CANADA

(Start-Up Visa Program)

VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:

181 PASSPORT INDEX RANK:

8th

OVERVIEW:

Canada paused its Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program on January 1, 2026.

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.

PROCEDURE:

Procedures for Canadian Residence by Investment

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

MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:

Applicants are required to propose an innovative, scaling start-up business.

MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

To obtain an initial work permit in Quebec (leading to permanent residence), applicants must fulfil both of the following requirements:
1. Five-year interest-free investment of CAD 1 million, guaranteed by the Government of Quebec
2. Non-refundable contribution of CAD 200,000 to Investment 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)

PROCESSING TIME:

12-31 months

KEY BENEFITS:

High standard of living.
Affordable, high-quality education and healthcare.
Multicultural, tolerant, and vibrant cities.
Excellent place to do business, with access to the entire North American market.
Family included in the application.
Minimal application requirements, with no age restriction, no net worth, and no higher education needed.
Eligibility for citizenship after three years (or 1,095 days) of physical presence out of a five-year period.

CANADA

CANADA

(Start-Up Visa Program)

VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:

181

PASSPORT INDEX RANK:

8th

OVERVIEW:

PROCEDURE:

Procedures for Canadian Residence by Investment

MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:

MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

PROCESSING TIME:

KEY BENEFITS:

Preserving Your Family, Wealth and Legacy