How Can an Investor Obtain Citizenship in Quebec in 2026?
Quebec remains one of the few jurisdictions in North America where high-net-worth investors can legally build a pathway to permanent residence and Canadian citizenship through regulated immigration mechanisms. The program is aimed at entrepreneurs and capital owners interested in a stable economy, asset protection, access to international markets, and a high quality of life for their families.
However, the procedure requires strict compliance with immigration rules, financial compliance standards, and coordination between provincial and federal authorities. Our team supports investors at every stage—from eligibility assessment and capital structuring to obtaining permanent resident status and subsequently applying for Canadian citizenship. We ensure legal accuracy, transparency of funds, proper document preparation, and strategic timeline planning, minimizing the risks of refusals and delays.
Quebec remains one of the few jurisdictions in North America where high-net-worth investors can legally build a pathway to permanent residence and Canadian citizenship through regulated immigration mechanisms. The program is aimed at entrepreneurs and capital owners interested in a stable economy, asset protection, access to international markets, and a high quality of life for their families.
However, the procedure requires strict compliance with immigration rules, financial compliance standards, and coordination between provincial and federal authorities. Our team supports investors at every stage—from eligibility assessment and capital structuring to obtaining permanent resident status and subsequently applying for Canadian citizenship. We ensure legal accuracy, transparency of funds, proper document preparation, and strategic timeline planning, minimizing the risks of refusals and delays.
What Advantages Does Quebec / Canadian Citizenship Provide?
Canadian citizenship is considered one of the most valuable legal statuses in the world. It offers not only national rights but also broad opportunities for international mobility, family protection, and long-term financial planning:
- A passport with high international mobility. A Canadian passport provides visa-free or simplified access to more than 180 countries worldwide, significantly facilitating business travel, international negotiations, and personal mobility.
- The right to live, work, and study in any province of Canada. Citizens may freely choose their place of residence and business activity throughout the country without additional permits or regional restrictions.
- Access to public healthcare and social protection. Canadian citizens are entitled to national and provincial healthcare insurance programs, social benefits, and pension systems.
- The ability to pass citizenship to children. Canadian citizenship is transferable by descent, ensuring a stable legal status and access to the country’s infrastructure for future generations.
- A stable and secure jurisdiction for business and investment. Canada offers strong property rights protection, a transparent judicial system, and predictable regulation, reducing legal and political risks.
- Access to one of North America’s largest economies. Citizenship simplifies participation in corporate structures, investment projects, and the Canadian banking system, as well as interaction with U.S. and other international markets.
- A high level of personal legal protection. Canadian citizens benefit from constitutional guarantees of rights and freedoms, including protection against arbitrary restrictions and administrative pressure.
Quebec Investor Program: QIIP
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is one of the oldest and most formalized government investment immigration programs in North America. It is regulated by Quebec provincial legislation and implemented in coordination with Canada’s federal immigration authorities.
QIIP operates under Quebec immigration acts and federal Canadian legislation. Participation in the program does not grant citizenship directly but leads to permanent resident status, which may later serve as the basis for applying for citizenship if residency and integration requirements are met.
Applicants must meet several mandatory criteria, including confirmed investment capital, managerial experience, and financial integrity. All documents and information undergo multi-level review at both provincial and federal levels.
The key financial requirement of the program is an investment of at least CAD 1,200,000 into a government-approved investment fund. These funds are placed for a fixed term under a model approved by the Government of Quebec.
The investment is passive in nature and does not require the investor’s direct participation in operational business management in Quebec. However, it must be made through licensed financial intermediaries and in accordance with established compliance and financial control rules.
The program targets individuals with real business or managerial backgrounds. The applicant must demonstrate at least two years of business or management experience within recent years.
Recognized experience includes:
- Business ownership;
- Personnel and budget management;
- Strategic and financial decision-making;
- Leadership of commercial or industrial activities.
Formal titles without actual managerial functions are generally not accepted.
One of the key conditions is the presence of a net worth of at least CAD 2,000,000, lawfully obtained and documented. Assets may include:
- Cash funds;
- Company shares;
- Real estate;
- Investment assets;
- Other property.
Sources of funds are subject to thorough verification under AML and due diligence procedures.
Conditions for Obtaining Permanent Residence Through Investment in Quebec
Obtaining Canadian permanent resident status through the Quebec investment program QIIP is possible only if both provincial and federal requirements are met simultaneously. The procedure is strictly regulated, includes multi-stage applicant screening, and does not provide automatic approval even if sufficient capital is available.
Application Submission to the Government of Quebec:
- Submission of a complete document package to Quebec immigration authorities.
- Confirmation of compliance with QIIP program requirements.
- Interview or additional review if required.
- Issuance of a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), without which the federal procedure cannot proceed.
