Canada Investment Visa: Full guide

Alexis Konovodoff

Canada consistently ranks among the world's wealthiest nations with an exceptional quality of life. You can get residency in Canada by contributing to the country's economic growth, but there isn't a single "Canada investment visa."

Instead, the country has a few different programs for entrepreneurs and investors, such as the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV), Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP), Intra-Company Transfer, Entrepreneur Visa (C11), LIMA Work Permit and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Each program comes with specific requirements and benefits. And with enough time in Canada, these programs can lead to permanent residence and even citizenship.

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Table of contents

What is the Canada Investment Visa?

Many countries use investment programs to attract successful entrepreneurs and business people. Many European countries have Golden Visas (residency by investment), but Canada is different.

Instead of a single Canada investor visa, there are multiple pathways for innovative entrepreneurs, investors and skilled workers. Here are the main options:

  • The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program: This program targets entrepreneurs who can build innovative businesses in Canada. You'll need support from a designated Canadian organization

  • Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP): Specifically for Quebec, this program requires an investment of at least 1,200,000 CAD.¹ This program is a good fit for high-net-worth people who need Canadian residency

  • Intra-Company Transfer: This option helps established businesses move their foreign employees to Canadian offices

  • LIMA Work Permit: This permit focuses on businesses looking to hire foreign workers and attract international talent

  • Entrepreneur Visa (C11): A program for entrepreneurs who want to own and actively manage a business in Canada

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Canadian provinces have unique programs for entrepreneurs and investors to boost the regional economy

Each program has distinct requirements you must satisfy.

For example, you need to invest a minimum of 1,200,000 CAD for the QIIP program.¹ But the SUV program doesn't have a minimum investment as long as you're accepted into a Canadian business incubator program.²

Advantages of a Canada Investment Visa

Getting Canadian residence by investment comes with great benefits:

  • High quality of living: Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life with clean cities and a strong economy

  • World-class healthcare and education: Investor programs give you and your family members access to Canada's healthcare system and internationally recognized educational institutions

  • Family inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children can join you and access the same benefits and opportunities

  • Business growth potential: Canada's robust economy gives you great opportunities to expand your business operations

  • Flexible requirements: Many programs don't have strict age limits or educational requirements (but some do)

  • Path to permanent residence and citizenship: Business immigration can help you obtain permanent residence and potentially citizenship in Canada if you're eligible

Keep in mind that Canada has a relatively high cost of living, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Most business immigrants and foreign entrepreneurs have to establish residency in Canada, so this is an important thing to consider.

Who’s eligible for a Canada Investment Visa?

Each investment visa in Canada has different requirements. But the most basic ones almost always include:

  • Good health
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proficiency in English or French (some programs require both)

Beyond these basics, requirements vary a lot. For example, the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) requires:¹

  • 2 years of management experience within the past 5 years
  • Net worth of at least 2,000,000 CAD
  • Secondary school diploma equivalent to Quebec standards

Many foreign investors hire immigration attorneys or agencies to help them understand eligibility requirements and successfully apply with the required documents.

Canada Investment Visa investment requirements

Canada has different immigration programs, but the most popular options for investors are the Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program.

Other programs like the Intra-Company Transfer focus more on existing business operations and helping companies move employees from foreign offices to Canada. The LIMA work permit's main focus is hiring foreign workers.

The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

The Start-Up Visa Program is a business immigration program for entrepreneurs who can build innovative businesses in Canada (outside Quebec). Your business must:

  • Drive innovation
  • Create jobs for Canadians
  • Compete on a global scale

You can apply by yourself or as part of a group of up to 5 immigrant entrepreneurs. Either way, you must:³

  • Have a qualifying business
  • Get a letter of support from a designated organization
  • Meet the minimum language requirements (Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English or French)
  • Have enough money to live in Canada (called "to settle")

To qualify, your innovative business must fit into one of the following categories.

OptionMinimum investment²
Business incubationNo minimum is required (but must be accepted by the designated incubator)
Angel investment75,000 CAD
Venture capital fund200,000 CAD
🔍 Wondering how much that would cost in USD? Check out this handy conversion calculator:

For all options, eligible applicants will also have to pay additional fees for document processing, immigration filing and other government services. Total fees start at 2,385 CAD.⁴

You must incorporate your innovative business in Canada and actively manage it from inside the country. Your business's essential business operations also must happen in Canada.

You'll also need to bring enough money with you to live in Canada until your business starts generating income. Here's how much you'll need.

Number of family membersFunds you’ll need³
114,690 CAD
218,288 CAD
322,483 CAD
427,297 CAD
530,690 CAD
634,917 CAD
738,875 CAD
More than 7Add 3,985 CAD for each additional family member

As of October 2024, the Canadian government will only consider 10 complete group applications per designated organization until January 2026. The applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.³

If the annual cap is reached, the Canadian government will return your application and refund the fees.³

Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP)

The Quebec Investor Immigration Program allows you to immigrate to Canada as an investor. If your application is successful, you'll get an initial work permit in Quebec and then permanent residency.

The minimum investment is 1,200,000 CAD

You'll have to enter into an investment agreement with an approved financial intermediary. This intermediary will make the necessary investment on your behalf.

