Canada Company Registration | Set Up a Company in Canada
Planning a Canada company registration or looking to set up a company in Canada? Foreign founders most often set up a corporation, either federally with Corporations Canada under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) or with a provincial registry such as Ontario or British Columbia. Foreigners can own 100% of the shares, but at least 25% of the directors of a federal corporation must be resident Canadians (at least 1 if there are fewer than 4 directors). Ontario and British Columbia no longer have a resident director requirement.
Federal online incorporation costs CAD 200 in government fees and the annual return costs CAD 12. The federal net corporate tax rate is 15%, and the small business rate for Canadian-controlled private corporations is 9%, plus provincial corporate tax. Sales tax is GST at 5% or HST, depending on the province. Canada is an important base for entering the North American market. NSS Group (戰國策集團) offers one-stop Canada company formation, from the federal or provincial structure assessment, name check, articles and director arrangements to the CRA business number, GST/HST registration and bank account opening, so you can get established in Canada.
Canada is closely linked with the US market. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal offer finance, retail, technology and service sector resources.
Automotive, aerospace, electronics and food processing industries are well established, and ports, rail and road links connect to North American supply chains.
Our team supports you at every step so your company registration is completed smoothly.
Online incorporation with Corporations Canada costs CAD 200 in government fees and takes about 1 business day once your documents are complete.
Canada has long been a key base for foreign investors expanding into North America. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal offer business, finance, retail and service sector resources, while Ontario and Quebec are home to automotive, electric vehicle, electronics, aerospace, smart manufacturing and logistics industries. If you need to be close to North American markets, supply chains and ports, Canada is usually on the shortlist.
Canada generally allows 100% foreign ownership, but regulated industries such as finance, telecommunications and transportation have special rules on Canadian ownership or resident directors. Non-Canadians who establish a new business must also file a notification under the Investment Canada Act. Deciding on federal or provincial incorporation, director arrangements, operating provinces and tax planning before you incorporate is more efficient than fixing things afterward.
The most common company type for foreign businesses entering Canada is the Canadian corporation, registered federally with Corporations Canada or with a provincial registry. You need at least 1 director and 1 shareholder, and there is no statutory minimum share capital. Before you incorporate, confirm federal or provincial incorporation, the company name, registered address, director and shareholder structure, share classes and business scope.
Registering a company in Canada is more than filing documents. You also need to consider whether the company can open a bank account, get a CRA business number, register for GST/HST, hire staff, sign contracts, collect payments and meet annual filing requirements once it is formed. NSS Group helps you plan the full setup, from your purpose and industry restrictions to document preparation, banking and tax, and ongoing maintenance.
First confirm what the Canadian company is for, where your customers are and which province you will mainly operate in, whether you will hire local staff, whether a parent company will invest, and whether any director is a resident Canadian. A federal corporation’s name is protected nationwide, but it must have resident directors. If none of the directors live in Canada, consider an Ontario or British Columbia corporation. Your choice affects the registry, government fees, extra-provincial registration and bank account preparation.
When you incorporate a federal corporation online with a word name, the name check is included in the Corporations Canada process and you do not need to buy a separate NUANS report. You can also use a numbered name. British Columbia requires a name request first (CAD 30 fee), and you must incorporate within 56 days of approval. In Ontario, name searches follow Ontario Business Registry rules. If you will use the brand in Canada long term, also review trademarks, domains, social media accounts and licensing.
Depending on the structure, prepare the Articles of Incorporation, registered office address, first directors, share classes and restrictions, shareholder register and authorization documents. A federal corporation must also keep a register of individuals with significant control (ISC), recording individuals who hold 25% or more of the shares or have significant control. If a shareholder is a foreign company, you usually also need its certificate of incorporation, a board resolution or a power of attorney.
Canadian corporations have no statutory minimum share capital. Share classes, voting rights and the number of shares issued are set in the articles and can be planned around banking and business needs. Under section 105(3) of the CBCA, at least 25% of the directors of a federal corporation must be resident Canadians, or at least 1 if there are fewer than 4 directors; regulated industries require a majority. Ontario abolished its resident director requirement on July 5, 2021, and British Columbia has no such requirement. For other provinces, check that province’s corporate law.
