Local context: Nigeria
Start a business in Canada from Nigeria
Lagos and Abuja founders building international businesses use Canadian corporations to contract, invoice and hold assets in a stable, well-regulated jurisdiction. We set it up and keep it compliant.
- Working with founders in
- Lagos and Abuja
- Registration
- Usually one to two business days, remotely
- Director residency
- None for an Ontario corporation
- Packages
- From CAD 1,495
Registering a Canadian business does not create residency, citizenship, immigration status, credit, loan or bank account approval. Pricing shown is indicative and confirmed in writing before any engagement begins.
What changes
What changes when you incorporate in Canada from Nigeria
After CAC registration and FIRS filing, Canadian requirements will feel familiar in structure: annual corporate returns, sales tax filings and payroll remittances. The difference is timing. Canadian deadlines are fixed and enforced automatically.
The structure review comes first, then registration, the CRA accounts, and the bookkeeping and tax that keep the company compliant from a distance.
Typical Nigeria-based scenarios
Who usually does this
- 01A Lagos technology company contracting with North American clientsServed
- 02An import/export business setting up Canadian trade accountsServed
- 03A consultant or agency invoicing Canadian customersServed
- 04A founder establishing a Canadian holding entityServed
Terminology
What things are called in Canada
Same concepts, different names. This is the translation you will need in your first CRA conversation.
| In Nigeria | In Canada |
|---|---|
| CAC registration | Provincial or federal incorporation |
| TIN (FIRS) | CRA Business Number |
| VAT (7.5%) | GST/HST (5% to 15%) |
| Annual returns to CAC | Annual corporate return plus T2 |
The process
How your setup runs
- 01
Business structure review
Ontario or federal, ownership, directors and what it means for tax.
- 02
Canadian registration
Name search, articles and filings completed remotely.
- 03
CRA setup
Business Number, GST/HST, payroll and import/export where needed.
- 04
Accounting setup
Cloud software, chart of accounts and multi-currency handling.
- 05
Ongoing compliance
Bookkeeping, filings, reporting and a compliance calendar.
Packages
Canada setup packages
Prices in CAD, starting points confirmed in writing before any work begins. Banking approval is never guaranteed.
Canada Launch
One founder, one Canadian company
From CAD 1,495
- Structure consultation (federal vs Ontario)
- Company registration
- CRA Business Number setup
- GST/HST review
- Compliance calendar
Canada Launch Plus
Most chosenSelling into Canada from day one
From CAD 2,495
- Everything in Canada Launch
- GST/HST registration
- Accounting software setup
- Bookkeeping onboarding
- Import/export account setup where needed
- Registered-office coordination where available
Canada Global
Operating groups and multi-entity founders
From CAD 4,995
- Everything in Canada Launch Plus
- Ongoing accounting and management reporting
- Payroll setup where needed
- Tax orientation session
- Cross-border accounting coordination
Government fees are separate and shown before you pay.
Questions from founders in Nigeria
Can I register without a Canadian partner?
Yes. An Ontario corporation can be fully owned and directed by Nigerian residents.
How do I move money between Nigeria and the Canadian company?
Funding and repatriation must respect CBN rules on your side and be documented as share capital, loans or service payments on the Canadian side. We record it correctly for both.
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 authorisation. 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.
Map my Canada setup
Share the basics and we map your setup path. We reply by email or WhatsApp, whichever you prefer, within one working day.
We never ask for confidential documents on this form. Secure upload happens after onboarding.
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