Open a business as a foreigner- where do I start?

[adam11]

Hello everyone,
I have savings of a little over 50$K and I'm planning to open a business in Canada.
I'm planning to move to Calgary AB and lease a kiosk in a mall.
My questions are:
1. Will someone actually lease me a kiosk as a foreigner?
2. What kind of visa should I apply to?
3. How long does it take to get the visa and how long does it take to become PR?
4. Can I open a bank account in Canada as a tourist?

Thanks,
Adam.

 

[scylla]

You can't work/operate a business in Canada without a work permit.

To obtain a work permit, you must first find an employer in Canada. That employer must then apply for an LMO (labour market opinion). More information on LMOs is here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp

If the LMO is approved, you can then apply for a work permit. Instructions are here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-how.asp

 

[hawk999]

1. Will someone actually lease me a kiosk as a foreigner?
2. What kind of visa should I apply to?
3. How long does it take to get the visa and how long does it take to become PR?
4. Can I open a bank account in Canada as a tourist?

1. why not? as long as you can pay and you have a valid visa to work here
2. that's up to you. all the info are on the canada immigration web site. If you want to apply for business visa you can, make sure you can qualify. On the home page there is also a very nice assessment tool to help you determine what you can apply for.
3. It really depends where you are applying from, but I'd say minimum 1 year if you are applying for permanent residence. if temporary permit, it a lot easier to get the permit one you have a sponsor. The hard part if to find a sponsor a sponsor. Provincial nominee might be a little farter, but really depends if you qualify or not
4. yes. I did at TD. Rather than ask how to open a bank account, ask how to deposit some money at the bank as tourist. What they give you might not technically be a bank account.

 

[Maxua]

You can't work/operate a business in Canada without a work permit.

Can I own a business or part of business in Canada as a non resident of Canada?

 

[Officer]

Can I own a business or part of business in Canada as a non resident of Canada?

You can register a business under corporation law, as long as one of the registered director is Canadian Citizen.

Hope this help,

Officer