Health care: apply within three months
If you're moving from another province and plan to stay at least 12 months, apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan within three months of setting up your home here.
Coverage usually starts on the first day of the third month after the month you arrive. Arrive on July 12, and you're covered from October 1. Until then, keep using your old province's health card.
Driver’s licence and vehicle: 90 days
- Licence: exchange your licence at a registry agent within 90 days of becoming a resident. You'll hand in your old one.
- Vehicle: register it in Alberta within 90 days. It needs an out-of-province vehicle inspection first, and Alberta insurance.
In Alberta, registry agents are private offices that handle licences, registrations and other government services. There's likely one near you.
Taxes work a little differently
- No provincial sales tax. You pay 5% GST only.
- No land transfer tax. Buyers pay small Land Titles fees instead. See my closing costs guide.
- Property tax in Edmonton is billed by the City once a year, at about 1% of your home's assessed value in 2026. You can also pay monthly through the City's installment plan.
Utilities
You can choose your own electricity and natural gas retailer, or stay on the default rate. Compare offers before you sign a fixed-price contract. In Edmonton, water and drainage are through EPCOR, and the City handles waste collection.
How buying a home is different here
- A lawyer closes the deal. A real estate lawyer handles the title, the mortgage and the money.
- Real Property Reports. Sellers usually provide a survey showing where the buildings sit on the lot, checked by the City. See my Real Property Report guide.
- A written agreement with your agent. In Alberta, you sign an agreement to become a client. See how buyer agreements work.
- Homes are built for winter. Look at the furnace age, insulation, windows and the garage. My winter checklist covers what to expect.
Buy now or rent first?
Some people rent for a few months to get to know the neighbourhoods. Others buy right away to settle in. If you're shopping from out of province, I can do video tours and send you details before you fly in.
Your first 90 days
- Apply for Alberta health coverage (within 3 months).
- Exchange your driver's licence (within 90 days).
- Inspect, insure and register your vehicle (within 90 days).
- Pick an electricity and gas retailer.
- Update your address with the CRA, your bank and your insurer.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage on an Alberta home.
Moving from outside Canada? My newcomers page covers the rules for you.
Rules as of October 2026. Check alberta.ca for the latest.