🇨🇦 Canada Business Immigration Requirements

Residency by Investment

Canada offers several pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking permanent residence. While Canada no longer has a federal passive investor visa, high-net-worth individuals can still obtain Canadian residency through entrepreneur and business immigration programs.

The most popular routes include:

✔ Federal Start-up Visa Program (SUV)

✔ Provincial Entrepreneur Programs

✔ Owner-Operator Business Pathways

These programs provide a pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) and eventually Canadian Citizenship.

Investment Options

Start-up Visa Program (SUV)

• No Minimum Net Worth Requirement

• Investment is generally not mandatory if backed by a designated incubator.

If supported by investors:

• Angel Investor Group – Minimum CAD 75,000

OR

• Venture Capital Fund – Minimum CAD 200,000

Applicants must obtain a Letter of Support from a designated Canadian organization.

Provincial Entrepreneur Programs

Investment requirements vary by province.

Typical requirements include:

• Minimum Net Worth: CAD 500,000 – CAD 1.5 Million

• Minimum Investment: CAD 200,000 – CAD 600,000

Examples:

• British Columbia

• Alberta

• Manitoba

• Saskatchewan

• New Brunswick

Owner-Operator Business Program

• Purchase or establish an active Canadian business

• Investment amount depends on business size and sector

Generally recommended budget:

• CAD 250,000 – CAD 500,000

Associated Costs

Apart from the qualifying investment, applicants should consider additional government and professional expenses.

Government Fees

Permanent Residence Application Fees

• Main Applicant – CAD 1,525

• Spouse – CAD 1,525

• Child – CAD 260

Legal Fees

Professional immigration legal fees generally start from

CAD 10,000 – CAD 25,000

Business Costs

• Company Incorporation

• Accounting Fees

• Business Plan Preparation

• Due Diligence Expenses

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for Canadian Business Immigration, applicants typically need to:

✔ Demonstrate legal source of funds

✔ Maintain a clean criminal background

✔ Meet health requirements

✔ Possess relevant business or management experience

✔ Meet language requirements (English or French)

✔ Actively manage the business if applying under entrepreneur streams

Canada Business Immigration Benefits

Canada remains one of the world's most sought-after immigration destinations.

Its key benefits include:

✔ Permanent Residency for the entire family

✔ Free public education for children

✔ Universal healthcare benefits

✔ Right to live, work and study anywhere in Canada

✔ Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

✔ Strong economy and political stability

✔ Access to the US market through trade agreements