Starting a business in Canada as an immigrant is a life-changing opportunity, but where you launch your business can be just as important as how you do it. Each Canadian province offers different advantages, funding programs, tax incentives, and immigration pathways for newcomers.
Revealing the best provinces to start a business in Canada for immigrants and explaining what makes each one attractive for entrepreneurial success in 2025 is the main focus of this page.
Why Canada is Ideal for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
- Business-friendly immigration policies
- Start-Up Visa Program and provincial entrepreneur streams
- Access to grants, loans, and tax incentives
- Strong support from immigrant services and incubators
- Diverse markets and a skilled labour force
Top 6 Best Provinces in Canada to Start a Business for Immigrants
1. Ontario
Capital: Toronto
Why Toronto is Ideal:
Toronto is home to ideal businesses such as Tech Startups, eCommerce, Finance, food services, logistics and many others. It is ideal because,
- It has the Largest population and the strongest economy in Canada,
- Access to capital, skilled workforce, and innovation hubs
- Home to Toronto — one of the world’s top startup cities
- Eligible for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Entrepreneur Stream
2. British Columbia
Capital: Victoria
Why British Columbia is ideal:
BC is home to Clean energy, software, digital marketing, tourism, food & beverage
- Thriving business environment in Vancouver and surrounding cities
- Strong support for green tech, digital media, and wellness businesses
- BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers pathways for entrepreneurs
- Lower business taxes for small businesses under $500k in revenue
3. Alberta
Capital: Edmonton
Why Alberta is Ideal:
Alberta is ideal for businesses such as Agri-business, trucking, trades, restaurants, and retail.
- Low corporate tax rate (one of the lowest in Canada)
- Strong demand in agriculture, construction, energy, and transportation
- New Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Entrepreneur and Rural Streams
- Affordable cost of living and lower startup costs
4. Nova Scotia
Capital: Halifax
Why Nova Scotia is good for businesses:
Hospitality, seafood export, small manufacturing, real estate, and transport.
- Welcoming to immigrants with growing newcomer communities
- Easier entry for business immigration under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Financial incentives for rural businesses and underdeveloped regions
- Vibrant tourism and service industries
5. Manitoba
Capital: Winnipeg
Why Manitoba is Ideal for Businesses:
Manitoba is ideal for businesses such as Retail, trucking, auto repair, food production, and transport services.
- They have Lower competition and access to untapped rural markets
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Business Investor Stream
- Cost-effective location for warehousing, logistics, and local retail
- Newcomer support from local business councils and chambers
6. Saskatchewan
Capital: Regina
Why Saskatchewan is ideal for business:
Saskatchewan is ideal for businesses such as Agri-tech, wholesale, rural groceries, hardware stores, and mobile services
- A fast-growing economy and demand for essential services.
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Entrepreneur Stream
- Strong agricultural and trade sectors
- Business opportunities in small towns with minimal competition
Comparison Table: Business Start-Up Highlights by Province
| Province | Tax Benefits | Immigration Stream | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Moderate | OINP | Tech, finance, food |
| British Columbia | Low (for small biz) | BC PNP | Digital, green, tourism |
| Alberta | Low | AAIP | Agriculture, trucking, and trades |
| Nova Scotia | Moderate | NSNP | Tourism, hospitality, and exports |
| Manitoba | Low | MPNP | Transport, retail, services |
| Saskatchewan | Moderate | SINP | Rural businesses, food, and trade |
Other Key Factors to Consider
-
Access to immigrant communities
(Helps with hiring, networking, and community support) -
Cost of living and real estate
(Lower costs mean lower overhead) -
Availability of funding and grants
(Check both provincial and federal options) -
Customer base
(Urban vs. rural – where is your audience?)
