Home Invest Why choose Montréal Why foreign companies are choosing Montréal? A hotspot for highly skilled talent Investing in Montréal gives you access to a pool of talent that’s fed by a world-class education system. In addition to its more than 200,000 university students, the region is home to 277,000 workers in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, 136,000 in creation and 341,000 in management and administration positions. Best student city in the Americas and 6th in the world (QS, 2019) Canada’s university capital with 11 institutions and 60 colleges 201,000 university students, including 35,500 international students 2nd best city in the world for millennials (Nestpick, 2018) Canada’s most bilingual and trilingual population Canada’s largest centre of university research “ We like hiring brilliant problem-solvers, and Québec’s universities produce the kind of talent we need. ” Montréal academic institutions STRATEGIC LOCATION Direct, unparalleled access to world markets Strategically located in northeastern North America, Greater Montréal is an intermodal transportation hub (air, marine, road and rail). Companies in the region can easily access huge markets in over 50 countries, home to almost 1.5 billion consumers. Map of Greater Montréal’s businesses and organizations 90 minutes by air to Boston and New York 3 airports: 20.3 million passengers welcomed at Montréal-Trudeau (2019) YUL is the most international Canadian airport with direct flights to more than 150 destinations 2nd largest port in Canada: 39 million tonnes of cargo (2019) Rail infrastructure at the heart of the Canada, United States and Mexico network Greater Montreal is designated as a foreign trade zone that can allow exemptions from customs duties and taxes 52 countries covered by free trade agreements in force 1.5 billion accessible consumers G7 Free trade: only Canada has agreements with all G7 countries COST ADVANTAGE The most competitive costs It costs less, on average, to operate a business in Greater Montréal than in any other large metropolitan region in Canada and the United States, without even counting the very attractive incentives that are available. An average cost advantage of over 26% in high-tech sectors Highly competitive salaries in the tech sector Subsidies and interest-free loans for major and innovative projects Up to a 30% tax credit on R&D costs Sectoral tax credits of up to 43% Electricity rates as low as 3.98¢CAD/kWh for large power customers TECHNOLOGY HUB A business ecosystem fuelled by innovation It is a fact that world-leading companies already know: Montréal is home to the largest concentration of high-tech jobs in Canada. That is why the city is so well positioned to take advantage of the digital revolution and associated technologies (artificial intelligence, big data virtual reality, visual effects, Internet of Things, etc.). Highest concentration of jobs in the tech field in Canada 2nd highest growth in high-tech jobs in Canada and the United States between 2016 and 2018: +9.1% A global leader in diverse sectors with high added value: artificial intelligence, video games, visual effects and animation, aerospace, life sciences, health technologies, etc. An exceptional atmosphere of collaboration between university researchers and high-tech industries QUALITY OF LIFE Montréal, a quality of life champion Montréal is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, safety, affordability, love of fine dining and devotion to the arts. Montréalers enjoy buying power that’s superior to that of residents of other large cities in North America and western Europe, thanks to its affordable rents, generous family allowances, free health care, the lowest tuition fees in North America and inexpensive daycare. Compare the cost of living The safest city among the 20 largest cities in Canada and the United States Cultural metropolis: 120 festivals, 180 performance venues, 65 museums Most affordable major city in Canada and the U.S. (UBS Prices and earnings, 2018) 3rd friendliest city in the world (Rough Guides, 2016) See all news Download the PDF News Blog Events Publications Partners About Contact our team Careers Media room Montréal International 380 St. Antoine Street West Suite 8000 Montréal, Québec H2Y 3X7 Information +1 514 987-8191 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. info@montrealinternational.com 03h54 in Montreal © 2021 Montréal International. All rights reserved Terms and conditions Cookie preferences Privacy policy Choose Montréal Close ATTRACTIVENESS FACTORS Why choose Montréal Discover the benefits Greater Montréal has to offer. Download the PDF Cookies Button By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Privacy Policy Accept Cookies Cookie Settings