Citizenship by investment, or economic citizenship, is a government program where foreigners obtain citizenship in return for an investment in the host country.

Canada doesn’t provide a direct citizenship by investment program, like many other countries. However, it does have several investment-based, business immigration programs and entrepreneur streams that can make you a permanent resident, which you can use to eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

Many Indian entrepreneurs look at Canada for its thriving startup ecosystem, world-class education, global mobility, and quality of life.

This guide will cover all the pathways available for Canada Citizenship by Investment for Indians. That includes the Start-up Visa, Quebec investor, provincial nominee, and Alberta Advantage Immigration programs.

Keep reading to find out about:

What is the Canada Citizenship by Investment Program?

Citizenship by investment (CBI), also known as economic citizenship, is a legal process by which foreign entrepreneurs can acquire citizenship outside their home country by making a specified financial contribution.

Compared to other countries like Malta, Turkey, or Dominica, Canada doesn’t offer direct citizenship by investment. However, Canada citizenship by investment provides various immigration programs through which foreign nationals can invest capital funds and obtain permanent residency.

A permanent residence (PR status) allows you to indefinitely live and work in Canada. You retain your home country’s citizenship but must meet residency requirements to keep your PR status. Most permanent residence cards expire in five years.

Canadian citizenship doesn’t expire. A Canadian citizen has full voting rights, a Canadian passport, and access to benefits such as pensions and social services. They can also travel visa-free to more than 180 countries.

Can Indians get Canada citizenship by investment?

While Canada cannot provide a direct citizenship by investment program, Indians can pursue Canadian citizenship through naturalization by participating in business investment programs, such as the Start-up Visa Program and Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP). These economic incentives provide permanent residency through business investment, the basis for citizenship.

Indian nationals have one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. Based on the 2021 census, Indians make up the largest non-European ethnic group in Canada.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for developing immigration programs, selecting immigrants, managing the application process, and granting Canadian citizenship.

Indians can’t obtain a Canadian passport by investment until three to five years after investing. First, they would have to apply for a permanent residence. After they gain permanent residency, they must live in the country for at least two years (730 days) within five years. Only then can Indians apply for Canadian citizenship.

Benefits of Canada Citizenship by Investment for Indians

indian national holding a canadian flag after getting citizenshipCanadian citizenship by investment offers many advantages to foreign entrepreneurs. After you receive permanent resident status and obtain Canadian citizenship, you can explore various opportunities.

The benefits of Canadian citizenship for Indian investors can include:

  • Visa-free travel or visa on arrival access to 180+ countries
  • Growing Canadian economy
  • Stable start-up ecosystem
  • Better employment opportunities
  • Business and tax benefits
  • Family member’s sponsorship
  • Medical benefits
  • Excellent education system
  • Safety and security

Best investment options for Indians seeking Canadian citizenship

The Canadian government offers various business immigration programs for foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in Canada. These include the Canada Startup Visa, Quebec Investor Program, Provincial Nominee Programs for investors, and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

Each program has different requirements and eligibility criteria. However, they all contribute to the Canadian economy and allow foreign nationals to expand or build their business ventures. Below are the best investment options for Indians to get Canadian citizenship.

Start-up Visa Program (SUV)

Canada Startup Visa, often referred to as an SUV program or Canada Investor Visa is a business visa that attracts investment in exchange for receiving permanent residence. The Start‑Up Visa program targets experienced entrepreneurs with the potential for innovation and excellent business management skills.

Successful applicants can establish a new start-up outside of Quebec to boost economic growth and job creation that would benefit Canadian society.

To apply for the Canada investment visa, Indian entrepreneurs must:

  • Secure a minimum investment of $75,000 from angel investors or $200,000 from venture capital funds.
  • Create a comprehensive business plan to pitch a qualifying business. The business must be innovative, scalable, and able to compete globally.
  • Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization (e.g., business incubators, venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or organizations in Canada’s Tech Network).
  • Meet the language requirements. You need a level 5 English or French.
  • Bring sufficient settlement funds. You must have enough funds to support yourself, your dependent family members, and your qualifying business.

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

The province of Quebec has its own investor program. The Quebec investor program is the only passive investment program for high-net-worth investors. It doesn’t require you to start or manage a successful business, only to make sufficient capital investments.

