If you are a businessman, and exploring opportunities outside of India, Canada is the place for you!

The Canadian government encourages aspiring as well as existing businessmen and entrepreneurs to set up and expand their business in Canada. There are terms and conditions attached to the same, which if fulfilled by the aspirants the process is fairly simple and transparent for business PR.

Broadly there are three options. If you have an already established business in your country, then you can explore the option of expanding the business in Canada. Secondly, you have the option of starting a new business in Canada, last but not the least, you have the option of starting a business in Canada from outside of the country as well.

How to expand an existing business in Canada?

The process for expanding your existing business is by far the simplest in Canada. Every province has their own set of criteria which is well defined and available for reference. The 13 provinces and territories are governed by their guidelines towards business expansion. They would have their own registration procedure and fees specific to them. For instance, a non-Canadian wanting to establish a business in the state of Alberta, the business needs to be registered as an extra provincial corporation in the province. A local agent, above 18 years of age is required for executing the above.

How to start a new business in Canada?

Canada offers a Start-up visa program for aspirants wanting to start a new business in Canada.

The purpose of this program is to encourage entrepreneurial ideas coming into the country. The aspirants are required to tie up with local businesses in order to receive help on funding and guidance. ACEIS as your immigration partner helps you with this. The IRCC has designated venture capital funds, investor groups and business incubators to be a part of this visa program.

The investment can be anywhere ranging from 75,000 USD to 200,000 USD, depending on the nature of investment.

The good news is aspirants need not invest all the money from their pocket as finance options are available as a part of the program. Additionally, if the PR is facilitated via this route, then the PR stays valid even if the start up idea lands up in failure.

However, this visa program has specific guidelines on the ownership and shareholding requirements for a start-up.

Eligibility requirements for visa applicants are:

• Have proof that the business has the required support.

• Must fulfill the ownership requirements.

• Must have the required proficiency in English or French.

• Must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education.

• Must have enough funds to settle in Canada and support dependent family members.

• Must clear the medical tests and security requirements.

How can you start a business in Canada from outside the country?

For non-Canadians, wanting to start a business from outside of Canada, there are provisions made by the respective provinces. There are clearly defined guidelines and rules around who cannot start a business in Canada, or the certain nature of businesses which are not allowed. Certain provinces allow Non-Canadians to have a sole proprietorship firm, like British Columbia.

In others, wherein sole proprietorship is not a possibility, there are provisions of starting the business by getting into a partnership or corporation agreement with one or more citizens or landed migrants in Canada. 

Canada has many programs to encourage foreign businesses and entrepreneurs to establish their business in the country.  There are various schemes to encourage non-Canadians to make use of the strong and stable business environment and set up their business ventures.