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How to Incorporate in PEI: OCBR Steps & Costs

Updated: July 2026. OCBR instructions, fees and transparency requirements were checked July 13, 2026.

PEI incorporation normally costs $255: $40 for the corporate-name application and $215 for incorporation. OCBR reviews the filing and emails the Certificate and Articles after approval.

The application asks for more than names and addresses. Decide director numbers, authorized share classes and rights, transfer restrictions and business restrictions before opening the form.

Covehead Harbour Lighthouse and sand dunes on Prince Edward Island

PEI or federal incorporation?​

FactorPEI corporationFederal corporation based in PEI
Formation fee$255 typical including name step$200 plus federal name route
Director residencyNo general provincial minimumNormally 25%; one if fewer than four directors
Registered officePEIProvince stated federally plus PEI registration requirements
Annual registry fee$30$12 federal plus PEI extra-provincial renewal
Name scopePEIBroader federal name review

Federal incorporation does not eliminate PEI registration. Compare the full extra-provincial and annual obligations, not only $200 versus $255.

What you need​

  1. OCBR account, email access and payment method.
  2. Proposed corporate name and $40 reservation application; OCBR also handles numbered-name requests.
  3. PEI registered-office and mailing/contact information.
  4. Minimum/maximum or fixed director number and first directors.
  5. Authorized share classes, voting/dividend/liquidation rights and restrictions.
  6. Share-transfer restrictions, business restrictions and other article provisions.
  7. Incorporator and contact details.

If you are unsure how to describe share rights, use a PEI lawyer. Articles authorize shares but do not issue them to founders.

OCBR filing steps​

  1. Create an account at the Online Corporate and Business Registry.
  2. Select Reserve a Name, choose Incorporated and submit the $40 application.
  3. Save the Company PIN and Key from OCBR emails; wait for name approval when practical.
  4. Search the business and select Manage This Business or Incorporate Now.
  5. Retrieve it with the PIN and Key, then enter the director, address, share and restriction provisions.
  6. Review the filing, pay $215 and submit.
  7. Save the emailed Certificate and Articles after Registry approval.

Use a desktop or laptop; OCBR says mobile devices are not compatible. Do not promise immediate approval.

Organize after approval​

  • adopt bylaws and initial director/shareholder resolutions;
  • appoint officers and authorize banking;
  • approve subscriptions, receive payment and issue shares;
  • create securities, shareholder, director and officer registers;
  • create the internal register of individuals with significant control;
  • establish minute-book and accounting records; and
  • open a separate corporate bank account.

PEI requires new corporations to provide shareholder information on registration or within 60 days. Covered corporations must review the ISC register at least annually and enter known changes within 15 days.

Registered office and non-residents​

Maintain the registered office in PEI and keep contact information current so registry and legal notices arrive. The ordinary provincial corporation rules have no general resident-Canadian-director minimum, but tax residency, banking, immigration and regulated-sector rules remain separate.

Ribbon Business does not offer PEI provincial incorporation or a PEI registered-office address. Use an eligible local arrangement and PEI professional advice for custom share or cross-border situations.

Annual obligations​

File the $30 annual return through OCBR each year. The Registry permits completion for six months after expiry before changing the status to inactive for non-payment, but that is a grace window—not a recommended deadline.

Also file the T2 and active HST/payroll returns, keep shareholder/office/director information current, review the ISC register and document annual decisions. The OCBR annual return is not the tax return.

Frequently asked questions​

Can I choose a numbered company?

Yes, but PEI's current OCBR instructions still route numbered-name requests through the name application and applicable payment.

Does the certificate show who owns the shares?

The articles authorize share classes. Actual ownership comes from post-incorporation subscriptions, payment, directors' approvals and entries in the securities register.

What happens if the annual return is late?

OCBR says the corporation has six months after expiry before its status becomes inactive for non-payment. File by the annual due date rather than relying on that window.

Finish ownership before trading​

After OCBR approval, complete share issuance, resolutions, registers, banking, CRA accounts and the $30 annual-return calendar. Those records prove who owns and controls the company.

If a corporation is more than the business needs, compare PEI business-name registration.