Once documents are ready, a federal corporation is incorporated online through Corporations Canada for a government fee of CAD 200 in about 1 business day, with an extra CAD 100 for expedited service. A provincial corporation applies to the provincial registry, for example CAD 300 in Ontario and CAD 350 in British Columbia. After registration you receive a certificate of incorporation. If you operate in other provinces, you must also complete extra-provincial registration. You can then handle the CRA business number, GST/HST, payroll account and bank account opening.
After incorporation, get a business number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You must register for GST/HST if taxable sales exceed CAD 30,000 over four consecutive quarters, and open a payroll account if you hire employees. The T2 corporation income tax return is due within 6 months of the fiscal year end. A federal corporation must also file an annual return (CAD 12) and its individuals with significant control information within 60 days after its anniversary date. Non-Canadians who establish a new business must file a notification under the Investment Canada Act. If you need to send staff to Canada, also plan work permits and visas.
Canada business environment overview
Canada sits at the center of the North American market, with strengths as a manufacturing base, logistics hub, tourism and services market, and domestic consumer market. Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal suit regional operations, retail brands, e-commerce and service offices, while Ontario and Quebec focus on auto parts, electric vehicles, electronics, smart manufacturing, aerospace and other high-value industries. When you set up in Canada, registration is only one part. You also need to assess federal or provincial incorporation, resident directors, extra-provincial registration, tax registration, bank KYC, hiring and visas so the company can actually operate once it is formed.
Why use NSS Group to register a company in Canada
We do more than complete the registration. We bring Canada company formation, documents, government communication, banking, tax and ongoing operations together in a plan you can carry out.
We coordinate with Corporations Canada, provincial registries, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), local business resources and professional partners as your case requires, so document preparation and reviews go more efficiently.
We provide continuous support across the company name, registration documents, tax registration, accounting, bank account opening, office, work permits and hiring plans.
For tourism, food and retail, manufacturing supply chains, technology services, cross-border e-commerce and similar industries, we help you choose the right company structure and setup order.
Based on your operating province, where your directors live and your name protection needs, we compare federal corporations with Ontario and British Columbia corporations and plan extra-provincial registration.
We summarize your requirements and key decisions in Chinese and coordinate in English and French, reducing information gaps when you deal with local agencies.
service
- Company name search and reservation
- Preparation and filing of registration documents
- Drafting of governing documents
- Collection of the registration certificate
- Canadian bank account opening advice
- Account opening document preparation
- Appointment booking and accompaniment
- Post-opening support
- Registered address
- Company secretary appointment
- Annual filing services
- Document custody and management
- Bookkeeping
- Tax filing and planning
- Financial statement preparation
- Audit arrangement
- Trademark search and assessment
- Trademark application filing
- Trademark maintenance and renewal
- Infringement protection advice
- Company change filings
- Share transfer support
- Company deregistration
- Legal advisory support
To help you sell, we offer a Stripe application consulting service for businesses selling internationally, so your customers can pay you easily and you can win more sales.
Good customer service is key to a successful business. We include a free AI customer service system that answers customer questions in real time and improves customer satisfaction.
A professional, attractive website is your company’s storefront online. We offer full web design services so your site looks good and works well.
Online marketing is a key part of business success today. We offer professional online marketing services, including SEO, social media marketing and content marketing.
When you use NSS Group company registration, you receive an exclusive free one-stop enterprise AI management system, valued at NT$360,000
One AI system to run your company operations: 12 major systems, 75+ functional modules and 15 AI tools that cover the full business workflow, so a newly formed company can get up and running quickly.
- Company name search and registration
- Preparation and filing of registration documents
- Drafting of governing documents
- Registration certificate and company documents
- Registered address service for the first year
Canada company formation costs vary with federal or provincial incorporation, the shareholder and director structure, resident director arrangements, extra-provincial registration, industry licenses, registered address, document translation, bank account opening, GST/HST, accounting and tax, and annual maintenance. NSS Group confirms your needs first, then provides an itemized quote and an estimate of ongoing maintenance.
Government fees are extra: federal online incorporation CAD 200 and the annual return CAD 12; Ontario incorporation CAD 300; British Columbia name request CAD 30 plus incorporation CAD 350. See the fee breakdown below.
