One of the first questions entrepreneurs ask when considering business immigration to Canada is: “Do I have enough assets to qualify?” The answer depends not only on the amount of money you hold but also on how your wealth is calculated, verified, and declared. Canadian immigration authorities place great importance on transparency, financial stability, and the legal source of funds.
This article breaks down what is considered when determining if your assets are sufficient.
Net Worth Requirements
Most Canadian business immigration programs require you to demonstrate a minimum personal net worth, typically ranging from CAD $350,000 to $800,000, depending on the province and program.
Net worth includes:
- Cash in bank accounts (savings, checking, and fixed deposits)
- Real estate holdings (residential and commercial, less liabilities/mortgages)
- Business ownership (shares, company equity, retained earnings)
- Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts)
- Other verifiable assets (vehicles, jewelry, art, if of significant value)
It’s not just the total value that matters, but whether your assets exceed your liabilities and are available to support your business venture in Canada.
Available capital for Investment
Beyond your overall net worth, you must show that you have liquid and available funds to meet program investment thresholds.
This means:
- Readily accessible capital (not locked in long-term instruments without proof of liquidity)
- Ability to transfer funds legally into Canada
- Demonstrated financial flexibility to cover both business and family settlement costs
For example, if a province requires a minimum investment of CAD $200,000, authorities will expect you to show you can access and commit that capital without financial hardship.
Business ownership and equity
Your ownership in businesses is a key part of your net worth calculation. Immigration officers review:
- The percentage of your ownership (majority or minority)
- The value of your shares or stake (based on company valuation or audited statements)
- Historical profitability and retained earnings of the business
- The transferability of your ownership stake into capital for a Canadian business
Applicants with clear, documented ownership in active, profitable businesses are generally more credible than those relying on passive or unclear holdings.
External review and Verification
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A crucial step in most programs is the external review of declared financial sources. This is often referred to as a Net Worth Verification Report, conducted by approved accounting firms.
During this process, you must provide:
- Bank statements and financial certificates
- Property deeds and valuation reports
- Business incorporation documents, audited financial statements, and tax filings
- Loan and liability statements
- Proof of legal acquisition of funds (inheritance records, sale agreements, dividends, salary slips, etc.)
The external reviewer ensures your declared assets are authentic, legally acquired, and match the amounts claimed. Any inconsistencies can delay or even jeopardize your application.
Why Canada is strict on asset verification
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Canada wants entrepreneurs who will successfully establish businesses, create jobs, and integrate long-term. By verifying assets and their sources, immigration officers reduce risks of:
- Fraudulent or inflated net worth claims
- Applicants without sufficient capital to sustain their businesses
- Hidden liabilities that might undermine settlement and investment commitments
Final Thoughts
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Having enough assets for Canadian business immigration isn’t only about reaching a number on paper. You need to show:
- Adequate net worth within program thresholds
- Available capital that can be invested quickly
- Transparent ownership and financial records
- External verification that confirms your declared wealth is real and legally obtained
At Amadeus Law, we help entrepreneurs prepare for this financial review—organizing documents, guiding valuations, and ensuring your net worth is presented accurately and credibly.
Book a consultation today to assess if your financial profile meets Canada’s business immigration requirements.
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