Immigration Corner | Thinking of opening a Jamaican store in Canada?

Dear Miss Powell,

Please advise on the requirement for a non-resident to set up a Jamaican store in Canada. Which province is best? How much money do I need to invest?

Looking forward to reading your answer in The Gleaner. Thank you.

– S.R.

Dear S.R.,

Canada allows both residents and non-residents to operate businesses. However, the process differs depending on your immigration status, type of store, and the province in which you plan to operate. A non-resident can also incorporate and operate a business in Canada, but may face added conditions, especially when it comes to the naming of directors, taxation and immigration requirements.

WHAT ABOUT IMMIGRATION STATUS?

Do you have a visitor’s visa? Have you ever visited or have relatives in Canada? If your only plan is to own a store, but not live in Canada, you may operate as a non-resident owner, employing Canadians to work in your business. However, if you want to actively manage the store yourself, you must have the right to work in Canada. That could mean applying for a work permit or finding a pathway to permanent residence by pursuing the Start-up Visa Programme, if you qualify, or entering under a provincial entrepreneur immigration stream. There is also the self-employed pathway that may apply in certain cultural industries, but not for a standard retail business.

IS THIS ABOUT IMMIGRATION OR INVESTMENT?

Another question to consider is your motivation. Are you establishing the store as a business investment from abroad, or do you intend to use the business as a bridge to permanent residence? If the latter, I would recommend that you consult directly with an immigration lawyer as there may be other more lucrative pathways to become a permanent resident.

There is no single answer on the amount required for investment. Incorporating a company may cost only a few hundred Canadian dollars, but immigration programme such as the start-up visa programme and even the Express Entry System, often require you to show a minimum savings and net worth with a commitment to invest in the business. Provinces that welcome entrepreneurs usually expect a detailed business plan, evidence of funds, and proof of management experience.

WHERE SHOULD YOU REGISTER?

Once you have clarified your business type, immigration strategy, and financial commitment, the choice of province becomes the next major step. The rules differ, especially on whether you must have a Canadian resident director.

In provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, at least 25 per cent of the directors must be Canadian residents. This means a Jamaican entrepreneur would need to appoint a local partner or associate. By contrast, provinces such as British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick do not require Canadian resident directors. These provinces are often seen as the easiest options for non-resident entrepreneurs who wish to retain full control of their business. Among them, British Columbia is particularly popular because of its simple online incorporation system and active international trade environment.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Opening a Jamaican store in Canada can be a rewarding venture, but it is not just about picking a province. It is about carefully aligning your business goals with immigration options, investment capacity, and long-term plans. With proper guidance, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick stand out as provinces where non-residents can incorporate with fewer obstacles. However, each entrepreneur must start by answering the deeper questions about why they want to open the store, how they plan to manage it, and whether their goal is to invest from abroad or to build a new life in Canada.

I recommend that you schedule a Zoom meeting with a Canadian lawyer to provide more details about your background, work experience, education and your finances. That way you can come up with a strategy to achieve your goals.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. You may contact her via Facebook, telephone or WhatsApp 613-695-8777 or via www.deidrepowell.com