Can you move your business from the UAE to Canada?
Yes. If you own or run a business in the UAE, Canada has several business immigration routes. They are narrower than they were a few years ago, so the right choice matters.
This guide covers the options for entrepreneurs, business owners and companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, what officers look for, and what has changed.
Key takeaway
Two common routes are an intra-company transfer, if you already own a UAE company, and a C11 entrepreneur work permit. The C11 is temporary, so plan your path to permanent residence from day one. Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream is closed.
Which Canadian business immigration options exist for UAE entrepreneurs?
These are the four options clients ask us about most, and what to know about each.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Who it fits
UAE companies that already operate and want to open or expand in Canada by sending an owner, manager or specialist.
What to know
An employer-specific work permit that does not need an LMIA. The UAE and Canadian companies must have a qualifying relationship. Permanent residence may become possible later if you meet the rules of a program such as Express Entry.
Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11)
Who it fits
Experienced owners who will control at least 51% of a Canadian business and can show it brings a significant benefit to Canada.
What to know
IRCC’s instructions cap the permit at 18 months. Self-employment does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class, so this permit does not lead to permanent residence on its own.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Who it fits
Entrepreneurs ready to settle and run a business in one province.
What to know
Ontario closed its Entrepreneur Stream on November 4, 2024, and now lists only its Workforce Priority stream as open. Other provinces set their own rules, so check each program before you plan around it.
Owner-Operator LMIA
Who it fits
Owners who want a work permit tied to their own Canadian company through the LMIA process.
What to know
The old owner-operator route is no longer practical. Regular LMIA rules now apply, which is why many owners choose a C11 work permit instead.
What will an immigration officer look for in your file?
Business immigration files are detailed. These three kinds of evidence matter most.
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Proof of funds
Show liquid funds for your Canadian business with personal and corporate bank statements, savings statements and investment holdings. Money set aside for running costs and surprises helps, and so does evidence of personal and non-liquid assets.
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Relevant experience
Show that your education, management or industry background fits the business you plan to run. Reference letters, training certificates and proof of operating a business all help.
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Commitment to the business
Officers want to see money at risk, not only a plan. Buying a business, signing a commercial lease, hiring staff or buying equipment shows the plan is moving. Even then, approval is never guaranteed.
Why do UAE business immigration files get refused?
In our practice, refusals are less about the size of the capital and more about proof.
Thin documentation
Why it hurts
A free zone licence with no operating history, ownership that can’t be traced, or a plan that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.
What works instead
A clear document trail showing who owns what, how the business operates and where the money came from.
Insufficient funds
Why it hurts
Officers must see that you can fund the Canadian business and support yourself while it grows.
What works instead
Liquid funds for the business, plus a reserve for running costs and unexpected expenses.
Weak business case
Why it hurts
Doubt that the business can succeed in Canada, or that you have the experience to run it.
What works instead
Relevant experience, market research and early steps such as a lease, hires or equipment.
Which businesses do UAE entrepreneurs bring to Canada?
In our practice, these are the most common types. Most of our UAE clients have settled in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
UAE Entrepreneurs coming to Canada
What is the Canada–UAE connection?
Canada has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a Consulate General in Dubai. Canada’s two-way merchandise trade with the UAE was valued at $3.5 billion in 2025, and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the two countries entered into force on May 19, 2026. Source: Global Affairs Canada.
How do you start?
A typical path looks like this.
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Step 01
Pick your route
Decide whether an ICT or an entrepreneur route fits your company and goals.
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Step 02
Gather your proof
Collect funds, ownership and experience records before you invest.
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Step 03
Take real steps
Show commitment with a lease, hires or equipment, guided by your plan.
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Step 04
File and plan ahead
Apply with a lawyer’s review and map out permanent residence early.
Frequently asked questions
Not on its own. IRCC’s instructions say officers should not issue a C11 permit for more than 18 months, and that self-employment does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class. You need a separate route to permanent residence. See our C11 guide and the IRCC instructions.
IRCC’s instructions say an applicant should be considered only when they control at least 51% of the business.
No. ICT work permits are exempt from the LMIA. The UAE and Canadian companies must still have a qualifying relationship, and you must meet the requirements of your transfer category. Read more in our ICT guide.
No. The OINP announced on November 4, 2024 that it was winding down and closing the stream. Ontario’s current program page says all streams other than the Ontario Workforce Priority stream are closed. See the OINP page and our provincial nominee guides.
Proof of funds, relevant experience and commitment to the business. Bank statements, ownership records, reference letters and early steps such as a lease or hires all help officers see that your plan is real.
No. No lawyer can. We review your file honestly, tell you what is missing and tell you if it isn’t ready yet.
