The procedure of registering a corporation in Ontario generally follows the same requirements that are applicable at a national level. However, investors have to be aware that certain registration procedures may be specific only to Ontario, as certain regulations can apply solely at a regional level. We invite to address your inquiries to our team of consultants in company incorporation in Canada.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of corporations | – public corporation; – Canadian-controlled private corporation; – other private corporation; – corporation controlled by a public corporation; – other corporation. |
Minimum share capital for corporation | There aren’t any capital requirements. |
Minimum number of shareholders for corporation | Only 1 shareholder is necessary in order to open a corporation in Ontario. |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | It can take up to 15 days for the incorporation (the 15 days timeframe generally applies for files sent by post, while online applications can be processed in a few business days). |
| Corporate tax rate | 11.5% |
| Dividend tax rate | 15%, 38% |
| VAT rate | 13% |
| Number of double taxation treaties (approx.) | 94 |
| Do you supply a registered address? | Yes |
| Local director required to set up a corporation in Ontario | Investors can open a corporation in Ontario without appointing a resident director. |
| Shelf company available | Foreign businessmen have the possibility of acquiring a shelf company. |
| Redomiciliation permitted | The re-domiciliation of a foreign company is possible. |
| Electronic signature | Yes |
| Is accounting/annual return required to set up a corporation in Ontario? | Yes, investors must complete accounting and annual return formalities, as per the legislation applicable in Ontario. |
| Foreign-ownership allowed | Foreign investors can open a corporation in Ontario with 100% foreign ownership. |
Table of Contents
What is the process of registering a corporation in Ontario in 2026?
All of the following are compulsory requirements, but the incorporation procedure is not limited to the aspects presented below, as they represent only a part of the entire process of opening a company in Ontario:
- investors have to select a business name that respects the requirements stipulated by the Business Corporation Act;
- the company name must contain the legal entity of the company, besides its name, and here, investors can select the word Corporation or the abbreviation Corp.;
- the company’s name can be in English, in French, or in a combined version of the two languages;
- the entity will be assigned with a company number, which will be maintained throughout the lifetime of the firm;
- investors must select the type of corporation they will register – a corporation for business purposes, or one for non-profit purposes, according to Service Ontario.
What types of corporations can one register in Ontario?
At the moment, the law in Canada recognizes the following types of corporations:
- theCanadian controlled private corporation;
- the other private corporation;
- the public corporation;
- the corporation controlled by a public corporation;
- other corporation.
Can I change a type of corporation to another type?
The Ontario corporation registration provides the right to change the corporation type under which a business is developed, but please mind that this procedure will have certain tax implications.
Do Ontario corporations need a BIN?
In Ontario, the Business Identification Number (BIN) is comprised of a 9-digits code that is necessary for a variety of actions. The BIN is mandatory for the process of company incorporation in Canada, but it will also be useful when registering with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) or when developing import-export operations.
In the infographic below, you can observe how to register a corporation in Ontario in 2026:
What should the articles of association contain in Ontario?
The articles of association represent the founding document of a corporation in Ontario, regardless of its type. This document sets out the structure of the company, information on the shareholders, the rights and the obligations of the parties, the object of activity and numerous others.
Do investors need to apply for permits and licenses in Ontario?
The owner of a corporation or of any other type of company available here is required to apply for designated business permits and licenses. These documents vary greatly depending on the industry of choice. Our consultants in company incorporation in Canadacan offer assistance on the current licenses available in Ontario.
What are the advantages of a corporation in Ontario?
In the case of a corporation, it is important to know that the legal entity is considered a different structure from the investors. This means that the company and the investors are two separate entities, and that the investors will have limited liability for the debts and other liabilities of the company. Those who open a corporation in Ontario can also enjoy the right to transfer their ownership to another party.
How long does the registration of a corporation in Ontario take in 2026?
The registration process can be completed in a matter of weeks (usually, 2). In the list below, our consultants present the milestones of the registration process and the duration of each step:
- it takes around 1-2 business days to complete the incorporation forms and pay the company formation fees;
- once this step is concluded, the approval of the trade name takes around 1-2 business days;
- then, the application file is submitted with the local registrar, and its processing takes around 5 to 9 business days;
- please mind that the latter step can take only 1-2 business days, in the case in which the investors opt for expresscompany formation in Canada.
We invite you to watch a short video presenting the process on how to register a corporation in Ontario:
What are the fees for the registration of a corporation in 2026?
For our company incorporation serviceswe charge various types of fees. Our basic services start at $1,250, provided that you sign a contract with us that includes the annual maintenance package.
What are the basic company formation services I can obtain?
For the fee mentioned above, clients who will open a corporation in Ontario will benefit from the following:
- consultation services;
- reservation and approval of a trade name;
- the company’s incorporation certificate;
- the articles of incorporation;
- corporate resolutions and registries;
- Business Number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency;
- VAT registration.
What are the requirements for a registered address?
If you open a corporation in Ontario, you also need to secure a registered business address (this is a mandatory requirement which has to be completed during the process ofcompany formation in Canada).
Do you provide registered address services?
Yes. You canrely on our team of consultants, who can help you obtain a registered address. This service costs $450 per year (however, depending on the company incorporation package you select, the registered address can be included in our offer).
Do I need to abide by any minimum capital requirements?
No, when you open a corporation in Ontario you do not have to subscribe a minimum share capital, as there isn’t a minimum mandatory threshold imposed by law.
Do I need to travel to Ontario for the incorporation process in 2026?
No. If you want, you can go there to personally participate in the incorporation process, but you do not have this obligation, as long as you delegate the task tolocal company incorporation specialists (such as our team of consultants).
Can you offer company registration services in other countries?
Yes. If you need assistance for setting up a company in another jurisdiction, for example in Singapore, we recommend our partners, who are experts in company incorporation matters. You can also rely on us for incorporation in the Middle East, in countries such as Bahrain. In all cases, we can put you in touch with our local partners.
For more information and legal representation, please contact our team of consultants in company registration in Canada.