Service fees and minimum wage in Quebec: 2026 Updates

How much does it cost to drive in Quebec in 2026?

For many Quebec residents, the start of the year signals a change in expenses associated with driver’s license renewal and vehicle registration.

In 2026, drivers of category 1 to 5 vehicles (passenger cars) with no demerit points will pay a driver’s license renewal fee of $50.23 CAD (thanks to a temporary 75% reduction in the insurance contribution granted by the SAAQ).

Visit the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec website (SAAQ) for the complete list of current fees.

Read also: “How to get your driver’s license in Quebec: Complete Guide”

---

How much does it cost to immigrate to Quebec in 2026?

As part of the fee revisions for services provided by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) and the federal body IRCC, immigrating to the province of Quebec has become more expensive in 2026.

Financial Autonomy Contract

The structure of the financial autonomy contract, which reflects the minimum amounts required to support immigration applications in the first three months after arrival, was adjusted in 2026:

• 1 single adult (no children): $3,957 CAD
• 2 adults (no children): $5,803 CAD
• 1 adult with 1 child under 18: $5,318 CAD
• 2 adults with 2 children under 18: $7,016 CAD

Financial Capacity for International Students

For those applying for a CAQ and a Study Permit, the amounts required to demonstrate financial capacity to cover annual living costs (excluding tuition fees) were strongly adjusted for 2026:

• 1 person: $24,617 CAD
• 2 people: $34,814 CAD
• 3 people: $42,638 CAD

MIFI Fees (Provincial)

• CAQ for Studies: $135 CAD
• CSQ (Skilled Worker - Permanent Residence): $940 CAD for the principal applicant; and $201 CAD for the spouse and each dependent child.

IRCC Fees (Federal - Adjusted on April 30, 2026)

• Permanent Residence processing fee (Economic Programs): $990 CAD (per adult) and $270 CAD (per dependent child).
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF / FDRP): $600 CAD per adult.

---

How much does daycare for young children cost in 2026?

The cost of public or government-subsidized daycares in Quebec (Service de Garde) was adjusted to $9.65 CAD per day per child in 2026. It is worth noting that the old additional contribution modulated by family income no longer exists.

Access this link for details on the subsidized daycare program.

---

Income tax in Quebec in 2026

Tax bracket thresholds have been adjusted due to inflation for the year 2026. Quebec provincial tax rates are as follows:

• 14% for the taxable income bracket less than or equal to $54,345 CAD;
• 19% for the income bracket above $54,345 CAD up to $108,680 CAD;
• 24% for the income bracket above $108,680 CAD up to $132,245 CAD;
• 25.75% for the income bracket above $132,245 CAD.

Canada’s federal thresholds for the 2026 tax year are:

• 14% on the portion of your taxable income of $58,523 CAD or less;
• 20.5% on the portion of your income above $58,523 up to $117,045 CAD;
• 26% on the portion of your income above $117,045 up to $181,440 CAD;
• 29% on the portion of your income above $181,440 up to $258,482 CAD;
• 33% on the portion of your income exceeding $258,482 CAD.

The basic federal personal tax-exempt amount in 2026 is $16,452 CAD.

Read also: “10 Frequently asked questions about filing income tax in Canada”

---

Public Transit Fares (Adjusted in July 2026)

In the Montreal metropolitan area (STM / ARTM), monthly public transit fares increased as of July 1, 2026:

• Monthly Pass - Zone A (Island of Montreal): $110.00 CAD
• Monthly Pass - Zone AB (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil): $170.00 CAD
• Monthly Pass - Zone ABC (Includes north/south shores): $206.00 CAD
• Single ticket (regular STM): $3.75 CAD (remains unchanged).

---

RAMQ Prescription Drug Insurance

Those who do not have access to a private plan must register for the public prescription drug plan. For the year 2026, RAMQ reports an annual contribution of $0 to $789 CAD per person, calculated according to the situation and net family income and paid on the tax return filed in the spring of 2027.

Read also: “How to apply for your health card in Quebec (RAMQ)“

---

New Minimum Wage in Quebec in 2026

The province’s general minimum wage increased as of May 1, 2026 to:

• General Minimum Wage: $16.60 CAD per hour (an increase of $0.50 from the $16.10 in effect until April 2026).
• Tipped Workers: $13.30 CAD per hour.

This rate keeps Quebec competitive on the Canadian national stage.

Read also: “How to calculate your salary in Canada”

---

I hope this updated 2026 dossier helps you plan your finances as a newcomer. If you want to keep receiving practical guides, subscribe to our newsletter!

See you in the next post! 😉