Register a General Partnership for two or more owners, or renew your exisiting 5-year registration.
From $66 + government fees, with 2-hour rush available.
Choose new registration or renewal.
Provide partnership name, address, partners, and business activity.
We select the NAICS code.
Standard ($66+ fees. 3-7 days) or Rush (+$54.99, 2-hours).
Pay by credit card.
Once processed by the Ontario Business Registry,
we email your BNR (formerly Master Business Licence) confirming registration.
An agent reviews every submission for accuracy before filing.
If we spot any issues with your name, NAICS code, or partner information, we contact you before submitting to avoid Ministry rejection.
A Registered Business Structure For Two or More Owners Operating Under A Shared Name
A General Partnership (GP) in Ontario is a business arrangement where two or more individuals or corporations operate together under a shared business name. Each partner shares in the profits, losses, and management responsibilities. General Partnerships are registered with the Ontario Business Registry and the registration is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed. The structure offers flow-through taxation (partners report income personally rather than the partnership filing a corporate tax return) but does not provide liability protection - partners are personally responsible for the partnership's debts and obligations.
Required minimum of 2 individuals or corporations.
No Maximum.
Renewal Window: 6 Months before expiry to 60 days after.
Partners reports income on personal returns.
No corporate tax filing.
Free Renewal Reminder Service - Built In
You don't need to set your own reminder. We track your 5-year expiry and send free renewal email reminders 90 days, and again 30 days
before your registration expires, so you never lose your registration date by missing the 60-day grace period.
Same-Day Rush Available, Overwise 3 to 7 Business Days to Obtain Your Master Business Licence
Our team reviews your submission for accuracy. Standard filing goes to the Ontario Business Registry within 3-7 business days. Rush filing (ordered before 3pm Mon-Fri EST) is filed within 2 hours.
The Ontario Business Registry processes the registration. You receive your Business Name Registration (BNR) by email. Your proof of registration including your Business Identification Number (BIN).
You may need tax accounts (BN, HST if revenue exceeds $30,000, Payroll if hiring). Add these as optional services on the form, or come for them later.
Free Renewal Reminder
Ontario Business Central tracks the renewal date for General Partnerships we register or renew. We'll email you when your renewal is due,
at no charge. Your registration is valid for 5 years. The renewal windows opens 6 months before the expiry date, and renewals are accepted
up to 60 days after expiry. After 60 days, you'll need to start a new registration.
Key Differences to Help You Decide Which Structure Fits Your Business
| Factor | General Partnership | Incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Simple setup with two or more individuals combining resources | More complex, creating a separate legal entity |
| Liability | Unlimited personal liability for debts | Limited liability protects personal assets |
| Management | Shared among partners; agreement defines roles | Managed by directors/officers; shareholders own |
| Profits | Shared per partnership agreement. | Dividends paid to shareholders based on ownership |
| Costs & Growth | Shared startup costs and resources | Capital through stock sales; lower tax rates possible |
| Taxation | Income taxed as personal income of each partner | Corporate profits taxed separately from personal |
| Ownership Transfer | Changes require a new partnership agreement | Easier transfer through sale/purchase of stock |
Practical Guidance For Managing Your General Partnership Beyond Registration
General Partnerships should consider liability insurance, property insurance, and professional indemnity insurance for advisory businesses. Regular risk assessments and a contingency plan help the partnership stay resilient againt unexpected events.
Capital sources include partner contributions, small business bank loans, government grants for Ontario businesses, private investors (angel investors or venture capitalists), and crowdfunding. A clear partnership agreement strengthens any financing application.
A professional website, active social media, email marketing, search engine optimization, and pay-per-click advertising are foundational digitial marketing tools. Establishing online presence early helps with brand recognition and customer acquistion.
A succession plan addresses what happens if a partner retires, becomes incapacitated, or leaves. The plan should identify future leaders, define how responsibilities transfer, and align with your partnership agreement to protect continuity.
Quick answers to the most common questions about registering or renewing a GP in Ontario
Standard filing through Ontario Business Central takes 3 to 7 business days. Rush filing is available for same business day processing (2 hours when ordered before 3pm Mon-Fri EST) for an additional $54.99.
The base cost is $66 service fee + $60 government fee + $16 handling = $142 plus HST, total $152.66. Optional add-ons include rush filing, name search, domain registration, and tax account setups.
Every 5 years. The renewal window opens 6 months before expiry and stays open until 60 days after. Ontario Business Central tracks your renewal date and emails you when it's due, free of charge.
You'll need: partnership name, physical Ontario business address, partner identification, a description of business activities (we'll select the NAICS code), and an email address. A Partnership Agreement is recommended but not required.
No, not legally required. However, it is highly recommended. The agreement outlines roles, profit and loss sharing, decision-making, and dispute resolution. Without one, provincial defaults apply — and they may not match your intent.
Yes. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions. Non-Canadian residents must still provide all standard registration information. A local agent for service may be appointed for legal correspondence.
GP requires 2+ partners with unlimited liability and shared management. Limited Partnership has both general partners (managing, unlimited liability) and limited partners (investors, limited liability). Sole Proprietorship has one owner only.
Flow-through taxation. The partnership doesn't pay corporate tax. Each partner reports their share of profits or losses on personal income tax returns at personal rates.
Yes, by filing an amendment, as long as the partnership continues with at least 2 individuals or corporations. Going down to 1 owner requires cancelling the partnership and registering a new sole proprietorship.
Yes. A General Partnership can own real estate, vehicles, equipment, intellectual property, and other business assets in the partnership's name, jointly owned by the partners per the partnership agreement.
Have a different question? Speak with an agent or call 1-800-280-1913
Start your registration in 2 to 5 minutes
You may need a different registration based on your situation
Register a Business You Own Personally
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