How to Register a Business in Yukon: Costs & YCOR Steps
Updated: July 2026. Fees and procedures were checked against Yukon Corporate Affairs on July 13, 2026.
A named Yukon sole proprietorship normally costs $65 online: $40 to reserve the name through YCOR and $25 to file Form 8, the Declaration of Business Name. An office-filed reservation costs $60, making that route $85.
The declaration lasts three years and renews for $25. A corporation is separate: Yukon incorporation costs $300 plus the name reservation when a word name is used. See How to Incorporate in Yukon.
Do you need to register?
A sole proprietor can use their given personal name without registering it. A different business name normally requires a declaration. Partnerships using a firm name, corporations using an operating name and societies operating a supporting business also use the applicable Yukon filing.
Name registration does not incorporate the business or grant trademark rights. Search YCOR and federal trademarks first.
Yukon fees and timing
| Filing | Fee | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Online name reservation | $40 | Valid 90 days; review up to 5 business days |
| Office-filed name reservation | $60 | Valid 90 days |
| Declaration of business name | $25 | Valid 3 years; processing up to 5 business days |
| Renewal | $25 | File in final 3 months before expiry |
| Numbered Yukon corporation | $300 | Annual return $100 |
Register the business name
- Choose a name without a corporate legal element such as
Inc.orLtd.. - Reserve it through YCOR for $40 or file Form 1 through Corporate Affairs for $60.
- File before the 90-day certificate expires.
- Complete Form 8 with the exact approved name, physical delivery address, mailing address, first-use date and person using the name.
- Pay $25 and submit online where available or by the accepted office/mail/email method.
- Save the confirmation and calendar the three-year expiry.
The delivery address must identify a physical location and cannot be only a P.O. box. A P.O. box can be the separate mailing address.
Structure and incorporation
A sole proprietorship has simple T1 reporting but no separation from the owner. A corporation is a separate legal person with shares, annual registry return and T2. Yukon has no general resident-Canadian-director minimum but does require a Yukon registered office.
Read the Yukon incorporation guide before choosing the $300 route. Professional T2 and records costs usually exceed the filing fee each year.
CRA, GST, payroll and licences
Register a CRA BN when opening GST, payroll, import/export or another program account. Yukon uses 5% GST and no territorial sales tax. Confirm workers' compensation coverage with the Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board.
Registry filing is not a City of Whitehorse or community business licence. Use BizPaL and confirm zoning, industry and First Nation/community requirements with the correct authority.
Stay compliant
Renew the business name for $25 in the final three months of each three-year cycle. Notify the registrar within 30 days after relevant declaration changes or cessation. Continue T1, GST, payroll, workers' compensation and licence filings separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew after expiry?
No. Yukon says an expired business-name declaration cannot be renewed; submit a new name reservation and registration.
Is YCOR registration a business licence?
No. YCOR records names and entities. Municipal, First Nation and sector authorities separately issue operating permissions.
Does registration create a BN?
Do not assume it opens CRA accounts. Register the BN and specific GST, payroll or other accounts when they apply.
Use the online price accurately
The best current government-fee example is $65 using YCOR for the name step, not simply $25. The declaration, tax accounts and operating licences are distinct tasks.