
- Original proof of ownership (may be sent with the car)
- Previous registration documents
- Proof of insurance
Remember, vehicles imported into Canada can’t be licensed in the country unless cleared through customs.
7. Immigrant Medical Exams for Temporary Residents
Canada requires applicants for temporary residence to undergo a medical exam if:
- They plan on staying for more than 6 months in Canada
- They’ve lived or travelled for 6 months in certain countries or territories, including Kenya.
Therefore, if you’re moving from Kenya to Canada, you’ll be expected to complete a medical questionnaire and a physical test. Your immigration medical exam can only be done by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
8. Relocating to Canada with your Pet
You won’t be required to microchip your pet before entry to Canada, unlike some countries like Australia.
You must, however, have a Rabies Certificate for your pet that’s in either English or French, issued by a licensed veterinarian. An EU Pet Passport is also acceptable. The certificate should:
- Identify the animal’s breed, color, and weight
- Indicate the trade name and the serial number of the vet
- Specify how long the animal’s immunity is valid for
All cats and dogs entering Canada, except those from the United States, are subject to inspection at the owner’s cost.
9. Moving to Canada Takes 6-10 Weeks: Be There by the Time your Household Goods Arrive
It takes about 6 to 10 weeks to complete the door-to-door shipment of your household goods and personal effects from Kenya to Canada. This timeline depends on which part of Canada you’re moving to.
Customs clearance takes about 4 to 6 days. You may clear your household goods through customs either in person or through a licensed customs broker.
Canadian customs require that you must be inside Canada by the time your household goods arrive. This is an effective way to avoid costly temporary or permanent rejections since Canadian customs releases are not guaranteed.
Best Movers to Canada: Nellions Moving and Relocations Company
Moving to Canada offers an exciting opportunity to experience a higher quality of life, cultural diversity, and excellent public infrastructure. While the logistics and visa processes may initially seem difficult, thorough preparation and understanding of these aspects can help ease your transition.
Are you planning to relocate to Canada from Kenya? Retain professional international moving services from Nellions Moving and Relocations Company to simplify your move. The IAM-certified company provides expert packing, customs clearance, and door-to-door shipping. With Nellions as your moving partner, your move to Canada can be a rewarding and enriching new chapter in your life.
Contact us on +254700000002 or email move@nellions.co.ke to get a free moving quote.
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