6-9 months
Canada, the world’s second-largest country by land area, offers a high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and a strong economy, making it an ideal destination for investors. Through pathways like the Start-Up Visa and Provincial Nominee Programs, eligible applicants can obtain PR in Canada through investment. These residency by investment Canada options allow individuals to invest in Canada for permanent resident status while contributing to the country’s innovation and growth.
Once approved, applicants and their families may gain the right to live, work, and study in Canada as permanent residents. For more details on travel logistics and entry requirements, see our guide on How to Get to Canada.
Living in Canada offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, multicultural vibrancy, and high standards of living. The country’s welcoming immigration policies and strong public systems make it a preferred destination for families, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
Canada boasts a resilient and diversified economy, ranking among the world’s largest. Its stable banking system, low corruption levels, and innovation-driven policies offer a secure environment for investments and business growth.
Bordering the United States and offering direct access to both the Atlantic and Pacific markets, Canada is strategically positioned as a global trade hub within North America.
With a growing economy and key sectors like real estate, technology, energy, and agriculture, Canada provides multiple investment pathways for permanent residency and business expansion, including options for Company Formation in Canada supported by a business-friendly environment and legal structure
Canada offers a transparent legal system, investor-friendly immigration programs, and straightforward business registration processes, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to operate.
Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are renowned for their modern infrastructure, public services, smart transit systems, and clean urban planning.
Canada offers free public healthcare and high-ranking universities, making it ideal for families and students seeking long-term stability and access to world-class education.
| Tax Type | Implications for Golden Visa / Investor Program Holders |
| Personal Income Tax | Taxable based on residency status; worldwide income may apply for tax residents. |
| Wealth Tax | No federal wealth tax. |
| Inheritance Tax | No inheritance tax at the federal level. |
| Corporate Tax | ~15% federal corporate tax, with additional ~11%-12% provincial taxes (varies). |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | Called GST/HST: 5% federal + up to 10% provincial, depending on the province. |
Key Facts
Capital
Languages
Currency
Population
Permanent Residency Rights
Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada with full legal residency status.
Pathway to Citizenship
Eligible residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling certain requirements.
Access to Public Healthcare
Enjoy government-funded healthcare services for yourself and eligible family members.
World-Class Education
Free public education for children and access to top-ranked universities.
Family Sponsorship Privileges
Sponsor additional family members to join you in Canada under certain conditions.
Safe and Stable Environment
Benefit from Canada’s low crime rate, political stability, and strong human rights protections.
Global Travel Access
As a permanent resident, you begin building eligibility toward one of the world’s most powerful passports.
Business and Investment Opportunities
Access to a thriving economy, innovation hubs, and government support for entrepreneurs.
| Category | Details |
| Capital | Ottawa |
| Largest City | Toronto |
| Official Languages | English and French |
| Currency | Canadian Dollar (CAD) |
| Population (2025 est.) | 40,126,723 |
| Government Type | Federal parliamentary democracy & constitutional monarchy |
| Time Zones | 6 (Pacific to Atlantic) |
| Main Immigration Pathways | Express Entry, PNP, Start-Up Visa, Family Sponsorship |
There are several pathways available—here are the most prominent options for obtaining Canadian residency through investment or entrepreneurship.
Prince Edward Island Residence offers a tailored immigration stream for entrepreneurs through its Business Impact Category. This program invites investors and business owners to establish or invest in a business within the province. Applicants must meet minimum net worth and investment thresholds and actively manage the business. It’s ideal for individuals seeking a community-focused lifestyle and long-term settlement in a smaller province.
Canada Express Entry program is Canada’s primary immigration system for skilled workers. It manages applications under key federal programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are ranked based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. While not investment-based, it remains one of the fastest and most popular pathways to permanent residency in Canada.
The Canada Startup Visa program targets entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can compete on a global scale and create jobs in Canada. To qualify, applicants must receive a letter of support from a designated organization and meet language and settlement fund requirements. This program is ideal for startup founders seeking to establish and grow their business in Canada’s dynamic economy and gain direct permanent residency in the process.
Applicants seeking permanent residency in Canada through investment must meet basic eligibility criteria. While exact requirements vary by program, common qualifications include:
Step 1: Select the most suitable investment PR program in Canada based on your business goals and background
Step 2: Ensure you meet the general eligibility and documentation requirements
Step 3: Prepare and submit your business plan or receive required support from a designated organization (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit your residency application through the appropriate federal or provincial channel
Step 5: Complete biometrics, medical checks, and other documentation as requested
Step 6: Await the decision and follow the settlement steps upon approval
The processing timeline for PR by investment in Canada can vary depending on the program chosen, document completeness, and government processing capacity. Some programs involve a two-step process starting with a temporary permit, while others allow direct application for permanent residency. Applicants should be prepared for varying timelines and follow-ups.
Application fees for Canadian residence by investment differ by program and province. In general, fees may include government processing charges, biometrics, and program-specific administrative fees. Professional services and translation or documentation support may also add to overall costs. These fees are separate from the actual investment required for the program.
The cost of obtaining a Canadian Golden Visa depends on the chosen immigration stream. In general, applicants should account for government processing fees, legal or professional support services, and the required business investment or financial contribution. While exact figures vary, it’s important to plan for both application-related expenses and the capital needed to meet Canada investment visa requirements and secure permanent residency through investment in Canada.
Applicants who obtain PR in Canada by investment can typically include the following dependents in their application:
Note: All accompanying family members must meet medical and security requirements as part of the Canada residence by investment process.
Permanent residency in Canada, once granted through investment, is typically valid indefinitely as long as residency obligations are met. To maintain status, residents must live in Canada for a minimum number of days over a set period. Renewal involves proving continued residency and compliance with program requirements. Successful long-term residents may eventually become eligible for Canadian citizenship through naturalization.
Permanent Residency Rights
Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada with full legal residency status.
Pathway to Citizenship
Eligible residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling certain requirements.
Access to Public Healthcare
Enjoy government-funded healthcare services for yourself and eligible family members.
World-Class Education
Free public education for children and access to top-ranked universities.
Family Sponsorship Privileges
Sponsor additional family members to join you in Canada under certain conditions.
Safe and Stable Environment
Benefit from Canada’s low crime rate, political stability, and strong human rights protections.
Global Travel Access
As a permanent resident, you begin building eligibility toward one of the world’s most powerful passports.
Business and Investment Opportunities
Access to a thriving economy, innovation hubs, and government support for entrepreneurs.
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Program Summary
Learn more about the country and it's citizenship by investment.
Canada does not offer an official “Golden Visa,” but it has investment-based PR pathways like the Start-Up Visa and PNP business streams.
The required investment varies by program and province, with no fixed amount — applicants must meet program-specific financial criteria.
Eligibility typically includes legal age, business or management experience, investment capital, and meeting health and security checks.
Buying property alone does not qualify for PR in Canada; immigration must be through an approved visa or program.
Canada does not allow PR to be "bought," but you can gain it by investing in an eligible business or applying under an investor program.
Express Entry is the fastest route for skilled workers; for investors, timelines depend on the program and documentation readiness.
Yes, you can gain PR through investment, and after meeting residency requirements, apply for Canadian citizenship.
