Admissibility criteria for the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

1. Practising a profession or trade in Québec

• The applicant must come to Québec to practise their profession or trade independently, with or without paid help.

• The following sectors are excluded: payday loans, cheque cashing, pawnshops, pornography/sex industry, or real estate brokerage and development.

• If already practising as a self-employed worker in Québec, the applicant may still apply, provided all program conditions are met.

2. Work experience requirement

• At least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the five years preceding the application are required.

• Experience acquired in excluded sectors is not admissible.

3. Authorization to practise (regulated professions)

• If the intended profession is regulated in Québec, the applicant must:

  • Already have the authorization to practise, or

  • Hold a diploma/qualification recognized (partially or fully) by the relevant professional order in Québec, within the last five years.

• No action is required if the chosen activity does not require a licence in Québec.

4. Personal net worth

• Applicants must have a minimum net worth of CAD 100,000.

• Donations received within six months before application are excluded.

• Net worth may be shared with a spouse, but both must prove the lawful origin and accumulation of their assets.

5. Education requirement

• The applicant must hold a diploma at least equivalent to a Québec secondary school diploma, obtained prior to application.

6. French language proficiency

• Applicants must demonstrate oral French skills equivalent to Level 7 of the Québec scale.

• Accepted proof: official test results (TCF, TEF, TEFAQ, DELF, DALF) or certain diplomas (French Baccalaureate, Belgian CESS, Swiss Maturity Certificate).

• Results must be dated within two years of submission.

7. Start-up deposit

• A start-up deposit must be made with a financial institution in Québec:

  • CAD 25,000 if the professional activity is outside the Montréal metropolitan area;

  • CAD 50,000 if within the Montréal metropolitan area.

• The deposit must be paid once requested by the Ministère, after file opening.