Canadian Business Visas
If you want to move from Spain to Canada on a Business visa, knowing which is the most suitable for your circumstances is important.
Call our dedicated team at Total Law today for more information on +1 844 290 6312 and how our services can help you relocate to Canada.
Canadian Business Visas Overview
Multiple business visas are available, whether you are a Spanish business owner, entrepreneur, or digital nomad. These programs are designed to attract companies and professional individuals to Canada who can contribute significantly to the country’s economic, cultural, and social life.
Once a business visa is granted, the holder can work in Canada. Their family will be given open work or study permits, whichever suits their situation. Depending on the business visa program followed, the holder and their family will be eligible for permanent residency within a year or two.
Canada is an attractive destination for many business owners and entrepreneurs, and it has favourable trade agreements and corporation taxes. If you are unsure which visa is best suited to your situation, call Total Law today at +1 844 290 6312 and speak to one of our experienced lawyers.
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Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Business Visas
Candidates’ requirements depend on the visa category under which they are applying. Each program is designed to attract a particular type of business or investor according to the needs of the country or province.
However, there are some general requirements for the eligibility of any business visa, including:
- Have funds of between C$100,000 to C$350,000
- Demonstrate the necessary skills and experience for the operation of their business
- Provide a realistic and detailed business plan
- Either have an existing successful business, the money to invest in one or a viable idea for a start-up
- Knowledge of immigration regulations and framework
The benefits of obtaining a Canadian business visa for Spanish professionals include the ability to apply for permanent residency after a set amount of time, depending on the program you applied through. Your family can accompany you, and as a permanent resident of Canada, you can access the country’s healthcare and education system. You can also benefit from the low corporate tax rates.
It is difficult to know exactly how many applicants in Spain successfully obtain a business visa. However, the success rate for the Start-up Visa in 2023 was over 77 per cent.
To maximize your chances of a successful application, it is advisable to engage the services of immigration experts such as Total Law, who can help you through each step of the process. Call today at +1 844 290 6312 and speak to an experienced team member or contact us via live chat.
Canada Business Visa Types
Many of Canada’s business visas and numerous provincial programs suit professionals. Canada business visa requirements vary according to the programs available and the conditions imposed by individual provinces.
Eligible businesses must demonstrate innovation, competitiveness and the ability to create jobs in Canada.
Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa is aimed at entrepreneurs who have the potential and skills to expand their businesses in Canada. Up to five people can collaborate on the same start-up, but all must meet the program’s requirements.
The start-up must gain the support of a designated organisation, such as a venture capital fund, business incubator, angel investor group, or one of the organizations in the Canadian Tech Network. You must also prove you have enough money to settle in the country and show that your business will significantly benefit Canada.
The specific requirements for the Start-up Visa program include:
- Designated organisation support letter
- Applicant must hold a minimum of 10% voting rights in the company
- Business must be incorporated within Canada
- Applicants and designated organisation must hold 50% voting rights
- Adequate operational capital and settlement funds
- Applicant proficiency in English or French
- The applicant must actively manage the business(s) with core operations within Canada.
As of April 2024, the Start-up Visa program has changed, including a new cap on the number of permanent residence applications linked to this visa. Until 2026, each designated organisation can only submit ten Start-up Visa applications annually.
The Start-up Visa requires investment or support from one of the Canadian designated organisations, which isn’t necessary for the Entrepreneur Visa, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or someone applying under the Intra Company Transfer (ICT) scheme. Required capital levels also differ, with the Start-up Visa needing at least C$200,000 in settlement funds and operational capital while under the PNP program, applicants may need just $100,000, although this varies by province.
Document Requirements for Start-up Visa
- Visa application form
- Background declaration including jobs, periods of unemployment, study, etc
- Details of additional dependents, if applicable
- Supplementary information e.g. travel history
- Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs – Start-up business class
- Travel documents and passport
- Proof of language proficiency (English or French)
- Letter of support from a designated organisation
- Civil and identity documents e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, national ID
- Police certificate
- Photos of you and each member of your family
- Receipt for fee
- Proof of settlement funds
Entrepreneur Visa
Entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals seeking only temporary residence can apply for a visa that emerged from the International Mobility Program. The visa is valid for two years and can be renewed several times while conditions are still met.
A C11 permit, as the visa is commonly known, is also available to start-up founders and people selected under the Provincial Nominee Programs’ entrepreneur stream. It is an ideal visa for those wishing to set up unique businesses.
For the Entrepreneur Visa, an applicant must demonstrate the following:
- The significant economic, social or cultural benefits of their business to Canadians
- Comprehensive business plan
- Evidence of funds to set up and operate the business
- Proof of work experience or business ownership
- Supporting documentation from Canadian suppliers or vendors
One of the many benefits of the C11 permit is that you can apply for permanent residency after just 12 months of operating your business. Your spouse and children can also accompany you to Canada.
There is no need to access funding from Canadian designated organisations for the Entrepreneur Visa, nor is there a need to provide a minimum investment or demonstrate a high net worth.
Document Requirements for Entrepreneur Visa
The requirements for this visa will vary according to the applicant’s circumstances, but there is paperwork that all candidates must submit:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport or travel document
- Two forms of identity
- Proof of business ownership or control e.g. business registration documents
- Comprehensive business plan showing significant benefits for Canadian citizens
- Evidence of sufficient funds
The following may also be required in some circumstances:
- Medical exam report
- Police certificate
- Evidence of business experience
- Letter of support from Canadian investors or potential customers
- ID for any dependents
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program
A multinational corporation with revenue-generating operations in at least two countries can apply for the Intra-company Transfer Visa program. Applying for the ICT program is usually for businesses that want to open a subsidiary or affiliate in Canada.