Investment typeAmount¹Details
Term investment1,000,000 CAD5-year term, guaranteed by the Quebec government
Financial contribution200,000 CADPaid to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
Total required1,200,000 CAD
Your investment is guaranteed by the Quebec government, and you'll get the 1,000,000 CAD back (without interest) within 30 days after the 5-year term.¹

There are also additional program requirements:¹

  • Minimum 2 years of management experience within 5 years before application
  • Net worth of at least 2,000,000 CAD (excluding recent donations)
  • Secondary school diploma equivalent to Quebec standards
  • French language proficiency (minimum level 7 on the Quebec scale)
  • Completion of an attestation about democratic values and Quebec values

Once Canada issues your work permit, you must stay in Quebec for at least 12 months within 2 years of work permit issuance. The main applicant needs to complete at least 6 months, and the remaining 6 months can be completed by your spouse or de facto spouse.¹

How much is a Canada Investment Visa?

There is no fixed cost for the Canada investment visa. It varies by the program you're using to get residency.

For example, the Canada Start-Up Visa Program doesn't have a minimum required investment if your business is accepted by a designated incubator.

But you'll need to have at least 14,690 CAD in your bank to settle in Canada (more if you have family members) and pay appropriate processing fees.³

For the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP), the minimum required investment is 1,200,000 CAD. You'll get the 1,000,000 CAD back after 5 years (without interest).¹ You'll also need to pay a 17,380 CAD processing fee.⁵

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Getting a Canada Investment Visa: step by step

The application process varies by program. Here's what to expect from the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP).

The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

Step 1. Prepare and submit a business proposal

Step 2. Get approval from a business incubator, angel investment group or venture capital fund

Step 3. Receive a letter of support

Step 4. Submit permanent residence application

Step 5. Demonstrate settlement funds

Step 6. Complete medical and security checks

Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP)

Step 1. Meet net worth and management experience requirements

Step 2. Submit an initial application to the Quebec government

Step 3. Make the required investment once you receive the approval

Step 4. Complete the 12-month stay requirement within 2 years

Step 5. Maintain residence requirements

These steps are simplified.

Canadian investor visas have complex requirements, so it's a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney or an agency to make sure you and your business venture fit the eligibility criteria.

How long does it take to get a Golden Visa in Canada?

It ultimately depends on the program.

For the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, the processing time is approximately 40 months.⁴

For the Quebec Investor Immigration Program, you can submit your application at any time but the processing time varies.

Canada Golden Visa renewals

There are no traditional renewal processes for both the Canada Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program.

However, there are residency requirements that you must maintain to keep your status.

  • Canada Start-Up Visa Program: Must be in Canada for at least 730 days within 5 years, but these days don't need to be consecutive.⁶

  • Quebec Investor Immigration Program: Complete a 12-month stay within 2 years (the main applicant must spend at least 6 months in Canada, and the spouse can complete the remaining 6 months).¹

Canada citizenship by investment programs

Canada doesn't have a direct citizenship-by-investment program. You can't buy Canadian citizenship.

But if you have permanent resident status as a result of participating in one of the investment programs, you can eventually apply for citizenship if you satisfy physical presence and language requirements.

You can typically apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of physical presence out of a 5-year period.⁶

Canada Investment Visa FAQs


How much money is required for a Canada Investment Visa?

The short answer is that it depends. Requirements range from no minimum investment for the Canada Start-Up Visa Program to 1,200,000 CAD for the Quebec Investor Immigration Program.¹²

You'll also need to pay relevant processing fees, which can add up quickly. For the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, processing fees start at 2,385 CAD.⁴ For QIIP, the application fee is a whopping 17,380 CAD.⁵

Does buying a property in Canada give you residency?

No, purchasing real estate in Canada doesn't give you any immigration rights. You'll need to qualify for residency in another way, such as a Canadian investor visa.

What is the minimum investment for a start-up visa in Canada?

The Start-Up Visa Program doesn't have a minimum investment amount - all you need is an innovative business idea and support from a designated organization. You'll also need proof of having enough funds to settle in Canada (starting at 14,690 CAD for 1 person).³

Can I buy a house in Canada if I am a US citizen?

Yes, US citizens can buy real estate in Canada as long as they comply with all the necessary regulations. Keep in mind that buying property alone doesn't give you any residency rights or immigration benefits, unless it somehow fits into your business proposal.

How long can I stay in Canada if I own a house?

Property ownership doesn't affect how long you can stay in Canada. It depends on your visa and residency status. US citizens can stay in Canada for up to 180 days without a visa.⁷


Canada has different options for investors and entrepreneurs to immigrate. You can lead an innovative startup, invest in Quebec's economy, expand your business operations and more.

Each investment program comes with a separate set of requirements and a unique process. Successful applicants can eventually become eligible for Canadian citizenship.

When you're ready, use Wise to send high-speed, low-cost transfers to Canada. It's simple and secure, even when wiring large amounts.

Sources

  1. Gouvernement du Québec - Conditions for immigrating to Quebec as an investor
  2. Government of Canada - Application for permanent residence
  3. Government of Canada - Start Up Visa: Who can apply
  4. Government of Canada - Immigrate with a Start Up Visa
  5. Gouvernement du Québec - Applying to immigrate to Quebec as an investor
  6. Henley & Partners - Canada Start-Up Visa residence program
  7. US Department of State - Canada international travel information

Sources checked 10.25.2024


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