Start a Business in Canada from India
Indian founders, IT firms and exporters use Canadian entities to contract with North American clients in local currency and on local terms. We handle incorporation, CRA setup and the accounting behind it.
Local context — India
What changes when you incorporate in Canada from India
If you run a Private Limited company, the Canadian equivalent is straightforward — but the compliance rhythm differs. There is no monthly GSTR-style filing in Canada; HST is typically quarterly or annual, corporate tax is annual with instalments, and there is no equivalent to TDS on most domestic payments.
Typical India-based scenarios
- • A Bengaluru or Pune IT services firm invoicing Canadian clients
- • An exporter setting up Canadian import accounts and distribution
- • A founder building a Canadian SaaS entity for North American customers
- • A family business establishing a Canadian holding company
Terminology
What things are called in Canada
Same concepts, different names — here is the translation you'll need in your first CRA conversation.
| In India | In Canada |
|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Corporation (Ontario or federal) |
| GST (monthly returns) | GST/HST (usually quarterly or annual) |
| PAN / TAN | CRA Business Number and program accounts |
| TDS | Payroll source deductions; withholding on certain non-resident payments |
| ROC annual filing | Annual corporate return + T2 corporate tax return |
The process
How your setup runs
- 01
Business structure review
- 02
Canadian registration
- 03
CRA setup
- 04
Accounting setup
- 05
Ongoing compliance
FAQ
Questions from founders in India
Can I run the Canadian company from India?
Yes, but where the company is managed affects tax residency and treaty treatment. We explain the implications and coordinate with your Indian advisor.
Is there a tax treaty between India and Canada?
Yes. The Canada–India tax treaty affects withholding on dividends, interest and royalties. We factor it into how you take money out of the Canadian company.
Do I need to convert INR capital?
Share capital can be nominal. Fund the company as needed for operations; outbound investment from India is subject to RBI rules, which your Indian advisor should confirm.
Can a non-resident own a Canadian company?
Yes. Non-residents can own shares in a Canadian corporation. Federal corporations generally require 25% Canadian-resident directors, while Ontario corporations have no director residency requirement — which is why many international founders incorporate in Ontario.
Does incorporating in Canada give me immigration status?
No. Registering a Canadian company does not grant residency, citizenship, a visa or work authorization. Immigration matters must go through a licensed immigration professional.
Can you guarantee a Canadian bank account or payment processor?
No. Bank account and payment processor approval is decided by the institution based on its own requirements. We prepare your corporate documents and records so your application is as complete as possible.
Related
Registering a Canadian company does not create residency, citizenship, immigration status, credit, loan or bank-account approval.
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