Entity Registration

Simplify Your Business Entry into Canada

Establishing your business in Canada starts with the right legal structure. We handle the complexities of entity registration, ensuring a seamless and compliant process. Focus on your core business while we take care of your company's incorporation.

Entity Registration

Register Right.

Choosing the right business structure and navigating the registration process can be complex. We streamline every step of the way, providing expertise to make sure that you set up your business in Canada effectively and according to regulations. We also offer support and assistance with all the required steps, making the entire process fast and simple.

Expertise

Choosing Your Business Structure
The Registration Process in Detail
Required Documentation & Filings
Ongoing Compliance and Maintenance
Getting Your Business Number

Why Choose Us for Your Entity Registration?

Understanding Your Options
Navigating the Registration Process
Federal vs. Provincial Incorporation
Essential Business Numbers
Ongoing Support and Compliance
Entity Selection

Choosing the Right Structure

Selecting the right entity type (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) is crucial. It affects liability, taxation, and compliance. We help you choose wisely.

Expert Guidance

Tailored to Your Goals

Each entity structure has different benefits. We analyze your goals and recommend the structure that aligns best with your long-term objectives.

Name Search

Securing Your Business Name

A unique name is key. We conduct thorough name searches to ensure compliance with provincial and federal regulations and help you reserve your name efficiently.

Filing Documents

Smooth Registration

Filing the correct documents with the proper authorities (federal or provincial) can be complex. We handle all paperwork, ensuring accuracy and timeliness to set up your business.

Federal Incorporation

Nationwide Reach

Federal incorporation allows you to operate in all provinces, with a more complex process but offers a broader range of business opportunities.

Provincial Incorporation

Targeted Operations

Provincial incorporation is simpler but limits operations to a specific province. We advise on the best fit, considering your target market.

Business Number

Secure Your BN

Obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the CRA is required. We ensure your application is complete and filed correctly for full compliance and to be ready for tax filing and payroll.

Tax Compliance

Full Tax Compliance

With all the required numbers and compliance in place you can start your business right away and we ensure you're set up for a smooth start in Canada.

Post-Registration

Ongoing Guidance

We don’t just register your business – we provide ongoing advice on compliance, annual filings, and financial reporting to ensure long-term success.

Your Partner

Reliable Partner

We act as your reliable partner in Canada, providing support and guidance every step of the way. We help you grow by taking care of your back-office tasks.

Why Partner With Us?

Navigating the intricacies of entity registration in Canada requires expertise and precision. We offer a streamlined, hassle-free process, guiding you through each step and ensuring full compliance. Benefit from our in-depth knowledge, efficient execution, and ongoing support, allowing you to focus on building your business, not struggling with paperwork.

We Assist

  • Strategic Entity Selection & Implications

    We don't just register your entity; we strategically select the most advantageous structure based on your unique needs. For example, choosing a federal corporation allows for operation across all Canadian provinces with a unique, protected name, while a provincial corporation may offer lower initial fees but with restricted operations. We assess factors like liability protection, tax advantages, and future growth plans, advising you on the best structure. Did you know that a federal corporation can claim the small business deduction under the Canadian Income Tax Act, while a provincial corporation must satisfy several additional requirements to qualify? This could impact your federal taxes.

  • Name Reservation & Nuances of NUANS

    Securing a unique business name is critical. We go beyond basic searches, conducting a comprehensive NUANS (Newly Updated Automated Name Search) report, and reserving your name with the appropriate authorities. This ensures no conflict with existing registered businesses and avoids legal issues. The NUANS report can reveal names that are confusingly similar. It also lists existing trademarks. This thorough approach can help you avoid legal challenges down the road. The average NUANS search takes about 24-48hrs to complete.

  • Streamlined Federal and Provincial Filings

    Whether you choose federal or provincial registration, we handle all required filings with precision, including completing the proper documentation like the articles of incorporation, as well as filings for permits and licenses to ensure proper business operation. We navigate the specific provincial requirements, such as the Ontario Business Registry for those registering in Ontario, and ensure a smooth process with no compliance issues. For example, if you chose provincial registration in Ontario, all legal documentation will need to be completed in accordance to the Ontario Business Corporation Act, as well as the Ontario Business Names Act.

