Company Formation in Canada
Register a Named/Numbered Corporation
2 hours Rush Service available
Register your business online, whether you’re incorporating a corporation, starting a sole proprietorship, Trade Name/DBA, or forming a partnership.
Simply fill out our easy form, and our expert team will take care of the rest, ensuring quick, efficient, and compliant registration.
Below is a concise summary of incorporation requirements in Canada (general) and specifically for British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
General (Canada – provincial incorporation)
Incorporation is done at the provincial registry
Key basic requirements:
– Corporate name approval (or numbered company)
– Articles of Incorporation
– Registered office address in the province
– At least 1 director (individual person)
– Share structure & shareholders
After incorporation:
– Obtain a Business Number (CRA) and tax accounts
– Obtain any licenses/permits as needed
British Columbia (BC)
No Canadian residency requirement for directors
Key requirements:
– Name reservation (NUANS / name approval)
– Incorporation agreement signed by incorporators
– Registered office in BC
– At least 1 director
– Share structure defined
Additional:
– Maintain company records (minute book, share register, etc.)
Ontario
Director residency requirement:
– At least 25% Canadian residents (or 1 if fewer than 4 directors)
Key requirements:
– Name search & reservation (NUANS)
– Articles of Incorporation (filed online)
– Registered office in Ontario
– At least 1 director
– Share structure & incorporator(s)
Optional:
– Register a separate business name if different from corporate name
Nova Scotia
No Canadian residency requirement for directors or officers
Key requirements:
– Name reservation
– Articles of Incorporation
– Registered office in Nova Scotia
– At least 1 director
Additional corporate setup:
– Must appoint officers (e.g., President, Secretary)
– Choose fiscal year-end
Request our Business Report with all Services and Fees
For your full analysis, before you take any decision
International Business Purposes
From these Provinces above, which will be the most recommended one?
For international business purposes, the most commonly recommended province among the three is undoubtedly British Columbia.
Why British Columbia stands out:
No director residency requirement → ideal for non-Canadian owners
100% foreign ownership friendly
Strong international business links (especially with Asia-Pacific markets)
Efficient and relatively fast incorporation process
Widely used for holding companies and international structures
A corporate Tax 11% only, for Small Business up to CAD $500,000 of active business income per year
Most Relevant Uses and Purposes of a BC Corporation
Money Services Business (MSB)
A BC corporation can operate as a Money Services Business, subject to federal registration with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
Typical MSB activities include:
Money transfers / remittance services
Foreign exchange dealing
Cryptocurrency exchange (in some cases)
Issuing or redeeming money orders or similar instruments
Requirements:
FINTRAC MSB registration (mandatory)
AML/CFT compliance program
Reporting obligations (suspicious transactions, large cash transactions, etc.)
This is one of the most common regulated uses for international fintech operators.
Other Options:
Holding Company (International Structuring)
International Trading / Import-Export Company
Fintech / Payment Services Company
Consulting / Professional Services Company
Project / Investment Vehicles (SPVs)
E-commerce / Digital Businesses
Intellectual Property Holding Company
Should you have any Question or Matter setting up your company in Canada, namely in terms of the most suitable Province, reasons why you are incorporating in Canada, and any other matter related to the company structure and prices, do not hesitate to contact us!
Our Business Development Team is ready to Guide, Assist you and provide you all relevant packages and fees.
