Market-entry checklist
A roadmap adapted to your business model, with progress tracking.
Updated October 13, 2026For businesses
Doing business in Canada from France
A Canadian project is won province by province. Quebec offers a French-speaking market with its own rules (language of business, Quebec sales tax, enterprise register). Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta operate in English and each has its own tax system.
The Canada–EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) removes the vast majority of customs duties on goods of European origin, provided the rules of origin are met.
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Guides in this section
Questions this section answers
- Which province should I start with for my sector?
- Do I need a subsidiary, a branch or just a sales agent?
- How do I benefit from CETA for my exports?
- Which organisations support French companies on the ground?
Official sources
- Canada–EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) (Global Affairs Canada)
- Business France / Team France Export (in French) (Business France)
- Corporations Canada (Government of Canada)
France vs Canada
Differences to know
Consumption tax
Business- France
- 20% VATOne standard rate nationwide (reduced rates for some goods).
- Canada
- 5% to 15%5% federal GST, plus a provincial tax or an HST depending on the province.
Takeaway: The rate depends on the customer's province: businesses often have to handle several rates.
Working language
Business- France
- FrenchOfficial language and language of business everywhere.
- Canada
- English and FrenchFrench is Quebec's official language; elsewhere English dominates, with French-speaking communities.
Takeaway: Outside Quebec, good English is almost always essential for work.
More Business topics
Incorporation and structure
Federal or provincial incorporation, subsidiary or branch.
4 questions coveredGST/HST/PST/QST and tax
Which tax to charge, to whom, and when to register.
4 questions coveredImport-export and customs
Customs, rules of origin, labelling and logistics.
3 questions coveredE-commerce and banking
Selling online to Canadians and getting paid in dollars.
3 questions coveredHiring and posting staff
Work permits, postings and social security.
4 questions coveredAdvisors and support
Public networks, accountants, lawyers and consultants.
3 questions covered