Can I get permanent residence by buying a business in Canada?

Buying an existing business does not, by itself, entitle anyone to permanent residence in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) runs separate programs, and each sets its own conditions. Anyone searching “buying a business in Canada for immigration” is really asking about one of three programs. This page sets out what IRCC says about each. It is general information, not immigration advice.

The Start-up Visa

IRCC says the Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada, outside Quebec, that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians and can compete on a global scale. IRCC’s page lists applications to the program as paused. It also says designated organizations can develop their own process for receiving proposals from immigrant entrepreneurs, and their own criteria to assess them. Read the program page closely and ask whether a business you plan to buy fits that description.

The Self-Employed Persons Program

IRCC describes this permanent residence program as one for people who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and who will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. That is the program’s stated purpose, and IRCC lists the program’s status as paused. Nothing in that description covers buying or running a shop, restaurant or service company.

Provincial nominee streams

IRCC says the Provincial Nominee Program lets provinces and territories nominate people with the skills, education and work experience to help their economy, such as business people and skilled workers. It adds that each province and territory has its own requirements. Quebec and Nunavut don’t have programs, according to IRCC. A province will also tell a nominee whether to apply through Express Entry or the non-Express Entry process, so any condition about buying a business would sit in the province’s own requirements, not on IRCC’s general page.

Before you sign a purchase agreement

Do not make a purchase agreement or closing date depend on an immigration outcome you have not confirmed. Ask the program or the province, in writing, whether this specific business and your intended role would qualify. A lawyer or a regulated immigration representative can advise on your own situation. The sale itself raises separate questions that apply whatever your status, such as what taxes a buyer pays.