Register a business in Ontario

Businesses Ontario is a registered organization under the Ontario Business Corporations Act, offering trusted expertise in business registration and incorporation services. As a proud member of Corporations Canada and NUANS Canada, and a partner with the Businesses Ontario portal, we are deeply connected to the key networks that support Canadian businesses.

With a reputation as a comprehensive hub for business registration and incorporation across Canada, we are dedicated to simplifying the process and empowering entrepreneurs with efficient and reliable solutions.

✅ Trusted & Experienced

As one of the most reputable companies in the industry, Businesses Ontario specializes in business incorporation and registration. We take pride in delivering meticulous and reliable services. Our team of incorporation specialists thoroughly reviews your submitted forms to ensure accuracy and compliance, saving you time and helping you avoid costly mistakes.

💼 Personalized Attention

At Businesses Ontario, we are committed to providing personalized support for every client. Our knowledgeable and efficient team treats your business with care and professionalism. Whether you have questions or need guidance, our experts are available via phone, live chat, or email to assist you. Your success is our priority—connect with us today and let us help you achieve your business goals.

⚡ Express & Super Express Service

We are proud to offer Ontario express and super express incorporation services. Our expert team ensures rapid processing, preparing your files within 2 hours of order placement. With our super-efficient service, you’ll receive your fully incorporated company documents in just about 2 hours.

💲 Affordable Pricing

At Businesses Ontario, we understand the challenges entrepreneurs face when starting their journey. That’s why we’ve made our pricing competitive and accessible to businesses of all sizes. We believe setup costs shouldn’t hinder your dreams, so we offer affordable solutions to help you bring your business vision to life.

Name Protection
Registering a corporation ensures that your business name is protected, preventing other companies from registering the same name in Ontario. This adds a layer of brand security and exclusivity.

Limited Personal Liability
A corporation or cooperative is a separate legal entity, shielding its owners from personal liability. Directors are not personally responsible for corporate debts, and shareholders are only liable up to the amount they invested.

Perpetual Existence
Unlike sole proprietorships, a corporation or cooperative can continue to operate beyond the lifetime of its founders. Ownership can be transferred, ensuring business continuity.

Investor Appeal
Corporations are more attractive to investors due to their structured governance, limited liability, and ease of transferring shares, making it easier to secure funding.

Tax Advantages
Incorporated businesses benefit from lower corporate tax rates. Additionally, holding companies and professional corporations can take advantage of various tax benefits.

Access to Capital
Corporations and cooperatives have the ability to issue securities, making it easier to raise capital through investments and financing options.”

Enhanced Credibility
Incorporation strengthens your business’s credibility, making it more trustworthy in the eyes of customers, suppliers, and potential partners.

Separate Credit Rating
Corporations establish their own credit profile, independent of the owner’s personal credit score. This makes it easier to obtain business financing and credit lines.”

Employee Benefits & Incentives
Incorporated businesses can offer competitive employee perks, including stock options and retirement plans, helping to attract and retain top talent.

Start Your Incorporation Today!

Your Ontario business can be incorporated in as little as 30 minutes! We offer a fast and efficient incorporation process to get your business up and running quickly.

1. Choose a Business Name
Your business name must be unique and distinguishable from other registered names in Ontario. You can select your own name or opt for a government-assigned numbered corporation. If you choose a named corporation, a NUANS report (available through our incorporation packages) is required to confirm name availability. Certain incorporation types may have specific naming regulations, and if there are any issues with your proposed name, we will provide guidance and alternative suggestions to ensure compliance.

2. Incorporators, Directors, Officers, and Shareholders
When incorporating a business, you must designate the corporation’s directors, officers, and shareholders, along with their respective roles. At least one individual is required to act as an incorporator, director, and shareholder, and a single person can fulfill all three roles. Officers are considered employees of the corporation. Note that Not-for-Profit organizations and Co-ops must have a minimum of three directors to operate.

3.Registered Office Address
Every corporation must maintain a registered office address, which can be either a commercial or residential location. If you do not have an Ontario-based address, you can use our Address & Mail Forwarding Service for registration purposes.

4.Initial Return Filing
All Ontario corporations must file their initial return within 60 days of incorporation. Failure to do so will result in non-compliance with the corporate registry, which may lead to government dissolution of the corporation.”

