Canada offers residency through investment programs at both the federal and provincial levels. The Quebec Investor Program, suspended as of 2021 and not open to new applications, was a notable scheme allowing individuals with substantial net worth to gain permanent residency in Quebec through investment. Other provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that enable foreign nationals to achieve Canadian permanent residency by investing in or creating jobs within those provinces. The Canadian Start-Up Visa (SUV) program currently stands out for its accessible investment threshold.
In Canada, obtaining citizenship through investment requires a period of residency beforehand, as there is no direct Citizenship by Investment program.
The Canadian Start-Up Visa Program aims at immigrant entrepreneurs ready to launch businesses that can generate employment and compete internationally. The Talent Services provides connections to suitable business ventures and training for residency qualification. Applicants need to show significant financial resources or income to qualify.
This program is a streamlined and economical pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency, offering the benefit of residency not being contingent on the business’s success. It includes the investor’s spouse and children, allowing them to reside anywhere in Canada outside of Quebec, and the process can be completed relatively quickly.
Upon successful application, investors and their families receive Permanent Residency status immediately. To maintain this status, they must live in Canada for a specified period within five years. Residency for a certain duration within these five years also makes them eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship, requiring proficiency in English or French and a clean criminal record.
Canadian citizenship provides the advantage of a strong passport, enabling visa-free travel to a vast number of countries worldwide. This privilege extends to a significant percentage of the world’s GDP and popular global travel destinations, reflecting the Canadian passport’s high standing in global rankings.