Market-entry checklist
A roadmap adapted to your business model, with progress tracking.
Updated October 13, 2026For businesses
Incorporating or registering a company in Canada
A company can be incorporated federally (Corporations Canada) or in a province. Federal incorporation protects the name across Canada, but you still have to register in each province where you operate.
Some statutes require a share of directors to be resident in Canada, depending on the regime chosen: check the applicable rule before filing articles of incorporation.
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Guides in this section
Questions this section answers
- Federal or provincial incorporation: which should I choose?
- Subsidiary or branch of a French company: what are the tax consequences?
- How do I get a business number (BN) and a Quebec NEQ?
- Do I need a Canadian resident director?
Official sources
- Corporations Canada (Government of Canada)
- Revenu Québec – Businesses (Government of Quebec)
More Business topics
Entering the Canadian market
Choose a target province, test the market and use CETA.
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