No, Ontario does not have residency requirements for incorporation. Directors can be from any domestic or international jurisdiction. However, incorporators must be either individuals or existing Ontario businesses.

The key difference between for-profit and not-for-profit organizations lies in their primary objectives and how they handle profits.

For-Profit Organizations: These businesses are established with the primary goal of generating revenue for their owners or shareholders. Their main focus is on profitability rather than serving a social or community-driven purpose. Profits can be distributed among owners or reinvested into the business.

Not-For-Profit Organizations: These organizations exist to fulfill an owner’s organizational objectives and are not primarily focused on generating profits. They can operate for social welfare, civic improvement, sport, recreation, or any other purpose except profit. They do not have shareholders or owners who receive dividends or financial distributions.

In simple terms: An operating company runs a business, while a holding company owns assets

Operating Company: This type of company is actively engaged in business operations. It generates revenue through the sale of products or services, manages daily activities, owns assets, and incurs liabilities related to its operations. It may employ staff, handle customer transactions, and conduct business directly.

Holding Company: A holding company does not conduct active business operations but instead owns and manages investment assets such as shares, real estate, intellectual property, or other financial investments. Its primary purpose is to own, control, and oversee its subsidiaries or other investments.

Asset Protection & Risk Management: A holding company acts as a protective buffer, shielding operational companies and their assets from creditor claims or legal liabilities.

Tax Planning Benefits: Holding companies can take advantage of income splitting, capital gains exemptions, and tax-deferred intercorporate dividends, helping to minimize overall tax burdens.

Enhanced Business Flexibility & Control: This structure allows business owners to manage multiple subsidiaries efficiently, enabling streamlined decision-making and diversification.

Succession Planning & Wealth Preservation: Holding companies simplify the transfer of assets and wealth to future generations, ensuring long-term stability for families and business owners.

Tax Deferral & Reduction: Certain tax obligations can be deferred or reduced within a holding company structure, optimizing financial efficiency.

Access to Low-Interest Loans: Holding companies may qualify for more favorable loan terms, enabling strategic financial growth.

Cost-Effective & Discreet Investments: A holding company can facilitate low-cost asset acquisitions while maintaining privacy in financial dealings.

In Ontario, a professional corporation is an option for regulated professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and other licensed practitioners. This type of corporation operates under specific rules and regulations set by the relevant governing bodies.

Key considerations:

Regulatory Compliance: Professional corporations must adhere to industry-specific regulations during formation and operation.

Liability Protection: While incorporation offers some legal and tax benefits, it does not shield professionals from personal liability for malpractice. They remain accountable for their professional actions.

Business Limitations: The corporation can only engage in activities related to the practice of its profession.

A Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) is a corporate structure that allows real estate professionals in Ontario to conduct business under a corporation. In this setup, the real estate professional serves as the controlling shareholder, giving them full authority over the corporation and its operations.

A PREC offers financial benefits, primarily through tax advantages such as income splitting and tax deferrals. This structure provides greater flexibility in managing income, which may result in potential tax savings. However, the specific benefits depend on the individual’s business circumstances and tax planning strategies.

The main function of a PREC is to enable a real estate professional to provide services on behalf of a brokerage with which they are licensed. It is important to note that a PREC cannot operate independently as a brokerage or conduct real estate transactions on its own. Instead, it serves as a financial and operational tool for real estate professionals while remaining under the regulatory framework of the affiliated brokerage.

A cooperative is a unique business model in which ownership, operations, and decision-making are collectively managed by its members. Rooted in democratic principles, cooperatives ensure that each member has an equal say in decisions, regardless of their financial investment.

Cooperatives can serve a variety of purposes, including consumer services, producer services, community development, education, sustainability, and technological innovation. The specific function of a cooperative depends on the needs and goals of its members.

One well-known example is MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op), a retail cooperative specializing in outdoor recreation gear and clothing. Unlike traditional retailers, MEC operates exclusively for its members, reinforcing the cooperative principle of shared ownership and community-driven business practices.

Yes, we provide three types of post-incorporation and ongoing maintenance services to support your business after incorporation.

Please explore our packages for Business Registry by Non-Residents to find the best solution for your needs.