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Business Registration (Enregistrement d'entreprise)

Register a business in Canada: choose a structure, name and register or incorporate it federally or provincially, get a CRA Business Number with GST/HST and payroll accounts as needed, and set up licences and records.

Curated by Raaya · Last reviewed Oct 2026

Steps

  1. Choose your business structure

    2 days

    The main structures are a sole proprietorship (you own the business personally and report its income on your own T1 return), a partnership (two or more owners share profits and liability), and a corporation (a separate legal entity with its own tax return, owned by shareholders).

    Sole proprietorships and partnerships are cheap and simple but give no protection for personal assets. Corporations limit personal liability and can offer tax planning options, but cost more to set up and maintain, with annual filings and separate books.

    You can incorporate federally with Corporations Canada, which protects your name across Canada, or provincially, which is often simpler if you only operate in one province.

    Tip: Speak to an accountant before you incorporate; the right structure depends on expected profit, liability risk and whether you will keep money in the business.

    Online
    canada.ca
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  2. Pick a name and plan (Nom et plan d'affaires)

    2 days

    Choose a name that is distinctive and not already used or trademarked. Search your provincial business registry and the Canadian Trademarks Database. For a federal corporation, the name search is built into Corporations Canada's online incorporation for most word names; a separate federal NUANS report costs $13.80 if you want one. Ontario corporations with a word name need an Ontario-biased NUANS report.

    A sole proprietor who uses only their own legal name usually does not need to register a name; anything else, such as a trade name, generally must be registered with the province.

    Write a short business plan covering your product, customers, pricing, costs and funding; banks and support programs ask for one.

    Tip: Check that the matching web domain and social media handles are free before you register the name.

    • Search the provincial business registry and Canadian Trademarks Database for conflicts
    • Order a NUANS report if your incorporation route requires one
    • Decide on a trade name or numbered company (corporations only)
    • Check domain name and social media availability
    • Draft a one-page business plan with start-up costs and funding
    Business planNUANS name search report
    Attach my documents

  3. Register a sole proprietorship or partnership name

    1 day

    If you are not incorporating, register your business name with the province where you operate. In Ontario, register through the Ontario Business Registry; online registration is immediate, costs $60 and is valid for 5 years, after which you renew for the same fee. You receive a Master Business Licence.

    Other provinces: British Columbia uses BC Registries and Online Services (name approval first, then registration), Alberta uses registry agents or the Corporate Registry, and Quebec requires registration with the Registraire des entreprises. Fees and renewal rules differ.

    Tip: Registering a name does not give you exclusive rights to it; a trademark registration offers stronger protection.

    Social Insurance Number
    Attach my documents

  4. Meet a lawyer or accountant (Consultation)

    1 day

    A one-time consultation can save costly mistakes. An accountant can advise on structure, salary versus dividends, GST/HST registration, bookkeeping software and instalments. A lawyer can prepare articles of incorporation, bylaws, a shareholder or partnership agreement, and review leases and contracts.

    If you have co-founders, put an agreement in writing now covering ownership percentages, decision-making, vesting and what happens if someone leaves.

    Tip: Bring your business plan and a list of questions; many professionals offer fixed-fee start-up packages.

    Where
    Business lawyer or Chartered Professional Accountant · Bring your business plan, proposed name, co-founder details and questions on structure, tax registration and agreements.
    Business plan
    Attach my documents

  5. Incorporate federally or provincially (Constitution)

    1 day

    To incorporate federally, file online with Corporations Canada: you submit the articles of incorporation, registered office address, directors and an initial filing; the fee is $200 and online filings are usually processed in about a day.

    A federal corporation must also register extra-provincially in each province where it carries on business. Federal corporations must keep a register of individuals with significant control and file it with Corporations Canada.

    To incorporate in Ontario instead, file articles through the Ontario Business Registry for $300; online filings are immediate. Other provinces have their own registries and fees.

    Tip: Keep your corporate minute book (articles, bylaws, resolutions, share register) up to date from day one; banks and buyers will ask for it.

    NUANS name search report
    Attach my documents

  6. Pay the registration fee (Frais d'enregistrement)

    1 day

    Pay the government fee for the route you chose. These are the official filing fees only; legal, accounting and NUANS costs are separate.