The Canadian government uses this provincial immigration incentive to attract business immigrants to Quebec in exchange for Canadian permanent residency.

To apply, Indian entrepreneurs must meet these investment requirements:

  • Make a risk-free investment of CAD$ 1,200,000.
  • Have a net worth of CAD$ 1,600,000.
  • Have at least two years of business management experience.
  • Intend to live in Quebec.
  • Bring enough funds to settle for you and your dependent family.
  • Have at least level 7 French language proficiency.

The Quebec citizenship program was suspended in November 2019 but officially reopened in January 2024.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are economic immigration programs run by the Canadian federal and provincial governments. They allow skilled foreign workers to work in Canada in areas with talent shortages.

PNPs provide a pathway to Canadian permanent residency status for Indians with the education, skills, and work experience to benefit the local economy.

Ontario Entrepreneur Stream, British Columbia Entrepreneur Stream, Manitoba Business Investor Stream, and Alberta Advantage Immigration Program are the most popular options for Indian entrepreneurs.

To apply, Indian nationals must:

  • Have experience in high-demand jobs in a specific province.
  • Provide proof of credentials (e.g., foreign diploma, degree, or certificate).
  • Meet the language requirements based on the province.
  • Have enough funds to settle and support their family members.
  • Intent to live in the nominating province.

With Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), foreign entrepreneurs can work for an existing Canadian business. Successful applicants can apply for a work permit and a Canadian permanent residence.

The immigration process is subject to changes, especially regarding PNPs, the Start-up Visa program, and obtaining Canadian residence. Check out our guide on Canada Citizenship by Investment changes to keep up with the latest updates on all immigration programs.

How to choose the right investment program for Indians?

Choosing an investment immigration program depends on your financial capacity, business interests, long-term goals, and settlement plans. The tips below can help.

1. Check your financial capacity

Business immigration programs require some type of financial investment.

For example, the Canada Start-up Visa program requires investing in a startup or a business venture. If the minimum investment amount is from an angel investor group, you need at least CAD $75,000. But if the minimum investment is from a venture capital fund, you need at least CAD $200,000.

The Quebec investor program is another high-investment incentive. To gain permanent residence, you need a minimum investment of CAD $800,000 and a net worth of $1,600,000.

The Alberta immigration program is much more affordable. You can qualify for the program if you have relevant skills in priority occupations. On the other hand, investors must make a minimum investment amount of $50,000 in a regional area or $100,000 in an urban center.

2. Choose your preferred location

Choose the immigration programs where you want to settle based on your business interests and significant economic benefits.

Many PNPs, like the Alberta program, provide incentives for rural areas. This boosts business development in local communities, which stimulates the Canadian economy.

The Canadian Startup Visa and Quebec investment program often target urban locations. Cities provide a strong, diverse economy that can deliver superior returns and a diverse real estate market.

3. Consider your long-term goals

Think about what you want to achieve in the long run from immigration programs, such as the type of business you want to establish or your preferred lifestyle.

Other provincial business streams offer various advantages, such as market access or tax incentives. For example, Ontario has the largest economy and skilled workforce for startup companies, while Alberta has a low corporate tax. Quebec has affordable costs and innovation incentives.

4. Consider your entrepreneurial skills

Pick a program based on whether you want to run a new or existing Canadian business or make a passive investment.

The Start-up Visa or Canada Investment Visa is more suitable for successful foreign entrepreneurs who want to build and manage a business. On the contrary, the QIIP is passive and reserved for high-net-worth applicants.

Then, create a detailed business plan that showcases your support from a designated organization and the qualifying business’s potential for job creation.

5. Think about your language preference

Canada has two official languages: French and English. Before you start the immigration process, think about the language you prefer.

Some provinces have specific language preferences that will affect your immigration visa. For example, many businesses in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia mainly operate in English. However, the Quebec citizenship program focuses primarily on French.

A Canadian immigration agency can simplify the moving process for you and help you choose the right program.

Canada Citizenship by Investment Cost for Indians

Canadian citizenship by investment provides access to various investment programs. Every program has a different minimum investment cost.

Some immigration processes, like the Start-up Visa program, require you to actively manage the business after receiving permanent residence. They have higher upfront costs and additional expenses, such as renting commercial property and hiring employees.

