SolidWorks Pricing Canada - Understanding Licensing Models
In this guide, we detail SolidWorks pricing in Canada, the different licensing models available, and what companies can actually expect to pay in 2026.
SOLIDWORKS is one of the few professional 3D CAD software packages that still offers several pricing models, which can quickly create confusion when trying to understand the true cost.
A) Perpetual License (Purchase)
The historical SolidWorks model is based on the purchase of a perpetual license, meaning a one-time payment to use the software for life.
This model includes two main components:
- PLC (Primary License Charge): the initial cost of the license
- ALC (Annual License Charge): the annual maintenance cost
Maintenance is mandatory for the first year and optional thereafter. It includes:
- Software updates
- Technical support
- Access to new versions
B) Subscription
SolidWorks subscription pricing is based on a recurring payment, allowing companies to use the software without a significant initial investment.
Available options include:
- Quarterly subscription (3 months)
- Annual subscription (12 months)
- Long-term subscription models
All subscriptions include:
- Software access
- Updates
- Technical support
To concretely compare SolidWorks Canada pricing between purchase and subscription, you can consult our full analysis in the dedicated article
(Purchase vs. Subscription).
SolidWorks Canada Pricing in 2026: How Much Does It Really Cost?
The price of SolidWorks in Canada in 2026 is no longer directly linked to the USD/CAD exchange rate, unlike previous years where fluctuations in the US dollar had a significant impact on rates.
The prices presented below correspond to the public prices (list prices) for SolidWorks licenses in Canada.
In reality, the price you pay may vary based on several factors:
- Current promotions
- Partner programs (such as the entrepreneur program)
- Commercial negotiation with your reseller
It is also important to note that companies owning older SolidWorks licenses (e.g., 2015 to 2023 without active maintenance) may benefit from specific pricing conditions.
| SolidWorks Canada Pricing | ||||
| SolidWorks Desktop / SolidWorks Design with Cloud Services | ||||
| Product | License | Annual Maintenance | Subscription (1 year) | Subscription (3 months) |
| Standard | $5,669 | $2,170 | $3,792 | $1,138 |
| Professional | $7,790 | $2,440 | $4,668 | $1,401 |
| Premium | $11,344 | $3,116 | $6,360 | $1,908 |
| 3DEXPERIENCE SolidWorks / SolidWorks Design | ||||
| Product | Initial | Annual | Subscription (1 year) | Subscription (3 months) |
| Standard | $6,895 | $2,206 | $3,792 | $1,138 |
| Professional | $8,487 | $2,716 | $4,668 | $1,401 |
| Premium | $11,780 | $3,770 | $6,360 | $1,908 |
To simplify:
- SolidWorks Standard Price: starting from ~$3,792 / year
- SolidWorks Professional Price: starting from ~$4,668 / year
- SolidWorks Premium Price: starting from ~$6,360 / year
When purchasing, the initial cost can go up to $11,000+ CAD, with mandatory annual maintenance if you want to stay up to date.
Most companies focus only on the displayed price… but in reality:
- Very few customers pay the list price
- Differences can be significant depending on your situation
- The choice between subscription and purchase has a major impact on the total cost
The real issue is not just the price, but the licensing model best suited to your business
Can you get SolidWorks for free in Canada?
Yes, and this is information that very few companies are aware of.
It is possible to get SolidWorks for free in Canada through the Dassault Systèmes startup program, intended for early-stage companies.
The SolidWorks Startup Program
This program allows eligible startups to access:
- Free SolidWorks for the first year
- 70% discount for the second year
- 50% discount for the third year
Concretely, this can represent several thousand dollars in savings on your licenses.
Why do so few people take advantage of it?
Because:
- Few resellers actually talk about it
- Eligibility conditions are not always well explained
- Many companies wrongly believe they are not eligible
Is your company eligible?
In general, you may be eligible if:
- You are a startup (less than 5 years old)
- You are developing a product (hardware, industrial, etc.)
- You are not yet using SolidWorks
Access the program
Example of SolidWorks Pricing over 5 Years
To understand the true price of SolidWorks in Canada, looking at the annual cost is not enough.
It is essential to compare the different licensing models over a longer period.
Here is a simplified example based on SolidWorks Standard in Canada.
Option 1 — Perpetual License + Maintenance (SolidWorks Standard)
License + 5 years of maintenance
→ $16,519 CAD
Annual subscription over 5 years
→ $18,960 CAD
👉 Over a 5-year period, the perpetual license becomes slightly more financially advantageous than the subscription.
But beware: price should not be the only criterion. The choice between subscription and purchase also depends on:
- Desired flexibility
- Access to updates
- Ability to evolve your tools
- Your long-term needs
👉 For a more detailed analysis, consult our full comparison (purchase vs. subscription).
Option 2 – 3DEXPERIENCE SolidWorks Standard
Annual subscription over 5 years
→ $18,960 CAD
Long-term subscription (PSC + ASC)
Initial payment + 5 years of service
→ $17,925 CAD
👉 Over 5 years, the long-term model becomes more interesting than the classic annual subscription.
This model is generally designed for companies that:
- Plan to use SolidWorks over several years
- Wish to optimize their long-term costs
- Want to avoid future increases
- What you really need to remember
Even if some models are slightly more advantageous on paper:
👉 The real decision is not based solely on price
It is based on:
- Flexibility
- Ease of management
- Scalability
- Your company’s strategy
Need a precise price for your situation?
Kotona Vision supports companies in Canada to:
- Choose the right SolidWorks licensing model
- Optimize their costs
- Effectively deploy the solution
👉 Request your personalized estimate.