    Federal incorporation online with Corporations Canada costs $200. Ontario incorporation online costs $300. Ontario registration of a sole proprietorship or partnership name costs $60 for 5 years. Other provinces charge different amounts.

    After incorporation, federal corporations file an annual return each year for $12 online, and Ontario corporations file annual returns through the Ontario Business Registry.

    Tip: Pay registry fees directly on the official government site; third-party sites that look official often charge several times the real fee.

    Fee
    CA$200 · Federal incorporation online (Corporations Canada)
    Fee
    CA$300 · Ontario incorporation online - if incorporating in Ontario instead
    Fee
    CA$60 · Ontario sole proprietorship or partnership name registration (5 years)
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  7. Get a CRA Business Number and accounts (Numéro d'entreprise)

    1 day

    The Business Number (BN) is your 9-digit identifier with the CRA. Corporations incorporated federally or in several provinces, including Ontario, receive a BN automatically; sole proprietors register through the CRA's Business Registration Online service. Register only the program accounts you need: GST/HST (RT), payroll (RP) if you will pay employees, import-export (RM) and corporate income tax (RC).

    You must register for GST/HST once your taxable revenues exceed $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters; you can register voluntarily earlier to claim input tax credits. Once you exceed the threshold, you have 29 days to register. Quebec businesses register for GST and QST with Revenu Quebec.

    Tip: Register for My Business Account at the same time; it lets you file returns, make payments and authorize your accountant online.

    Online
    canada.ca
    Social Insurance Number
    Attach my documents

  8. Get licences and permits (Permis et licences)

    2 days

    Most businesses need at least one licence or permit from a municipality, province or federal body: for example a municipal business licence, zoning approval for a home-based business, health permits for food, or professional licences for regulated trades. BizPaL lists the permits and licences that apply based on your location and type of business.

    If you will hire employees, register with your province's workplace safety insurance board (WSIB in Ontario, WorkSafeBC in British Columbia, WCB in Alberta, CNESST in Quebec), set up payroll deductions and learn your employment standards.

    Tip: Check zoning and lease restrictions before signing a commercial lease; the landlord's permitted use may not cover your activity.

  9. Set up banking and records (Comptabilité)

    2 days

    Separate your business and personal finances from the start; it makes tax filing easier and is essential for a corporation, which is a separate legal person.

    The CRA generally requires you to keep business books and records, including receipts, invoices and bank statements, for six years from the end of the tax year they relate to. Choose bookkeeping software or a bookkeeper and record transactions monthly.

    Tip: Pay yourself by transfer from the business account rather than paying personal bills from it; mixed spending is hard to untangle at tax time.

    • Open a business bank account with your registration or incorporation documents
    • Choose bookkeeping software and set up categories for income and expenses
    • Set up a system to keep receipts and invoices for six years
    • Record your GST/HST, payroll and income tax filing dates
    • Corporations: set up the minute book and register of individuals with significant control
    • Get business insurance suited to your activity (liability, property)

  10. Set filing deadline reminders (Rappel TPS/TVH)

    1 day

    Missing filings leads to penalties and interest, so schedule them now. GST/HST returns are due monthly, quarterly or annually depending on your assigned reporting period; for most quarterly and monthly filers, the return and payment are due one month after the end of the period.

    Self-employed individuals file their T1 return by June 15 but must pay any balance by April 30. Corporations file the T2 return within six months of their fiscal year-end, and generally pay tax within two or three months of year-end. Federal corporations file an annual return with Corporations Canada within 60 days after their anniversary date.

    Tip: File GST/HST returns even when you have no sales in the period; a nil return still has to be filed.

Documents you'll need

Social Insurance NumberSole proprietors and directors use their SIN to register a Business Number with the CRA. Keep it confidential.
Business planA short plan covering product, market, costs and funding; banks, landlords and support programs often ask for it.
NUANS name search reportA name search report for corporations; $13.80 for a federal report if you order one. Ontario corporations with a word name need an Ontario-biased report.

Official sources

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General guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change; confirm with the official source before you act.

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