How to Get Canadian Golden Visa: Requirements, Benefits and Process

The Canada Golden Visa is the unofficial name for two investment pathways that lead to permanent residency in Canada. It is often referred to as the Сanada Investment Visa or the Canada Investor Visa and includes the Canada Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program, each catering to different types of investors.

The Canada Start-Up Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada. The program requires applicants to provide a qualifying business plan, secure a commitment from a designated Canadian business organisation, demonstrate proficiency in English or French, and possess at least CAD 14,690, or $10,730, in savings.

The Quebec Investor Immigration Program, QIIP, is designed for foreigners who wish to move to Quebec and are willing to invest in the region’s economy. Eligibility requirements include:

• making a five-year term investment of CAD 1,000,000, or $730,660;

• contributing CAD 200,000, or $146,130, to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs inc.

Candidates must also demonstrate a legally obtained net worth, two years of management experience, and a knowledge of spoken French.

1. Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. Participants of the Quebec Investor Immigration Program and the Canada Start-Up Visa program acquire permanent residency in the country.

After maintaining permanent residency and meeting specific physical presence requirements for five years, Golden Visa holders are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. The Canadian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 160 destinations worldwide.

2. Access to high-quality healthcare. Canada is renowned for its publicly funded healthcare system. As permanent residents, investors and their family members can access comprehensive medical care and services at no direct charge at the point of service.

In 2022, Canada ranked 25th in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, which evaluates quality, choice, science and technology, and fiscal sustainability.

3. World-class education. Canada is home to some of the top educational institutions globally and was ranked the 4th best country for education by the 2022 US News report. The country offers a variety of degree programs, competitive tuition fees, and robust post-study work and immigration opportunities, making it an appealing choice for international students.

4. Stable economic environment. Canada ranks as the 9th largest economy in the world by GDP. The country’s strong economic position is driven by its diverse industries, including natural resources, manufacturing, and technology.

5. Cultural diversity and quality of life. Canada is celebrated for its cultural diversity and high quality of life. It consistently ranks highly in global safety and quality of life indices, providing a welcoming environment for people from all over the world.

Canada stands 16th out of 41 OECD countries in life satisfaction and 17th in health-adjusted life expectancy, with the focus on fairness, inclusion, sustainability, and resilience.

6. Favourable business environment. Canada offers a supportive business climate with competitive tax policies and government programs aiding entrepreneurs and investors. This makes it an ideal place to start or expand a business.

The basic rate of corporate tax is 38%. For Canadian-controlled private corporations claiming the small business deduction, the net tax rate is 9%.

7. Family reunification. The Canada Investment Visa allows the main applicant to sponsor family members to come to Canada. This promotes family unity and shared access to Canada’s opportunities and quality of life.

Participation in the QIIP is possible via financial intermediary. Investors must enter into agreement with a financial intermediary approved by the Ministère and Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. These intermediaries are responsible for investing and making financial contributions on behalf of applicants.

To qualify, candidates must prove meeting the following program requirements:

• management experience — of two or more years, acquired within the five years preceding the document submission;

• net worth — legally acquired and totalling to at least CAD 2,000,000, or $1,461,450;

• education — proved by a diploma equivalent to at least a secondary school diploma in Québec and obtained before the application submission date;

• proficiency in French — corresponding minimally to level 7 according to the Québec scale of French proficiency levels.

Making the investment. 120 days after a request from the Ministère, the applicant’s financial intermediary must make a five-year term investment of CAD 1,000,000, or $730,660, and a financial contribution of CAD 200,000, or $146,130, to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.

Obtaining permanent residency. After the investment condition is fulfilled, the investor is granted a work permit. Within two years of receiving the work permit, the investor must reside in Canada for a minimum of 12 out of 24 months. Following this residency period, the investor submits supporting documents to the Ministère to be granted permanent residency.

To obtain permanent residency in Canada, foreign entrepreneurs must first engage with a government-approved organisation and convince it that they have an innovative, scaling start-up business plan worth supporting. The chosen organisation issues the letter of support and sends a commitment certificate to the Canadian authorities.

Investments can be made under one of the following options:

1. Business incubation — no minimum investment required.

2. Angel investment — at least CAD 75,000, or $54,780, from an angel investment group, depending on a certain stage of the business.

3. Venture capital fund — at least CAD 200,000, or $146,130, from a venture capital fund, depending on a certain stage of the business.

To qualify, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• demonstrate proficiency in English or French at the CLB/IELTS 5 level;

• prove financial ability to support themselves and any family members upon arrival in Canada.

Upon submitting an application for permanent residency, candidates can immediately apply for a temporary work permit. This permit allows them to move to Canada while their Start-Up Visa application is processed. However, in this case the candidate must register their business once they move to the country.

Required documents include:

1. Valid passports for the applicant and family members.

2. Bank statements, investment records, and other financial documents.

3. For the Start-Up Visa, proof of a qualifying business and commitment from a designated organisation.

4. Proof of language proficiency in English or French.

5. Medical examination statement to ensure applicants meet health requirements.

6. Proof of no criminal record from all countries where the applicant has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the documentation is essential. Missing or incorrect information can delay the process or lead to rejection.

​​Achieving permanent residency. Both the Canada Start-Up Visa and Quebec Investor Immigration Program provide a direct route to permanent residency. This status grants the right to live and work anywhere in Canada, along with access to public healthcare and education systems.

Steps to Canadian citizenship. After securing permanent residency, you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship if you have lived in Canada for at least three of the past five years. This process involves:

1. Meeting residency requirements. Ensure you have spent enough time in Canada.

2. Passing a citizenship test. Demonstrate your knowledge of Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols.

3. Language proficiency. Prove proficiency in English or French.

4. Submitting your application. Complete and submit the citizenship application.

5. Taking the oath. Attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship.

As a Canadian citizen, you will enjoy several benefits, including visa-free travel to 167 countries, the right to vote, and the unrestricted right to live and work anywhere within Canada.

High financial requirements. The primary challenge is meeting the significant financial requirements, which can be a barrier for some applicants.

Lengthy processing times. The application process can be lengthy, often taking several months to years, depending on the program and the volume of applications.

Regulatory complexities. Navigating the complex regulations and requirements of Canadian immigration can be challenging without professional assistance.

Language requirements. Meeting the language proficiency requirements can be difficult for non-native speakers.

Residency obligations. To maintain permanent residency, you must meet specific residency obligations, which may require significant time spent in Canada.

Possible changes in immigration policies. Immigration policies can change, potentially affecting your eligibility or the terms of your residency.

Beyond Canada, several countries offer golden visa programs, providing attractive options for high-net-worth individuals seeking residency and potential citizenship.

The process to get a Golden Visa includes choosing a suitable program, collecting required documents, making an investment and submitting an application. The process of approval usually takes 2—10 months.

1. The Canada Golden Visa is the unofficial name of two investment pathways to gain permanent residency in Canada. It includes the Canada Start-Up Visa Program and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program, each catering to different types of investors.

2. Through Canada Start-Up Visa and the Quebec Investor Immigration Program, applicants can secure permanent residency, access high-quality healthcare, and enjoy top-tier educational opportunities.

3. The path to Canadian citizenship further enhances these benefits, offering global mobility and economic security.

4. Understanding the various requirements and processes involved in applying for the Canada Golden Visa is crucial for prospective applicants. From meeting financial thresholds and language requirements to preparing necessary documentation, each step demands careful planning and attention to detail.

5. For those looking to explore alternatives, other countries like Portugal, Greece, and Malta also offer golden visa programs, each with its own unique benefits and requirements.