Company Registration in Canada

• Sole Proprietorship – owned and managed by one person, who bears full responsibility. It is the simplest and least expensive option, but the owner is personally liable for all debts. Non-residents can operate through a local representative.

• Partnership – run by two or more co-founders. In a general partnership, all partners share full liability; in a limited partnership, only some do. This model offers flexibility and shared funding but comes with the risk of disagreements. Non-residents may register a partnership, though a Canadian partner is usually required.

• Corporation – a separate legal entity where shareholders have limited liability. It protects personal assets, attracts investment, but requires strict reporting. Available to non-residents, though in some provinces at least one director must be a Canadian resident.

• Cooperative – managed collectively, with all members equal. Benefits include transparency and community support, but decision-making can be slow and organizing complex. Typically available only to Canadian residents.

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – common in professional fields such as law or accounting. It protects partners from each other’s liabilities, offers management flexibility, and reduces personal risk. Not suited for all industries. Non-residents may register, but a Canadian partner and license may be required.

• Federal registration – the name must be unique across Canada, allowing you to operate in any province without additional registration.

• Provincial registration – the name must be unique within a single province, which makes the process simpler for regional businesses.

• Articles of Incorporation

The primary founding document that specifies the official company name (federal or provincial), business activities, share classes, registered office, and board of directors.

• Incorporation Agreement

An agreement between the founders that regulates rights and obligations, share distribution, decision-making rules, exit terms, and share transfers.

• Initial Resolution of Directors

The first board resolution after incorporation. It covers the appointment of officers, opening of a corporate bank account, adoption of internal policies, share allocation, and confirmation of the company’s address.

• By-Laws

The internal rules of the company, outlining governance processes: meetings, shareholder and director authority, share issuance and transfers, and financial management.

• Shareholders and Directors Register

An official record of initial shareholders and directors, including ownership stakes, share transfers, and changes to the board.

• Share Certificate Template

A document certifying share ownership, showing the company name, certificate number, shareholder details, type and number of shares, issue date, and authorized signatures.

• Shareholders Agreement

A legal agreement that regulates profit distribution, voting procedures, share transfers, minority rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

• Employees (Payroll): official staff with fixed salary, taxes withheld (income tax, CPP, EI), and mandatory benefits (vacation, sick leave, insurance).

• Contractors (Self-Employed): independent workers under contract, responsible for their own taxes and contributions, without corporate benefits.

• Employment Agreements – define working conditions, salary, benefits, and employer obligations.

• Contractor Agreements – outline scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, and contractor responsibilities.

• Allows operations across the entire country without additional provincial registrations.
• Requires a unique name registered at the national level.
• Provides access to federal contracts and international trade.
• At least one Canadian resident must sit on the board of directors.

• Valid only within a single province.
• The company name must be unique within that province.
• Some provinces, such as British Columbia and Ontario, do not require a Canadian resident on the board.
• Best suited for businesses focused on local markets, such as retail or services.

• Federal level: mandatory.
• Provinces with requirement: Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Provinces without requirement: British Columbia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.

• Used for tax reporting and compliance.
• Required for accessing government support programs.

• CRA registration – we prepare and submit documents to obtain your BN.
• HST/GST registration – we register your business for sales tax if revenue exceeds CAD 30,000, or on a voluntary basis.
• Tax setup – including payroll tax if you hire employees, and corporate income tax where applicable.

• Issue invoices with HST/GST.
• File tax returns.
• Access government business support programs.

• Partner bank registration – we guide your company through all bank checks and formalities.
• Multi-currency account – support for 20+ currencies to simplify international payments.
• Online banking access – full control of your finances with 24/7 payment management.
• Mobile number registration – assistance with linking your phone for transaction confirmations and added security.

• Financial services and money operations
• Sale of alcohol and tobacco (retail and wholesale)
• Construction and engineering projects
• Education and healthcare services
• Logistics and transportation
• Tourism and hospitality
• Food production and distribution

• Requirements analysis – we review your business to determine whether licensing applies.
• Full support – we prepare the documentation and guide you through the licensing process until completion.

• Annual tax filing – if you manage bookkeeping on your own, we prepare and submit your tax return at year-end, ensuring compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
• Monthly bookkeeping – comprehensive support including transaction processing, cash flow management, regular financial reports, and on-time tax filings.