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Taking over a business in Quebec when you come from abroad
Buying a business does not, by itself, give you the right to settle in Canada. Here is how things work, who decides and where to find the official information.
General information, updated on October 5, 2026. This is neither legal advice nor immigration advice. Déménagement Rive-Nord Express is a moving company: it does not advise anyone on immigration. Programs change often: check the official sources and consult an authorized professional.
Does buying a business give you residency?
No. Buying a business in Quebec, or investing in one, does not by itself give you the right to live in Canada. Residency is obtained through an immigration program, on that program’s own conditions.
Two governments are involved. Quebec selects the people it wishes to welcome under its economic immigration programs. Canada then decides on admission and grants permanent residence.
A business can therefore be part of an immigration project, but it is never a guarantee of one.
The programs for business people
Quebec presents three immigration programs for business people: investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers.
The Entrepreneur Program includes a stream for business takeover (Stream 3). It is for people who want to settle in Quebec to take over a business here, with the help of a support organization.
Here are some of the conditions published by the Government of Quebec for the ’company in the process of being acquired’ profile (official page updated on July 9, 2025, read on October 5, 2026):
- be at least 18 years old and hold a recognized diploma;
- have spoken French at level 7 or higher on the Quebec scale;
- have a minimum net worth of CAD 600,000;
- take over a business that has been in operation for at least five years;
- plan takeover expenses of CAD 300,000 for a business located in the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, which includes Laval, or CAD 150,000 elsewhere in Quebec;
- have retained an organization specializing in business takeovers and present a succession plan.
This list is a summary. Other conditions apply, in particular on control of the business and on eligible sectors. Only the Government of Quebec decides whether an application is accepted, and nothing guarantees that a given business or buyer meets the conditions.
Read the official conditions for the Business takeover stream
Canada’s programs
For a business located in Quebec, Quebec’s programs are the ones that apply. Federal business immigration programs are for people who settle elsewhere in Canada.
At the time of writing (October 2026), the Government of Canada’s website shows the Start-up Visa Program and the Self-Employed Persons Program as paused. Programs open, close and change regularly: the official page prevails.
There are also temporary permits for working in or running a business. Their conditions vary from one situation to another: an authorized professional can assess yours.
Who may advise you on immigration
You are not required to be represented. If you pay someone to advise or represent you, the law limits who may do so:
- lawyers who are members of a Canadian law society and notaries who are members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
- consultants who are members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants;
- for procedures with Quebec, a consultant must also be recognized by the ministry and listed in the Registre québécois des consultants en immigration.
Always check that a person is authorized before you pay them. The official links are further down.
Buying a business when you are not Canadian
A person who is not Canadian can acquire a business in Quebec. A few points to know:
- Investment Canada Act. A non-Canadian who acquires control of an existing Canadian business must file a notification with the federal government, no later than 30 days after the transaction, when it is not subject to review.
- Advisers. A lawyer or notary, an accountant and, often, a business valuator take part in a transaction.
- Language. In Quebec, French is the normal language of work, commerce and business.
- Support. Repreneuriat Québec offers support services and confidential matchmaking for buying or selling a business.
What we can do, and what we cannot do
We can
- Present the business and answer your questions, under a confidentiality agreement
- Welcome you in Laval and show you the operations
- Work with your advisers and with a business-transfer organization
- Make settling in easier: moving, storage, furniture assembly
We cannot
- Give immigration advice or prepare applications
- Guarantee a visa, a permit or residency
- Recommend one program over another
- Replace a lawyer, a notary or a recognized consultant
Where to check each point
Official sources read on October 5, 2026. Programs and rules change: the official pages prevail.
A few answers
Can I get permanent residence by buying a business in Quebec?
Not directly. Buying a business does not give you residency. It can be part of an application under a Quebec immigration program, such as the Business takeover stream of the Entrepreneur Program, if you meet all of its conditions.
Do I need to speak French?
For the Business takeover stream, the Government of Quebec requires spoken French at level 7 or higher on its scale. In Quebec, French is also the normal language of work and business.
Can Rive-Nord Express handle my immigration file?
No. We do not give immigration advice and we do not prepare applications. Only authorized professionals may do so for a fee.
Where do I start?
Read the official pages listed on this page first, then consult an authorized professional. If the business interests you, write to us: the business discussion and the immigration process move forward separately.
Once I am there, can you help me settle in?
Yes, for the practical part: moving in, storage and furniture assembly. See our page for newcomers.
Let’s talk about your project
Send us a few lines: who you are, what interests you and your timeline. Put ’Partnership’ in the subject line so your message is routed to management.
- No commitment on either side.
- No financial information is shared before a confidentiality agreement is signed.
- We reply by email or by phone.