Canada Business Visa Minimum Investment: Complete Guide

Are you interested in starting or investing in a business in Canada? The country offers numerous business opportunities thanks to its stable economy and thriving innovation scene. According to Statista, Canada is ranked 23rd among 190 countries worldwide in ease of doing business, boasting an impressive overall score of 79.6 out of 100.

This guide empowers you to understand the Canada business visa minimum investment, navigate the diverse range of Canadian entrepreneur visa programs, and understand the associated investment requirements.

Canada’s Business Visa Programs

Canada recognizes the value entrepreneurs bring to its economy, offering a variety of Canadian entrepreneur visa pathways tailored to your specific goals and business vision. Let’s explore the three main categories:

1. Start-Up Visa Program

• Ideal for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with groundbreaking ideas and the drive to build a high-impact business.
• Requirements: To secure a Start-Up Visa, you must have at least 10% ownership and collaborate with a designated organization for majority control. Demonstrate strong English or French fluency (CLB 5) and convince them of your venture’s potential through a successful pitch. Their letter of support is critical to your application.
• Investment: Secure the backing of a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) that will provide financial support (a minimum of 200,000 CAD from a venture capital fund) and valuable mentorship and guidance throughout your entrepreneurial journey in Canada.
• Learn more in this Startup Visa Success Guide

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Business

• Ideal for: Canada PNP business streams are for experienced business owners seeking to expand their operations or establish a new venture in Canada.
• Requirements: To qualify for the PNP, you’ll need to demonstrate business experience or educational attainment. Three years of owning a business is ideal, but a two-year post-secondary diploma can substitute for a lack of experience. Your business plan and job creation potential are also crucial for success, along with basic language proficiency in English or French (minimum CLB 4).
• Investment: Provincial nominee program business investment requirements vary greatly.e Some provinces like British Columbia and Ontario require a minimum investment of 200,000 CAD and 600,000 CAD, while others like Saskatchewan and Manitoba have lower thresholds.

3. Self-Employed Persons Program

• Ideal for: Established cultural icons, renowned artists, celebrated athletes, or seasoned farm managers with exceptional skills and a proven track record of success.
• Requirements: This program assesses candidates through a point system across five key areas: education, experience, age, language proficiency, and adaptability. To qualify, you need a minimum score of 35 points. You can gain points for your education level, relevant work experience in the past five years, and age. Strong English or French language skills are rewarded with points based on official exams. Finally, points can also be earned if your spouse or partner has Canadian work or study experience or if you have close relatives living in Canada.
• Investment: No minimum investment is required for a Canada self-employed visa, However, your net worth must be at least 100,000 CAD to demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself while establishing your career in Canada.