We Ensure Precise Registration.

  • The Significance of "Doing Business As" (DBA) Names

    While you register your legal business name, you can also use a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name for branding purposes. For example, "123456 Canada Ltd." may operate as "Maple Leaf Marketing." A DBA name must be registered provincially, with specific requirements varying by province. A business name is legally distinct from a DBA and is required to be legally compliant, while a DBA does not necessarily need to be. Your registered name is required on all legal documentation. In Ontario, if you are using a different name than your registered one, this is known as a business name, or "operating name".

  • Understanding Extra-Provincial Registration

    If you are incorporated in one province and plan to do business in another, you must register extra-provincially in the additional provinces. This involves a separate registration process and compliance requirements, and can impact taxes and other legal obligations. If you do not register extra-provincially, you may be unable to legally operate in that province. Each province has its own rules and regulations, and must be adhered to separately.

  • The Role of a Registered Office

    Your registered office must be a physical location within the province or territory where you incorporate or register. This is not just a mailing address but a place where legal notices can be served. PO Boxes, virtual offices (unless they are a physical location), and registered agents are typically not valid options as registered office. The specific requirements for the business address and the registered agent vary from province to province. The registered office must also be open for business on typical business days.

  • Implications of Corporate Bylaws

    Corporate bylaws define how a corporation is governed, including director and shareholder responsibilities, meeting procedures, and voting rights. These bylaws must adhere to the laws of Canada and its provinces. While they are not registered with the government, they are a key legal document that all directors must adhere to, and can be referred to when facing internal conflict. There is no "one size fits all" by-law, and these must be custom tailored to your business.

  • The Importance of a Business Number

    The Business Number (BN) is a unique, nine-digit identifier issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s used for various tax, payroll, and other governmental operations and to ensure compliance. For example, any business that collects sales tax (GST/HST) must apply for a BN. You can also use the BN to operate federally. You must also register for a BN for GST/HST and for payroll if required. While both can be part of your overall BN, they are separate sub accounts, and must be applied for separately.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What types of business entities can I register in Canada?

    Common entity types in Canada include sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Each has different implications for liability and taxation. A sole proprietorship is simple to set up but offers no liability protection. Partnerships share liability, while corporations offer liability protection for their owners. Federal corporations can conduct business throughout Canada with additional filings for each province you intend to conduct business in, while provincial corporations are limited to one province of operation. The choice is dependent on your business's specific goals and risk tolerance.

  • What's involved in the name search and reservation process?

    A thorough name search using the NUANS (Newly Updated Automated Name Search) database is essential to ensure your proposed business name is unique and does not conflict with existing trademarks or registered businesses. We conduct a comprehensive search, prepare a report, and then reserve your name with the relevant federal or provincial authority, following all the rules set out by each jurisdiction. Failing to do so can result in legal challenges or being forced to change your name later.

  • What is the difference between federal and provincial incorporation?

    Federal incorporation allows your business to operate in all Canadian provinces and territories with a name protected across the nation. It is generally more complex and costly than provincial incorporation. Provincial incorporation limits operations to the specific province where your business is registered, offering a simpler process but less broad scope of operation. The right choice depends on your operational requirements and your future expansion plans.

  • What documents are required for entity registration?

    The documentation varies by entity type and whether you're registering federally or provincially. Generally, you'll need Articles of Incorporation or a registration form for the business name, information about your business, and information about your business's directors, such as their name and address. If you have a business name that is different from the name of your legal entity, you will also need to register your business name. In the case of corporations, a NUANS search report will also be required to reserve your name. We prepare and file all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.

  • What is a Business Number (BN) and why do I need one?

    A Business Number (BN) is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You need it to interact with various levels of government in Canada, including to pay taxes, pay payroll remittances, and for any other interaction you will have with the government of Canada. Every business must obtain a BN to operate legally. We ensure your registration is complete, including the application for your Business Number.