Business Immigration & Real Estate (Alberta)

If you’re exploring business immigration in Alberta, real estate usually becomes part of the plan—either to buy a business with a lease, purchase a commercial building, or eventually buy a home after settlement. The most important thing to understand upfront is that buying a property or buying a business does not automatically grant immigration status. Immigration approval depends on the program pathway, eligibility, and whether you can prove you’ll actively operate and economically establish in Alberta.

Alberta has specific entrepreneur pathways under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) that are designed for people who plan to live in Alberta and actively manage a business. At the federal level, Canada’s Start-up Visa rules have changed recently, including a pause beginning January 1, 2026, and other updated measures that affect entrepreneurs. This page gives you a clear “real-world” overview so you can plan your next step the right way.

Ready to take the next step? (587)-719-5523 / Get in touch or visit MohitDhillon.com with us today to discuss your commercial real estate goals or schedule a personalized property tour.

Alberta Pathways

Understand the immigration paths that connect business + Alberta settlement

Key Highlights

AAIP entrepreneur streams are designed for people who will live in Alberta and manage a business day-to-day.

Buying or starting a business often requires proof of experience, capital, and a business plan that makes sense for Alberta.

Federal entrepreneur pathways have shifted recently—so your strategy should be built around what’s currently open and realistic.

Real estate becomes the “asset side” of the plan (lease, commercial building, or later residential), but immigration is the “status side” that must be solved first.

Alberta Immigration Strategy

This quick intro video explains who I am and how I guide clients building a real estate + business plan in Alberta. The goal isn’t hype—it’s structure: confirm the pathway, align the business plan to what programs actually require, and build a clean acquisition/lease strategy that supports your long-term settlement goals.

Mohit Dhillon

Calgary REALTOR® | Commercial & Business Acquisition Advisor

Mohit Dhillon

I’m Mohit Dhillon, a licensed Calgary REALTOR® with Century 21 Bravo Realty. I work with clients who are exploring Alberta business ownership and commercial real estate—whether the plan is to buy an operating business, secure the right lease for a business launch, or purchase commercial property as part of a longer-term strategy. My role is to help you evaluate deals realistically: lease terms, location strength, operating costs, zoning compatibility, and the “hidden risks” that can derail a business after closing. If you’re navigating immigration at the same time, I focus on making the real estate side clean and defensible—so your business plan and property decisions align with practical operations and long-term stability in Alberta (while you get licensed immigration/legal advice for the status side).

FAQ’s

Does buying a business or property in Alberta give me PR?
No. Purchasing a business or real estate does not automatically grant permanent residence. Immigration status comes from a qualifying program and eligibility.

What Alberta programs exist for entrepreneurs who want to move and run a business?
Alberta has entrepreneur-focused AAIP streams for candidates who plan to live in Alberta and actively operate a business. The stream you qualify for depends on your profile (rural community plan, graduate pathways, farm plan, etc.).

Can I manage an Alberta business remotely from another country?
Some AAIP entrepreneur pathways require you to live in Alberta and be involved in day-to-day management. If you want immigration tied to business operation, remote management is usually a major issue.

If I buy an existing business, do I need full ownership?
Certain entrepreneur streams set specific ownership requirements depending on whether you’re starting a new business or purchasing an existing one. This matters before you negotiate a deal structure.

What’s the difference between buying a business with a lease vs buying the building?
Buying a business with a lease means you’re acquiring operations and taking over a lease obligation. Buying the building means you’re purchasing the real estate asset (and often becoming the landlord or inheriting tenants). The risk, financing, and due diligence are different.

Is Canada’s Start-up Visa still available?
The Start-up Visa program has changed recently, including a pause beginning January 1, 2026, with limited deadlines for applicants who already have valid 2025 commitment certificates. The program landscape is currently shifting.

What professionals do I need if I’m combining immigration + business + real estate?
Typically: a licensed immigration professional (lawyer/consultant), a commercial lawyer, an accountant familiar with non-resident/corporate structure, and a commercial REALTOR® to source and evaluate the lease/property.

What should I review before buying a business in Alberta?
Lease terms, zoning, financials, staff/contract obligations, equipment condition, and any hidden liabilities. A good deal is one that survives after closing—not one that only looks good on paper.

Book Your Strategy Call

Review your business plan, lease/property options, and risk checkpoints before you commit

Business immigration and real estate in Alberta works best when you separate the problem into two parts: status strategy (immigration pathway) and asset strategy (business + property decisions). When both sides are structured properly, you avoid wasted time, bad purchases, and deals that don’t match your long-term plan.

Call/text (587) 719-5523 or visit mohitdhillon.com to review your investment goal, shortlist the right options, and build a clean closing plan.

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