Learning Center

There are many reasons for incorporating a small business in Canada. Corporations provide a number of protections and advantages that shouldn't be overlooked. The most important of these is limited liability.

Whether you are incorporating federally or provincially in Canada, the articles of incorporation are a legal requirement. These documents are designed to provide the legal structure of your corporation.

If you are incorporated in a jurisdiction other than Quebec or Ontario, and are commencing business in those provinces, you are required to register your corporation within the first 60 days.

In order to use a sole-proprietorship in Ontario or Québec it must first be registered.
Upon registration in Quebec you will obtain your Numéro d'entreprise de Québec (NEQ). Upon registration in Ontario you will receive your Master Business License from the Ontario Ministry.

At IncorpDirect, Inc., we understand that the process of business incorporation can often seem confusing or complicated. To that end, we designed our incorporation services to provide the support and information entrepreneurs need.

Every province in Canada requires a NUANS® name search for incorporation, except for Quebec. Quebec has its own database, which companies are required to use.

Canadian businesses have the option to either incorporate federally or provincially. If you plan on doing business in multiple provinces, going the federal route may be more advantageous.

An aged company or shelf company is a corporation that has been formed but has never been used, hence it is sitting on the shelf.

Guidelines

Below are guidelines that will help you with your decision to incorporate your business in Canada or in the province of Ontario or Quebec.

In order to have a General Partnership in Ontario and Quebec you must first register it. A partnership is a relationship between two or more persons carrying on a business with a view to making a profit.

Frequently Asked Questions