How to Incorporate in the Northwest Territories
Updated: July 2026. Government fees and filing rules were checked on July 13, 2026.
A numbered Northwest Territories corporation costs $300 to form. Using a word name adds the $25 name search and reservation, for a usual government total of $325. The name reservation is effective for 90 days.
The formation package requires original signatures and must be mailed or hand delivered. After incorporation, separately obtain the corporation's CRA Business Number and corporation-income-tax account.
NWT incorporation costs at a glance
| Filing | Government fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Numbered-company incorporation | $300 | No name reservation needed |
| Name search and reservation | $25 | Needed for a word name; valid 90 days |
| Named-company total | $325 | Before advice, courier and records costs |
| Annual return | $150 | Due after each anniversary |
Verify forms and fees with NWT Corporate Registries. A custom share structure, shareholder agreement, tax planning, minute-book work and registered-office arrangement can cost more than the government filing.
Territorial or federal incorporation?
| Question | NWT corporation | Federal corporation based in the NWT |
|---|---|---|
| Formation filing | $300 numbered; $325 named | $200 online federal articles |
| Local registration | Formed in the NWT | Must also satisfy NWT extra-territorial rules |
| Name scope | Territorial approval | Enhanced federal name review |
| Director residency | No general minimum | Normally 25%; one resident Canadian if fewer than four directors |
| Ongoing registry filing | $150 NWT annual return | Federal return plus NWT obligations |
The lowest articles fee is not necessarily the lowest complete cost. Choose based on operating footprint, name strategy, financing, future expansion and the combined annual compliance burden.
Prepare the incorporation package
- Choose a numbered company or reserve the word name for $25.
- Complete Form 1, Articles of Incorporation, including the share classes, transfer restrictions, director range and any other provisions.
- Complete Form 2, Notice of Registered Office, with the physical NWT registered and records-office information.
- Complete Form 4, Notice of Directors, with the initial directors' required details.
- Obtain original signatures and include the $300 incorporation fee.
- Mail or hand deliver the package to Corporate Registries before the 90-day name reservation expires.
Scans, fax and email are not accepted in place of the original signed formation package under the current instructions. Review the NWT incorporation information and forms immediately before filing.
Design the shares before filing
The articles determine which share classes exist and what rights attach to them. A simple single-class structure may suit a one-owner company, but multiple founders, investors, estate freezes, professional practices or expected financing can require a tailored structure.
Do not issue a class that the articles do not authorize. Get legal and tax advice before filing if ownership, voting, dividends, redemption or cross-border tax treatment is material.
Meet office and director requirements
The corporation must maintain physical registered and records offices in the Northwest Territories. Postal details can be included where required, but a P.O. box alone is not the physical office.
The NWT has no general resident-Canadian-director minimum for an ordinary business corporation. That flexibility does not remove immigration, tax-residency, banking, regulated-industry or local-office requirements.
Ribbon Business does not offer NWT incorporation or an NWT registered office. Arrange an eligible physical location and reliable document handling before filing.
Organize after the certificate
The certificate is the start of the corporation, not the end of setup. The directors and shareholders should complete initial resolutions, adopt bylaws, appoint officers, issue shares for valid consideration, approve banking and create the securities registers, minute book and accounting records.
Record beneficial ownership and control information required by current corporate law. Keep director, office and other registry information current using the prescribed filings.
Register CRA and operating accounts separately
Apply for the corporation's CRA Business Number and RC corporation-income-tax account after receiving the certificate. Add GST/HST, payroll, import/export and other accounts when applicable. Do not reuse a sole proprietor's BN for the new corporation.
The corporation may also need WSCC registration, community business licences, zoning approval and sector permits. Use BizPaL and verify each requirement with the authority that issues it.
File the $150 annual return
The NWT corporate annual return costs $150 and is due by the last day of the month following the incorporation anniversary month. It confirms registry information; it is separate from the T2 corporation income-tax return.
Calendar the annual return, T2 deadline, GST/payroll filings, licence renewals and any director or office changes. Missing a registry return can put the corporation out of good standing and ultimately risk dissolution.
The Business Incentive Policy registry is also separate. Incorporation does not automatically make a company a qualifying northern business for procurement preferences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a numbered company?
Yes. It avoids the $25 name reservation, so the territorial formation fee is $300.
Does the $300 include the first annual return?
No. The $150 annual return is a later, recurring registry filing.
Is the annual return the T2?
No. The annual return keeps the territorial registry record current. The T2 reports corporation income tax to the CRA.
Plan the physical office and paper filing first
Those are the two practical constraints most likely to delay an NWT incorporation. Set them up before signing the articles, then calendar the separate BN and $150 annual return immediately after formation.
If a corporation is more than the business needs, compare the NWT business-name registration route.