Canada Citizenship by Investment (QIIP)

Obtaining Canadian citizenship through the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) in 2025 is a reliable and prestigious way to acquire a second passport offering visa-free entry to 184 countries, access to one of the best education and healthcare systems in the world, high safety, economic stability, and the opportunity to include the entire family in the application.

The QIIP allows qualified foreign investors and their families to immigrate to Canada via the province of Quebec based on passive investment. After the closure of the federal investor program, QIIP remains the only active investment immigration route in Canada. Participants first receive permanent residence and later, after meeting the required conditions, can apply for Canadian citizenship, unlocking all the privileges of one of the world’s most respected passports.

Unlike business visas, investors do not need to create or manage a company in Canada – a compliant investment and proof of eligibility are sufficient. The model minimizes risk and simplifies the process, allowing investors to focus on integration. The investment capital is guaranteed by the government of Quebec, and the principal is refunded at the end of the term.

Thus, QIIP combines safety and opportunity: investors obtain permanent resident status (together with their family) and can live, study, and work in Canada. After the required residence period (three years out of five) and compliance with other conditions, they can apply for citizenship.

Canada does not grant immediate citizenship for investment. Instead, investors follow a legal path to naturalization.

The QIIP provides permanent resident (PR) status, which is the essential prerequisite for citizenship. Under Canadian law, applicants must be PRs and physically reside in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) within a five-year period, pay taxes where applicable, and pass a citizenship test demonstrating language and civic knowledge.

Thus, QIIP provides a legitimate path from investor visa to citizenship.

Eligibility criteria for QIIP 2025:

Minimum net worth: Legally acquired net assets of at least CAD 2,000,000 (individually or jointly with a spouse/partner). Assets may include real estate, savings, investments, or business holdings, minus liabilities. Applicants must prove the legal origin of their wealth.

Management experience: At least two years of management or business ownership experience within the last five years prior to application. This can be experience as an executive, senior manager, or business owner responsible for finances and human resources. Documentary proof is required (letters of reference, company registration, tax reports, etc.).

Investment agreement: Applicants must sign an agreement with a government-authorized financial intermediary (bank or trust company) participating in the QIIP. Investment amount: CAD 1,200,000 total. Of this, CAD 1,000,000 is invested through Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. for a five-year term (fully guaranteed by the government and refundable without interest), and CAD 200,000 is a non-refundable contribution to Quebec’s economic development funds. Investors may either invest the full amount directly or use financing through an approved bank (paying an upfront lump sum that covers the non-refundable part and interest).

French language proficiency: Applicants must prove at least B2 level (Level 7 on the Quebec scale) in spoken French via an official test (TEF, TCF, TEFaQ, DELF/DALF) or a recognized diploma.

Quebec values certificate: Applicants (and all family members over 16/18) must complete an online or in-person course on Quebec’s democratic and social values and obtain an Attestation within 60 days.

Intention to settle in Quebec: Applicants must demonstrate genuine intent to reside in the province (considering language, cultural, and settlement plans).

Physical presence requirement: At least 12 months of residence in Quebec within the first two years after receiving the investor work permit. The main applicant must personally reside for at least six of those months; the remainder may be covered by the spouse/partner.

Meeting these requirements is mandatory for participation.

The process typically follows this route: the applicant applies for selection by Quebec (receives the Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ), then applies federally for permanent residence.

After living in Canada for three years and fulfilling tax and integration criteria, the applicant may apply for citizenship.