Register or incorporate your business in Ontario (2026)
Get legally established the right way — incorporate federally or in Ontario, register a business name, or make changes to an existing company.
To register a business in Ontario you can register a business name (sole proprietorship or partnership, $60 government fee, valid 5 years) or incorporate — provincially in Ontario ($300, ready in about 5 business days) or federally ($200, often next-day). Markham Office prepares and files everything for you, including NUANS name search, Business Number and HST setup.
Which structure is right for you?
A sole proprietorship is the fastest and cheapest way to start, but you and the business are legally the same — your personal assets are exposed. Incorporation creates a separate legal entity that limits liability, can lower your tax rate (Ontario’s small-business rate is about 12.2% on the first $500,000), and protects your business name. Incorporation typically pays off once net profit is consistently above roughly $75,000–$80,000.
Federal or provincial incorporation?
Ontario incorporation ($300) protects your name within Ontario and has no director-residency requirement — ideal for non-residents and newcomers. Federal incorporation ($200) protects your name across Canada but requires 25% of directors to be Canadian residents and adds extra-provincial registration. We help you choose based on where you’ll operate and who your directors are.
Business Number, HST & staying compliant
Most businesses need a CRA Business Number, and you must register for HST once revenue passes $30,000 in any four consecutive quarters. Corporations also need a minute book and an annual return filed through the Ontario Business Registry — miss these and you risk fines or administrative dissolution. We handle the full setup and offer ongoing filing.
Business Name Registration
+ $60 government fee
Register a sole proprietorship or partnership (business name / Master Business Licence).
- Business name availability search
- Master Business Licence registration
- Sole proprietorship or partnership
- Digital documents delivered
Ontario Incorporation
+ $300 government fee
Incorporate provincially with everything you need to operate in Ontario.
- NUANS name search & reservation
- Articles of Incorporation filing
- Provincial corporation setup
- Business Number & HST guidance
- Digital minute book option
Federal Incorporation
+ $200 government fee
Incorporate federally to operate and protect your name across Canada.
- Federal NUANS name search
- Federal Articles of Incorporation
- Extra-provincial registration guidance
- Business Number & HST guidance
- Digital minute book option
Add-ons & other services
Mix and match to fit exactly what your business needs.
- Business Number / HST registration$79
- Minute book (digital)$129
- Amendment (name, address, directors)$199
- Annual return filing$99
- Business dissolution$249
Sole proprietorship vs. incorporation
| Sole proprietorship | Incorporation | |
|---|---|---|
| Liability protection | None — personal assets at risk | Limited — separate legal entity |
| Government fee | $60 (5-year term) | $300 ON / $200 federal |
| Tax treatment | Personal income (up to 53.53%) | ~12.2% small-business rate |
| Name protection | Minimal | Provincial or national |
| Best for | Testing an idea, side business | Growth, hiring, raising capital |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to incorporate in Ontario?
- The Ontario government fee is $300 to incorporate online, plus a NUANS name search if you want a named (rather than numbered) corporation. Our service fee is on top of the government fee and is shown clearly before you pay.
- How long does registration take?
- A business name registration is usually same-day. Ontario incorporation typically takes about 5 business days online; federal incorporation is often completed the next business day.
- Do I need a NUANS report?
- You need a NUANS name-search report only for a named corporation. Numbered corporations and trade-name sole proprietorships do not require one. A NUANS report is valid for 90 days.
- Can a non-resident incorporate in Ontario?
- Yes. Ontario has no director-residency requirement, so non-residents and newcomers can incorporate provincially. Federal incorporation requires at least 25% of directors to be resident Canadians.
- Do I need to register for HST?
- You must register for HST once your revenue exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters. Many businesses register voluntarily earlier to claim input tax credits. We can set this up with your Business Number.
Related reading
Federal vs. Provincial Incorporation in Ontario: Which Is Right for You?
Ontario incorporation costs $300 and protects your name provincially; federal costs $200 and protects it nationally but adds a director-residency rule. Here is how to choose.
Read moreSole Proprietorship vs. Incorporation in Ontario: Which Should You Choose?
A plain-language guide for Markham and GTA founders: how sole proprietorships and corporations differ on cost, liability, and tax — and the profit level where incorporating starts to pay off.
Read moreStaying Compliant in Ontario: Your Minute Book and Annual Return
Your minute book and your annual return are the two ongoing obligations that keep an Ontario corporation in good standing. Here is what each one is, what belongs inside, and what happens if you skip them.
Read moreNamed vs. Numbered Corporation in Ontario: Which Should You Choose?
A named Ontario corporation needs a NUANS report and gives you a real brand; a numbered one skips the search and starts fastest. Both cost the same $300. Here is how to choose.
Read moreReady to launch your business?
Talk to our team and take the first step today — no obligation.