Federal or provincial?
You can incorporate federally, under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) through Corporations Canada, or in a province or territory, such as Ontario under its Business Corporations Act. A federal company can use its name across Canada, though it still registers in the provinces where it does business. A provincial company is often simpler if you'll operate mainly in one province. We help you choose before anything is filed.
Directors and residency
Federal corporations must have at least 25% resident Canadian directors; if the company has fewer than four directors, at least one must be a resident Canadian. A resident Canadian includes a Canadian citizen ordinarily resident in Canada and a permanent resident. Ontario doesn't require resident Canadian directors, which can matter for founders based outside Canada. Some regulated sectors have stricter rules.
How long it takes
Once we have your details and documents, incorporation usually takes a few hours to 24 hours. Corporations Canada processes online incorporations in about a day, with a 4-hour express option for an extra government fee, and Ontario incorporates immediately online.
What it costs
Our fee is a fixed US$1,500. Government fees are paid separately to the government: currently CA$200 for federal online incorporation (CA$100 more for 4-hour express) or CA$300 for Ontario online incorporation. If you choose a named company rather than a numbered one, a name search report is usually needed too.
After incorporation
- Keep corporate records, including a register of individuals with significant control.
- File an annual return each year (federal online annual return: CA$12).
- Register for tax accounts, and in each province where you carry on business.
- Register with FINTRAC as an MSB or with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA before you start offering those services.
Sources: Corporations Canada, Services, fees and processing times; Directors and officers; Next steps after incorporating; Ontario, Incorporating a business corporation; Ontario fees and timing. Checked 11 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.