Patricia Casaburi 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 direct citizenship by investment program, like many other countries. However, it does have several business immigration programs, which could lead to permanent residency and, eventually, 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?
Yes, Indians have access to all the immigration programs in Canada that can lead to permanent residency (PR). They 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
Canadian citizenship by investment offers many advantages to foreign entrepreneurs. After you become a permanent resident and obtain Canadian citizenship, you can explore various opportunities.
The benefits of Canadian citizenship for Indian investors can include:
- Visa-free travel to 180+ countries
- Growing economy
- Stable start-up ecosystem
- Better employment opportunities
- Business and tax benefits
- Family member’s sponsorship
- Medical benefits
- Quality education
- Safety and security
Best investment options for Indians seeking Canadian citizenship
The Canadian government offers various business immigration programs for foreign entrepreneurs. 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 residence. It 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 create jobs for Canadian citizens.
To apply for the investment visa, Indian entrepreneurs must:
- Create and pitch a qualifying business concept. The business must be innovative, scalable, and able to compete globally.
- Obtain 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, and your 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 experts to Quebec in exchange for Canadian permanent residency.
To apply, Indian entrepreneurs must:
- Make a risk-free investment of CAD$ 800,000.
- 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)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an economic immigration program run by the Canadian federal and provincial governments. It allows skilled foreign workers to work in Canada in areas with talent shortages.
PNPs provide a pathway to permanent residency status for Indians with the education, skills, and work experience to benefit the local economy. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are the most popular provinces 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 PNPs, you can work for an existing Canadian business. Successful applicants can apply for a work permit and a Canadian permanent residence.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), is an economic incentive for foreign workers. It is a provincial nominee program (PNP) with high job opportunities.
Alberta has a strong economy in agriculture, technology, transportation, oil, and gas. The AAIP attracts skilled farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers to immigrate and secure permanent residency.
The program offers lower investment thresholds and faster processing times than other provinces. The rural Alberta community values work experience in high-demand jobs, like farm management skills, construction, logistics, technology, and innovation.
To apply, Indian entrepreneurs must:
- Have a work permit.
- Have a job in Alberta that matches your previous work experience in India.
- Demonstrate at least level four or five Canadian language proficiency.
- Have at least a high school diploma.
- Have at least 12 months of work experience in Alberta within the past 18 months. You can also have a minimum of 24 months of work experience in Canada in the last two and a half years.
If you are an international student, the AAIP provides excellent opportunities through the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. You can apply to Alberta post-secondary institutions and boost your chances of finding a job offer.
Tax implications for Indian investors moving to Canada
Before you move to Canada, consider these tax implications:
- Tax residency status. If you become a Canadian resident, you are subject to income tax on worldwide income. This means Canada will tax your income globally from your Indian investments or business.
- Foreign income. As a Canadian resident, you must report all foreign income. That includes capital gains, interest, dividends, and income from foreign real estate.
- Investment tax. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) taxes 50% of capital gains on stocks, bonds, and real estate.
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 requires investing in a startup or a business venture. If the investment is from an angel investor group, you need at least CAD $75,000. But if the 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 must invest CAD $800,000 and have 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 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.
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.
3. Consider your long-term goals
Think about what you want to achieve in the long run, such as the type of business you want to establish or your preferred lifestyle.
Different provinces 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 business or make a passive investment.
The Start-up Visa and AAIP are more suitable for successful entrepreneurs who want to build and manage a business. On the contrary, the QIIP is passive and reserved for high-net-worth applicants.
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 province focuses primarily on French.
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 programs, 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 initial investment but doesn’t require any active management. It reduces operational costs and other fees that come with running a business.
The table below provides the minimal investments 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
Can I invest in residential and commercial properties to get Canadian citizenship?
Investing in different properties can help you get a PR status. But, it doesn’t directly lead to Canadian citizenship. Canada doesn’t provide direct citizenship by investment. Instead, it offers schemes for permanent residency, which could eventually help you become a legal citizen.
Can Canadian citizens hold dual Indian citizenship?
No. India doesn’t allow dual citizenship. If an Indian citizen receives a Canadian passport or a passport from another country, they must surrender their passport and Indian citizenship. They cannot hold citizenship with that of another country simultaneously.
How can I apply for a Canada investment visa as an Indian entrepreneur?
You must follow the immigration process of the investment program you select. Every investment program has different criteria and eligibility requirements. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides access to all available programs, including the documentation and application process.
What is the Canada Golden Visa program?
A Golden Visa program, also known as a Canada investor visa, allows international entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence by investing in an existing business or setting up a new one. The Canada Golden Visa is divided into two main categories: provincial investor immigration programs and federal investor programs.
Can an innovative foreign company apply for a Canada immigration program?
Some PNPs have specific streams for innovative companies that could benefit the local economy or fill sector gaps. However, your company must be scalable and able to compete in the global market. The Canadian government has very high standards for granting immigration opportunities.
How long does it take to acquire 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.
