Today, we find a world with countless opportunities to seek investment and grow our businesses. However, in recent years, certain commercial allies have been blurring within the spheres of global geopolitics, causing a reorganization that companies must face to diversify and guarantee their growth and profitability. Canada stands out as a prime investment destination due to its stable economy, business-friendly environment, and preferential access to global markets. It offers a highly skilled workforce, rich natural resources, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Additionally, the government actively supports investment through clear policies and attractive incentives. All of this makes Canada a secure and profitable place to launch or expand a business.

Actually, with the recent changes in the immigration law, investing in Canada remains the best option to emigrate in 2025 in view of all the recent changes brought by IRCC*.

Canada offers several options for foreign investors, depending on their financial goals and capabilities. Below, we summarize the main paths available.

Opening a Business as a Foreign Citizen

If you are not a permanent resident or citizen, you can open a business with certain specific visas:

1. Start-Up Visa Program (For Entrepreneurs) • Allows innovative entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency. Requires financial support from an investment fund, angel investor group or business incubator.

2. Owner-Operator LMIA (To Purchase an Existing Business) • Allows a foreigner to purchase a company in Canada and apply for a work permit. It must be demonstrated that the business will generate jobs in Canada and will be actively operated by the applicant.

3. Self-Employed Visa • Available to people with experience in cultural, sports or agricultural activities. No minimum investment required, but it must be demonstrated that the business will generate sufficient income.

4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) – Entrepreneur Streams • Several provinces have specific programs for entrepreneurs. They require a minimum investment and experience in business management.

Opening a Business Without a Visa (as a Non-Resident Alien)

If you do not have a visa or status in Canada, you can still do business under certain conditions:

1. Opening a Canadian Corporation from Abroad • You do not need to be in Canada to register a company. You can open a Canadian corporation, but you will need to appoint a director resident in Canada to operate legally in most provinces. You don’t have to be Canadian as well depending on the structure and the place of incorporation.

2. Buying Shares in a Canadian Company : You can invest in Canadian businesses without needing to be physically in Canada. But, it does not give you the right to work in the country without a visa.

3. Opening a Branch of a Foreign Company: If you already have a business in another country, you can expand it to Canada. You can register as a Branch Office or a Subsidiary. Another option is the franchise programme. This allows you to obtain residency as long as you meet certain requirements.

Do you know that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Canada can facilitate certain immigration processes?

Once you've chosen the option that best suits your needs as an investor, it's critical to evaluate other key factors:

• If the country from which you will operate has an agreement with Canada.

• Canada currently has several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. These agreements can facilitate access to investor visas and speed up certain immigration processes, depending on the type of investment and the applicant's profile.

• Canada is a prime destination for businesses looking to expand internationally. With a strong economy, business-friendly policies, and diverse market opportunities, opening a Canadian branch can be a strategic move for growth. You can find out more about each investor programme in the following articles.

In our immigration law firm, we offer expert advice to find the best immigration according to their profile. Our team works with specialists that will accompany you, help to choose the best investment option, incorporate their business, support them and their family in the initial administrative steps following their arrival.

At Wexcan, we are here to support you throughout your immigration journey.

*: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is Canada's government department responsible for immigration, settlement, resettlement and citizenship programs and services.

None of our posts on this blog constitute legal advice. For legal advice, we invite you to schedule a meeting here.