Obtaining a Canada investor visa depends on several factors and on the regions the applicant wants to start a business in. You can rely on our immigration lawyers, who can guide you on how to obtain an investor visa.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Investor visa availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
Types of investors addressed | Entrepreneurs, skilled workers, professionals in certain fields |
Startup visa availability (YES/NO) | YES, based on specific requirements |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | YES, sponsorship must be secured through angel investors or designated organizations |
| Minimum amount requirement | CAD 75,000 under the Startup visa |
| Access to permanent residence (YES/NO) | YES |
| Direct citizenship avaialability (YES/NO) | NO |
| Language requirements | YES, the applicant must have good knowledge of English or French |
| Job creation for Canadian citizens (YES/NO) | YES, depending on the province to move to |
| Possibility to move with family members | YES, direct immigration with family members is possible |
| Self-employment possibility through the investor visa | YES, the Startup visa is also available for self-employed persons |
| Investor visa through national programs (YES/NO) | YES, through the Provincial Nominee Programs |
| Timeframe to obtain an investor visa (approx.) | Approx. 2 years |
| Income tax | Federal personal income tax ranges between 15% and 33% |
| Investment immigration services availability (YES/NO) | YES |
Table of Contents
What are the main ways to obtain an investor visa in Canada?
Canada offers several programs through which one can immigrate as an investor, as follows:
- the Start-Up Visa Scheme;
- the Quebec Investor Immigration Program;
- Provincial Nominee Programs;
- the entrepreneur visa (C11).
Note: There are also other options through which one can immigrate to Canada as an investor; however, they are based on employment. So, if you are interested in other relocation means for investors, we can advise on those as well.
What is the minimum amount to obtain an investor visa in Canada?
CAD 75,000 under the Start-Up Visa.
IMPORTANT! Additional fees apply, and our local immigration lawyers can advise on all of them.
You can read about how to obtain a Canadian investor visa in the infographic below:
What are the main requirements to obtain an investor visa in Canada?
Generally speaking, you need:
- to meet the qualifying requirements based on the type of program chosen;
- have specific language skills (English or French, depending on the part of the country you move to);
- have the minimum investment amount required;
- have the professional qualifications required.
- have sufficient funds to support your stay in Canada (aside from the money allocated to the investment).
What are the requirements of the Canada Start-Up Visa?
This program requires an applicant to:
- set up a qualifying business (a company that is registered under the regulations imposed by the Canadian authorities);
- speak English, French, or both languages at a proficient level;
- obtain a support letter from a designated organization (group or investment fund that meets the startup support criteria);
- meet the self-sustenance requirements to settle in Canada (the necessary amount of money depends on the number of family members relocating here).
The following conditions apply:
- once the endorsement from the qualified organization is obtained, each of the 5 participants can own 10% of the company shares;
- the main applicant and the qualified supporting organization must hold together more than 50% of the shares in the company;
- once the residence permit is obtained, the applicant must incorporate the company with the Canadian Trade Register;
- the applicant is required to actively participate in the management of the company while living in Canada;
- the main operations of the company must be completed in Canada; however, other activities can be completed outside the country.
What provinces offer investor visas in Canada?
Among the most successful investor visa programs are:
- Alberta;
- Manitoba;
- New Brunswick;
- Ontario;
- Saskatchewan;
- British Columbia;
- Nova Scotia.
What are the documents required to obtain a Canadian investor visa?
The following:
- the valid passport and visa (if applicable);
- birth certificate (civil status certificates are also required, such as marriage or divorce ones, depending on the case);
- recent photos;
- proof of financial worthiness;
- documents attesting to managerial experience or business ownership;
- detailed business plan;
- clean criminal record;
- language certificates;
- medical certificate.
You can also watch our video:
Can I relocate to Canada with my family members if my investor visa is approved?
Yes. In fact, you can include family members on the same application. You can bring your spouse, children, and even parents.
How long does it take for a Canadian residence permit to be issued?
About 6 months.
Our lawyers can also help you with immigration and USA company incorporation, no matter the type of company you choose to register. The incorporation can take around two weeks and if you choose to register an LLC there is no need for minimum share capital. You can also benefit from various tax incentives depending on the business activities you choose to perform and the state where you operate.
If you want to move to Canada through an investor visa, please contact our lawyers for support.
