What is the Quebec Entrepreneur Program?

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is an immigration pathway for foreign nationals who wish to obtain permanent residence in Quebec by creating or acquiring a business in the province. It aims to attract entrepreneurs who can contribute to Quebec's economy.

What are the general requirements for all Quebec Entrepreneur Program streams?

All applicants must hold a diploma equivalent to a Quebec secondary school diploma, demonstrate oral French proficiency at level 7 or higher, and provide a financial undertaking to support their family for three months after receiving permanent residence.

What is the 'Innovative Companies' stream?

This stream is for entrepreneurs starting an innovative business or undertaking innovative projects in Quebec. It requires a minimum 10% capital investment and support from an innovation-specialized organization. One profile also requires prior Quebec residency.

What are the financial requirements for the 'Business Start-ups' stream?

For the 'Start-up Businesses' profile, applicants need at least $600,000 CAD in net assets and must contribute at least 25% of the business's value. For 'Businesses Already Started', net assets of $300,000 CAD are required, along with a 25% capital contribution.

Can I acquire an existing business through these programs?

Yes, the 'Takeover' stream is specifically designed for entrepreneurs who intend to acquire or have already acquired control of an existing business in Quebec. This stream also has specific net asset and acquisition cost requirements.

Do I need to speak French to apply?

Yes, a minimum oral French proficiency (listening and speaking) at level 7 or higher on the Quebec scale is a mandatory general requirement for all streams of the Quebec Entrepreneur Program.

When did the new changes to the program come into effect?

The latest changes to the Quebec Entrepreneur Program came into effect on January 1, 2024, introducing updated criteria and stream structures.

Quebec Entrepreneur Programs: Your Path to Canadian Permanent Residence

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential in Quebec

Quebec's Entrepreneur Immigration Programs offer a unique opportunity for qualified business owners and managers to obtain Canadian permanent residence. If you possess an innovative business idea, a plan for a new venture, or the intention to acquire an existing enterprise in Quebec, these programs could be your gateway to a new life in Canada.

Designed to attract foreign nationals who can contribute to Quebec's dynamic economy, the program underwent significant updates effective January 1, 2024. Samakav Immigration Corp is here to guide you through these changes and help you navigate the application process successfully.

Why Choose Quebec's Entrepreneur Programs?

Permanent Residence: A direct pathway to obtaining permanent resident status in Canada for you and your accompanying family members.
Economic Contribution: Become an integral part of Quebec's vibrant economy by creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Strategic Location: Benefit from Quebec's unique culture, strong economy, and strategic position within North America.
Diverse Streams: Choose from three distinct streams tailored to different entrepreneurial profiles, increasing your chances of eligibility.

Program Streams and Eligibility Overview

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is structured around three main streams, each with specific requirements. All applicants must meet general conditions in addition to stream-specific criteria. An entrepreneur is defined as a foreign national aged 18 or older who settles in Quebec to operate a non-ineligible business and exercises significant control over its operations.

General Eligibility Requirements for All Streams:

Hold a diploma equivalent to at least a Quebec secondary school diploma.
Demonstrate oral French proficiency (listening and speaking) at a minimum level 7 on the Quebec scale.
Sign an undertaking to provide for the needs of your accompanying family members and dependent children for three months after receiving permanent residence, proving necessary funds.

Stream 1: Innovative Companies

This stream targets entrepreneurs looking to start or operate an innovative business or carry out innovative projects in Quebec. It has two profiles:

Starting an Innovative Business: Intend to start a business (alone or with up to three other foreign nationals), hold at least 10% of the contributed capital (alone or with spouse), and obtain support services from an innovation-specialized organization.
Innovative Project: In addition to the above, applicants must have resided in Quebec for at least two years prior to application submission and be authorized to work under an open work permit, study permit, or specific IRPR authorization.

Stream 2: Business Start-ups

Designed for entrepreneurs with a new business idea or an already established new business they wish to bring to Quebec. This stream also has two profiles:

Start-up Businesses: Requires at least two years of business management experience (within the last five years, not in an ineligible sector), a business plan for up to two years or operations costing at least $300,000 CAD (Montreal Metropolitan Area - MMA) or $150,000 CAD (outside MMA). Applicants must contribute at least 25% of the business's value and possess net assets of at least $600,000 CAD (alone or with spouse, lawful origin, no donations within six months). A work permit under IRPR section 205 is required, followed by demonstrating business establishment and investment within 1-2 years.
Businesses Already Started: Applicants must have resided in Quebec for at least two years with an eligible work/study permit (not IRPR section 205), have started a business (alone or with up to three foreign nationals) with similar cost/capital contribution requirements as above, and possess net assets of at least $300,000 CAD. Viability of the business must be demonstrated after one year of registration.

Stream 3: Takeover

This stream is for those who have acquired or are in the process of acquiring a business in Quebec. It also comprises two profiles:

Company in the Process of Acquisition: Requires net assets of at least $600,000 CAD (alone or with spouse), intention to acquire control of a business operating for at least five years (from non-entrepreneur program participants), intention to pay acquisition costs of at least $300,000 CAD (MMA) or $150,000 CAD (outside MMA), obtain support services from a takeover-specialized organization, and make an offer within two years of application submission.
Company Acquired: Applicants must have resided in Quebec for at least two years with an eligible work/study permit (not IRPR section 205) and possess net assets of at least $300,000 CAD.

Your Application Journey with Samakav Immigration Corp

Navigating the complexities of immigration programs requires expertise. Our regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCIC-IRB R523726) are committed to providing clear, professional guidance at every step.

Initial Assessment: We evaluate your profile against the latest program requirements to determine your eligibility and the most suitable stream.
Strategic Planning: We help you develop a robust business plan that meets Quebec's criteria and highlights your entrepreneurial vision.
Document Preparation: Our team assists in compiling all necessary documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Application Submission: We meticulously prepare and submit your application to the Quebec government.
Follow-up & Support: We manage communication with immigration authorities and provide ongoing support until a decision is reached.
Post-Landing Assistance: Guidance on fulfilling post-landing business establishment requirements.

Ready to Build Your Future in Quebec?

The Quebec Entrepreneur Programs offer a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs worldwide. With the right guidance, your dream of permanent residence in Canada through business ownership can become a reality. Donipit hesitate to reach out to Samakav Immigration Corp for a personalized assessment and expert assistance.

Contact Samakav Immigration Corp today to discuss your Quebec Entrepreneur Program eligibility!