You don’t need a lawyer to incorporate a business in Canada — not federally, not in Ontario. The process is fully online, straightforward, and designed to be DIY-friendly. That said, doing it wrong can cost you more than a legal bill would have. If you’re thinking about incorporation in Ontario, this guide walks you through exactly what you need, how to do it, what it’ll cost, and when legal help is a must.
What Does It Mean to Incorporate a Business in Canada?
When you incorporate, you’re creating a legal entity that’s separate from you. It can own property, sign contracts, hire employees, and pay taxes. You can incorporate:
- Federally, through Ontario Business Central. A federal incorporation provides the strongest name protection in Canada outside of completing a Trademark.
- Provincially, such as incorporation through the Ontario Business Central. We offer an easy to use portal to incorporate in Ontario, Alberta, BC. Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Why Incorporate?
- Limited Liability: Personal assets are protected
- Tax Efficiency: Access to lower corporate tax rates and income splitting
- Professional Image: Boosts credibility
- Continuity: Your corporation can outlive you
Can You Incorporate Without a Lawyer?
Yes. Thousands of people incorporate without legal help every year — especially solo founders and small businesses. Our portal makes it really simple for you to walk you through everything. If your structure is simple, a lawyer isn’t necessary.
But if you’re not 100% sure about your share structure, tax implications, or have partners involved, it’s worth consulting someone.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Corporation in Ontario
1. Choose Federal or Ontario Incorporation
Ask yourself:
- Will I only operate in Ontario? → Incorporate in Ontario
- Want Canada-wide name protection or plan to expand? → Incorporate Federally
2. Pick a Name + Run a NUANS Report
Unless you’re registering a numbered company, you’ll need a unique business name. You must run a NUANS report to confirm that the name isn’t already taken. If you incorporate with us, the NUANS for a named corporation is part of the processing.
- Use the jurisdiction specific NUANS search for incorporation. Select Ontario for an Ontario Incorporation, Alberta for an Alberta incorporation or Federal for a Federal or Canadian Incorporation.
- Cost: The costs within the incorporation process is $55. You have the ability to complete your own instant preliminary searches with us if you would like for $12.99 to see if the name appears to be available prior to incorporation. You can import an existing NUANS with a third party into our portal or simply click the named corporation and we will do the work for you regarding the NUANS report.
3. File Articles of Incorporation Ontario
This is the legal backbone of your corporation. You’ll need to include:
- Your corporate name
- Share structure (we offer two very common share structures of one or two classes of shares.
- Director information including legal name, address and citizenship.
- Registered office address (must be within the jurisdiction of incorporation.
Cost: The government cost to incorporate vary depending on jurisdiction
- The government fee in Ontario to incorporate is $300Â
- The government fee in Alberta to Incorporate is $275
- The government fee in BC to Incorporate is $350
- The government fee in Manitoba to incorporate is $350.00
- The government fee in Saskatchewan to incorporate is $305
- The government fee in Canada (federal) to incorporate is $200.00
This is a one time fee regardless of jurisdiction. There are no incorporation fee requirements year after year or any renewal fee. In many jurisdictions, you are required to file an Annual Return but this is a nominal fee, much less than the incorporation fee and is required to confirm details and update any changes by the corporation or directors.
4. Register A Unique Trade Name (If Needed)
If your operating name is different from your legal corporate name, you need to register it separately, you can request a Trade Name either as part of the incorporation processing or any time after.
- Cost: around $66 our fee and $60 government fee.
- Done online via the incorporation process or separately when needed.
5. Create a Corporate Minute Book
Even if you’re solo, you’re legally required to maintain corporate records including:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Bylaws
- Director and shareholder resolutions
- Share certificates
You can obtain this as you incorporate through our portal. Once you receive, you can fill in all of the original details such as who the directors, officers, and shareholders are along with distributing shares to the individual shareholders. The minute book is mandatory, it’s not optional.
DIY vs Hiring a Lawyer
| Task | DIY | Lawyer |
| NUANS Report | ✅ | ✅ |
| Articles of Incorporation | ✅ | ✅ (with legal review) |
| Minute Book | ✅ (template) | ✅ (fully customized) |
| Share Structure | Basic | Tailored to your business |
| Cost | ~$600 | $1500–$2,500 |
If you’re solo, on a budget, and using a simple share setup — DIY is fine.
If you’ve got partners, investors, or complexity — get a lawyer.
Common First-Timer Mistakes
- Running the wrong NUANS (federal vs provincial)
- Skipping business name registration
- Overengineering the share structure
- Not setting up a minute book
- Ignoring post-incorporation obligations (like annual returns)
What Happens After You Incorporate?
You’re not done. You need to:
- File your annual return
- Update your minute book with every corporate change
- Maintain tax and legal compliance
- Register for HST, payroll, WSIB, or any required licenses
- Keep your Trade Name active and renewed
Failing to stay compliant = fines or even automatic dissolution.
FAQ: Incorporating in Ontario
What Steps Are Required to Incorporate in Ontario?
- Choose Ontario incorporation
- Run a NUANS report for your business name
- File your Articles of Incorporation
- Register your Trade Name (if needed)
- Create your corporate minute book
- Maintain your corporation with annual filings
Can I Incorporate My Business in Ontario Without a Lawyer?
Yes. Ontario’s online portal is designed for self-serve incorporation. But if your business has partners, investors, or a non-basic structure, a lawyer is smart insurance.
What is a NUANS Report and How Do I Get One?
It’s a business name search that checks for conflicts with existing corporations. You can order it online through Ontario Business Central as either a stand alone item or within the incorporation processing. Make sure it’s specific if incorporating provincially.
What Documents Do I Need to Submit for Incorporation?
- NUANS report (if applicable)
- Articles of Incorporation
- Initial registered office and director info
- Business name registration (if your brand name differs)
- With a lawyer: Add $500–$2,000 depending on services = ~$900–$2,500
What is a Corporate Minute Book and Why is It Needed?
It’s your legal record binder. It holds bylaws, share info, resolutions, and official documents. You need it to stay compliant with Ontario’s corporate laws.
What Are the Common Mistakes First-timers Make When Incorporating?
- Obtaining the wrong NUANS report
- Not registering a separate business name
- Overcomplicating the share setup
- Skipping the minute book
- Forgetting annual legal requirements
When Should I Absolutely Seek Legal Support?
- If you have co-founders or investors
- If you’re offering equity
- If your corporate structure is anything but simple
- If you’re doing business outside Ontario or Canada
Where Can I Register My Business Name in Ontario?
Through Ontario Business Central. It’s a separate step from incorporating if your business name doesn’t match your legal corporate name.
What Happens After I Incorporate—How Do I Stay Compliant?
You need to maintain your minute book, file annual returns, keep up with tax filings, and update corporate records as your business evolves.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.
Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.
