Canada Investor Visa

Program Overview

Canada Citizenship and Residency by Investment

Gain Canadian Residency through a selection of investor visa options.  

Canadian Residency Investment Made Simple With La Vida

At La Vida, we guide our clients through the complexities of Canada’s investment migration process, offering expert, end-to-end support to ensure your application aligns with both your immigration goals and long-term business plans. With a global reach and a trusted network of legal and business partners on the ground in Canada, we make what can be a complicated journey feel straightforward – helping you take confident steps toward building a future in one of the world’s most attractive and forward-thinking countries.

 

Canada Residency by Investment Overview

Canada has long been recognised as one of the most welcoming countries in the world for immigration, offering a high standard of living, political stability, and global opportunities for investors and their families. Over the years, several residency and citizenship routes have been available. However, the primary pathway in 2026 is now the Canada Regional Business Immigration (CRBI) programme, following the closure of both the Start-Up Visa (SUV) in late 2025 and Quebec’s Immigrant Investor route, which closed several years earlier.

Plan for Tomorrow. Provide for Generations.

La Vida’s residency by investment solutions create a legacy of freedom, security, and global access for your family and future generations. Speak to our expert team and take the first step today.

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

From USD

$250,000

Business Investment

Full Family Permanent Residency

Live, work, study

Citizenship from 6 years

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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Why Canada?

World-Class  Healthcare & Education

Secure & Stable Political Environment 

Resilient, High-Performing Economy

Strong Passport & Global Mobility

Quality of Life & Cultural Openness

Canadian Passport Strength

For those fortunate enough to obtain it, Canadian citizenship ultimately offers the benefit of a strong passport. The Canadian passport offers visa-free travel to 197 countries worldwide. In terms of mobility for investors, it offers visa-free access to 79.7% of the world’s wealth (as measured by GDP) and a quite substantial measure of 92.2% of the global travel popularity. It ranks 30th overall in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking with an overall score of 86.2.

Life in Canada

Canada is a natural choice for investors seeking a predictable, long-term base in a country known for fairness, stability, and strong public institutions. Permanent Residency gives families the freedom to settle at their own pace, supported by an environment that is orderly, safe, and consistently well governed.

Canada Quality of Life

Quality of life

Canada consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable countries, offering a structured and familiar lifestyle. Major hubs such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary provide excellent infrastructure, and a broad range of international amenities. Canada’s regions offer markedly different lifestyles, from major global cities to quieter provincial centres, giving families the ability to settle in a way that suits their long-term plans.

Education Quality of Life

Education

Canada is widely respected for its education system, from its public schools through to its globally recognised universities. Institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC consistently rank among the world’s top universities, offering clear academic pathways for international families planning for the next generation. Permanent Residents benefit from subsidised tuition at provincial universities.

Economic and Social Stability

Canada’s economy is built on steady foundations , strong financial regulation, transparent governance, and a long-standing reputation for welcoming business owners. The country maintains one of the world’s most stable banking systems and a predictable legal framework. For families seeking a secure Plan B with clear rules, structured pathways, and minimal geopolitical risk, Canada offers a dependable environment with a future-focused outlook.

Canada Golden Visa FAQ’s

Is it possible to gain Canadian citizenship by investment?

Canada does not offer a direct “citizenship by investment” programme. However, it is possible to progress to Canadian citizenship through business-led immigration routes, such as the Canada Regional Business Immigration (CRBI) programme. Under CRBI, applicants first obtain a Canadian work permit, followed by Permanent Residence after meeting business performance requirements. Once Permanent Residence has been held for five years, applicants may apply for Canadian citizenship, subject to residency, language, and character criteria. This approach reflects Canada’s emphasis on genuine economic contribution and long-term integration, rather than passive investment.

How much do you need to invest in Canada to get citizenship?

Canada does not offer citizenship directly in exchange for investment. Instead, applicants progress to citizenship through residency-first immigration programmes, including business-led routes such as the Canada Regional Business Immigration (CRBI) programme.

Under CRBI, investment requirements vary by province, with total package costs typically starting from a minimum of USD 250,000, and higher capital thresholds applying in certain regions. Some provinces require significantly larger investments, with total commitments reaching USD 900,000 or more.

In addition to the business investment, applicants must demonstrate an additional net worth, generally starting from CAD 300,000, although this also varies by region.

After operating the business and securing Permanent Residence, applicants may become eligible for Canadian citizenship once residency and physical presence requirements are met.

What Investor Visa programs are there for Canada?

There are several recent residency investment programs for Canada:

  1. Canada Regional Business Immigration (CRBI):
    The primary business immigration route currently available. Applicants purchase and operate a real Canadian business, progressing from a work permit to Permanent Residence. Packages typically start from USD 250,000, depending on the province.
  2. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program:
    Previously a passive investment route requiring CAD 1.2 million for five years. Suspended since 2021 and closed to new applicants.
  3. Start-Up Visa Programme:
    A federal programme for innovative entrepreneurs. Closed to new applications as of December 2025.
  4. Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot:
    Required a CAD 2 million investment for 15 years. This pilot has now ended.

Can I obtain residency in Canada by investing in real estate?

Investing in real estate in Canada does not directly lead to residency. The Canadian government is not encouraging passive investment in return for residency but is actively encouraging business investment by attracting entrepreneurs. Hence the Canadian Start-Up Visa program. There are alternative Golden Visa programs elsewhere that offer residency through real estate investment. These are offered in Europe where you will find the Portuguese Golden Visa is the most popular and attractive.

Alternative Residency by Investment Programmes

USA

Min $800,000
EB5 Approved Investment
Full Family
USA Residency + Green Card

Explore
Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal

From €500,000 + costs
Private Equity Investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Explore
Italy Golden Visa

Italy

From €250,000 + costs
Private Equity Investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 10 years

Explore

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