How to Register a Business in Ontario
This guide walks you through incorporating a company in Ontario from start to finish. We cover the choice between federal and provincial incorporation, the actual filing steps, what it costs, and what you need to do once you have your certificate.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice — consult a lawyer or accountant for your specific situation.
Step 1 — Federal or Provincial Incorporation?
The first decision is whether to incorporate federally (under the Canada Business Corporations Act) or provincially (under the Ontario Business Corporations Act). Most small Ontario businesses go provincial, but there are reasons to choose federal.
Federal (CBCA)
- + Nationwide name protection
- + Can operate anywhere in Canada
- + Prestige and portability
- − Must register extra-provincially in Ontario to do business here (~$330 extra)
- − Annual federal return required
- Cost:~$200 online via Corporations Canada
Provincial (OBCA)
Most common for Ontario businesses
- + Simpler — one registration, one jurisdiction
- + Lower ongoing compliance overhead
- + Cheaper if you only operate in Ontario
- − Name protection is Ontario-only
- − Must register in other provinces if you expand
- Cost:~$300 online via ServiceOntario
Step 2 — Choose and Reserve Your Corporate Name
You can incorporate with a numbered company (e.g., 1234567 Ontario Inc.) or a named company (e.g., Acme Holdings Inc.). Numbered companies are faster and cheaper. Named companies require a NUANS search to confirm the name is available.
Numbered company — Skip the name search entirely. Get incorporated in minutes. You can add a trade name (operating as / DBA) later if you want something branded.
Named company — Run a NUANS search at nuans.com (~$13.80). Your report is valid for 90 days. Submit it with your Articles of Incorporation.
Tip: your corporate name must end in a legal element: Limited, Incorporated, Corporation, or their French or abbreviated equivalents (Ltd., Inc., Corp.).
Step 3 — File Articles of Incorporation
Articles of Incorporation is the core legal document that creates your corporation. You need to specify:
- · The corporation's name (or numbered designation)
- · The registered office address (must be in Ontario)
- · The number of directors (minimum and maximum)
- · Share structure — most small companies use a simple structure: unlimited common shares
- · Any restrictions on share transfer (optional for small private companies)
- · Other provisions (optional — most leave this blank to start)
Online (recommended): File at ontario.ca. The fee is around $300. You get your Certificate of Incorporation in 1–3 business days.
By mail or in person: Download Form 1 (Articles of Incorporation) from the Ontario government website, complete it, and mail or deliver it to the ServiceOntario office in Toronto.
Step 4 — After You Get Your Certificate
Your Certificate of Incorporation is issued and you have a corporation number. Here's what you need to do next:
Organize your corporation
Hold an organizational meeting (or sign a written organizational resolution). Appoint the first directors, issue shares, pass the bylaws, and appoint an auditor or waive the audit. Most small corporations use a written resolution in lieu of a meeting.
Get a Business Number (BN) from the CRA
Register with the Canada Revenue Agency to get a Business Number. You can do this online at canada.ca/cra-register. You'll need this for corporate taxes, HST, and payroll (if applicable).
Register for HST if applicable
If your business will earn more than $30,000 in a calendar year from taxable supplies, you must register for HST. If you expect to be under $30,000, registration is optional but often beneficial.
Open a business bank account
You'll need your Certificate of Incorporation, your Articles, and the organizational resolution showing who can sign on the account. See our banking guide for recommended no-fee options.
Set up your minute book
You are legally required under the OBCA to maintain a corporate minute book with your Articles, bylaws, share register, directors register, and resolutions. This is where Corpo comes in.
File your Ontario Annual Return
Each year, within 60 days of your anniversary month, you must file an Ontario Annual Return via the Ontario Business Registry. The fee is $12.00. It's easy to forget, so set a calendar reminder.
Typical Costs Summary
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Ontario provincial incorporation (online) | ~$300 |
| NUANS name search (if using a named company) | ~$14 |
| Federal incorporation (if applicable) | ~$200 |
| Federal extra-provincial registration in Ontario | ~$330 |
| Business Number (CRA) | Free |
| HST registration | Free |
| Ontario Annual Return (yearly) | $12/year |
| Corporate minute book software (Corpo) | $11/month |
Ready for the next steps?
Once you're incorporated, read our guides on setting up a business bank account and getting Stripe ready to accept payments.