Mandatory Investment Through an Approved Fund:
- Investment of at least CAD 1,200,000.
- Funds placed exclusively through a government-authorized financial institution.
- Investment term of five years, with no early withdrawal.
- Passive investment without business management obligations in Canada.
Minimum Managerial Experience Requirements:
- At least two years of business or corporate management experience within recent years.
- Confirmation of real managerial functions: budget control, personnel management, operational or strategic decision-making.
- Documentary evidence of positions held and duties performed.
Verification of Capital Sources:
- Confirmation of net worth from CAD 2,000,000 and above.
- Documentation of the origin of funds (business income, dividends, asset sales, inheritance, etc.).
- Financial screening under AML and due diligence at provincial and federal levels.
- Possible additional requests from immigration authorities and banks.
Federal Requirements for Permanent Resident Status:
- Medical examination.
- Absence of serious criminal offenses.
- National security screening.
- Federal approval after issuance of the CSQ.
Residency Requirements to Maintain Permanent Residence:
- Physical presence in Canada for at least 730 days within each five-year period.
- Compliance with immigration regulations and absence of serious legal violations.
- Maintenance of permanent resident status to qualify for citizenship.
Calculating the Cost of Immigration to Quebec for You
The total cost of immigration to Quebec through the investment program is calculated individually and depends on the structure of participation of the applicant and their family. The primary expense is the mandatory investment under QIIP in the amount of CAD 1,200,000. Additional consideration is given to the requirement to confirm net worth from CAD 2,000,000, which is not invested directly but is subject to financial verification.
Associated costs include government fees, medical and biometric procedures, translation and legalization of documents, which on average amount to CAD 5,000–10,000 for the main applicant. Legal support for the investment and immigration process typically ranges from CAD 15,000–30,000, depending on case complexity and the number of stages involved. When including spouses and children, additional costs may increase by CAD 3,000–6,000 per family member.
We prepare a detailed personalized calculation before the start of the process so that you clearly understand the cost structure, obligations, and realistic immigration budget for Quebec, taking into account all legal and administrative factors.
Who Can Participate in the Quebec Investment Program?
The Quebec investment program is designed for financially capable applicants with confirmed managerial experience who are prepared to undergo multi-level screening at both provincial and federal levels. Participation is possible only if all established requirements are met, as Canadian permanent residence is considered a highly regulated immigration status.
Requirements for the Main Applicant:
- Legal age. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into investment and legal obligations.
- Managerial experience. A minimum of two years of real business or corporate management experience is required, including responsibility for personnel, budgets, and operational decisions.
- Clean financial profile. The applicant must confirm net worth not less than the program minimum and legal origin of all funds under financial compliance and AML procedures.
- No criminal record or serious legal violations. Criminal background and national security checks are conducted at both Quebec and federal Canadian levels.
- Ability to fulfill the investment obligation. The applicant must be capable of placing the required investment amount through a government-approved fund for the prescribed term.
Inclusion of Family Members:
- Spouse. A legally married spouse may be included in the permanent residence application.
- Minor children. Children of the main applicant may also participate upon confirmation of relationship and compliance with formal immigration requirements.
Each family member undergoes a separate document review, medical screening, and integrity assessment.
Even with formal compliance, participation is not automatic. Quebec and federal immigration authorities assess each application individually, taking into account financial history, business reputation, and completeness of submitted information.
Documents Required for Permanent Residence and Quebec / Canadian Citizenship
The immigration process requires step-by-step preparation of an extensive documentation package. Requirements are set at both the Quebec provincial level and the federal Canadian level and are further supplemented by conditions for citizenship after permanent residence.
Documents for the Investor (Main Applicant):
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Civil status documents (marriage/divorce if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates from countries of residence
- CV describing business experience
- Proof of current residence
- Medical certificates (if required by federal authorities)
- Standardized photographs
- Quebec and Canadian immigration forms
Proof of Capital and Managerial Experience:
- Bank statements for the required period
- Tax returns
- Income documents (dividends, salary, business profits)
- Corporate incorporation documents
- Business financial statements
- Documents confirming ownership interests
- Asset sale contracts (if applicable)
- Confirmation of net worth meeting program minimums
- Documents confirming managerial roles and responsibilities
- Declarations of source of funds
Documents for Spouse and Children:
- Passports
- Marriage certificate
- Children’s birth certificates
- Police clearance certificates (for adult family members)
- Medical records
- Photographs
- Immigration forms for each family member
- Proof of cohabitation and family ties (if required)
Documents for Naturalization After Permanent Residence:
- Canadian permanent resident card
- Proof of physical residence in Canada (730+ days over 5 years to maintain PR)
- Canadian police clearance certificate
- Proof of tax residency
- Certificate of English or French language proficiency
- Employment or business activity documents (if applicable)
- Citizenship application
- Proof of payment of government fees
Immigration authorities may request additional documents or explanations at any stage. All foreign documents must be translated, notarized, and legalized in accordance with established requirements.
