A Guide to Registering Your Business in Canada: A Step by Step Guide for Canadian Entrepreneurs

Starting a business in Canada requires navigating through a series of administrative procedures, including business registration. Each province and territory has its own set of guidelines and resources for registering a business.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to register your business in Alberta:

1. Determine Requirements Based on Business Structure:

• Sole Proprietorship: An individual operates the business without a separate legal entity. Registering a business name is generally required, however, there is no formal registration of the business structure itself.

• Partnership: An association of people who conduct business together. Partnerships can be either General Partnerships or Limited Partnerships, each with distinct liability and management structures.

• Corporation: A separate legal entity from its owners, offering limited liability. Incorporation involves more formalities and legal obligations.

2. Register Your Business Name:

• Conduct a Name Search: Ensure your desired business name is unique and not in use by another entity. Conduct a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report.
  *The NUANS report reserves the proposed name for 90 days. The complete report must be submitted with the incorporation package, and must be less than 91 days old.

• Business Name Registration: Reserve your business name through the Alberta Corporate Registry. You can do this online or by mail. A fee is required for name reservation in Alberta.
  
  *In Alberta I would suggest Registry Express as they are quick, efficient and reliable.

3. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses:

• Determine Required Permits: Depending on your business type and industry, you might need specific permits or licenses. This can include municipal licenses, provincial licenses, or federal permits.

• Alberta Permits and Licenses Database: Use the Alberta Permits and Licenses Search tool to identify necessary permits for your business.

4. Register for GST/HST:

• GST Registration: If your business expects to exceed $30,000 in annual revenue, you need to register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Register for GST

• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): Alberta does not have an HST, but businesses operating in other provinces with HST may have to register for it. Check with your accountant to ensure your company remains compliant.

5. Register with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):

• Business Number (BN): Once your business is registered, you will receive a Business Number (BN) from the CRA. This number is used for various federal and provincial taxes.

6. Set Up Business Bank Accounts:

• Open a Business Bank Account: Separate your personal and business finances. You’ll need your business registration documents and BN for this.

7. Additional Considerations:

• Insurance: Consider necessary insurance coverage for your business, such as general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, or worker’s compensation.

• Employer Health Tax (EHT): If you have employees, you may be required to pay the EHT. Check into specific provincial/territorial requirements.

• Annual Return: Corporations and Limited Partnerships must file an annual return with the Alberta Corporate Registry.

Note: Steps remain similar across other provinces and territories. To clarify the specific steps needed please refer to provincial/territorial government websites for detailed instructions.

British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon:

Each province and territory follows similar steps to register a business, involving business structure selection, business name registration, obtaining necessary permits, and registering with the respective provincial/territorial business registries.

• Registry Websites:

  • Alberta: Alberta Corporate Registry

  • British Columbia: BC Registry Services

  • Manitoba: Companies Office – Manitoba

  • New Brunswick: Service New Brunswick

  • Newfoundland and Labrador: Registry of Companies – NL

  • Northwest Territories: Corporate Registries – NT

  • Nova Scotia: Registry of Joint Stock Companies – NS

  • Nunavut: Nuans – NU

  • Ontario: ServiceOntario

  • Prince Edward Island: Corporate/Business Names – PEI

  • Quebec: Registraire des entreprises – QC

  • Saskatchewan: Information Services Corporation – SK

  • Yukon: Corporate Affairs – Yukon

Starting a business in Canada involves following a series of steps outlined by the respective provincial or territorial government. Ensuring compliance with these steps is crucial for a smooth and legally sound business establishment process.

For more detailed instructions and specific requirements in each province or territory, visit the respective government websites listed above. This guide provides a general overview, but consulting with a legal or business professional is recommended for individualized advice.