Brunswick

Choosing the NBPNP Entrepreneur Stream comes with a range of lifestyle, business, and financial advantages:

• Lifestyle Benefits: New Brunswick offers exceptional quality of life with a low cost of living, affordable housing, a clean environment, excellent education, universal healthcare, and the safety and peace Canada is renowned for.
• Business Advantages: The province boasts a diversified economy and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Opportunities are abundant in industries such as forestry, agriculture, finance, insurance, and an emerging IT sector.
• Financial Benefits: Investors enjoy a minimal investment threshold compared to many other Canadian programs, along with a lower net worth requirement, making this pathway both accessible and rewarding.

Language Advantage: As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick offers business and lifestyle opportunities in both English and French.

Key Business Features

For a business to qualify under the NBPNP Entrepreneur Stream, it must:

• Be a for-profit private-sector entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
• Provide economic benefit to the province, including creating at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Ensure the investor has at least 33.3% ownership and an active senior management role.
• Be purchased at fair market value (if acquiring an existing business) and demonstrate proven profitability over the past three years.
• Not be in bankruptcy or receivership.

Priority processing is given to ventures that create strong economic impact, such as:

• Value-added manufacturing or export processing
• New product or service development
• Innovative business approaches and technologies
  
  

Enhancements to under-served local or regional markets

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs and the primary pathway for non-EU nationals to secure residency in the country. It was launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment into Portugal’s economy and has since become a benchmark in the global investment immigration market.

The program grants a renewable residence permit in return for a qualifying investment, with the option to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years. Unlike many other programs, Portugal does not require applicants to permanently relocate, making it highly convenient for international investors who travel frequently.

Investment routes include contributions to private equity and venture capital funds regulated by Portuguese authorities, capital transfers to local banks, donations to cultural heritage projects, funding of scientific research, or direct job creation through business incorporation. With minimum investments starting as low as €250,000, the Portugal Golden Visa is also one of the most accessible programs in the European Union.

The application process is relatively straightforward, with processing times ranging from 14 to 20 months.

Step 1: Apply to NBPNP for a Nomination Certificate

Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which is evaluated on six factors: age, language, education, experience, business plan, and spouse’s adaptability. Successful candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and must then submit a complete application. Some applicants may also be invited to attend an interview.

Step 2: Apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

If nominated by New Brunswick’s Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (PETL), applicants can then apply to IRCC for a Permanent Residency visa. The federal government makes the final decision after reviewing medical, security, and admissibility checks.

Fees & Deposits

Applicants should budget for the following fees in addition to the investment:

• Government Deposit: CAD $100,000 (refundable after one year if program conditions are met)
• Net Worth Verification: CAD $4,500*
• Province of New Brunswick Fees: CAD $2,000
• Exploratory Visit Fee: CAD $1,500 (if applicable)
• Federal application fees: Variable

*Fees subject to change.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide supporting documentation such as:

• Passports, birth certificates, and marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
• National ID cards and family/household registry (if applicable)
• Post-secondary education certificates
• CVs for principal applicant and spouse
• Proof of net worth and liquidity (narrative statement, capital verification report)
• Exploratory Trip Report or attendance at an NB session (if applicable)

Proof of employment, study, or family ties in New Brunswick (for connection requirement)

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the NBPNP Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be 22–55 years old.
• Demonstrate a verifiable net worth of at least CAD $600,000, of which CAD $300,000 must be unencumbered liquidity.
• Have either:
  
  • Three out of five years of business ownership/management experience (with at least 33.3% ownership), or

• • Five years in a senior business management role.

• Intend to settle permanently in New Brunswick and actively own and manage a local business.
• Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
• Hold a post-secondary education credential equivalent to at least two years after high school.
• Score 65 points or more on the program’s eligibility calculator.
• Complete an exploratory trip to New Brunswick (currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Located on Canada’s east-central coast, New Brunswick is a picturesque maritime province known for its lush evergreen forests, warm saltwater beaches, and welcoming communities. It offers a peaceful, affordable, and family-friendly lifestyle. The province is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a safe environment to grow their business while enjoying access to Canada’s world-class education, healthcare, and natural beauty.