Canada Regional Business Immigration Programme Overview
The Canada Regional Business Immigration (CRBI) programme is Canada’s primary business-led pathway for entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence through active business ownership and management.
Unlike concept-stage start-ups, CRBI requires applicants to purchase or establish a real, operating business in Canada and take on an active managerial role, particularly during the first year.
Who Is It Designed For?
Canada’s Regional Business Immigration programme is designed for:
- Experienced business owners and operators
- Entrepreneurs planning to fully relocate to Canada
- Applicants comfortable managing a business day-to-day
- Families seeking long-term stability and residence in Canada
- Applicants are expected to create local employment and demonstrate genuine economic activity.
Cost & Investment Requirements:
The Canada Regional Business Immigration programme operates at a provincial level, meaning there is no single fixed investment amount. Costs and requirements vary depending on the province selected, with differences in:
- Investment thresholds
- Net-worth requirements
- Language criteria
This provincial structure allows for flexibility, enabling solutions to be tailored to different applicant profiles, backgrounds, and budgets.
At La Vida, we offer fully packaged CRBI solutions starting from USD 250,000+, which typically includes:
- Business sourcing and acquisition support
- Structuring and compliance
- Immigration coordination and ongoing guidance
In addition, applicants must demonstrate a minimum net worth of CAD 300,000 in liquid assets, separate from the business investment. Some provinces require significantly higher capital commitments, with total investments reaching USD 900,000+. Net-worth thresholds are also higher in certain regions.
Key Benefits of the CRBI Programme
- Clear route to Permanent Residence through active business ownership
- Relocate with your family — spouse and dependent children under 22 included
- Direct ownership of a real Canadian business, not a paper or fund-based investment
- Control and transparency over how your capital is deployed
- No reliance on third-party investors or incubators, reducing delays and uncertainty
- Flexibility after the first year, with the option to appoint management once residency is secured
- Long-term pathway to Canadian citizenship, subject to residency requirements
Canadian Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Applicants under the Canada Regional Business Immigration programme are initially issued a one-year Canadian work permit, allowing them and their families to relocate to Canada and actively manage the approved business. After 12 months of compliant operation, applicants may apply for Canadian Permanent Residence, provided all agreed requirements have been met.
Permanent Residence must then be held for five years before applying for Canadian citizenship. To qualify, applicants must have physically resided in Canada for at least three years out of the five-year period, alongside meeting standard language and character requirements.
Canada Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship through investment is possible in Canada but applicants will need a period of residency first before being eligible to apply. There is no direct Canadian Citizenship by Investment program.
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