Business registration in Canada follows a set of specific steps, all of which must be completed during the procedure. Our consultants in company formation in Canada can offer full legal representation to local and foreign investors who want to start a business here (we also offer various post-incorporation services, such as accounting or tax compliance).
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Institution in charge with company registration in Canada | The main authority that regulates the registration of a legal entity in this country is Corporations Canada, in charge with this procedure at a federal level (at regional level, there are corresponding Registries). |
Who must register | All types of entities (commercial, not-for-profit, cooperatives, etc.) |
Basic registration obligations | – select a legal entity, – obtain a trade name, – sign the statutory documents, – assign a registered address, – apply for a tax registration number, – obtain business licenses, – pay registation fees, etc. |
| Trade name | A trade name in Canada must be unique at a federal/ provincial level and it can be in English or French. It must include the company’s legal entity. |
| Ways to complete the registration | Company registration in Canada can be completed at a federal, provincial or territorial levels. |
| Registration fees (yes/no) | Yes |
| Documentation | – the statutory documents, – documents attesting the registered address, – the personal identification documents of the shareholders and directors, – proof of reserving a trade name, – proof of paying the registration fee, etc. |
| Publishing obligations | The announcement on the registration of a new legal entity is done through the Canada Gazette (the announcement is known as a public notice). |
| Can investors obtain legal representation for company registration purposes? | Yes, company registration in Canada is a legal procedure that allows third party representation, such as our team. |
| How to obtain legal representation | By signing the power of attorney |
| Can investors acquire electronic documents from the Trade Register? | Yes |
| Basic laws enforced by the Trade Register | Canada Business Corporations Act, Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Board of Trade Act, Canada Cooperatives Act (applicable at a federal level – at provincial/ territorial levels, legislation varies in accordance with the region) |
| Database on companies in Canada | Canada’s Business Registry |
| Other roles of the Registry of Commerce | – reserve a trade name, – submit annual returns, – obtain forms, – make changes to a business, -liquidate companies, – expedite services for investors, for specific requests |
| Way to obtain information on companies in Canada | Online (the search is available by company name, business number, province of incorporation) |
Table of Contents
Establish the type of registration
While in most countries the registration of a legal entity is done at a national level, as there aren’t any specific regional rules, in Canada there are different formalities as this jurisdiction is a federal state comprised of more provinces which have their own laws and tax policies (but which must abide by the Canadian federal policies).
Thus, it must be noted that the process of company registration in Canada can take place at the following levels:
- federal;
- provincial;
- territorial.
The decision to incorporate a business at one of these levels is influenced by the size of the business and its potential expansion and financial growth and the business plans investors have (regional or national activity).
For instance, Canadian companies registered at a territorial or provincial level can only operate in the respective locations (for example, investors who will complete the process of company registration in Canada in the province of Ontario will carry their business operations only in Ontario).
Institution responsible for the registration of a legal entity
In Canada, legal entities must be registered with the Companies Registry, which holds a different name from one province to another. For instance, those who will register a business in Canada at a federal level must complete the procedure through the Corporations Canada, while in other provinces, the registration falls under the supervision of local registries.
For instance, in British Columbia, the registration is handled by the British Columbia Registries and Online Services and in Ontario, by the Ontario Business Registry. Our teamcan provide information on the registration formalities imposed by any Registry in Canada, depending on the preferred modality of incorporation.
What are the roles of the Canadian Registries?
While these institutions may have slightly different registration procedures, they all have similar roles. Some of them are:
- company name search tool;
- dedicated services for company registration in Canada (all types of legal entities must be formally registered);
- registration of company transfers from one province to another;
- extra-provincial registration services (companies in Canada registered in a province may expand their operations to a different province, case in which they need to register in the new province);
- company renewals and changes (on ownership, business activity, address, articles of incorporation, etc.);
- submission of financial reports;
- liquidation of companies, etc.
Ways to initiate the registration
Businessmen can register a company in Canadaby submitting the required documents online (investors need to submit the company’s statutory documents, papers on the identity of the founders, proof on having secured a suitable trade name, proof of having a registered address, etc.).
It is recommended to complete the online procedure as it represents a more convenient way to register a business, but in-person registration is also regulated by law. Company registration in Canada is also possible by mail. Below, we invite you to watch our video presenting the main roles of the Canadian Trade Register:
Registration fees
Business registration in Canada is bound by the payment of processing fees, as follows:
- in Ontario, fees vary from $60 to $300, depending on the selected legal entity;
- for federal level registration, the fee is $200;
- in Quebec, the fees range from $40 to $93.
All companies must also register for tax purposes (withRevenue Canada) and abide by other registration obligations (for employment, business permits, etc.). The process of company registration in Canada entails various requirements depending on the type of registration, the procedures of the selected jurisdiction and also, based on the field of activity.
Therefore, if you want to register a company in Canada, we highly recommend you toget in touch with our team for personalized corporate services.