Patricia Casaburi
If you are an investor who wants to get a new passport, citizenship by investment programs can seem like a practical choice. A highly developed economy with a growing start-up system, like Canada, can help diversify your investments and obtain permanent residency.
But, can you buy Canadian citizenship, like you can in other countries? Not exactly. You can’t buy Canadian citizenship for a certain amount of money. First, you must become a permanent resident through various investment and business immigration programs. A permanent residency status can help foreign nationals obtain citizenship through naturalization.
Capital investments are not enough to land you a Canadian citizenship. To become a lawful citizen, you must meet specific criteria and maintain your permanent residency. In this article, you’ll see how different Canada citizenship by investment is, the requirements for business immigration, and the benefits that attract entrepreneurs to the country and their family members.
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Benefits of Canadian Citizenship by Investment
There are plenty of benefits that come with being a Canadian citizen. These include:
- Global mobility – A Canadian passport gives you access to North American market, many visa-free countries or visa-on-arrival countries, which is excellent for travel or business.
- High quality of life – Canada has a low poverty rate, offering political stability and security. Citizens enjoy well-paid jobs, good pensions, and a prosperous future.
- World-class healthcare – The Canadian government provides extensive healthcare coverage for citizens and permanent residents.
- Robust social welfare system – Citizens have access to pension plans, employment insurance, housing, dental, and other social programs.
- Excellent education system – According to our Global Education Report, Canada is among the top five best countries for higher education. Citizens have access to renowned schools for themselves and their family members.
- Dual citizenship – Citizens can hold more than one citizenship without renouncing their previous nationality. Dual citizenship Canada increases mobility, job security, and economic opportunity.
How to get Canada citizenship by investment?
It isn’t possible to buy Canadian citizenship by investment, and you cannot get a Canadian passport by paying for it. To obtain citizenship, foreign nationals must first receive a permanent resident status. Permanent residence (PR) is different from Canadian citizenship. Permanent residence allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely; however, a PR could be revoked.
Citizenship makes you a legal citizen who can hold a Canadian passport, vote, and run for public office. Based on our Global Passport Index, Canada ranks 14th with high investment potential, quality of life, and standard of living.
Since Canada doesn’t have a classic “Investment Golden Visa” to buy your way in, it does have investment-based business immigration programs that make you a permanent resident, like the Start-up Visa or PNPs. Once you obtain permanent residency, you’ll need to fulfill specific requirements to become a citizen. You must physically reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) during the five years immediately preceding your citizenship application and integrate into Canadian society.
To integrate, most provinces in Canada require a language proficiency of level 4 or over based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Citizens often use English or French, the two official languages. These are basic language requirements for foreigners who invest in business development or the real estate market and want to gain permanent residence, and eventually Canadian Citizenship.
Facts about buying Canadian citizenship | |
True | False |
You first receive permanent residence. | You can buy Canadian citizenship. |
You choose a business immigration program. | All you need is a one-time payment. |
Obtaining Canadian citizenship is a long-term commitment. | There are no other requirements for a Canadian passport. |
What are the main routes for Canadian citizenship by investment?
Although Canada doesn’t provide a direct path to “citizenship by investment”, the country offers different investment and business immigration programs that first provide permanent residence and, eventually, Canadian citizenship. The most popular investor visa programs are the Start-up Visa Program and the Quebec Immigration Program. The investment amount varies from $75,000 to $800,000 and over, depending on the program, province, and your business venture.
Start-up Visa program
The Canada Start-up Visa program is a business immigration program that enables innovative entrepreneurs to become permanent residents by opening and running a new business. Successful applicants can bring significant economic benefits to Canadian society.
The Canada Startup Visa requires you to:
- Provide a strong business plan that clearly indicates the venture’s scalability, potential for expansion, target market, and ability to create jobs.
- Run and manage your new business in Canada with a work permit.
- Receive permanent resident status in one to two years of operating your Canadian business.
- Meet the requirements for obtaining Canadian citizenship after maintaining permanent residency.
The Canada Start-up Visa requires a minimum investment from one of the designated organizations. Foreign entrepreneurs must receive at least $200,000 from venture capital funds or $75,000 from a Canadian angel investor group.
Canadian business incubators don’t require a capital investment; only that innovative entrepreneurs are accepted into the business incubator program. For this immigration process, you need business management skills, a comprehensive business plan, and sufficient settlement funds.
The Canada Start-up Visa program is an excellent opportunity for medium and high-net-worth foreign entrepreneurs who want to become business owners and immigrate with family members and gain Canada citizenship.
