Québec Entrepreneur Program
Canada is on the list of the best countries in the world for entrepreneurship, and Quebec is one of its most highly developed provinces. Among the secrets of its prosperity is the constant search and support for promising business. Foreign entrepreneurs, whose projects are selected at the provincial level, will receive a permanent residence permit, but the final decision always remains with the federal authorities. The founder of a business can bring relatives to Canada, and after 1095 days of residence in the country, the whole family will be entitled to apply for citizenship.
Program's details
- Permanent residence in case the project is supported
- Two options for innovative and traditional business
- Quota several dozens of projects per year
- $ 0-150 thousand minimum investment
- Getting income from doing business
- For the whole family spouses and children, including adults
- Visa-free entry to Canada and 20+ countries of the world
- Second citizenship after residing 1095 days in the country
The official website of the program
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About the Program
The program for attracting foreign entrepreneursto Quebec has been operating for more than a decade, but in 2018 it has been restarted taking into account the changes in the economy. There are two streams in it for the present moment: applications for opening an innovative and classic business are considered separately, mainly small and medium ones.
In the first case, an important condition will be support from business incubators, accelerators or university centers of entrepreneurship, and in the second - own investments and capital.
Entrepreneurs and their families are expected to come to Canada, study the business environment, start or buy a ready-made business. And after that they will prepare a business plan for participation in the program.
Every year, several dozen best applications are selected from all submitted ones. In 2020, there are 60 projects: 25 in stream 1 and 35 in stream 2. Approved applications receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), which entitles businessmen and their families to apply for permanent residence in the Federal Department of Immigration (IRCC).
The process is governed by the Quebec Immigration Regulations.
Minimum investment
- $0+
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Stream 1: innovative business
The law does not establish a minimum amount, the main condition is an offer of support from a business accelerator, business incubator or university center of entrepreneurship from Quebec
- $150 000+
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Stream 2: classic business
This is an initial deposit, the size depends on the location of the company: outside Greater Montreal it is CAD 200,000 (approximately $150,000), within its boundaries - CAD 300,000 ($220,000).
It is also necessary to make a returnable security deposit in the amount of CAD 200,000 ($150,000).
In addition, the applicant and his spouse must prove their total equity capital of CAD 900,000 ($665,000).
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Requirements for business and candidates
Stream 1: innovative business
- To come to Quebec to do business.
- To receive an offer of support from a business accelerator, business incubator or university center for entrepreneurship in Quebec.
- The project can be run alone or with a maximum of three foreign citizens.
- To present your project in the form of a business plan or a service proposal from a supporting organization. This is necessary even if the business is already running successfully.
Stream 2: classic business
- To come to Quebec to start, run or acquire a business.
- To make an initial deposit to a bank of Quebec - it is the money to start your business.
Deposit amount:
- CAD 200,000 ($146,000), if the company is located outside of Greater Montreal,
- CAD 300,000 ($219,000), in Greater Montreal. - To open a security deposit in a bank of Quebec in the amount of CAD 200,000 ($146,000). It serves as a guarantee that the business will actually be created. After completing the business plan, the money can be returned.
- To confirm the equity capital in the amount of CAD 900,000 ($657,000) alone or together with a spouse. You will also need to prove that this money was acquired legally.
- To present your project in the form of a business plan.
- The applicant must own and control at least 25% of the share in a newly established business. In the acquired business the amount should be at least 51% of owned shares.
- Projects in the following areas of activity are not eligible for selection:
- payday loans,
- cashing checks or secured loans,
- development or brokerage in real estate insurance services,
- pornography, erotica, sex services. - Also, an acquired business that has won the selection less than five years ago cannot participate in the program.
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Requirements for the candidates
Close relatives can apply for permanent residence together with the applicant: spouses, children (including adults, if they are dependent).
Quebec-level requirements
- Have at least two years of management experience leading a successful company.
- The applicant, his / her spouse and adult children must pass an examination of the democratic values and the values of Quebec.
- Good knowledge of state languages will be a big plus. Applications from applicants with a French advanced intermediate (B2) level are considered out of quota.
- Another significant plus is the "connection with Quebec". It is assumed that the applicant and his family will enter Quebec in advance on a temporary visa and start the business prior to applying.
- The age, education and financial situation of the candidates are also taken into account.
Canada-level requirements
- To pass due diligence and medical examination.
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Documents
The key document is a detailed business plan that will convince officials of the potential of your project.
In addition, you will need the following.For stream 1
- Documents from the supporting organization: a plan for the services offered to your project, a work plan (detailed budget and schedule for the provision of services), a certificate of inspecting your organization.
For stream 2
- Bank statements on the creation of two deposits.
- Confirmation of the required capital and its origin.
- If the company is already operating - statutory records and financial statements.
To apply for permanent residence at the federal level
- Application form
- Valid international passport
- Language test results
- Birth certificates, state passports and proof of registration - for the app;icant and for the spouse
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates for children Справки о несудимости
- Two photos for each entering applicant
- Dues and fees purchase receipts
- Proof of decent amount of money for residing in Canada.
Additional expenses
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Administrative fee
For applying in Quebeck
- Main candidate – 1 099 CAD ($802)
- Each family member– 174 CAD ($127)
For processing an application for permanent residence
- Main candidate - CAD 2,075 ($1,515)
- Spouse - CAD 1,325 ($967)
- Dependent child - CAD 225 ($164)
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Other expenses
Medical examination:
- CAD 300 ($ 219) - for an adult,
- CAD 150 ($ 110) - for a child under 14 years old.
Police criminal check certificate (usually, free of charge)
Language testing - $ 250. Test scores in English: CELPIP-G and IELTS General Training - or French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada can be valid
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Rights and Obligations
Permanent residents (PR) of Canada have the right to:
- receive most of the same social benefits as Canadian citizens, including health insurance,
- live, work or study in Canada,
- apply for Canadian citizenship.
They are obliged to:
- pay taxes,
- comply with all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Permanent residents cannot:
- vote or run for political office,
- occupy some jobs that require a high level of safety.
To maintain permanent resident status, you must have lived in Canada for at least 730 days in total over the past five years.
The procedure for obtaining