How much does Canada company registration cost? Government fee breakdown
You can incorporate in Canada federally (Corporations Canada, under the CBCA) or provincially (for example Ontario or British Columbia). The government fees below help you check quotes line by line. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Item | Government fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal online incorporation (Corporations Canada) | CAD 200 | About 1 business day online; with a word name, the name check is included in the online process and no separate NUANS report is needed |
| Federal expedited service | Extra CAD 100 | About 4 business hours online |
| Federal annual return | CAD 12 | Filed online within 60 days after the anniversary date each year, together with individuals with significant control (ISC) information |
| Ontario incorporation | CAD 300 | Filed through the Ontario Business Registry |
| British Columbia (BC) incorporation | Name request CAD 30 + incorporation CAD 350 | Incorporation must be completed within 56 days of name approval |
| Share capital | No statutory minimum share capital federally or in Ontario and British Columbia; share classes and the number of shares issued are set in the articles | |
| Extra-provincial registration, registered address, accounting, tax and agent services | Quoted per case; NSS Group provides a free assessment followed by a written quote | |
Fees are based on Corporations Canada, Government of Ontario and Government of British Columbia publications, checked in October 2026. The latest official notices prevail.
Canada company tax essentials: corporate tax and GST/HST
A Canadian company gets a Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), files federal and provincial corporate tax, and must register for GST/HST once sales reach the threshold.
| Item | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal corporate tax | Net rate 15% | The basic rate is 38%, 28% after the federal tax abatement, and 15% after the general rate reduction. |
| Federal small business rate | 9% | Applies only to eligible active business income of Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs), with a business limit of CAD 500,000. A corporation controlled by non-residents is usually not a CCPC. |
| Provincial corporate tax | Varies by province | For example, Ontario's general rate is 11.5% and its small business rate is 2.2% (from July 1, 2026); British Columbia's general rate is 12% and its small business rate is 2%. Quebec and Alberta collect their own corporate tax. |
| GST/HST | GST 5%; HST varies by province | HST is 13% in Ontario, 14% in Nova Scotia, and 15% in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. British Columbia has GST 5% plus provincial sales tax (PST) of 7%, and Quebec adds QST of 9.975%. |
| GST/HST registration threshold | Taxable sales over CAD 30,000 in four consecutive quarters | Below the threshold you are a small supplier and may register voluntarily. This also applies to non-residents carrying on business in Canada. |
| Dividend withholding | 25% | Dividends paid to non-residents are subject to Part XIII withholding; a lower rate may apply under a tax treaty. |
| Annual filing | Within 6 months of the fiscal year end | File the T2 corporation income tax return; a federal corporation must also file its annual return and ISC information. |
Tax rates are based on Canada Revenue Agency publications. Have a Canadian accountant assess how they apply to your actual structure.
Federal or provincial corporation? Comparing ways to register a corporation in Canada
When setting up a company in Canada, foreign founders usually compare federal, Ontario and British Columbia corporations. The main differences are the scope of name protection and the resident director rules.
| Comparison | Federal corporation (CBCA) | Ontario corporation (OBCA) | British Columbia corporation (BCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registry | Corporations Canada | Ontario Business Registry | BC Registries (Corporate Online) |
| Incorporation fee | CAD 200 online | CAD 300 | CAD 350 + name request CAD 30 |
| Resident directors | At least 25% of directors must be resident Canadians; at least 1 if there are fewer than 4 directors | Resident director requirement abolished from July 5, 2021 | No resident director requirement |
| Name protection | All of Canada | Ontario | British Columbia |
| Operating in other provinces | Extra-provincial registration still required to operate in other provinces | Extra-provincial registration required to operate in other provinces | Extra-provincial registration required to operate in other provinces |
| Best for | Operating across provinces, nationwide name protection, and a resident Canadian director available | Focus on Toronto and the Ontario market, with all directors living outside Canada | Focus on Vancouver and the British Columbia market, with all directors living outside Canada |
Director residency rules differ in other provinces, so check the province's corporate law before you incorporate. Under section 105(3.1) of the CBCA, regulated industries require a majority of resident Canadian directors.
What foreign founders should know about setting up a company in Canada
- Resident directors: If a federal corporation has fewer than 4 directors, at least 1 must be a resident Canadian. If none of your directors live in Canada, consider an Ontario or British Columbia corporation.
