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Business Searches, Registrations & Filings - All in One Place

Order corporate searches, start a business, make changes, file updates or close a business quickly and securely with our online services.

Ontario Business Central Helps Entrepreneurs Incorporate, Register, Change, Search, or Close a Business in Ontario and Across Canada Through Fast, Secure Online Filings.

Should You Register or Incorporate?

COMPARE REGISTER INCORPORATE
Use of a Business Name
Ability to Hire Employees
HST/Payroll Set Up
Import/Export Licence
Set Up Business Bank Account
Sole Foreign Ownership
Continual Existence
Business Name Security
Business Tax Incentives and Reductions
Limited Liability For Owners
Venture Capital/Raise Capital
Structure Changes to Business
Purchase Real Estate/Stock Investments
Flexibility to Alter Business
Extending Business Into Other Jurisdictions
REGISTER INCORPORATE

The table shows a few key differences between Registration and Incorporation to help you determine which is best suited to your needs.

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Quick Answers Before You Get Started With Us

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What Does Ontario Business Central Do?

We help entrepreneurs register, incorporate, search, and maintain businesses across Ontario and Canada.

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Do You Provide Real Support?

Yes - our experienced Canadian team is available by phone, email, and live chat.

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How Fast Are Business Filings?

Most filings are completed quickly, with documents delivered electronically — often the same day.

NUANS Needed?

Do I Need a NUANS Report?

NUANS is required for most named incorporations, and we provide it instantly.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Incorporation

Quick answers to the most common questions about incorporating your business

Should I Incorporate?

There are two options to starting a business in Canada: registering a business licence or incorporating. To decide if incorporating is right for you, consider how important name protection is for your business, how much liability risk is involved in its operation, what your business and personal revenue stream will look like, and whether you're seeking financing or investors.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Incorporate?

Incorporating a business can generally be done without the assistance of a lawyer, especially if it's a simple incorporation. This typically involves filing the appropriate documents with the federal government or province where the business will be incorporated, paying the necessary fees, and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. There are also many online resources and services available that can guide you through the process including Ontario Business Central to help you file the necessary paperwork.

It is important to keep in mind that incorporating a business can involve complex legal issues, such as tax implications, liability protection, and compliance with various regulations. If you're unsure about any aspect of the incorporation process or if you anticipate any legal issues, it's advisable to seek the advice of a lawyer who specializes in business law to help ensure that you properly meet all the requirements and to help you navigate any legal issues that may arise.

What Legal Ending Should I Use?

There is no difference between the legal endings — you simply use whichever you prefer most. In most jurisdictions in Canada the standard options are: INC., Incorporated, Ltd., Limited, Corp., and Corporation.

Where Should I Incorporate?

You have two options when you are incorporating a new business. You can incorporate in the Province or Territory where the business is going to operate (have a physical location) or you can file a Federal Incorporation. Note that a Federal corporation must also be registered in any province or territory where it maintains a physical business address.

What is a NUANS Report?

A NUANS report is a name reservation report required when incorporating or changing the name of an existing Corporation. This report is valid for 90 days. This report must be ordered for the jurisdiction to which the corporation will be in. Ex: Ontario Corporation requires an Ontario NUANS.

What is a Director?

A director is typically a person who manages the corporation. Typically, they make the business decisions on behalf of the corporation. Any director must be at least 18 years of age.

Have a different question? Speak with an agent or call 1-800-280-1913
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Preliminary Name Search

Preliminary Name Search

The NUANS preliminary search lets you view existing business names across Canada within one database. If you have a name that you would like to use for your business start up, the preliminary search provides the best view into what business names have been taken.

Order a Preliminary Search
NUANS Report

NUANS Report

The NUANS report is a 7 page report that provides a listing of similar small businesses, corporations and trademarks to your proposed name. The NUANS databank will accept any name you submit. There are millions of businesses already established in Canada.

Order a NUANS Report
Change a Registered Business

Change a Registered Business

Change current information on your registered business quickly and easily including updates to sole proprietorships, general partnerships and trade names under corporations.

Amend Your Registration
Change a Corporation

Change a Corporation

If you wish to change the name of your existing corporation, the structure, or the parameters for the minimum and maximum number of directors, the process is very simple to complete.

Change Your Corporation
Cancel a Small Business License

Cancel Business License

If it's time to move on to something new, an important item is to cancel the existing business. The cancellation will take only a few minutes to complete and cancels the business with the Province of Ontario.

Cancel Your Registration
Dissolve a Corporation

Dissolve Corporation

One of the most important elements in winding down your existing corporation is to file Articles of Dissolution for your Incorporation.

Dissolve Your Corporation
Register a Business in Canada - Ontario Business Central

Register Your Business Across Canada

Whether you're looking at registering a new business or renewing an existing business, we are here to help! Our online application makes it easy for you to register or renew your business within minutes.

Register Your Business
Incorporate your Business in Canada - Ontario Business Central

Incorporate Your Business Across Canada

At Ontario Business Central, we make incorporation fast, easy and affordable. Over 350,000 business owners have entrusted us to help them start a business.

Incorporate Your Company

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