Canada
Canada offers two investment-based immigration pathways: the Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program. These programs provide investors and entrepreneurs with a route to Canadian permanent residency
To qualify for permanent residency and eventual citizenship, applicants must:
- Select an investment-based immigration pathway:
- Start-Up Visa Program: Propose an innovative business approved by a designated organization
- Quebec Investor Immigration Program: Make a passive investment in Quebec's economy
- Meet language proficiency requirements in English or French at a minimum CLB/IELTS 5 level
- Have a clean criminal record and pass a medical examination
- Comply with residency obligations to maintain permanent resident status
- Reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days within a five-year period to qualify for citizenship
Applicants can choose from one of the following options based on their business experience and financial capacity:
Start-Up Visa Program (for entrepreneurs)
- No minimum personal investment required, but applicants must secure funding from one of the following:
- Business Incubation – acceptance into a government-approved incubator program
- Angel Investment – raise at least 75,000 CAD from an accredited angel investor group
- Venture Capital – secure a 200,000 CAD investment from a designated venture capital fund
- Additional fees apply for government processing, business structuring, and consulting
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (for passive investors)
- Minimum 2 million CAD net worth requirement
- At least two years of management experience within the past five years
- Make a five-year, interest-free investment of 1 million CAD, guaranteed by the Government of Quebec
- Provide a non-refundable contribution of 200,000 CAD to Investissement Québec
- Demonstrate French language proficiency at a minimum level 7
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- Contact the Harper Greene advisory team to assess eligibility and select an investment option
- Complete an initial due diligence review
- Sign the client agreement and submit the required fees
- Develop and submit a business proposal (Start-Up Visa) or complete the required investment (Quebec Program)
- Receive a letter of support from a designated organization (Start-Up Visa applicants only)
- Submit the permanent residence application and supporting documentation
- Obtain approval and receive Canadian permanent resident status
- Meet residency requirements by physically residing in Canada for at least three years within five years
- Apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling all conditions
The Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program provide clear, structured routes to Canadian permanent residency and eventual citizenship. With access to a stable economy, world-class education, and a high quality of life, these programs offer long-term security and global mobility for investors and their families.
Canada offers two immigration pathways for investors and entrepreneurs to secure permanent residence, with the option to apply for citizenship after three years of physical presence. Whether through launching a start-up or making a government-backed investment in Quebec, both programs provide access to a stable economy, world-class healthcare, and one of the world’s highest standards of living.
Harper Greene is a premier investment migration advisory firm with offices in Canada, United States, Europe and Asia. With over 25 years of collective experience, our team of seasoned immigration experts consist of lawyers, consultants and skilled economists who have been leaders not only in processing immigration applications, but also in shaping immigration policy as well as developing and servicing migration programs and products. In short, we understand investment migration, front to back, inside out. Collectively, our team has serviced more than 5,000 clients around the world. Our unparalleled insights and experiences enable us to provide bespoke investment solutions and deliver world-class advisory service tailored to you and your family’s unique needs
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the visa and billing.
- What is the Canada investment-based residency program?
This program allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in Canada by making a qualifying business investment, contributing to economic development, and meeting specific program requirements. - What investment options are available under the Canada residence by investment program?
Investors can choose from different pathways, such as the Start-Up Visa Program, which requires launching an innovative business, or the Quebec Investor Program, which involves a government-backed investment. - What are the advantages of acquiring Canadian residency through investment?
The program offers permanent residency status, access to world-class healthcare and education, business opportunities in North America, and eventual eligibility for Canadian citizenship. - What is the minimum financial commitment for the Canada residence by investment program?
The required investment varies depending on the program:- The Start-Up Visa Program requires securing investment from designated entities but has no fixed minimum personal investment.
- The Quebec Investor Program requires a CAD 1 million interest-free investment plus a CAD 200,000 non-refundable contribution.
- How long does it take to process a Canadian investment residency application?
Processing times depend on the chosen program and individual circumstances, but applications typically take 12 to 60 months for approval. - Can family members be included in the Canada residence by investment application?
Yes, applicants can include their spouse and dependent children under 22 in the application for permanent residency. - What are the residency obligations for Canada’s investment immigration program?
To maintain permanent resident status, individuals must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) within a five-year period. - What documents are needed for the Canada investment residency application?
Required documentation includes proof of investment or business approval, financial records, language proficiency test results, personal identification, a medical examination, and a police clearance certificate. - Can Canadian citizenship be obtained through the investment residency pathway?
Yes, after holding permanent residency for at least three years (1,095 days) within a five-year period, individuals can apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet additional eligibility criteria. - What is the step-by-step process for applying to Canada’s residence by investment program?
- Select the appropriate investment pathway and ensure eligibility.
- Secure the required investment or business approval from a designated organization.
- Submit the application along with supporting documents.
- Upon approval, receive permanent residency.
- Fulfill residency requirements and, if eligible, apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
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