To receive Canadian citizenship, most applicants must first gain permanent residency. This often begins with a work permit, allowing individuals to live and work in Canada. After renewing a work permit and meeting residency requirements, permanent residency can be granted. While there’s no direct Canadian citizenship by investment, some investment programs, like the SUV program, can pave the way to obtaining Canadian citizenship.
The only major disadvantage is the risk of business failure and long processing times.
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Quebec Immigration Program
The Quebec immigration program has two classes of business immigrants: entrepreneurs and investors. These programs have different eligibility criteria but require immigrants to invest and settle in Quebec.
The business immigration programs include:
- Quebec entrepreneur program – This immigration process can attract entrepreneurs to open a Canadian business in Quebec. The program requires a minimum net worth of $300,000 and a business venture that provides significant economic benefits.
- Quebec immigrant investor program – This is the only passive investment program for high-net-worth investors. It requires a net worth of $1,600,000, a minimum investment amount of $800,000, and to meet the physical presence requirement in Quebec province.
These investment options require significant financial investment and maintaining residency requirements. Successful applicants with French language proficiency can receive Canadian permanent residency and sponsor family members to settle there and later apply for Canadian citizenship.
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Take a look at our Canada Start-up Visa ultimate guide
How much money do you need for Canadian citizenship through PNPs?
You can’t buy Canadian citizenship with money. However, you can apply for various business immigration programs through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to become a permanent resident, and, in five years, if you are eligible, you can get citizenship. There are many entrepreneur streams across various provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. They have their own requirements, investment amount, language proficiency, and eligibility criteria.
Foreign entrepreneurs, workers, and investors can use them to get a PR card and promote the country’s economy. Applicants must ensure an active business management requirement for most programs. Here is a quick look at some of them.
Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Foreign entrepreneurs with adequate management experience can create a pathway for acquiring Canadian citizenship. First, they must start a new or buy an existing Canadian business in a rural Alberta community, which can help them immigrate to the province and receive permanent residence. This investment program can benefit the country’s economy.
Successful applicants must have a:
- Minimum net worth of $300,000.
- Minimum investment amount of $200,000 from their own equity.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Base Stream
The province of BC aims to attract foreign entrepreneurs who want to buy or start a Canadian business in high-growth, urban locations. This immigration process is the first step to obtaining Canadian residence for those who can boost the Canadian economy.
Successful applicants must have a:
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Minimum investment amount of $200,000 in the business.
The business owner must provide at least one full-time job to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to become eligible for Canadian permanent residence.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
This business immigration program attracts foreign entrepreneurs to start or buy an existing Canadian business. It can help the business owner become a permanent resident and provide employment, boosting the Canadian economy.
Successful applicants must have the following investment requirements:
- Minimum net worth of $600,000.
- Minimum investment amount of $150,000.
Canadian Citizenship by Investment at a Glance
Program | Financial Requirements | Time to Citizenship |
Start-Up Visa Program | - $200,000 minimum investment from venture capital funds - $75,000 from angel investor group - no investment requirement from business incubators | Three years after receiving Permament Residence you can apply for Canadian citizenship. |
Quebec investor program | - net worth of $1,600,000 - minimum investment of $800,000 | |
Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream | - net worth of $300,000 - $200,000 minimum investment | |
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration | - net worth of $600,000 - $200,000 minimum investment | |
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream | - net worth of $600,000 - $150,000 minimum investment |
Other Ways to Acquire Canadian Citizenship
People can obtain citizenship in Canada through three main pathways. These include:
- Citizenship by birth: Individuals born in Canada to at least one Canadian parent become citizens.
- Citizenship by descent: Individuals born outside of Canada to at least one Canadian citizen can apply for Canadian citizenship by descent.
- Citizenship by naturalization: Foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and workers can apply for obtaining Canadian citizenship by first becoming a permanent resident. Canadian naturalization often starts with a work permit to enter Canada, after which applicants can meet the requirements for permanent residence.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Citizenship by Investment
Can you buy Canadian citizenship in 2025?
No, Citizenship by investment in Canada doesn’t work the same way as in other countries, like Turkey, Grenada, or Dominica. Foreign nationals cannot buy Canadian citizenship and get a Canadian passport just because they have money. They must first secure permanent residency through business immigration programs, get an optional work permit, meet minimum investment requirements, and pay taxes on worldwide income.
Do you get citizenship if you buy property in Canada?
No, buying a house, apartment, or any type of property doesn’t automatically make you a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident. To create a path for Canadian permanent residence, you must invest in a business venture that boosts the Canadian economy. That can include residential and commercial properties, or making passive financial investments in a particular province.
