Moving to Manitoba: health card, driver's licence and taxes

The first steps after arriving in Manitoba: health coverage, driver's licence, sales tax, online accounts and benefits.

1. Health card. Apply to the provincial plan: Manitoba Health (health card). Keep your previous coverage until the new one starts, since there can be a waiting period.
2. Driver's licence and vehicle. Licences and registration are handled by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). There is a deadline to exchange an out-of-province licence and re-register a vehicle.
3. Taxes. Sales tax in Manitoba: GST 5% + provincial sales tax 7% = 12%. For income tax, the province where you live on December 31 applies for the whole year. Update your address with the CRA.
4. Benefits. File a tax return even with little income: federal and provincial benefits are calculated from it and follow you to your new province.
5. Housing and work. See our guides on renting and working in Manitoba.

Official government site ↗ · Source: Canada Revenue Agency, GST/HST rates ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

Programs to know about

• Manitoba Child Benefit — Monthly help for low-income families with children.
• 55 PLUS — Quarterly income supplement for lower-income Manitobans aged 55 and over.
• Manitoba Pharmacare — Income-based drug coverage once you reach your deductible.
• Manitoba Student Aid — One application for federal and Manitoba loans and bursaries.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.

Guides for this province

• Renting in Manitoba: rights, rent increases and average rents
• Working in Manitoba: minimum wage, standards and wages
• Moving to Manitoba: health card, driver's licence and taxes
• Cost of living in Manitoba: prices, rent, wages and taxes
• Buying a home in Manitoba: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
• Health care in Manitoba: health card, drug plans and dental help
• Studying in Manitoba: tuition, student aid and grants
• Seniors in Manitoba: pensions, supplements and programs
• Taxes in Manitoba: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
• Families in Manitoba: child benefits and family programs
• Immigrating to Manitoba: nominee program, steps and processing times