More about | International Businesses

Expanding into Canada

Canada welcomes foreign investment. Its federal and provincial governments have developed many programs to help international businesses set up a branch office in Canada or acquire a Canadian company. However, foreign investments also trigger some regulatory requirements.

At Lowe & Company, we can review your options and advise you on any regulatory compliance issues. Book a consultation

How to Establish a Business in Canada

Bringing Your Employees into Canada

Complying with the Investment Canada Act

How We Can Help

How to Establish a Business in Canada

When you set up a Canadian branch office or subsidiary, there are many legal and financial issues to consider. You will need to plan your corporate and personal tax strategies, incorporate in Canada and comply with foreign investment regulations. What about bringing in key employees from your other operations and other foreign workers? Do you have proper employment contracts with all employees? Do you have a local bank account? And is your company's intellectual property protected? You will need professional advice on these and many other questions. More information. Book a consultation.

Bringing Your Employees into Canada

People are the key to success for any business. To expand into Canada, you'll need the help of trusted employees. Here's how to bring them into the country:

Intra-company transfers: Senior executives and managers, as well as employees with specialized product or industry knowledge, can obtain work permits for up to three years.
NAFTA investors: Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, American and Mexican citizens can establish or purchase a Canadian business, and obtain work permits for the principals and key employees to develop and direct that business.
Other free trade agreements: Businesses based in Chile, Peru and other countries can also take advantage of FTAs similar to NAFTA.
B.C. business projects provincial nominee program : Candidates establishing a business in B.C. can include up to five key employees under their application for permanent residence.

Complying with the Investment Canada Act

The Investment Canada Act requires non-Canadians to notify Investment Canada within 30 days of investing in a new Canadian business. Larger investments – CAD$5 million or more for investors from non-WTO countries – are subject to a review. Failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including sale of the investment and fines up to CAD$10,000 per day.

How We Can Help

Establishing a business in a new country can be challenging, even if you're a successful multi-national organization looking to expand. You will need to overcome differences in language, culture and business norms, and develop Canadian contacts and markets.

Because business practices and documents vary between countries, it can also be challenging to prove you meet Canada Immigration's requirements, even if you have substantial business experience and assets.

At Lowe & Company, we understand business. Jeffrey Lowe has a business degree and a law degree from the University of British Columbia, and has acted for business immigrants from all over the world for more than 25 years. We can introduce you to accountants, bankers, realtors and other professionals to help you successfully establish your Canadian operations.

We will review your immigration options with you to determine which category best fits your company's goals. We will work with you to develop a business and immigration strategy, and clearly present your case to Canada Immigration. And, we will be candid and realistic about the total processing time for your application.

We can also take care of incorporations, share purchase agreements and other corporate transactions you will need to set up your business. Once your investment is complete, we can help you file a notice with the Investment Canada Act and advise you of any other regulatory requirements.

Knowledge. Experience. Credibility. Integrity. At Lowe & Company, our business is helping your business. Contact us today to find out how. Book a consultation

Related articles for international businesses:

Doing Business in Canada: What You Must Know About Setting Up a Branch Office
Intra-Company Transfers: Your Global Business
NAFTA Investors
Beyond NAFTA: Work Permits Under Other Free Trade Agreements
The B.C. Business Projects Provincial Nominee Program
The Investment Canada Act
Work Permits: An Overview

More information