- Investment Canada Act notification: Unless an exemption applies, non-Canadians who establish a new business in Canada must file a notification under the Investment Canada Act no later than 30 days after starting operations.
- Individuals with significant control: A federal corporation must keep an ISC register. Anyone holding 25% or more of the shares or with significant control must be recorded and reported to Corporations Canada with the annual return.
- Small business rate eligibility: A Canadian company controlled by non-resident shareholders is usually not a CCPC, so the general corporate rate applies in most cases. Factor this into your budget and financial planning.
- Bank accounts: Canadian banks usually require directors and individuals with significant control to complete identity verification, and some require an in-person visit. Plan for this before you incorporate.
- Home-country tax and outbound investment: Check whether your home country requires approval or reporting for outbound investment and whether controlled foreign company (CFC) rules apply. Keep contracts and records for all fund transfers.
Further reading
Sources: Corporations Canada: fees and processing times; Corporations Canada: individuals with significant control; CBCA section 105 (director qualifications and resident directors); Ontario Business Corporations Act, section 118; Ontario: registration fees and timing; BC Corporate Online: director residency rules; Government of British Columbia: incorporated companies; Investment Canada Act: FAQ (notification for a new business); CRA: corporation tax rates; CRA: GST/HST rates; CRA: when to register for GST/HST; CRA: non-resident tax withholding. The latest official notices prevail. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
How long does it take to set up a company in Canada?
A federal corporation incorporated online through Corporations Canada usually receives its certificate of incorporation in about 1 business day once documents are complete, or in about 4 business hours with expedited service. Provincial timing depends on each provincial registry. The overall timeline also depends on director arrangements, document signing, extra-provincial registration, CRA tax registration, bank account opening, work permits and regulated industries. NSS Group confirms the steps and document checklist with you before we start.
What documents do I need to set up a company in Canada?
To set up a company in Canada, you usually prepare the company name, registered office address, director and shareholder details, share classes and percentages, business activities, parent company documents, signing authorizations and any required translations. A federal corporation must also confirm its resident director and its individuals with significant control. For regulated industries, work permits or specific licenses, you also need a business plan, investment size, hiring plan and financial information.
- 1. Identity documents for shareholders, directors and ultimate beneficial owners
- 2. Proof of address from the last three months and contact details
- 3. Canadian company name, company type and registered address
- 4. A description of the business model, main trading regions and source of funds
- 5. Shareholding percentages, director appointments, KYC and required authorization documents
Do I need to be in Canada in person to set up a company?
A Canadian company can be set up through online filing, remote document preparation and authorized signing, so you do not always need to be there in person. However, a federal corporation needs a resident Canadian director, and bank account opening, identity verification, work permits or specific licenses may require directors, shareholders or authorized signatories to attend in person, join a video call or provide extra documents. NSS Group confirms which steps can be done remotely and which need you on site before we start.
What tax and filing obligations does a Canadian company have?
- 1. Federal corporate tax (net rate 15%), provincial corporate tax, GST/HST and non-resident dividend withholding
- 2. Annual filings, company registration upkeep, registered agent or secretarial services
- 3. Bookkeeping records, T2 corporation income tax returns and individuals with significant control records
In Canada, the usual ongoing items are T2 corporation income tax, GST/HST returns, payroll withholding, monthly or annual bookkeeping, the federal annual return and shareholder and director records. We can plan your bookkeeping, filings and annual maintenance schedule around your business model.
Which businesses and structures suit a Canadian company?
Who can help me register a company in Canada?
NSS Group (go.ai.com.tw) can help. We provide one-stop support in Canada from pre-incorporation assessment to post-incorporation maintenance, reducing uncertainty in cross-border setup and compliance.
Our main services include:
- 1. Canadian company type and structure assessment
- 2. Company name search, document preparation and registration filing
- 3. Bank account opening, KYC and cross-border payment documents
- 4. Bookkeeping, tax filing and annual compliance
- 5. Changes to shareholders, directors, address, shares and company details
- 6. Trademark registration, contract review and intellectual property planning
- 7. Website build, digital marketing and AI customer service setup
- 8. Ongoing business advisory and cross-border business support
We arrange Canada company formation, maintenance and ongoing operational support around your industry, customer locations, banking needs and tax planning, so you can focus on growing your market.