Canada – Investment Residency Visa Options
Canada is listed under North America residency options. While there is no “citizenship by investment” program in Canada, there are recognized investment-related pathways that can lead to permanent residency—most notably the Start-Up Visa Program and (Quebec) Immigrant Investor pathways, subject to eligibility and current rules.
Canada investment-related pathways
Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) and Quebec Immigrant Investor pathways (QIIP / Quebec investor route).
Designed as a residency / permanent residence pathway (program-dependent), with a future citizenship route after meeting residency rules.
Spouse and dependent children can typically be included (subject to program rules).
Potential to apply for citizenship after meeting physical presence requirements (commonly 3 years within 5 years).
Canada immigration rules
Requirements and timelines change. Always confirm the latest eligibility rules before applying. We help you choose the most suitable route and prepare a compliant application file.
Start-Up Visa
Entrepreneur pathway requiring support from a designated Canadian organization.
Quebec investor route
Program details and criteria depend on Quebec’s rules and current intake policies.
End-to-end support
Structured document planning, submission readiness, and ongoing guidance.
Why investors choose Canada
Permanent residency pathway
Investment-related routes can lead to PR, enabling long-term settlement options.
Live, work, study
PR provides the ability to live, work, and study across Canada (subject to conditions).
Citizenship pathway
Potential citizenship route after meeting residency and physical presence rules.
Start-Up Visa support & Quebec investor framework
Start-Up Visa thresholds depend on the type of designated organization. Quebec investor rules can change and may include additional criteria.
| Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) | Key requirement |
|---|---|
| Designated Venture Capital Fund | Min CAD $200,000 |
| Designated Angel Investor Group | Min CAD $75,000 |
| Designated Business Incubator | Acceptance into program |
* You must obtain a Letter of Support from a designated organization and meet other eligibility requirements.
| Quebec Investor Route (QIIP) | Typical elements |
|---|---|
| Net worth | Often cited: CAD $2,000,000+ |
| Passive investment | Often cited: CAD $1,000,000 |
| Experience | Business / management background |
| Language | French requirements may apply |
Important
QIIP criteria and intake can change. Confirm the latest requirements before planning your application.
Step-by-step roadmap
Strategy & eligibility
Choose the best route (Start-Up Visa vs. Quebec investor route) based on your profile, goals, and documentation readiness.
Business & support
Start-Up Visa: develop the startup plan and secure support from a designated organization (Letter of Support).
Submission
Prepare forms and supporting documents, then submit the application through the appropriate authority (federal or Quebec).
Decision & next steps
Follow requested steps, provide updates, and proceed based on approval and program requirements.
Canada Residency by Investment brochure
Include overview, eligibility, costs, timeline, and required documents.
Who can apply?
Entrepreneurs
Founders with an innovative business concept and execution plan.
Designated support
Start-Up Visa requires a Letter of Support from a designated organization.
Funds
Proof of funds and a credible plan to support yourself/family.
Compliance
Background checks and complete documentation requirements.
Required documents
Business plan, support letters (if applicable), identity docs, proof of funds, and more.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada offer citizenship by investment?
No. Canada does not offer direct citizenship by investment. Investment-related routes can lead to permanent residency, and citizenship may be possible later after meeting residency and physical presence rules.
What are the main Canada investment-related routes?
Common routes include the Canada Start-Up Visa Program (entrepreneur pathway) and Quebec investor pathways (criteria and intake depend on Quebec’s rules).
What investment is required for the Start-Up Visa?
It depends on the type of designated organization: VC (CAD $200,000), Angel (CAD $75,000), or incubator acceptance (no minimum investment amount).
Can my family be included?
Typically, spouse and dependent children can be included, subject to the specific program requirements.
How do I qualify for citizenship later?
Citizenship eligibility depends on meeting Canada’s legal requirements, including physical presence (commonly 1,095 days within 5 years) and other criteria.
Let’s discuss your case
Confidential consultation
Share your profile and goals. We’ll review your eligibility and recommend the best Canada route for your situation.
What we’ll cover
Route selection, requirements, documents, costs, and next steps.
Response time
We aim to reply quickly during business hours.