Are you an entrepreneur dreaming of building your business in Quebec while obtaining permanent residency? The Quebec Entrepreneurs Program is currently the preferred solution for businesspeople who wish to combine immigration and business creation. With impressive statistics and a well-structured process, this program opens the door to a new entrepreneurial life in the heart of Montreal and Quebec.
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Why Choose Quebec for Your Entrepreneurial Project in 2026?
Quebec offers a unique ecosystem for immigrant entrepreneurs. Montreal welcomes more than 25,000 international students each year and is home to a world-renowned artificial intelligence hub. The province stands out for its highly competitive operating costs, significantly lower than those in major Canadian and American cities.
The numbers speak for themselves: approximately 4,000 entrepreneurs immigrate to Quebec each year, accounting for nearly 19.5% of economic immigration. For 2026, the immigration plan provides for 500 to 600 admissions in the businesspeople category, slightly higher than in 2025. These entrepreneurs benefit from an advantageous tax regime, a highly qualified workforce, and direct access to the North American market.
The province has set its permanent immigration targets at 45,000 people per year for the 2026–2029 period. This strategic planning ensures a stable environment for new entrepreneur immigrants who wish to settle sustainably.
The Two Streams of the Entrepreneurs Program
Stream 1: Innovative Enterprise with Support
The first stream is aimed at entrepreneurs who wish to create and operate an innovative business in Quebec. You must secure support from a recognized accelerator, incubator, or university entrepreneurship center. This stream allows candidates who have already started their project in Quebec to apply, provided the project is not fully completed before the application is submitted.
Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 41 points on the Quebec economic class selection grid. This collaborative approach ensures your project receives professional guidance from the outset, significantly increasing your chances of commercial success and approval.
Stream 2: Business Start-up or Acquisition
The second stream targets entrepreneurs ready to start or acquire an existing business in Quebec. This pathway requires a security deposit of CAD 200,000 with a financial institution, fully refundable once the project is completed. You must also present a solid business plan and demonstrate your ability to create economic value in the province.
Selection criteria are higher, with a minimum score of 81 points required. French language proficiency is mandatory, with a minimum level of 7 on the Quebec Scale of French Language Proficiency. You must provide a recognized French test certificate (TCF Canada, TEF Canada, DELF, DALF), even if French is your mother tongue.
Eligibility Requirements and Process in 2026
To succeed with your application, several mandatory documents must be submitted. The Application for Permanent Selection – Entrepreneurs Program form, the specific annex for the chosen stream, the service offer, and a detailed business plan form the core file. You can submit your application at any time, offering valuable flexibility.
French proficiency is a non-negotiable criterion. The ministry may invite you to an interview to verify the French level declared in your application. This language requirement reflects Quebec’s commitment to protecting and promoting the French language.
At the federal Canadian level, the context has changed since January 2026. The federal Start-Up Visa program has closed permanently. The Canadian government has reduced the number of businesspeople admitted annually by 50%, from 1,000 to 500. This situation makes Quebec’s Entrepreneurs Program even more attractive and strategic for serious candidates.
Encouraging Statistics and Success Rates
Recent data show that immigrant entrepreneurs in Quebec create more jobs than native-born entrepreneurs in certain categories. 19.6% of immigrant entrepreneurs create four or more jobs, compared to 14.1% for native-born entrepreneurs. This economic contribution demonstrates the positive impact of entrepreneurial immigration on Quebec’s economic fabric.
According to the Quebec Entrepreneurial Index, the rate of entrepreneurial intentions among people from immigrant backgrounds reaches 27.4%, double that of native-born individuals (13.8%). This figure reveals exceptional entrepreneurial dynamism within immigrant communities, confirming that entrepreneurship is a privileged path for economic integration.
Demographic projections underline the importance of maintaining a stable flow of entrepreneurial immigration. Although the threshold of 45,000 permanent immigrants per year represents the most ambitious scenario considered, it will not be enough to fully reverse current demographic trends. Your arrival as an entrepreneur directly contributes to the economic vitality of your host region.
Conexa Support: Maximize Your Chances of Success
Immigrating to Canada as a self-employed worker
You want to immigrate to Canada and create your own activity as an independent professional, freelancer, or entrepreneur?
Canada offers several programs specifically designed for self-employed workers wishing to develop their project in a dynamic and stable environment.
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There are many immigration programs tailored to independent profiles.
By answering a few quick questions (less than 5 minutes), we identify the most relevant solution to make your project in Canada a reality under the best conditions.
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Programs for self-employed workers
Are you a self-employed worker?
Discover solutions designed to help you launch, structure, and grow your activity in Canada.
Why Choose Conexa?
- Success rate above 95%
Since its creation, more than 95% of files submitted by Conexa to the Ministry of Immigration have been approved. - Selective approach
We only support entrepreneurs with solid, viable projects aligned with the expectations of the Canadian market. - Recognized entrepreneurial expertise
Our team consists of experienced entrepreneurs who can:
• Analyze your business plan
• Structure your strategy
• Optimize your project to maximize your chances of success - Fast and optimized process
From the first meeting to file submission, we finalize your application in just 4 weeks:
• Profile analysis
• Project strengthening
• Complete file preparation
Comprehensive Support with Conexa
We go well beyond immigration by offering global support:
- Project incubation
- Access to financing
- Immigration support
- Innovation consulting
- Coworking space
- Access to a qualified professional network
Why Settle in Canada?
A Global Economic Powerhouse
Canada has a particularly attractive ecosystem:
- High-performing clusters in AI and technology
- Access to public and private funding
- Openness to the North American market
Recognized Stability
Canada is one of the most stable countries in the world, both in terms of:
- Economy
- Politics
- Society
Every year, more than 400,000 new immigrants choose to settle there.
An Ideal Environment for Families
Canada is recognized for:
- Its openness to diversity
- Its high quality of life
- Its safe and inclusive environment
Ready to Launch Your Project in Canada?
Don’t miss this opportunity.
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