The Quebec Investor program may have the highest minimum investment amount, but the application process doesn’t require any active management to gain permanent residency. It reduces operational costs and other fees associated with running a business.

The table below provides the minimal investment amount for each investment-based immigrant program.

Investment-based immigration programs 

The minimum investment required in Canadian dollars 

Start-up Visa program (SUV) 

$75,000 - $200,000 

Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) 

$800,000 - $1,600,000 

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) 

$50,000 - $100,000 

Challenges and Risks of Canada Citizenship by Investment

Obtaining Canadian citizenship through investments comes with potential risks. These include:

  • Large initial investments
  • Additional costs (e.g., lawyer fees, medical exams, administrative fees, etc.)
  • Long processing times
  • Non-refundable investments
  • Potential business failure

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

 

FAQs About Canada Citizenship by Investment for Indians

What is Canada Citizenship by Investment for Indians?

Canada doesn’t offer a direct citizenship by investment program for Indian nationals. You can’t buy Canadian citizenship. Instead, Indians have access to business investment schemes, which allow them to become permanent residents and move to Canada.

What is the difference between permanent residency and citizenship for Indian investors in Canada?

In Canada, Indian nationals with a permanent resident status can live and work in Canada indefinitely. However, they have to meet residency criteria to maintain their status. Acquiring Canadian Citizenship provides full rights and privileges, including voting and owning a Canadian passport. Permanent residents must meet specific criteria before applying for citizenship.

What is the Entrepreneur Visa in Canada for Indians?

Canada doesn’t have a specific “Entrepreneur Visa”, like Italy, Spain, or Germany. Instead, the country has provincial and federal immigration programs for Indians who want to start, buy, or invest in a business in Canada. These programs, such as the Start-up Visa or PNP Entrepreneur streams, attract individuals who can create jobs and boost the local economy in exchange for permanent residency.

Do Indians need to renounce their Indian citizenship to become Canadian citizens?

Yes, people of Indian origin must surrender their Indian passports before becoming Canadian citizens. India doesn’t allow dual citizenship. If an Indian citizen receives a Canadian passport or a passport from another country, they must surrender their Indian citizenship. They cannot hold dual citizenship in any country.

Are there tax implications for Indians becoming Canadian citizens through investment?

Yes, there are tax implications for Indian investors moving to Canada. These include:

  • Tax residency status. If you become a Canadian resident, you are subject to income tax on worldwide income.
  • Foreign income. As a Canadian resident, you must report all foreign income.
  • Investment tax. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) taxes 50% of capital gains on stocks, bonds, and real estate.

What is the Canada Golden Visa program?

The Start-up Visa program, also known as the Canada Investor Visa, can be semi-classified as a Golden Visa program. It allows foreign entrepreneurs who bring significant economic benefits to obtain permanent residency. The goal is to attract entrepreneurs to invest in an existing business or set up a new one. The Canada Golden Visa is divided into two main categories: provincial investor immigration programs and federal investor programs.

What type of business qualifies for the Canada Start-up Visa for Indian entrepreneurs?

To qualify for the Start-up Visa program, innovative entrepreneurs must own a scalable business capable of creating full-time jobs. The minimum requirements for Indian nationals include opening and managing a start-up business within Canada, getting support from a designated organization, and demonstrating an innovative business idea that can bring significant economic benefits.

Can Indian HNIs apply for Canadian citizenship via the Quebec Investor Program?

Yes, Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) can apply for Canadian citizenship through the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), provided they meet specific eligibility requirements, such as making a total investment of CAD$ 1,200,000.

How long does it take for Indian investors to get Canadian citizenship through investment?

First, you must receive a permanent residence (PR) in Canada. After three years of a PR status in five years, you can apply for citizenship. Then, you must pass the citizenship test, attend an interview, and finally attend the ceremony. A Canadian passport grants visa-on-arrival or visa-free travel to over 180 countries.

Is the Self‑Employed Persons Program available for Indians?

Yes, Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program is available for Indian Nationals. However, the program was paused on 30 April 2024 and is expected to resume in January 2027. This program allows foreigners with adequate experience in athletics or cultural activities to become permanent residents.