These companies are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, the company must show that the employees being transferred to Canada have the required specialised knowledge for the role.
The requirements for this program are:
- Established link between the Canadian business and the foreign company as a parent company, subsidiary or affiliate
- The company must have been in operation for one to three years before applying
- Workers must have been employed by the company for at least one year
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate specialised knowledge or hold an executive or senior position
- The Canadian company must be viable and provide opportunities for Canadian workers
There are no minimum investment requirements for the ICT business visa, and Spanish companies wishing to access the Canadian market must prove that they are financially sound and have the capital necessary for the expansion.
Employees who come to work in Canada from Spain through the ICT business visa can apply for permanent residency after one year of full-time employment through the Express Entry program.
Document Requirements for ICT Visa
The documents required for an ICT visa are divided into business documents for the foreign company and the Canadian entity and personal paperwork for the applicant(s).
For the foreign company:
- Company registration
- Licences, if applicable
- Shareholder certificates
- Tax registration
- Financial statements (audited or unaudited) for 2 years
- Profit & loss statements
- Balance sheets
- Bank statements
For the Canadian entity:
- Certificate and articles of incorporation
- Shareholder records
- Notice of change forms
- List of directors
- Canada Revenue Agency business number
- Explanation for LMIA exemption
For applicants:
- Valid passport
- Evidence of qualifications
- Bank statements
- Proof of employment
- Evidence of ties to Spain
- Job offer or contract from Canadian employers
- Letter from current employer (in Spain)
- Digital photo
- Net worth certificate
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is the sole immigration program in Canada that allows an individual to gain immigration status through investment. However, the minimum level of investment is C$1.2 million for at least five years and applicants must have a net worth of at least C$2 million.
Documented proof of the sources of the funds is required and the investor must demonstrate at least two years of management experience. Other conditions include an intention to settle in Quebec and obtaining an attestation that they have learned about the values of Quebec.
This route may be aimed at high-net-worth individuals, but it is the only passive method for foreign nationals to access permanent residency status in Canada.
Document Requirements for Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
- General application form
- Background declaration
- Additional dependents declaration
- Supplementary information re: travel history
- Schedule 5: Declaration of intent to reside in Quebec
- Passport and travel documents
- Certificate of Selection of Quebec
- Police clearance
- Civil status and identity documents e.g. birth or marriage certificates
- Photo of each family member
- Fee receipt
If you cannot provide any part of the document requirements, you must give the authorities a written explanation.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program is designed to attract workers and businesses to specific provinces in Canada. These programs vary across the different provinces and have individual requirements including the need to be a permanent, income-generating business which must be located in the province at all times.
To be eligible, the candidate business must be nominated by the province and meet all the provincial legal requirements. Applicants can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Depending on the province, the requirements for investments vary from around C$125,000 to as much as C$3,000,000. Entrepreneurs will usually have to hold a minimum of 33% of the shares in the business.
Document Requirements for Provincial Nominee Program
The requirements for a business visa under the PNP program vary across the different provinces. However, the following criteria apply to every application:
- Comprehensive business plan
- Proof of a minimum of two years of business management experience
- English or French proficiency
- Government deposit (except Quebec and Ontario)
The following vary across provinces:
- Minimum net worth
- Age requirement
- Exploratory visit for business research
Benefits of Canadian Business Visa for Spaniards
The benefits of a Canadian Business Visa for Spaniards include:
- Opportunities to start or expand your business
- Favourable corporation tax rates
- Canadian free trade agreements
- Ability to apply for permanent residence after a qualifying period
- Eventual citizenship
- Your family can accompany you to Canada
- Access to healthcare and education systems
Canada Business Visa Cost
The cost of a business visa will include the processing and biometrics fees and any third-party costs, such as language tests or medical exams. It also depends on how many people are included in your application.
As of 2026, the fees for business immigration visas are:
- $CAN 2,385 ($CAN 1,810 application processing and $CAN 575 right of permanent residence fee)
- $CAN 1,525 to include a spouse or partner
- $CAN 175 for each dependent child
- $CAN 85 biometrics fee per person
Call Total Law on +1 844 290 6312 for comprehensive advice on all the costs of a Canada business visa.
Challenges in Obtaining a Canadian Business Visa for Spaniards
There are challenges for applicants from Spain in obtaining a Canadian business visa. The processing times can be very long, depending on the specific program. For example, the Start-up Visa can take up to 40 months, although most federal programs take an average of three months, and provincial programs take up to eight months.
The Canada business visa minimum investment can also be an obstacle. This amount varies according to the associated program and the limits set by individual provinces. Start-ups must access at least C$75,000 from angel investors or C$200,000 from a capital venture group. Without this kind of backup, the minimum investment amount may be as high as C$300,000. There are also minimum net worth amounts to consider which can be as much as C$2 million.
How can Total Law Lawyers help?
For your application to be successful, you must have the right information about each visa requirement and the procedures you need to follow. You do not have to go through the process alone.
Over the years, Total Law has helped numerous clients provide all the necessary data to the Canadian authorities for a positive outcome. We can do the same for you and help you expand your business from Spain to Canada.
Call us at +1 844 290 6312 or use our live chat to learn more about our services.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Having a business visa does not automatically give you the right to permanent residency in Canada although some programs do allow you to apply for a permanent resident permit after a year or two.
While Canada allows dual citizenship, Spain only permits it in some circumstances and for citizens of some countries. For example, a Canadian can apply for Spanish citizenship if they marry a Spaniard, although they are required to have lived in Spanish territory for one year.
