The right structure from day one
We match your goals to the correct registration type and jurisdiction.
- Canadian business. Confident beginnings.
BUSINESS REGISTRATION IN CANADA
Incorporate, register a business name or set up a non-profit, federally or in any province. Choose your registration and file online with expert support.
SIX WAYS TO REGISTER A BUSINESS
Pick the service that matches your business. Each one explains who it suits, where you can file and what the application requires.
Incorporate, register a trade name or form a non-profit.
For owners seeking liability protection
Limit personal liability and unlock tax planning.
Incorporate federally or in your province as a named or numbered company. We prepare your articles, NUANS name search, directors, shareholders and registered office details.
For sole proprietors & partnerships
Operate legally under a name other than your own.
Register a trade name for a sole proprietorship or partnership, or an operating name for an existing corporation. Required before you trade under that name or open a business bank account.
For charities, clubs & associations
Protect members and run a mission-driven organization.
Incorporate a not-for-profit federally under the CNCA or under provincial law. We help with your name, purposes, by-laws and directors, the foundation for later charity registration.
Regulated professions, realtors and cross-province expansion.
For regulated professionals
Incorporate your licensed professional practice.
For doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants and other regulated professionals. We handle the incorporation while you obtain approval from your governing body or college.
For licensed real estate agents
Earn commissions through your own corporation.
A Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) lets registered realtors receive commissions through a corporation, where provincial rules and your brokerage allow it.
For companies expanding across Canada
Carry on business legally in another province.
Already incorporated? Register your corporation in each additional province or territory where you operate, hire staff or hold an office, and appoint a local agent if required.
Not sure which registration fits your business? Tell us your plans and we will recommend the right structure and jurisdiction.
Get a recommendation ↗HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN CANADA
To start a business in Canada, you first choose a legal structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or non-profit. That choice determines what you register, where you file and which name search you need.
Most owners either register a business name or incorporate. You can file federally to operate across Canada or provincially to operate in one province, then extend to other provinces with an extra-provincial registration.
WHY REGISTER WITH NUANS PRE-SEARCH
Government registries reject filings for name conflicts, missing details and wrong jurisdictions. NP checks your name, prepares your documents and files them correctly, so your business is registered without costly delays.
Questions? Call a registration expertWe match your goals to the correct registration type and jurisdiction.
NUANS reports, articles and forms are completed and reviewed before filing.
Speak with our team by phone or email at every step of your application.
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS
Our online process takes the guesswork out of registering a business in Canada, from choosing a service to receiving your official documents.
Select the service and jurisdiction that fit your business: federal, provincial or both.
View all services ↗Enter your business name, address, owners and directors. We review everything and file it with the government registry.
Includes a NUANS name search where requiredGet your certificate, articles or master business licence by email once the registry approves your filing.
Ready to open a bank account and operate
WHAT YOU NEED TO REGISTER A BUSINESS
Gather these details before you apply. Having them ready helps your registration go through the first time.
Business name
Your proposed name and alternatives, or choose a numbered company.
Structure & jurisdiction
Corporation, business name or non-profit; federal or provincial.
Addresses
A registered office address and mailing address in Canada.
People involved
Names and addresses of owners, directors, shareholders or partners.
CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE
See what customers across Canada say about working with us, then talk to our team about your plans.
Read what business owners, founders and organizations say about working with NP, then speak with our team about the right service for you.
BUSINESS REGISTRATION GUIDE
Short answers to the choices every new business owner in Canada has to make before filing.
A business name registration lets a sole proprietor or partnership operate under a trade name, but the owner stays personally liable. Incorporation creates a separate legal entity that owns its assets, signs contracts and files its own taxes.
Choose a name registration for simple, low-cost setups. Choose incorporation for liability protection, tax planning or outside investors.
Compare business structures ↗Federal incorporation under the CBCA gives your corporate name protection across Canada. Provincial incorporation is often simpler and cheaper if you only operate in one province.
Either way, you must register extra-provincially in each additional province where you carry on business.
Understand extra-provincial registration ↗A named corporation uses a distinctive name that requires a NUANS report to confirm it is available. A numbered corporation uses an assigned number, such as 1234567 Canada Inc., and needs no name search.
Numbered companies are faster to set up and can register an operating name or change their name later.
Explore name-search options ↗Regulated professionals may need a professional corporation, realtors a PREC and mission-driven groups a non-profit corporation. Each has extra rules on ownership, names or purposes.
Check your regulator or brokerage requirements first, then we prepare the filing to match.
Plan for ongoing corporate filings ↗FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear answers to the most common questions about registering and incorporating a business in Canada.
Our registration specialists can help you choose the right service and jurisdiction.
Contact our team ↗No. You can start as a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you operate under any name other than your own legal name, you must register that business name in your province. Incorporation is optional but adds liability protection and tax advantages.
Registering a business name only records the name you trade under; you remain personally responsible for debts. Incorporating creates a separate legal entity that is responsible for its own obligations and taxes.
Choose federal incorporation if you want nationwide name protection or plan to operate in several provinces. Choose provincial incorporation if you will mainly do business in one province and want lower costs.
Yes. A numbered corporation can register an operating name at any time, or amend its articles to adopt a legal name after obtaining a NUANS report.
No. Incorporating creates the non-profit legal entity. Charitable status is a separate application to the Canada Revenue Agency, and only organizations with exclusively charitable purposes qualify.
Usually not. Regulated professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants must use a professional corporation approved by their governing body. Licensed realtors earn commissions through a Personal Real Estate Corporation where their province permits it.
Costs depend on the registration type and jurisdiction, and include government filing fees plus our service fee. Many online filings are approved within a few business days once all details are complete. Current pricing is shown on each service page.
Have your proposed business name, chosen structure and jurisdiction, registered office address, and the names and addresses of all owners, directors or partners.