New Brunswick is one of Canada's best-kept secrets for quality of life, affordability, and community. Whether you are moving from another province or immigrating from abroad, NB offers a genuinely welcoming environment, a bilingual culture (English and French), outstanding natural beauty, and some of the most affordable housing in the country. This guide covers the key steps for establishing yourself as a New Brunswick resident.
For Canadians from Ontario or BC, New Brunswick represents an opportunity to dramatically improve their financial situation. The combination of lower home prices, no provincial property transfer tax, and lower income taxes means more money stays in your pocket. Remote workers in particular have flooded into Moncton, Fredericton, and even smaller NB communities seeking affordability and lifestyle. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) provide immigration pathways for skilled foreign workers and international graduates.
New Brunswick Medicare (provincial health insurance) covers insured health services. New residents from other Canadian provinces typically face a three-month waiting period before NB Medicare coverage begins. Apply immediately upon establishing residency — do not delay. Service NB offices (in-person) or the Province of New Brunswick website handle applications. During the waiting period, arrange private health coverage through your employer or individually.
Exchange your existing Canadian driver's licence for a New Brunswick licence within 90 days of establishing residency. Visit a Service NB centre with your current licence, proof of NB address, and photo identification. Most Canadian licences transfer directly. International newcomers may face different requirements based on their country of origin and any bilateral licence exchange agreements NB has in place.
Transfer your vehicle registration to New Brunswick within 90 days. You will need a NB vehicle inspection certificate, NB auto insurance (private insurance — NB is not a public insurance province), and a visit to Service NB to complete the registration transfer. New Brunswick auto insurance rates are moderate and comparable to Nova Scotia.
Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your new province of residence, as provincial tax rates affect your tax return. Update your bank, investment institutions, and any federal benefit registrations with your new NB address. CRA address changes can be done online through My Account.
New Brunswick charges 15% HST — the same as Nova Scotia. The province has NO property transfer tax on real estate purchases. Income tax rates in NB are competitive with NS. The absence of PTT is the most buyer-friendly financial feature of moving to NB vs. other Atlantic provinces.
Like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick has a shortage of family doctors, particularly in rural areas. Register with the Caring for New Brunswickers initiative and check regional health authority resources for physician availability. Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John have the most clinical options. Virtual care services (Maple, Telus Health Virtual Care) can bridge gaps while waiting for a family doctor.
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. In greater Moncton, Dieppe, and the North Shore, Francophone communities are large and French is frequently the primary language in businesses, schools, and community life. English speakers are fully accommodated throughout the province, but buyers choosing Dieppe or Francophone communities should be aware of the linguistic environment for children's schooling especially.
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