Start a Business in Canada

Decide on federal vs provincial incorporation

Evaluate whether federal incorporation (national name protection, operate in all provinces) or provincial is better for your business model

Run NUANS name search and reserve name

Order a NUANS report to verify your desired company name is available and not confusingly similar

File articles of incorporation

Submit incorporation documents online to Corporations Canada or provincial registry with directors and share structure

Register for Business Number with CRA

Apply to Canada Revenue Agency for your BN and register for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and corporate income tax

Open a Canadian business bank account

Visit a chartered bank branch with incorporation certificate, articles, and director identification to open business accounts

Register for provincial sales tax if applicable

Register for PST in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, or QST in Quebec if operating there

Set up payroll and remittance accounts

Configure payroll system for CPP, EI, and income tax deductions with proper CRA remittance schedules

Obtain municipal business license

Apply for a business license from the municipality where your business will physically operate

Register for workers compensation insurance

Enroll with the provincial workers compensation board (WSIB, WorkSafeBC, etc.) before hiring employees

Apply for Start-up Visa if eligible

Contact designated organizations (VCs, angel groups, incubators) for a letter of support for the Start-up Visa program

Apply for work permits for foreign employees

File LMIA applications or use exemptions (intra-company transfer, CUSMA) for foreign worker permits