If you’re thinking about living in Canada for the long term, business immigration might be the way to go. Many people ask how to get Permanent Residency or even Canadian citizenship through owning a business. This guide will help you understand your options and how to move forward.
Canada offers several immigration paths for business owners. These include:
- Start-Up Visa Program
- Self-Employed Persons Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If you’re involved in the arts, sports, or culture, the self-employed route may work for you. Most business immigration options begin with a work permit. Some can lead to Permanent Residency faster than other routes.
In a hurry to Get PR in Canada by Registering a Company, Follow these steps:
To get PR in Canada through business:
- Start or buy a Canadian business.
- Apply for a work permit (Owner-Operator or Startup Visa).
- Actively manage your business in Canada for 12–18 months.
- Apply for Permanent Residency under an eligible business immigration stream.
Read on to learn how to start or buy business, apply work permit and more.
What Is Business Immigration in Canada?
Business immigration Canada includes several programs for foreign business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs. These programs help people start a company in Canada or invest in one.
The most popular options include:
- Canada Startup Visa
- Entrepreneur streams under PNP
- Self-employed PR Canada
- Work permits through Owner-Operator LMIA or trade deals
These programs are also connected to Permanent Residency. If you run your business well, you may be able to stay in Canada for good.
Understanding the Canadian business system is important. Each province has different rules, and your success depends on how well you follow them. Business immigration is not just about investment. It’s also about managing your business actively and adding value to the economy.
How to Get Canadian Citizenship Through Business
To get Canadian residency through business, you need to follow a few key steps. Let’s go over them one by one.
1. Start or Buy a Business in Canada
There are several ways to begin:
- Start a new company
- Buy an existing business
- Purchase 33% or more shares in a business
- Buy a franchise
You don’t need to be a Canadian resident to start or buy a business. But you can’t work in the business unless you have a valid work permit. So, you may need to hire a Canadian manager until your paperwork is approved.
The cost of starting or buying a business in Canada ranges from CAD $150,000 to $500,000. This depends on the size and type of business. Profitable businesses may cost more. Also, you must follow federal and provincial tax laws. These rules are different in each province and affect how you file taxes.
Here’s a quick comparison of the four main options:
| Option | Cost | Risk | Time Before PR | Difficulty | PR Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start New Business | $150,000+ | High | 12 months | Hard | Active business, 2–3 Canadian staff |
| Buy a Business | $250,000+ | Medium | No minimum | Medium | 51% ownership, 2–3 Canadian staff |
| Buy Business Shares | $200,000–500,000 | Medium | No minimum | Easy | Active business, 2–3 Canadian staff |
| Buy a Franchise | $150,000+ | Medium | 12 months | Easy | Active business, 2–3 Canadian staff |
Once the business is ready, it’s time to move on to the next step.
2. Apply for a Canada Work Permit
After setting up or buying your business, apply for a work permit. Here are some options:
- Owner-Operator Canada: You manage your own business. You may need to apply under a regular LMIA process now.
- Intra-Company Transferee (ICT): Good for those running global companies who want to expand to Canada.
- Free Trade Work Permits: These apply to citizens of countries like the US, EU, Mexico, and others.
- Entrepreneur Visa Canada: For those who plan to create value and jobs in Canada.
- Canada startup visa: Best for new, scalable, and tech-driven ideas.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): These differ by province but can help you stay longer.
- Quebec Investor Program: For wealthy investors who speak French.
After your work permit is approved, you can come to Canada.
3. Come to Canada and Run Your Business
When you arrive, you must actively manage your business. Usually, you need to do this for 12 to 18 months before applying for Permanent Residency.
You’ll also need to:
- Get the proper business licenses
- Ensure your business is running day-to-day
- Have enough capital to pay wages and bills
Your business doesn’t need to be profitable. But it must be active, legal, and functional.
4. Apply for Permanent Residency
After 12 to 18 months of running your business, you may be ready to apply for Canada PR by business. If you’re in the arts or sports, the Self-Employed Program may suit you.
It’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer. Business immigration rules can change, and a professional can help you avoid mistakes.
Get Canada PR with the Startup Visa Program
Another way to obtain PR is through the Start-Up Visa Program. You can apply alone or in a group of up to five. Eligibility criteria include:
- Own at least 10% of your company
- As a group with your investor, control 50% or more of the company
- Incorporate your business in Canada
- Actively manage the business from inside Canada
You also need a letter of support from a designated incubator or angel investor group. These groups must believe in your business and agree to support it.
Canada limits the number of applications from each group per year. So it’s important to apply early.
Work in Canada While You Wait
While your PR application is being reviewed, you can apply for a work permit under the SUV program. This open work permit lasts up to 3 years. It lets you run your business and even take on other jobs to support yourself.
Canadian PR Minimum Investment and Language Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Meet Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in English or French
- Show proof of enough savings to support your family
As of June 3, 2024, here’s what you need:
| Family Size | Required Funds |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| Each extra | +$3,958 |
You cannot borrow this money. Bring as much as you can to help settle in.
How Bestax Can Help You Register a Company and Apply for PR
At this stage, many entrepreneurs ask, “How do I register a company in Canada the right way?” This is where Bestax can guide you.
Bestax offers full support for company registration in Canada, including name search, business incorporation, tax setup, and compliance with federal and provincial laws. We help foreign investors meet all legal requirements so they can apply for a business visa for Canada or a Canada investor visa smoothly..
Final Thoughts
If you want Canada PR for entrepreneurs, you have many paths. You can register a company in Canada, apply for a business visa Canada, or use the Canada investor visa route. Every option needs planning and a solid business idea.
Obtaining permanent residency through business is possible. But each step matters. Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain an active business presence, and stay informed.
If you need help, our team offers expert immigration services in Canada and can guide you every step of the way.
Quick FAQs
Can I get Canadian PR by registering a company?
Registering a company in Canada is only the first step. To get Permanent Residency, you must also actively manage the business and meet immigration program requirements.
Which business immigration programs lead to PR in Canada?
Programs like the Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed Program, Owner-Operator LMIA, and Provincial Nominee Program can lead to PR. Each has its own rules and timelines.
What is the Start-Up Visa and how does it work
The Start-Up Visa lets entrepreneurs get PR by launching an innovative business in Canada with support from a designated investor or incubator. You must also meet language and settlement fund requirements.
How much investment is required to get PR in Canada through business?
Most business immigration programs require an investment of CAD $150,000 to $500,000. The exact amount depends on the business type and immigration pathway.
Is company registration alone enough for PR?
No, simply registering a company does not qualify you for PR. You need to operate the business and meet program conditions.
What documents are needed for business PR pathways in Canada?
You’ll need a business plan, proof of funds, incorporation documents, and personal ID. Some programs may also require letters of support or LMIA approvals.
Do I need to run the business actively to maintain PR eligibility?
Active management is required in most business immigration programs. You must show that the business is real, operating, and contributing to the economy.
How can Bestax Canada help with business immigration or incorporation?
Bestax Canada helps you register your company, apply for the right visa, and meet PR requirements. Our team offers full support from planning to paperwork.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
