Greater Montreal demonstrated continued economic resilience in 2025, attracting $2.628 billion in foreign investment across 54 projects, according to a report released Monday by Montréal International – a local not-for-profit organization.
The investment supported the creation or retention of 3,720 jobs, with an average annual salary of $114,000 – a record high.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and slower growth, the region maintained investment levels comparable to 2024 where $2.7 billion in investment was generated across 59 projects.
“As a whole, the Greater Montreal area, I would say, did better than I thought it would do,” said Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International.
In 2025, more than 75 per cent of the investment came from foreign companies already based in Montreal expanding their operations, showing confidence in the region’s skilled workforce and the city’s strong business environment.
“In 2025, Greater Montreal demonstrated its ability to attract quality investments, even amid uncertainty. Many foreign-owned subsidiaries chose to reinvest in their local operations, which speaks volumes about the strength of our assets and the expertise of our talent,” Paquet said.
These investments are expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including approximately $154 million in tax revenues for Quebec, $115 million for Canada, and $39 million in property-related revenues for the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.
Economic leaders said foreign companies play an important role.
“In a context of slow economic growth, both in Quebec and globally, the contribution of international subsidiaries becomes even more critical,” said Éric Bédard, partner and leader at Fasken and chair of the board of directors of Montréal International. “They connect our economy to global markets, technologies and talent, thereby boosting productivity and strengthening local supply chains.”
“Those investments are important because they are reinforcing our value chain. Sometimes we only look at this investment, but that is also making sure that some other corporations will remain in Montreal and make the whole sector stronger,” added Jean-Denis Charest, CEO of East Montreal Chamber of Commerce (EMCC).
The U.S. remained the leading country of origin for investment projects supported by Montréal International’s team, followed by France, Germany, and Canada – excluding Quebec. Growth was strongest in sectors like aerospace with over $600 million in investments.
“Aerospace sector was quite strong, but also everything related to the green economy was also very strong and the investment went in Longueuil, in the South shore, in Laval, the North shore, but also obviously on the Island of Montreal,” Paquet said.
Additionally, renewable energy, decarbonization, artificial intelligence, information technologies, and video games continued to play a key role in strengthening Greater Montreal’s attractiveness.
Montreal also grew as a hub for international organizations, building on its support for approximately 50 organizations already based in the city.
The Flight Safety foundation – an international organization providing aircraft operators with standards designed to ensure the safety of their operations – is set to open a new office to roll out its new audit program across North America.
In addition, Rights + Resources is expanding its work with a new team to deploy its CLARIFI program supporting Indigenous and Afro-descent peoples, along with other communities, in efforts to secure recognition of their land rights.
Montréal International’s team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants also helped process 228 work permits for roughly 50 employees, mainly to retain skilled workers already in the region.
“With the current geopolitical, I think Montreal has a great opportunity to establish itself as a great hub for international organizations, which is why he do have hope to attract the bank of defense here in Montreal,” Charest said. “Those organizations are great leverage to attract other private investments.”
“Montreal has everything it takes to compete alongside the world’s leading metropolises, and our ambition reflects that reality. We are pursuing strong, sustainable economic growth, supported by an ecosystem that is among the most enviable internationally,” added Chantal Rouleau, minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal region.
“We’ve been connecting the world for 30 years and we will continue to do so,” Paquet said.
