Registry Consultant

Start a Business in Ontario

Ontario Business Central makes it simple to start, manage and grow your business. Register a business name, incorporate or access ongoing compliance services with fast online filings and real Canadian support.


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Incorporate in Ontario
Register a business name
Frequently Requested Services
Most Common
Ontario Incorporation Liability protection, tax advantages
Popular >
Sole Proprietorship Simple, low-cost, fastest to register
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Corporate Searches Search companies Canada-wide
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Other Services
Ontario Annual Return Mandatory corporate filing
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Non-Profit Corporation Ontario
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NUANS Report Name search - Ontario & Canada
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350,000+ Businesses Registered
30+ Years Serving Ontario Since 1992
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Ontario Business Name Registration Options

Choose the option that matches your situation and complete your filing online.

Sole Proprietorship

Register a Business You Own Personally

  • One owner with full control
  • Simple, low-cost setup
  • 5-year registration term
  • Master Business License/Business Name Registration included
  • Same-day email delivery
Register Sole Proprietorship

General Partnership

Register a Business With Two or More Owners

  • Two or more partners
  • Shared profits and responsibilities
  • 5-year registration term
  • Master Business License/Business Name Registration included
  • Same-day email delivery
Register General Partnership

Trade Name Under a Corporation

Operate Your Business Under a Different Name

  • For existing Ontario corporations
  • Register a separate operating name
  • 5-year registration term
  • Ideal for new product lines or branding
  • Same-day email delivery
Register Trade Name

Limited Partnership

For Partnerships With Complex Structures

  • General and limited partners
  • Limited liability for limited partners
  • 5-year registration term
  • Suitable for investment ventures
  • Same-day email delivery
Register Limited Partnership

 

Incorporation Options

Incorporate your business based on where and how you plan to operate.

Ontario Incorporation

Incorporate to Operate Within Ontario

  • Operate within the Province of Ontario
  • Lower filing fees than federal
  • Numbered or named options available
  • NUANS report required for named
  • Same-day electronic filing
Incorporate in Ontario

Federal Incorporation

Operate Across All of Canada

  • Operate in every Canadian province
  • Broader name protection nationwide
  • Ideal for businesses with national reach
  • NUANS report required for named
  • Annual federal return required
Incorporate Federally

Professional Incorporation (Ontario)

For Regulated Professional in Ontario

  • Dentists, Lawyers and Physicians
  • Accountants, Chiropractors, Engineers
  • Requires regulator approval
  • Specific naming requirements apply
  • NUANS report required
Start Professional Corporation

NUANS Name Search Report

Ontario Incorporation / Federal Incorporation / Trademark Pre-Search

  • Required for named incorporations
  • 7-page detailed name search
  • Valid for 90 days from issue
  • Search Canadian corporate databases
  • Same-day and instant delivery options
Order a NUANS Report

 

Non-Profit Organization Options

For organizations formed for social, charitable, or non-commercial purposes

Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation

Incorporate a Non-Profit Within Ontario

  • Governed under the ONCA
  • Operates within the Province of Ontario
  • Canadian status not required
  • Ideal for charitable and community groups
  • Same-day electronic filing
Start an Ontario Non-Profit

Federal Not-for-Profit Corporation

Incorporate a Non-Profit Across All of Canada

  • Governed under the Canada NFP Act
  • Operates in every Canadian province
  • Canadian status not required
  • Broader name protection nationwide
  • NUANS Report required for named option
Incorporate Federally

 

Expanding Your Business Into Ontario Options

If your business is already registered elsewhere, you may need one of the following filings to operate in Ontario.

Domestic Extra-Provincial Licence

For Canadian Corporations Branching Into Ontario

  • For corporations registered elsewhere in Canada
  • Required to legally operate in Ontario
  • Maintains your home jurisdiction
  • Initial Return filing included
  • Same-day electronic filing
Register a Domestic EPL

Foreign Extra-Provincial Licence

For Corporations From Outside of Canada

  • Required to operate legally in Ontario
  • Ontario agent for service required
  • Supporting documents from home jurisdiction
  • Annual renewal required
Register a Foreign Business

Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Company (LLC)

For U.S. or Foreign LLCs operating in Ontario

  • New registration or renewal available
  • Required to operate legally in Ontario
  • Ontario agent for service required
  • Annual renewal required
Register an LLC in Ontario

Continuance Into Ontario

Move an Existing Corporation Into Ontario

  • Move from another Canadian province
  • Maintains corporate history and identity
  • Authorization from home jurisdiction required
  • Becomes a fully Ontario corporation
  • Replaces your prior incorporation
Continue My Corporation

 

Business Maintenance & Recovery Options

Manage, update, or restore an existing corporation in Ontario or federally.

Ontario Articles of Revival

Restore a Dissolved Ontario Corporation

  • For corporations dissolved by Ontario
  • Restores legal status and operations
  • Overdue annual returns must be filed
  • Ministry consent required if applicable
  • Same-day electronic filing
Revive an Ontario Corporation

Federal Articles of Revival

Restore a Dissolved Federal Corporation

  • For corporations dissolved by Corporations Canada
  • Restores federal corporate status
  • Overdue annual returns must be filed
  • CRA tax compliance required
  • Filed with Corporations Canada
Revive a Federal Corporation

Corporate Supplies

Essential Records and Compliance Supplies

  • Minute books and corporate registers
  • Corporate seal embossers
  • Share certificates and ledgers
  • Compliance binder included
  • Shipped Canada-wide
Get Your Corporate Package

Company Key

Required For Ontario Online Ministry Filings

  • Used for renewals and amendments
  • Issued by the Province of Ontario
  • Retrieve a lost or forgotten key
  • Same-day request processing
Obtain a Company Key

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Business in Ontario

Quick answers to the most common questions about starting a business.

What is the Easiest Way to Start a Business in Ontario?

The easiest way to start a business in Ontario is by registering a sole proprietorship. It's a simple and low-cost option that lets you begin operating quickly under your own name or a chosen business name. This is often the best choice for small or single-owner businesses.

Do I Need to Incorporate or Register a Business Name?

It depends on how you want to structure your business. Incorporation creates a separate legal entity and can offer liability protection, while a business name registration is a simpler option for sole proprietors and partnerships. The right choice depends on your goals, risk level, and how you plan to operate.

Can I Operate Under My Own Name Without Registering?

Yes, you can operate a sole proprietorship under your exact legal name without registering a business name. However, if you want to use a business name or brand, you must complete a business name registration. Registration may also be required for banking, taxes, and contracts.

What's the Difference Between Federal and Ontario Incorporation?

Ontario incorporation allows you to operate within the province, while federal incorporation lets you operate across Canada under the same business name. Federal corporations may still need to register in Ontario to carry on business there. The best option depends on where you plan to operate and grow.

How Long Does It Take to Register a Business in Ontario?

Most business registrations in Ontario are processed quickly, often within the same day or within a few business days. Incorporations may take slightly longer depending on the type of filing and name approval requirements. Processing times can vary based on government systems and application details.

Still have questions? Speak with our team before you file.

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