Canadian Incorporation Options | Ontario, Federal & More

Incorporate Your Business in Canada

Incorporate your business online with Ontario Business Central. Choose Ontario, Federal, Professional, Non-Profit or selected provincial incorporation options with experienced Canadian filing support from start to finish.

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Business Incorporation Options

Choose the jurisdiction that best matches where and how you plan to operate your corporation.

Ontario Incorporation

Incorporate a Business in Ontario

Corporation formed under the Ontario Business Corporation Act
Named or numbered corporation options available
No Canadian-resident director requirement
NUANS report required for a named Ontario corporation
Standard and rush filing options available

Incorporate in Ontario

Federal Incorporation

Incorporate under the Canada Business Corporations Act

Federal corporation under the CBCA
Named or numbered corporation available
Broader corporate name protection across Canada
Federal Annual Return required
Extra-provincial registration may also be required where you carry on business

Incorporate Federally

Ontario Professional Incorporation

For Regulated Professionals in Ontario

Available for Ontario regulated professions
Specific naming and ownership rules apply
Draft Articles provided for review before filing
Governing body authorization may also be required
Standard and two-hour rush options available

Start a Professional Corporation

Not-For-Profit Options

Incorporate a not-for-profit or charitable organization in Ontario or federally.

Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporation

Incorporate a Non-Profit in Ontario

Governed by the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act
Suitable for community, membership, and non-commercial organizations
Minimum 3 directors
No Canadian-residency requirement for directors
Charitable registration with CRA is a separate process

Incorporate an Ontario NFP

Federal Not-For-Profit

Incorporate a Non-Profit Federally

Governed by the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act
Federal corporate structure
No Canadian-residency requirement for directors
Director requirements depend on whether the corporation is soliciting or non-soliciting
CRA charitable registration is separate from incorporation

Start a Federal NFP

Other Provincial Incorporation Options

Registering outside of Ontario? We handle incorporations across Canada's major provinces.

Alberta Incorporation

Rush service available in 24 hours
Name protection throughout Alberta
No Canadian residency requirement
Alberta-based agent for service required

Incorporate in Alberta

British Columbia Incorporation

Rush service available
Name protection throughout BC
No Canadian residency requirement
Includes mandatory Name Reservation

Incorporate in BC

Manitoba Incorporation

Rush service available in 4 business days
Name protection throughout Manitoba
25% of directors must be Canadian residents
Liability protection province-wide

Incorporate in Manitoba

Saskatchewan Incorporation

Rush service available in 1 business day
Name protection throughout Saskatchewan
No Canadian residency requirements
Liability protection province-wide

Incorporate in Saskatchewan

Incorporation Services in Ontario & 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. Whether you are starting a new business or changing from an existing small business, like a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership to an Incorporation, we've got you covered.

We offer the best online experience to get your incorporation started today.

Where to Incorporate?

We offer the ability to choose many different Provinces in Canada for Incorporation. Select the Province where your business will operate. If you're looking to operate your business in multiple Provinces, you may want to choose the Federal Incorporation.

Key Benefits of Incorporating Your Small Business

Incorporating your business provides a separate entity from you as a business owner. From day one as a newly incorporated business, you will have the incredible benefits that come with choosing to incorporate including:

Name protection for the business within the jurisdiction you incorporate in
Personal liability protection from the debts and liabilities associated with operating the business
Tax advantages where the corporation is taxed at a lower tax rate than that of individuals
The best overall portal to create a great brand
The flexibility for the corporation to change as your business grows and
Global recognition of an incorporated business.

This shows the world, you mean business!!

Frequently Asked Questions About Incorporating in Canada

Quick answers to the most common questions about incorporating in Canada.

What Is the Difference Between Ontario and Federal Incorporation?

Ontario incorporation creates a corporation under Ontario law and is commonly chosen by businesses operating primarily in Ontario. Federal incorporation creates a corporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act and provides broader corporate name protection across Canada.

Both Ontario and Federal corporations can operate in multiple provinces, although extra-provincial registration may be required. Ontario corporations have no Canadian-resident director requirement, while Federal corporations require at least 25% Canadian-resident directors, or at least one resident Canadian director when there are fewer than four directors.

Can a Non-Resident Incorporate in Canada?

Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia do not have a Canadian-resident director requirement. Federal and Manitoba corporations have Canadian-resident director requirements. Other provincial requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Should I Incorporate Provincially or Federally?

The right option depends on where you expect to operate, your proposed corporate name, director residency and future expansion plans. Businesses primarily operating in one province often choose provincial incorporation, while businesses seeking a federal corporate structure or broader name protection may prefer federal incorporation.

Do I Need a NUANS Report to Incorporate?

A NUANS report is required for certain named provincial incorporations, including Ontario, Alberta and Federal/Canada Incorporations. Other jurisdictions use their own name approval or reservation systems. Numbered corporations do not require a corporate name search.

How Long Does Incorporation Take?

Processing time depends on the jurisdiction and service selected. Ontario Business Central offers standard and rush options for many incorporation services, including a 2-hour rush option for eligible Ontario filings.

Does Incorporation Protect Me from Personal Liability?

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its shareholders, which can generally limit shareholder liability for corporate debts and obligations. However, incorporation does not eliminate every type of personal liability, including personal guarantees, certain director liabilities or professional malpractice.

What Do I Need to Do After Incorporation?

Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to complete post-incorporation filings, maintain corporate records, file annual returns, register extra-provincially, obtain tax accounts and meet any industry-specific licensing or regulatory requirements. Ontario Business Central offers assistance to help you on your way.