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Canada flag Canada: Investing in Canada

Investment framework and opportunities in Canada

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Obligation to Declare
Canada is first among OECD countries in terms of the low number of procedures (2) and the shortest time limit (3 days) required for setting up an industrial or commercial company. A foreign company can set up in Canada by creating a distinct legal entity or a subsidiary under Canadian federal law or a provincial law governing companies. A subsidiary is treated in the same way as a branch office. It must have a commercial permit or be registered with the province where it does business. Moreover, foreign investors from countries with specific trade agreements with Canada must generally file an application with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Competent Organisation For the Declaration
Invest in Canada
 Citizenship and immigration Canada - Guide 4000
Requests For Specific Authorisations
Investment in specific sectors is covered by special legislation. The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over broadcasting (radio, television and their distribution, including some internet activity) and telecommunications. At least 75% of the voting interests of an air service must be owned and controlled by Canadians. The Bank Act requires ministerial approval (Finance Department) for any foreign investment in the financial sector to acquire or hold control of, or a substantial investment in, a Canadian bank. Non-resident ownership of uranium mining properties is restricted to 49% at the stage of first commercial production. Investment in any activity related to Canada's cultural heritage or national identity is administered by the Heritage Department.
For further information, see investment laws in Canada.

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Latest Update: May 2026

Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Calls may be monitored or recorded in case we need to check we have carried out your instructions correctly and to help improve our quality of service. Lloyds and Lloyds Bank are trading names of Lloyds Bank plc, Bank of Scotland plc, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc and Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH. The products and services outlined on this site may be offered by legal entities from across Lloyds Banking Group, including Lloyds Bank plc and Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc.
Lloyds Bank plc and Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc are separate legal entities within the Lloyds Banking Group. Lloyds Bank plc. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. Bank of Scotland plc. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Registered in Scotland no. SC327000. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc.
Registered office 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 10399850. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278, 169628 and 763256 respectively. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc.
Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH has its registered office at Thurn-und-Taxis Platz 6, 60313 Frankfurt, Germany. The company is registered with the Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main, HRB 111650. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH is supervised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht. Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Please note that due to FSCS and FOS eligibility criteria not all business customers will be covered.