What are the main ways to register a business in Canada?
You can register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are registered provincially. Federal corporations are incorporated through Corporations Canada. Provincial corporations are incorporated through the relevant provincial registry.
What is the difference between federal and provincial incorporation in Canada?
A federally incorporated company can operate under the same name across all provinces and is governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act. A provincially incorporated company is governed by that province's corporations act and must extra-provincially register in any other province it operates in.
How do I register a sole proprietorship or partnership in Canada?
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are registered at the provincial level, usually through a business name registry. In Ontario this is done through ServiceOntario. In British Columbia through BC Registry Services. In Alberta through Service Alberta. Most registrations cost between $60 and $80 and can be completed online.
How do I incorporate federally through Corporations Canada?
You file Articles of Incorporation through the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre at ic.gc.ca. The fee is $250 for online filing or $300 by paper. You will need a corporate name or numbered company, at least one director who is a Canadian resident in most cases, and a registered office address in Canada.
What is a CRA Business Number and do I need one?
A CRA Business Number is a 9-digit number assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency that identifies your business for tax purposes. You need one if you are registering for GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporate income tax, or import/export accounts. You can register for a BN online through the CRA Business Registration Online portal.
Do I need a NUANS name search before incorporating?
If you are federally incorporating under a named company rather than a numbered company, you need a NUANS name search report to confirm your proposed name is not already in use. The report costs approximately $13.80 and must be less than 90 days old when filed. Many provinces have their own name search systems.
Can a non-resident incorporate a business in Canada?
Yes. You can incorporate federally or provincially as a non-resident. However, the Canada Business Corporations Act requires that at least 25% of directors be Canadian residents for most corporations. Some provinces such as British Columbia and Nova Scotia have no Canadian residency requirement for directors.
What ongoing compliance is required after incorporation in Canada?
Federal corporations must file an annual return with Corporations Canada. Provincial corporations have similar requirements. All corporations must hold annual meetings, maintain a corporate minute book, and file corporate tax returns with the CRA. Failure to file annual returns can result in dissolution.
Do I need a lawyer to register or incorporate a business in Canada?
No. Both federal and provincial registration and incorporation processes are fully accessible without a lawyer. Corporations Canada and most provincial registries have online portals designed for self-represented applicants. A lawyer may be useful for complex shareholder agreements or tax planning but is not required for basic registration.
How does uplaw.ai help with business registration in Canada?
Tell us what type of business you want to start, where you plan to operate, and whether you want to incorporate or register a business name in the chat. We help you identify the right registry, the correct forms, and walk you through each step of the process.
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