North America · business
Canada Start-Up Visa
Direct permanent residence for founders with designated-organisation backing
Canada's Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs whose venture is supported by a designated incubator, angel group, or venture fund. Up to five founders can qualify on a single business.
Timeline
24–40 months
Visa-free access
185 destinations
Residence required
730 days in every 5-year period
Family included
Spouse and dependent children
Investment routes
Ways to qualify
Designated venture capital fund
$150k
CAD 200,000 investment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund.
Angel investor group
$56k
CAD 75,000 investment from a designated angel investor group.
Business incubator
$0
Acceptance into a designated Canadian business incubator programme, no capital threshold.
Why it works
Program highlights
- Permanent residence, not a temporary permit
- Up to five co-founders per qualifying business
- Open work permit available while the application is processed
- Citizenship eligibility after three years of physical presence
Tax position
Canadian residents are taxed on worldwide income
Do you qualify
Eligibility requirements
- Letter of support from a designated Canadian organisation
- CLB 5 in English or French
- Sufficient settlement funds for family size
- 10% voting rights for the applicant and 50% jointly with the designated organisation
Questions
Canada, asked and answered
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