Top Small Business Opportunities for Immigrants in Canada (2025)
1. Retail & E-Commerce
- Ethnic grocery stores or spice shops
- Online clothing and accessories store
- Import/export of cultural goods or foods
- Dollar stores or general merchandise shops
- Amazon FBA or Shopify dropshipping business
Why it works: Growing demand for multicultural products across urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
2. Food & Beverage
- Food truck or mobile kitchen
- Ethnic restaurant or café
- Home-based catering business
- Meal prep or tiffin delivery services
- Baking or specialty desserts (e.g., African, Indian, Filipino sweets)
Why it works: Canada’s diverse population embraces global cuisines.
3. Cleaning & Maintenance Services
- Residential and commercial cleaning
- Move-in/move-out cleaning services
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Janitorial services for offices
- Pressure washing or window cleaning
Why it works: Low startup cost, high demand, and scalable.
4. Skilled Trades & Handyman Services
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC repair
- General handyman or renovation services
- Appliance repair
- Auto mechanic or mobile car detailing
- Painting and drywall services
Why it works: There’s a skilled trades shortage across Canada, especially in smaller cities and towns.
5. IT & Digital Services
- Web design and development
- Social media management for small businesses
- Digital marketing agency
- SEO and content writing services
- App or software development
Why it works: You can start remotely with minimal upfront investment.
6. Transportation & Delivery
- Trucking or logistics business
- Courier or package delivery services
- Grocery or restaurant delivery (partnering with DoorDash, Uber Eats)
- Moving services or furniture delivery
- Airport shuttle or ride-share (Uber, Lyft)
Why it works: High demand in urban and regional areas with rapid population growth.
7. Childcare & Elderly Care
- Licensed home daycare
- Babysitting services
- Companion or personal support worker (PSW) business
- Mobile senior assistance (groceries, transport, companionship)
Why it works: The aging population and dual-income families need care services.
8. Tutoring & Education
- Private tutoring (math, science, language)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) coaching
- Online course creation
- Academic test prep (IELTS, SAT, GRE, etc.)
- Music or art classes
Why it works: Many immigrants and international students seek support for language and academics.
9. Beauty & Personal Care
- Hair salon or barber shop
- Mobile hairstyling or braiding service
- Nail salon or spa
- Skin care or cosmetic product line
- Mobile massage therapy
Why it works: Steady demand for affordable and ethnicity-friendly beauty services.
10. Pet Services
- Pet grooming
- Dog walking or pet sitting
- Pet boarding or daycare
- Mobile pet grooming van
- Pet accessories and treat store (online or offline)
Why it works: Canadians love their pets and spend generously on them.
Legal Regulations for Starting a Business in Canada as an Immigrant
Summary: Can Immigrants Start a Business in Canada Legally?
| Immigration Status | Can I start a Business? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident (PR) | Yes | No restrictions |
| Work Permit Holder | Maybe | If the permit allows self-employment |
| Start-Up Visa Applicant | Yes | After securing a Letter of Support |
| Visitor or Tourist | No | Not allowed to operate a business |
1. Immigration Status
You must have the legal right to live and work in Canada. This includes:
- Permanent Residents (PRs) – Can start any type of business
- Work Permit Holders – May start a business only if their permit allows self-employment
- Start-Up Visa Applicants – Can start a business once approved by a designated organization
- Visitors or Tourists – Cannot legally run or operate a business in Canada
2. Business Registration
Depending on the province or type of business, you must:
- Register your business name with the provincial or territorial government
- Choose a legal structure:
-
-
Sole Proprietorship
-
Partnership
-
Corporation (Federal or Provincial)
-
Corporations must be registered with:
- Corporations Canada (Federal)
- Or the provincial business registry (e.g., Ontario Business Registry)
3. Business Number (BN) & CRA Accounts
You must register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to get a Business Number (BN) and open tax accounts for:
- GST/HST (if annual revenue is over $30,000)
- Payroll (if you hire employees)
- Corporate Income Tax
4. Licensing & Permits
You may need federal, provincial, or municipal permits depending on your industry. Examples:
- Food business → health & safety inspection
- Transportation or logistics → commercial vehicle licenses
- Daycare → provincial childcare licenses
Use BizPal to check what permits you need based on your city and business type.
