Canada
Canada is frequently voted one of the best countries in the world to live in. It is well known for its high standard of living, clean environment, low crime rate, and outstanding infrastructure.
Country Information
Canada is the world’s second largest country in total area, with exquisite physical geography and multi-cultural, tolerant, and vibrant cities.
Population: | 38.5 million |
Languages: | English, French |
Economy: | Advanced, market-based |
Currency: | Canadian dollar |
Citizenship by Investment Overview
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create an innovative business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Wealthy individuals who invest in Quebec through the Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP), on the other hand, are granted a work permit to Quebec and can apply for permanent residence across Canada after one year of holding the Quebec work permit.
Investment
Innovative start-up business (SUV) Minimum of CAD 1.2 million (QIIP)
Key benefit
Eligibility for citizenship after three years (or 1,095 days) of physical presence out of a five-year period
Canada Start-Up Visa Program — The Business Start-Up Component
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is a unique immigration pathway that enables innovative entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence by establishing a qualifying business in Canada. Unlike passive investment programs, the SUV requires active involvement in developing and managing a business that is innovative, scalable, and globally competitive.
GCS collaborates with a trusted network of Canadian legal, business, and start-up ecosystem partners to guide clients through every stage of the process. Our goal is to ensure that the business start-up component becomes a gateway to long-term success in Canada.
Overview of the business start-up process
The Canada SUV Program follows a structured, multi-phase process. Key stages include:
- Application assessment and vetting: A comprehensive review of the applicant’s background, entrepreneurial goals, and business experience
- Start-up summary or matching: Preparation of a detailed business concept or matching the applicant with an existing qualifying start-up in Canada
- Finalization of business documentation: Development of a full business plan and supporting materials for submission
- Submission to a designated organization: Presentation of the business idea to a government-approved organization such as an incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund
- Letter of support: Upon approval, the designated organization issues a Letter of Support required for the immigration application
- Business incubation program: Participation in a structured program that provides mentorship, training, and support in refining the business model
- Application for work permit and permanent residence: Submission of the complete application to Canadian immigration authorities
- Work permit issuance (if needed): Enables the applicant to relocate to Canada and begin actively managing the start-up
- Permanent residence approval: Granted upon successful review of the complete application package
Processing time: Permanent residence is typically granted within 18 to 40 months.
Dedicated support from
GCS
Launching a business in a new country can be complex. GCS provides tailored support throughout the SUV process. In collaboration with our trusted Canadian partners, we offer:
- Business model development and validation
- Access to incubator and accelerator networks
- Legal and compliance advisory
- Full preparation of immigration documentation
This integrated service offering helps clients fulfill all program requirements while building a commercially viable venture in Canada.
Acquire Canadian Residence
Canada is among the world’s wealthiest countries, with a high per-capita income and a leading trade market. The Canada Start-Up Visa Program is aimed at providing permanent residence to entrepreneurs and active investors in companies and expanding businesses that seek to establish a presence in Canada. Meanwhile, the Quebec Investor Immigration Program is created for global investors who seek a Quebec work permit, with the possibility of receiving permanent residence to the country shortly thereafter.
Benefits of residence by investment in Canada
- Live, work, and retire anywhere in Canada
- No age restriction and no higher education requirement
- Path to citizenship after three years; dual citizenship permitted
- Excellent, affordable education and healthcare. We can assist in securing the best educational opportunities for your family
- Spouse and children under 22 can be included
- Safe, stable country with a high standard of living
- Multicultural, tolerant, and vibrant cities
- Excellent place to do business, with access to the entire North American market
Requirements of the Canada Start-Up Visa Program
To qualify for the Canada SUV program, applicants must propose an innovative, scaling start-up business, approved by a designated organization.
Investment requirements (including all fees):
USD 215,000 to USD 275,000, depending on the start-up business
Our team of experts provides comprehensive support to investors, including guidance, specialized training, and incubation services. We help identify market opportunities, equip start-ups with the necessary tools for growth, and oversee the entire immigration process. The Canada Start-Up Visa requires active involvement in a qualifying business, and the creation of such a business involves several key steps. We support investors throughout this entrepreneurial journey.
Requirements of the Quebec Investor Immigration Program
To obtain an initial work permit in Quebec (leading to permanent residence), applicants must fulfill both of the following investments:
- Five-year interest-free investment of CAD 1 million, guaranteed by the Government of Quebec
- Non-refundable contribution of CAD 200,000 to Investissement Québec
Investors are also required to:
- Have at least two years’ management experience, which must be acquired within the five years preceding submission of their application
- Have a net worth of at least CAD 2 million
- Have a qualification equivalent to a secondary school diploma in Quebec
- Be proficient in spoken French (at least level 7)
Procedures for Canadian residence by investment
Under the Start-Up Visa Program, clients are required to prepare and submit a business proposal, which needs to be approved by a designated government business organization. Once approved by a business incubator, an angel investment group, or a venture capital fund (depending on the investment option chosen), the client receives a letter of support, allowing them and their family to apply for permanent residence.
Under the Quebec Investor Immigration Program, the client’s application will be processed by the Quebec Government and the investment can be made after approval is granted. A minimum stay of at least 12 months within two years following issuance of the work permit is required. At least six months of the stay must be completed by the main applicant and the remaining six months can be completed by the main applicant or their spouse.
In order to maintain permanent resident status, physical presence for two out of five years (or 730 days) in Canada is required.
Acquiring Canadian citizenship
After three years (or 1,095 days) of permanent residence in Canada within a five-year period, successful applicants can apply for citizenship.
The Canadian passport holds one of the top 10 ranks, with visa-free or visa-on arrival access to over 180 destinations worldwide.
Residency-by-Investment (RBI) Programs
Our team comprises seasoned immigration consultants with expertise in global mobility, legal advisory, and investment immigration strategies.