Registering a business in Canada
The steps, in order, and the official registry for each province.
8funder is neither an accounting firm nor a law firm. This page explains the steps and points to the official registries; it does not replace professional advice.
The six steps
- 1
Choose the legal structure
Sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, cooperative. The choice changes taxation and personal liability.
- 2
Federal or provincial
A federal corporation protects its name Canada-wide but must register in every province where it operates. A provincial one is simpler if the activity stays in one province.
- 3
Search and reserve the name
A name search (NUANS report federally) confirms no closely similar name already exists.
- 4
File the articles
Articles of incorporation, registered office, directors. This is the step that legally creates the company.
- 5
Get the tax numbers
Business number, GST/HST, QST in Quebec, payroll deductions if you hire.
- 6
Permits and licences
These depend on the sector and the municipality. Food service, construction, transport and health almost always require them.
The official registries
Every link goes to the government registry, not to a middleman. Registering directly is always cheaper.