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.
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,” said Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International.
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. They connect our economy to global markets, technologies and talent, thereby boosting productivity and strengthening local supply chains,” said Éric Bédard, partner and leader at Fasken and chair of the board of directors of Montréal International.
“In a context of trade tensions and heightened competition among economies, Quebec cannot afford to slow down. Montréal International’s results make this abundantly clear: our metropolis continues to attract strategic investments and high-quality jobs, even in an uncertain environment. By strengthening our attractiveness, securing our supply chains and focusing on our sectors of the future, we will continue to protect our economy and create wealth here in Québec,” added Jean Boulet, minister of the economy, innovation, energy and labor.
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.
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.
“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,” said 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,” Bédard added.
