How to incorporate in Ontario
Ontario incorporation runs under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA), filed through the Ontario Business Registry. Government fee is $300. Most filings are approved same-day. Here’s the full process.
Updated June 2026.
Provincial vs. federal: which to pick
If your business will operate primarily in Ontario, provincial incorporation under the OBCA is usually cheaper and simpler. Federal incorporation (CBCA) is worth the extra cost if you want nationwide name protection or plan to operate across provinces from day one. See our federal guide for that route.
Ontario removed the Canadian-resident director requirement in 2021, so non-resident founders can incorporate here without a Canadian director - one reason Ontario sees a lot of incoming registrations.
Step 1: Named vs. numbered
You can incorporate with a named company (“Maple Leaf Logistics Inc.”) or a numbered company (“1234567 Ontario Inc.”). Numbered is faster - no NUANS needed - and you can register a trade name (“operating as”) later. Pick numbered if you don’t have a brand yet, named if you do.
Step 2: NUANS Ontario report
If incorporating named, you need a NUANS Ontario report dated within 90 days of filing. It checks your proposed name against existing Ontario and federal registrations. Cost: ~$30 from a search house.
The name must include a legal element: Limited, Ltd., Incorporated, Inc., Corporation, Corp. (or French equivalents). It can’t mislead or duplicate an existing name.
Step 3: File Articles of Incorporation
File through the Ontario Business Registry. You’ll provide:
- Proposed name (or numbered).
- Registered office address (must be in Ontario).
- Names and addresses of the first directors (minimum one, no residency requirement).
- Share structure - classes of shares, rights attached. Default common-shares-only is fine for most small businesses.
- Restrictions on business or share transfers (optional).
Government fee: $300. Online filings are usually approved within a few business days; expedited service is available for an extra fee.
Step 4: Use a service or DIY?
DIY through the Ontario Business Registry is fine if you understand share structures. If you want hand-holding - including minute book, organizational resolutions, and the post-incorporation paperwork - an online service runs $200–$700 on top of government fees.
- Ownr - cleanest UX for Ontario; produces a digital minute book.
- LawDepot - budget-friendly in Ontario, with NUANS and minute book available as add-ons.
- MyCorporation - a more guided done-for-you option if you want the paperwork handled for you.
See the incorporation services comparison.
Step 5: After the certificate
- File the Initial Return within 60 days - lists directors and registered office. Free, but penalty applies if missed.
- Get a CRA Business Number. Usually issued automatically when Ontario notifies CRA. See the BN guide.
- Hold an organizational meeting - appoint officers, issue shares, approve bylaws. Templates come with most online incorporators or your lawyer.
- Open a business bank account. Bring your Articles, certificate, and ID.
- Register for GST/HST when you cross $30,000 in trailing four-quarter revenue. Guide.
- Pick your accounting software early. Compare options.
- File your Annual Return each year - in Ontario, this is a separate filing from your T2 corporate tax return.
Total cost
| Item | DIY | With service |
|---|---|---|
| Government filing fee | $300 | $300 |
| NUANS Ontario report (if named) | ~$30 | Often included |
| Service fee | - | $200–$700 |
| Minute book | ~$50 (DIY templates) | Included (digital) |
| All-in | ~$380 | $500–$1,000 |
Use our incorporation cost estimator to model your specific case.
Ongoing costs
- Annual Return filing - $0 if on time, penalties otherwise.
- Minute book updates - ~$200–$500/year if your lawyer or service maintains it.
- T2 corporate tax filing - $500–$2,000 with an accountant, depending on complexity.
- WSIB premiums if you have employees.
FAQ
Do I need an Ontario address?
The registered office must be in Ontario, but the directors don’t have to live there. A registered office service or your lawyer’s address works.
Can I incorporate in Ontario if I live outside Canada?
Yes, since the OBCA dropped the resident-director rule in 2021.
How long does it take?
Online filings via the Ontario Business Registry are usually approved within 1–3 business days. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
What about an OPC (One Person Company)?
Ontario doesn’t have a separate OPC form. A standard OBCA corporation works fine with one director and one shareholder.
Next steps
- Get your CRA Business Number.
- Register for GST/HST.
- Compare business bank accounts and accounting software.
Last updated: June 4, 2026. We review this page when rules or pricing change. Spot an error?