How to incorporate in Alberta
Alberta incorporation runs under the Business Corporations Act (ABCA). Unlike most provinces, Alberta routes filings through licensed Authorized Service Providers (registry agents) rather than a single government portal. Total cost is around $275–$500 depending on the agent.
Updated June 2026.
Alberta vs. federal
Alberta has long been founder-friendly: relatively low fees, no Canadian-resident director requirement (the previous 25% requirement was eliminated), and a simple ABCA. If your operations are primarily in Alberta, provincial is straightforward.
Step 1: Run a NUANS Alberta report
Alberta requires a NUANS Alberta report dated within 90 days of filing. It checks for conflicts against existing Alberta and federal registrations. Cost: ~$30 from a NUANS search house.
Numbered companies (“1234567 Alberta Ltd.”) skip the NUANS step.
Step 2: Visit an Authorized Service Provider
Alberta routes corporate registrations through private registry agents - you can’t file directly with the government. Find one via the official Alberta Registry Agent locator, or use an online service that includes Alberta filing.
The provincial fee is around $275–$300; the registry agent adds a service fee of $50–$200.
Step 3: File Articles of Incorporation
Your registry agent files the Articles of Incorporation on your behalf. You provide:
- NUANS report (if named).
- Registered office address in Alberta.
- Names and addresses of directors. No residency requirement.
- Share structure - common shares are the default.
- Restrictions, if any.
Processing is usually same-day to a few business days.
Step 4: After incorporation
- Get a CRA Business Number. Guide. Usually auto-issued.
- Issue initial shares and prepare a minute book. Your registry agent or an online incorporator can ship one.
- Hold the organizational meeting - appoint officers, approve bylaws, set fiscal year.
- Register for GST/HST. Guide. Alberta has no provincial sales tax.
- Open a business bank account.
- WCB Alberta registration if you have employees in eligible industries.
Ongoing requirements
- Annual Return filed via a registry agent each year. Filing fee around $50–$80 including agent surcharge.
- T2 corporate tax annually.
Total cost
| Item | DIY (via agent) | With online service |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial filing fee | ~$275 | ~$275 |
| NUANS Alberta (if named) | ~$30 | Often included |
| Registry agent fee | $50–$200 | Bundled |
| Service fee | - | $200–$700 |
| Minute book | ~$50 | Included |
| All-in | ~$400 | $550–$1,000 |
FAQ
Why does Alberta use private registry agents?
Alberta privatised registry services in the 1990s. It means there’s no single online portal - you pick from a list of licensed agents who interface with the government system on your behalf.
Do I need an Alberta address?
The registered office must be in Alberta. A registered office service or your accountant’s/lawyer’s address works if you’re outside the province.
Does Alberta have provincial sales tax?
No. Alberta is GST-only at 5%. This makes accounting simpler than in HST or QST provinces.
Next steps
Last updated: June 4, 2026. We review this page when rules or pricing change. Spot an error?