Opening a Korean and Japanese Cosmetic Store in Canada
This project is for entrepreneurs looking to invest in and operate a retail store for cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and beauty products originating from South Korea and Japan. Depending on the location, budget, and business strategy, a brick-and-mortar store can be combined with an online sales channel.
Business Model
- Retail sale of Korean and Japanese cosmetic and personal care lines with clear origins.
- Flexibility to develop a portfolio of skincare, makeup, haircare, and beauty accessories based on market demand.
- Consultation on site selection, product structure, financial planning, staffing, and sales operations according to the contract scope.
- Investment scale and actual budget will be determined after selecting the premises, sourcing plan, and operating model.
Cosmetic Business Regulations in Canada
Businesses must verify import requirements, bilingual labeling, ingredients, product safety, and cosmetic notification obligations with Health Canada (Cosmetic Notification Form) where applicable. The fact that a product is sold in South Korea or Japan does not automatically mean it is eligible for sale in Canada. Products with therapeutic or sun-protection claims may fall under different regulatory categories and require separate assessment.
Entrepreneur Immigration Programs to Consider
- C11 – Significant Benefit Work Permit: Only considered when a significant benefit to Canada is demonstrated and all requirements are met; opening a store does not automatically grant a work permit. Learn about C11.
- Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream: May be considered if the store is in a qualifying rural community, with a minimum qualifying investment of 100,000 CAD, a minimum net worth of 300,000 CAD, and fulfillment of experience, language, community, and other requirements. Alberta Program.
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional: May be considered with a minimum qualifying investment of 100,000 CAD in a participating community, a minimum net worth of 300,000 CAD, community referral, and fulfillment of program requirements.
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration – Base: Typically requires a minimum personal qualifying investment of 200,000 CAD along with other criteria.
Conditions, intake status, and the suitability of each program must be verified at the time of consultation. Investing in a store does not automatically guarantee a work permit or permanent residency.
Ability to Hire Foreign Workers
Businesses may evaluate the need to hire sales staff, store managers, or other suitable positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA), depending on operational scale, salary levels, hiring conditions, and applicable limitations. For candidates with sufficient French proficiency working outside of Quebec, the Francophone Mobility (C16) pathway may be considered for LMIA exemption. If the facility is in an Atlantic province and is designated as an employer, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) may be considered for eligible positions and candidates. Approval is not guaranteed.
View KeyApply Foreign Worker Recruitment Category
Investment and Immigration Costs
Store investment costs include estimated expenses such as premises, renovations, equipment, initial inventory, operations, and working capital; specific estimates are discussed privately. If you wish to apply for a work permit or participate in an entrepreneur immigration program, you will need to cover additional costs for business consulting, legal fees or licensed immigration consulting services, and relevant government fees. Fees depend on the program, file complexity, and the scope of services agreed upon separately.