5. Zoning & Location Approvals
If operating from a physical location, check with the municipality for:
- Zoning bylaws
- Commercial property use approval
- Home-based business regulations
6. Hiring & Employment Standards
If you plan to hire employees, you must:
- Follow the Canada Labour Code or provincial labour laws
- Pay minimum wage, provide vacation, and file payroll taxes
- Ensure workplace safety via WSIB/WCB (Workers’ Compensation)
7. Tax Compliance
You are legally required to:
- Keep records of all business income and expenses
- File annual tax returns (T1 for sole proprietorships, T2 for corporations)
- Charge and remit GST/HST when applicable
8. Financial Disclosure for Immigration Programs
If you are applying under a business immigration stream (e.g., PNP Entrepreneur, Start-Up Visa), you must:
- Provide legal proof of net worth
- Pass background and source-of-funds verification
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement in some provinces
Illegal or Restricted Activities
Immigrants must avoid:
- Running a business without the legal right to work
- Using a tourist visa to operate a business
- Operating regulated businesses without licenses (e.g., medical, daycare, food services)
How to Obtain a Business Visa to Canada: Complete Guide (2025)
Canada welcomes global entrepreneurs through a range of business visa programs, which offer both temporary and permanent options for doing business or investing in the country.
1. Types of Business Visas to Canada
| Type of Visa | Purpose | Path to PR? |
|---|---|---|
| Business Visitor Visa | Short-term visits (meetings, conferences, trade shows) | No |
| Start-Up Visa Program | For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas backed by Canadian investors | Yes |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | For artists, freelancers, or athletes with relevant experience | Yes |
| Entrepreneur/Investor PNP Streams | For business owners/investors nominated by provinces (e.g., BC, Ontario, Alberta) | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit | For transferring from a foreign company to its Canadian branch | Yes (in some cases) |
2. Eligibility Criteria (Varies by Program)
Common requirements include:
- Business ownership or management experience (1–3 years)
- Minimum net worth (e.g., CAD $300,000 – $600,000)
- Investment commitment (varies by program)
- Language proficiency (CLB 5+ in English or French)
- Business plan showing viability and economic benefit to Canada
- Intention to reside and operate the business in Canada
3. Documents Required for Business Visa Application
- Valid passport
- Completed application forms (IMM series)
- Proof of business experience (licenses, financials, ownership records)
- Business plan
- Net worth declaration and supporting documents
- Police clearance certificate(s)
- Language test results (IELTS/TEF)
- Letter of support (for Start-Up Visa applicants)
- Medical exam certificate
- Education credentials and ECA (if applicable)
- Resume or CV
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
A. For Business Visitor Visa:
- Apply online via the IRCC website
- Submit biometrics and supporting documents
- Prove intent to return home (no immigration intent)
- Wait for decision (processing time: 2–8 weeks)
B. For Start-Up Visa Program:
- Get a Letter of Support from a designated organization (VC, incubator, or angel group)
- Submit a permanent residency application to IRCC
- Optional: Apply for a temporary work permit to begin operations while PR is processed
- PR decision in 12–16 months
C. For PNP Entrepreneur Streams:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a province
- Receive an invitation to apply and submit a full application
- Attend an interview (in some provinces)
- Sign Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
- Receive provincial nomination → apply for PR via IRCC
Which Program Is Right for You?
| Your Profile | Recommended Path |
|---|---|
| Tech innovator with a global idea | Start-Up Visa Program |
| Investor or small business owner | Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Stream |
| Self-employed in arts, culture, and sports | Self-Employed Persons Program |
| Business visitor for meetings only | Business Visitor Visa |
| Employed by a multinational | Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit |
Conclusion
Canada offers several business immigration options for entrepreneurs and investors. Whether you’re aiming to expand an existing company, start something new, or invest in local industries, a Business Visa can be your gateway to both business success and permanent residency.