If you’re a Nigerian businessperson or investor, chances are you’ve thought about Canada at some point. And it’s easy to see why. Canada is stable, safe, and full of opportunities for people who want to grow their businesses and secure a better life for their families.
But here’s the big question: how can a Nigerian business owner or investor actually move to Canada?
That’s where business immigration Canada programs come in. Over the past 10 years at Loft Immigration, we’ve helped many Nigerians successfully relocate to Canada through business immigration. Some expanded their companies, some wanted permanent residency for their families, and others invested to secure their future abroad.
So, let’s break it down. Here are the 7 best business immigration programs in Canada for Nigerians in 2025.
1. The Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)
If you’re an entrepreneur in Nigeria with an innovative idea, the Start-Up Visa Program could be your chance.
Canada created this program for entrepreneurs who can build businesses that are globally competitive and create Canadian jobs. To qualify, you need to:
- Have a unique and scalable business idea.
- Get support from a Canadian investor, incubator, or venture capital fund.
- Meet English or French language requirements.
- Show proof of settlement funds.
What makes this program attractive is that it offers direct permanent residency for you and your family.
Since this program is very popular, it’s also important to learn what mistakes Nigerians should avoid with their Start-Up Visa application. You can read more here: 5 Biggest Mistakes Nigerians Make With Canada Start-Up Visa Application.
👉 Do you think your business idea has potential? Book an Evaluation Call with us to find out if the Start-Up Visa is right for you.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Entrepreneurs
Another of the best business immigration programs in Canada for Nigerians in 2025 is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Canada’s provinces have their own immigration streams, and many offer business-focused programs for entrepreneurs and investors. For example:
- Ontario Entrepreneur Stream – Good for Nigerians who want to set up or buy a business in Ontario.
- British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration – Popular because of its strong economy and global trade links.
- Manitoba Business Investor Stream – Perfect if you want to invest and settle in Manitoba.
If you’re curious about which regions are the most promising, we’ve broken it down in this guide: Best Provinces in Canada for Immigrant Entrepreneurs.
3. Self-Employed Persons Program
This program is niche but very useful if you’re self-employed in certain fields.
The Self-Employed Persons Program is designed for people who can contribute to Canada’s cultural, artistic, or athletic life, or those with farm management experience.
For Nigerians, this might include:
- Artists, musicians, or filmmakers.
- Athletes or coaches.
- Experienced farmers.
You’ll need at least two years of relevant experience and proof that you can build a career in Canada.
4. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program
Do you run a successful company in Nigeria? Do you dream of opening a Canadian office? Then the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program could be for you.
This pathway lets you transfer yourself or a senior employee to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
It’s one of the smartest ways for Nigerian business owners to expand globally while using business immigration Canada programs to secure residency. If you want to see how this can lead to permanent residency, check out our detailed breakdown here: Canada Business Immigration – How We Help You Turn Ideas Into Permanent Residency.
5. Investor Immigration through Provincial Programs
Although Canada no longer has a federal investor program, some provinces still offer investment-based immigration.
For instance, Quebec used to run the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP), which required a CAD $1.2 million investment. Other provinces have similar programs with different investment thresholds.
If you’re a high-net-worth Nigerian who wants to invest in Canada without being heavily involved in day-to-day management, this could be your best bet.
6. Entrepreneur Work Permits
Not every immigration route begins with permanent residency. Some start with work permits that allow you to build your business in Canada first.
Two popular ones include:
- C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit – For businesses that will bring significant benefits to Canada.
- LMIA-exempt work permits – A flexible option that avoids the complex Labour Market Impact Assessment.
If you want a full picture of how these options compare, this article is helpful: Is Business Immigration to Canada Still Worth It in 2025?.
7. Express Entry for Business Professionals
You’ve probably heard of Express Entry, Canada’s popular immigration system for skilled workers. But did you know that business professionals can also qualify?
Here’s a smart tip: Many business owners first move under a temporary program like the ICT or C11 Work Permit. After gaining Canadian work experience, their Express Entry profile improves, and getting PR becomes much easier.
Why Nigerians Choose Business Immigration to Canada
Now, why do so many Nigerians consider the best business immigration programs in Canada for Nigerians in 2025? Here are some key reasons:
- Stable economy – Canada has a transparent, safe, and investor-friendly environment.
- Family benefits – You and your family can all relocate together. Kids get access to free or affordable world-class education.
- Access to global markets – Canada gives you connections to North America and beyond.
- High quality of life – Safety, healthcare, and opportunities for your children’s future.
If you’d like to dive deeper into this, we recently explained it here: Top 5 Reasons Why Canada Is Welcoming Nigerian Entrepreneurs Through Business Immigration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about relocating to Canada as a businessperson, these are the 7 best business immigration programs in Canada for Nigerians in 2025.
From the Start-Up Visa for innovators to the Intra-Company Transfer for Nigerian businesses expanding abroad, there’s a program that can work for you. The challenge is choosing the right one and navigating the application process correctly.
That’s where we come in. At Loft Immigration, we’ve been helping Nigerians and Africans with business immigration Canada for over 10 years. Many of our clients are now settled in Canada, running their businesses and enjoying a better quality of life with their families.
👉 Want to know which program is the best fit for you? Book an Evaluation Call with Loft Immigration today, and let’s plan your move together.