How much money do you need to invest in Canada to get citizenship?
The minimum investment depends on the business immigration program you select. For example, the minimum investment for the Canada Start-up Visa is $200,000 from a designated venture capital fund or $75,000 from an angel investor group. The goal is to create business ventures that promote the Canadian economy, not sell Canadian citizenship to the highest bidder.
What is the fastest way of obtaining Canadian citizenship?
There are three methods for acquiring Canadian citizenship: by birth, descent, and naturalization. To become a citizen, a foreigner must first get a work permit through business immigration programs, like the Canada Start-up Visa, gain permanent residency, and meet the requirements for Canada citizenship. Simply put, obtaining Canadian citizenship is a long and daunting process. An immigration agency like GCS can streamline it for you.
Is there a Canada Golden Visa program?
Most European countries have a Golden Visa, which provides a quick way to get residency or citizenship by investment. Canada is different. Instead of offering a direct Canada Golden Visa, the country provides unique business immigration programs that create a path to permanent residency and eventually Canadian citizenship. These include the Quebec immigrant investor program, Canada Start-up Visa, and provincial investor immigration programs.
How much does it cost to become a Canadian citizen?
To become a Canadian citizen, you would pay about $649.75 for an adult and $100 for a child. This cost includes the fees for the right of citizenship and processing fees. The right of citizenship fee for a stateless adult born to a Canadian parent is $119.75. You cannot buy Canadian citizenship — these are just application fees.
How much is the Golden Visa for Canada?
The Canada Startup Visa (which is essentially the Golden Visa for Canada) costs CAD $2,385 for main applicants and CAD$ 1,525 for their partners and CAD$ 260 per child. The overall cost, including consultant fees, medical exam, travel expenses, and settlement expenses, can range from CAD $8,735 to CAD $16,735 or over.
Is there a Canada citizenship by investment option for $60,000?
There is no official Canadian citizenship by investment program for $60,000. The Canadian government does not offer direct citizenship through investment. However, the SUV investment program can lead to Canadian permanent residence and provide a pathway for applicants to eventually receive Canadian citizenship. The financial requirements vary from $75,000 to $200,000, depending on the designated organization.
Can a US citizen get Canadian citizenship?
Yes, a US citizen can become a Canadian citizen and hold dual citizenship with the United States. But first, they must apply for a work permit and gain permanent residence. Business immigration programs like the Canada Start-up Visa are an excellent opportunity for US entrepreneurs with a comprehensive business plan. All in all, obtaining Canadian citizenship can take well over five years.
Is there a fast-track option for Canadian citizenship by investment?
No. There’s no direct citizenship by investment (requires PR first). Obtaining Canadian residence is not easy, even for a US citizen. Business immigration programs have various requirements, such as minimum investment criteria. You must also be physically present in Canada for three out of five years to gain permanent residency.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Canadian citizenship by investment program?
Canada citizenship by investment programs are different from those of many other countries. There is no Canadian citizenship by investment. The eligibility requirements vary based on the business immigration program you select. For example, if you choose the Canada Start-up Visa program, you must have a qualifying business and receive backing from a designated organization. You must also file taxes in Canada for at least three of the five years.
What is the 1,095 day rule for Canadian citizenship?
The 1,095-day rule means you must physically live in Canada for three years during your five-year stay before you can apply for obtaining Canadian citizenship. If you want to leave the country without a Canadian passport, you must have a valid permanent resident card and check whether you are eligible for visa-free travel. Obtaining Canadian citizenship takes dedication and commitment.
Can I apply for Canada Golden Visa online?
No. There is no “Canada Golden Visa”. Golden Visas are often large, passive investments. In Canada, even if you have the money, it doesn’t guarantee you will gain permanent residency. You apply through investment-based or business immigration programs, like the Start-up Visa, which requires active management for your qualifying business. Three to five years after making the investment and gaining permanent residency while maintaining a physical presence in Canada, you can apply for citizenship. If successful, you’ll be granted a Canadian passport.
What is the Quebec immigrant investor program?
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is a Canadian government-approved investor visa program offering permanent residency to high-net-worth individuals and their family members with high French language proficiency. Through required investment of $800,000 and a net worth of $1,600,000, it provides a path to receiving permanent residence after a year of holding a work permit—not direct citizenship by investment in Canada.
Can I receive Canadian citizenship with a criminal record?
In most cases, people can’t apply for Canadian citizenship if they received a criminal record or an indictable offence in the last four years. They would have to wait for four years to pass after the date of their conviction before they are eligible to obtain citizenship. Since there is no Canadian citizenship by investment, applicants must first gain permanent residence through immigration programs.
