If you want to move to Canada and start a business, you have a few options. You can either use the country’s startup visa program or apply for immigration as a self-employed person. There are qualifications you’ll have to meet for either one you choose.

To qualify for the startup visa programs, you’ll have to be sponsored by an angel investor group, venture capital fund or business incubator selected by the Canadian government. If you go this route, you’ll need to create a solid business plan to show investors how your company is organized, how it will operate, and ultimately, how it will make money. Here are some other requirements you’ll need to meet for the program.

• You will need to pass a language test to show your proficiency in French or English (or both). The testing company must be approved by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Your business can have no more than five owners who each have at least 10% of the voting rights for your business. The owners and organization must own more than 50% of the voting rights, as well.
• You will have to prove you have enough money to settle in Canada. The amount of money you’ll need is decided by the government based on the number of family members you have.

You can find the application package on the Government of Canada website. Keep in mind that you will need to pay fees starting at about $2,075 (depending on how many family members you have), which includes a Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $500. You may also need to pay for things like fingerprinting, background checks and physicals.

To come to Canada as a self-employed person, you’ll need to show that you can add to the country’s rich heritage. You must have at least two years of experience in either cultural activities (like writing or painting) or athletics.

You’ll need to prove you have enough money to relocate to Canada. There are also selection criteria that will rank things like your education and adaptability. The fee for immigrating to Canada for a self-employed person starts at around $2,075, and it varies based on factors like how many people are in your family.

If you don’t plan on moving to Canada permanently but still see yourself doing business in the country, it’s still possible to build your company there. However, the regulations that govern non-resident businesses in Canada vary by province.

For example, British Columbia has lenient rules that allow residents and non-residents alike to start companies with a variety of business structures. Anyone can start a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation there. Other territories might have stricter rules. though. Below are a few other things you’ll need to start a business in British Columbia:

A real, physical business address A work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada You’ll need to submit an Investment Canada notification or application for review form in accordance with the Investment Canada Act.

Get in touch with the provincial registry where you want to start your company to see what their rules are for conducting different types of business. If they don’t allow non-residents to form your type of business, you may want to start a business like a limited partnership with a permanent resident so that you can proceed.

If you already have an established business in a foreign country, you’ll have to register it as an extra-provincial company in the province where you’ll be operating. You’ll also need to find an agent of service (located in the province) to legally represent your company. Your agent of service can be a lawyer, a manager for your business or an accountant.

Each province has its own regulations and fees for extra-provincial registration. If you want to do business in more than one province, you’ll have to register in each one. For example, here’s a list of the steps for registering an extra-provincial corporation in Alberta:

1. Get a NUANS (newly upgraded automated name search) report to make sure no other companies in the province have your business name. This also helps you reserve your unique company name.
2. Hire an Alberta agent of service.
3. Get your paperwork together. This includes your statute of extra-provincial incorporation, your patents and trademarks, your memorandum of association, and your proof of incorporation with any alterations (certificates, licences, home corporate registry documents, etc.).
4. Get all your documents validated by a government official, a notary and a company representative.
5. Complete your forms for Statement of Registration, Notice of Agent for Service for Alberta or Extra-Provincial Corporation and Notice of Assumed Name.
6. Send in your application package to a certified provider with your documents, identification and payment (government and service fee).

Be sure to do your research so that you understand things like goods and services tax (GST) or any other taxes your business might be required to pay to stay in compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Some provinces require businesses to also pay a harmonized sales tax (HST), which simplifies federal government and regional sales taxes by combining them.