Incorporating a business in Canada, especially a federal corporation, will go through 5 steps entrepreneurs must follow and satisfy to start operating in Canada.
Canada is an attractive market for any entrepreneur in all industries, with a stable economy, vast trade partners, and many Free Trade Agreements for trade benefits.
- Step 1: Choose your business name
Choose a corporate name to identify itself and see how you want it to be named:
- Word name: has letters and symbols; or
- Numbered name
Numbered names are easiest to assign automatically. You can still operate under another business name.
If choosing a word name, you will have the legal right to use it across Canada once Corporations Canada approves it.
- Step 2: Create articles of incorporation
Choose your corporation’s structure in step 2.
For small, private businesses, basic incorporation is a simple option to choose:
- standard articles of incorporation (can edit later)
- one or two share classes
- a maximum of 10 directors
- an assigned numbered name.
If you need flexibility, you can choose custom incorporation to specify your name, share structure, number of directors, and any business restrictions or provisions.
Your articles’ languages can be written in English, French, or both.
- Step 3: Establish the initial registered office address and first board of directors
Every corporation must have a registered office address and a board of directors.
The registered office stores corporate records and is where official documents are delivered. Ensure your chosen address is where documents can always be sent, anything sent to that registered address is seen as legally received.
Additionally, you have to appoint your board of directors for your corporation and state clearly each director’s name, address, and residency status.
- Step 4: File information about who owns and controls your business
File information on individuals with significant control and manage your business.
- Step 5: Submit and pay fee
Submit incorporation documents and application and pay the fee through the Online Filling Centre.
Come to Platform Expand for a fast and successful incorporation
Incorporating a business in Canada can be straightforward if you have the right guidance, so why not choose Platform Expand? We support you throughout the process to ensure your business is set up correctly as required, and save time for your business right from the start.