Stages of Obtaining Quebec / Canadian Citizenship Through Investment
Step 1. Document Collection and Submission to QIIP
The process begins with preparing a complete set of documents confirming the applicant’s identity, managerial experience, capital structure, and lawful origin of funds. After legal review and compliance assessment, the file is submitted to Quebec immigration authorities under QIIP. At this stage, primary eligibility assessment is conducted, and additional checks or interviews may be scheduled.
Step 2. Application Approval and Investment Placement
Upon approval, the applicant receives a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), confirming Quebec’s consent to the investor’s immigration. The mandatory investment of CAD 1,200,000 is then placed through a government-approved fund for a five-year term. The investment is passive and constitutes the core financial requirement of the program.
Step 3. Obtaining Permanent Resident Status
With the CSQ, the investor applies to federal Canadian immigration authorities for medical, criminal, and migration screening. After completing the federal stage, the applicant and family members receive Canadian permanent resident status, granting the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without provincial restrictions.
Step 4. Compliance With Residency Requirements
To maintain permanent resident status, the applicant must physically reside in Canada for at least 730 days within each five-year period. At the same time, compliance with immigration, tax, and legal requirements is mandatory. This stage is critical for eligibility to apply for citizenship.
Step 5. Application for Canadian Citizenship
After residing in Canada as a permanent resident for at least three years within a five-year period, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for citizenship. Additional criteria include knowledge of one of the official languages, tax compliance, and societal integration. Upon approval, the investor obtains Canadian citizenship valid throughout the country.
Alternative Ways to Obtain Quebec / Canadian Citizenship
In addition to QIIP, Canadian legislation provides other grounds for citizenship that may apply to certain categories of applicants.
How to Increase the Chances of Obtaining Quebec / Canadian Citizenship Without Refusal
Financial transparency is one of the core criteria of the program. Applicants must prepare evidence of the lawful origin of all funds in advance.
It is recommended to ensure:
- A complete financial history of assets;
- Confirmation of income from business, investments, or employment;
- Tax declarations for several years;
- Documents confirming asset sales or dividend income;
- A logical and consistent flow of funds.
Poorly documented or inconsistent sources of capital often lead to enhanced scrutiny or refusal.
Even minor deviations from formal requirements can negatively affect the case.
It is critically important to:
- Properly confirm managerial experience;
- Correctly structure the investment through an approved fund;
- Comply with investment timelines;
- Submit a complete and properly formatted document package;
- Respond promptly to requests from Quebec authorities.
The program does not allow a simplified or purely formal approach without genuine compliance.
How Can We Help You?
Immigration through Quebec investment programs and subsequent Canadian citizenship requires a comprehensive legal approach, strict procedural compliance, and financial transparency. Errors at any stage may lead to delays, additional checks, or refusal. Professional legal support therefore plays a decisive role in building a secure and legally sound strategy.
Our specialists provide a full range of services, including:
- Preliminary legal assessment of eligibility for QIIP;
- Analysis of managerial experience and financial profile compliance;
- Capital structuring and source-of-funds verification under AML and due diligence;
- Preparation and filing of a complete document package for Quebec and federal authorities;
- Support in obtaining the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ);
- Coordination of investment placement through approved financial institutions;
- Assistance in obtaining permanent resident status;
- Monitoring residency requirements to maintain PR;
- Preparation and support for Canadian citizenship applications;
- Family member inclusion under a unified immigration strategy;
- Advisory services on tax residency and legal implications of relocation.
If you are considering Quebec as a jurisdiction for long-term residence, business, and asset protection, we recommend starting with a professional consultation. Contact our team to discuss your case confidentially, assess risks, and build an individual, legally grounded pathway to Canadian permanent residence and citizenship.
FAQ
No. Quebec does not grant citizenship directly in exchange for investment. Investors first obtain Canadian permanent resident status through QIIP and may later apply for citizenship through the standard naturalization process after meeting residency and integration requirements.
After obtaining permanent resident status, an individual must physically reside in Canada for at least three years within the last five years to become eligible to apply for citizenship, subject to compliance with all immigration and tax requirements.
Under QIIP, an investment of at least CAD 1,200,000 through a government-approved investment fund for five years is required. Additionally, the applicant must confirm net worth from CAD 2,000,000 and demonstrate managerial experience.
Yes. A spouse and minor children may be included in the permanent residence application. Each family member may later apply for citizenship after meeting residency and other requirements.
Yes. To obtain Canadian citizenship, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of one of the country’s official languages (English or French) at the required basic level, regardless of investment status.