How to Incorporate in Alberta: Costs, Steps & Annual Return
Updated: July 2026. Government requirements and fees were checked July 13, 2026.
The Alberta government incorporation fee is $275. An authorized registry provider adds an unregulated service charge, and a named corporation also needs an Alberta NUANS report. A numbered company skips NUANS.
The corporation needs physical Alberta office/records addresses, at least one adult director and an individual agent for service located in Alberta. The registry emails when the federal Business Number is issued.
Alberta or federal?
| Factor | Alberta corporation | Federal corporation based in Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Government articles fee | $275 | $200 online |
| Provider charge | Required; varies | Federal filing may be direct or through provider |
| Director residency | No general minimum | Normally 25%; one if fewer than four directors |
| Alberta registration | Included | Extra-provincial registration required |
| Annual registry work | $50 government fee plus provider | $12 federal plus Alberta filings |
Federal incorporation does not eliminate Alberta registration or the local agent-for-service requirement. It can be useful for federal name review or mobility, but compare total formation and annual work.
Named or numbered?
A named Alberta corporation needs an Alberta NUANS report. Review it for confusing corporate names and file before the 90-day reservation expires. The report is not trademark protection.
A numbered company receives a name such as 1234567 Alberta Ltd. and avoids NUANS. It can later register an operating name if needed.
What you need
- Articles of Incorporation: share classes/rights, director range and restrictions.
- Notice of Address: physical Alberta registered office and records address, plus mailing address where applicable.
- Notice of Directors: at least one adult individual director.
- Notice of Agent for Service: consenting individual located in Alberta, with street/mailing/email details.
- NUANS report or numbered choice.
- Valid ID and payment for the authorized provider.
Articles authorize shares; they do not issue founder shares. Complete issuance, payment and registers after the certificate.
Filing steps
- Choose a numbered company or obtain the Alberta NUANS report.
- Prepare the Articles and Notices of Address, Directors and Agent for Service.
- Select an authorized Corporate Registry provider.
- Bring or submit the forms, NUANS when applicable, identification and payment.
- The provider reviews and enters the filing; save the certificate and all filed documents.
- Watch for the email confirming the CRA Business Number.
Provider fees are market-priced. Request an itemized quote showing the $275 government fee, NUANS and service charge.
Office, records and agent
The registered office and records address, if different, must be physical Alberta locations. A separate mailing address can be supplied. The agent for service must be an individual located in Alberta and must consent; the person does not need to be a lawyer.
Ribbon Business does not currently offer Alberta provincial incorporation or an Alberta registered-office address. Arrange eligible local service and use Alberta legal advice for complex ownership, share rights or non-resident facts.
Organize after the certificate
- adopt bylaws and initial director/shareholder resolutions;
- appoint officers and authorize the bank account;
- approve subscriptions, receive payment and issue shares;
- create securities, shareholder, director and officer registers;
- create the applicable individuals-with-significant-control register;
- establish the minute book, year-end and accounting system; and
- open separate corporate banking.
The certificate creates the entity but does not complete those ownership and governance steps.
T2, Alberta AT1 and program accounts
Alberta is a separate corporate-income-tax filing jurisdiction. A corporation with a permanent establishment in Alberta generally files:
- the federal T2 within six months after year-end; and
- the Alberta AT1 through Tax and Revenue Administration.
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, most Alberta corporations must net file the AT1; limited exceptions apply. Add GST, payroll and import/export program accounts when required.
Annual return and ongoing duties
File the Alberta annual return through an authorized provider. The government fee is $50, plus the provider fee. Gather names, addresses and voting percentages for the top five shareholders. Failure to file can lead to dissolution.
Also file T2/AT1 and program returns, keep office/director/agent information current, review ownership records and document annual corporate decisions. The annual return is not either tax return.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file directly with the government?
Ordinary Alberta business-corporation formation and annual returns are processed through authorized registry service providers, which charge service fees.
Can all directors live outside Canada?
Alberta has no general resident-Canadian-director minimum. The corporation still needs Alberta office/records addresses and an agent for service located in Alberta.
Do I get a BN?
Yes. Alberta says you receive an email when the federal Business Number is issued. Confirm and add the GST, payroll or other program accounts you actually need.
Budget for two tax returns
Alberta's $275 filing is straightforward; the distinctive ongoing issue is the separate AT1 alongside the T2. Set up the accounting, records and annual calendar with both returns in mind.
For an unincorporated alternative, compare Alberta trade-name registration.