How to register a business in Ontario in 2026
To register a business in Ontario, register a business name through the Ontario Business Registry (CAD 60 for five years) or incorporate an Ontario corporation (CAD 300 government fee). Then open your CRA accounts, starting with a Business Number.
There are two ways to register a business in Ontario. Register a business name for a sole proprietorship or partnership, or incorporate a corporation. Both are done online through the Ontario Business Registry, and both are followed by the same CRA accounts.
Option 1: register a business name (sole proprietorship or partnership)
If you trade under any name other than your own legal name, Ontario requires you to register it. The government fee is CAD 60 and the registration lasts five years, then renews for the same fee (Wise, Dec 2025).
- Fastest and cheapest way to start trading.
- No separate legal entity: you are personally responsible for the business's debts.
- Profit is taxed on your personal return.
Option 2: incorporate an Ontario corporation
An Ontario corporation is a separate legal entity. The government fee for articles of incorporation is CAD 300, and a corporation does not renew its registration, though it files an annual return (Wise, Dec 2025). A named corporation needs a NUANS name search; a numbered corporation does not.
- Liability separation between you and the business.
- Useful when you retain profit in the business, or when clients and lenders expect a corporation.
- Typically registered within one to two business days once we have your details.
Step by step
- Choose the structure. Sole proprietorship, Ontario corporation, or federal corporation if you need Canada-wide name protection.
- Choose and check the name. Named or numbered. Check that no one already uses the name, and consider whether you also need a trademark.
- Register. File the business name or the articles of incorporation in the Ontario Business Registry.
- Open CRA accounts. A Business Number first, then GST/HST (RT) once taxable revenue passes CAD 30,000 over four consecutive quarters or earlier by choice, payroll (RP) if you hire, and import/export (RM) if you move goods across the border.
- Set up the books. A bank account in the business name, an accounting system and a compliance calendar from day one.
Costs at a glance
| Item | Government fee (CAD) | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Business name registration (sole proprietorship or partnership) | 60 | Every 5 years, CAD 60 |
| Ontario articles of incorporation | 300 | None; annual return instead |
| NUANS name search (named corporations) | Charged by the search provider | One time |
| CRA Business Number, GST/HST, payroll accounts | No fee | None |
Government fees change; we confirm the current amounts in writing before filing. Our packages start at CAD 149 for a business name registration and CAD 599 for an Ontario corporation, plus government fees.
What registration does not do
Registering a business name or a corporation does not give you a trademark, and it does not create residency, immigration status, credit or bank approval. If the name is your brand, read business name, corporation or trademark before you print anything.