How to Incorporate in Alberta
Have you been wondering if you should register your corporation in Alberta? If so, look no further! Ontario Business Central assists you through the process of registering the corporation and essential information to get started.
What is required to register your corporation in Alberta?
- 1 or more persons can incorporate in Alberta
- 25% of the directors listed must be either a Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
- The company can be numbered or named
- The corporate address, records office and mailing address must be in Alberta
- The directors may have physical addresses outside of Alberta
- Named corporations in Alberta require a NUANS report
- Named corporations may include English, French or a combination of both
- Copy of the Driver’s License of one director
How to choose a named vs. numbered corporation?
A named corporation represents your business identity. Choosing a unique name is important in differentiating your business from the vast number of businesses out there. The name requires a legal ending, as well as distinctive and descriptive terms.
A great example would be “Asteroid Productions Ltd.”.
Numbered corporations include a set of numbers, with the word Alberta and a legal ending.
An example of a numbered corporation would look like this: “1234567 Alberta Inc.”
Why choose a named corporation?
By choosing to have a name to your corporation, there is protection for that name within the Province of Alberta. An Alberta Biased NUANS report is required to gain name approval from the Province. If after your incorporation is complete someone else in Alberta chooses a similar or same name, the Province of Alberta may reject the business name or you may have the legal right to request their name change through an attorney.
What is a Nuans report?
A Nuans report is required to register your corporation as a named company in Alberta. The Nuans report shows similar small businesses, corporations and trademark names to your proposed name.
Upon searching the Nuans databank, we will ensure that the name you have provided appears to be unique from other businesses or corporations within the Nuans system. If the name you have provided appears to be taken, or too similar to a name found in the databank, you are able to provide a new name to search within the system at no additional cost.
How do I choose a name?
When choosing a corporate name, there are three key elements to consider:
Distinctive– The main key word within the name and is the business’ main identifier.
Descriptive – The type of industry or business you are in.
Legal – The ending to your business name that secures it as an incorporated company within Alberta.
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Examples of business names
| Distinctive | Descriptive | Legal |
| Lakeside | Natural Medicine | Corp. |
| Silver | Software | Inc. |
| Inspirations | Tutoring | Limited |
Why choose a numbered corporation?
Numbered corporations are more generic and work best for those not planning on advertising their corporate name. This might include individuals with real estate properties, an investment company, a holding company, or those buying a franchise where the name has been protected by the franchise holder. If you wish to operate multiple businesses under a corporation, often a numbered corporation is selected as it is very generic.
How to choose a registered office?
The address of your corporation must be within the Province of Alberta. It can be commercial or residential but it cannot include a PO Box. It must be a location at which someone may walk up to the door. It is best to use an address where directors of the corporation are available.
How to choose directors of the corporation?
Individual directors are administrators of the affairs and make all major decisions for the corporation. There may be a minimum of one director who is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. There may be multiple individuals if at least 25% of them are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Directors may also hold positions of shareholders and/or officers of said corporation.
How to choose shareholders of the corporation?
Shareholders are individual(s) holding shares within the corporation. They may be owners of the corporation, family members or investors who participate within the company. Typically, shareholders have a financial stake in the corporation and the shares reflect at what percentage. At least one shareholder is required for the corporation.
How to choose officers of the corporation?
Officers are individual(s) holding senior management positions within the corporation. Common Officers positions include president, secretary, and treasurer. At least one officer is required for the corporation. Often times, companies are incorporated by a single person who acts as the sole director, shareholder and officer.
How to choose the share structure for the corporation?
The share structure is an overall view of how the shares are going to be distributed amongst the shareholders. A 4 class share structure is available for you to use or you can provide your own share structure.
How to add a tradename under your new corporation?
What is a Tradename?
A Tradename allows you to operate a secondary business name under your new incorporation. See common scenarios below for use of tradenames.
Example 1:
XYZ Holdings Incorporated carrying on business as XYZ Holdings
Commonly used, if you wish to operate your corporate name or another business name without the legal ending for signage/advertising.
Example 2:
Celestial Publishing Inc. carrying on business as Celestial
Commonly used, if you wish to use a shorter version of your corporate name for signage/advertising and/or payments for clients.
Example 3:
Starry Skies Publishing Inc. carrying on business as Meteor Web Designers or LMN Graphics
Commonly used, if you wish to operate a secondary business name that is almost completely different from the corporate name.
Why use Ontario Business Central?
We specialize in assisting those who wish to incorporate their business in the Province of Alberta.
We take you through each step of the process and confirm each detail of your order through email confirmation. The team at Ontario Business Central is available by phone and email for any questions you may have along the way. We aim to give an easy, hassle free experience as we assist you in getting your business up and running.
To incorporate in Alberta with our team, please click the link below:
Incorporate an Alberta Company
If you would like our assistance or have further questions to ask, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
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.
