Start a business

Choose the right path before you file

Starting a Canadian business involves a sequence of decisions: structure, jurisdiction, name, registration, tax accounts and ongoing obligations. Use this hub to find the guide that owns each decision.

Compare business structures Choose a jurisdiction

Begin with the decision you are making

StructureSole proprietorship or corporation?Compare legal separation, administration, tax treatment and setup costs before choosing a filing.

NameChoose and register a business nameUnderstand corporate names, trade names, DBAs and how registration differs across Canada.

JurisdictionFederal or provincial incorporation?Compare name protection, filing systems and the extra-provincial registrations you may need.

Non-residentsSet up a Canadian business from abroadReview the structure, tax-account, banking and compliance questions specific to non-resident founders.

Choose your province or territory

Open the registration guide for a sole proprietorship or business name, or the incorporation guide when you intend to form a corporation. Quebec is outside the scope of this resource centre.

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Northwest Territories

Nunavut

What comes after the initial filing?

Formation is only the first step. A corporation still needs to issue shares, adopt its organizational documents, maintain a minute book, confirm its CRA accounts and meet annual obligations. A sole proprietor may still need tax accounts, licences and provincial registrations.

Begin with the decision you are making​